Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers

10/30/2025

Congrats Michael!

Join us in congratulating Michael Andrade, President & CEO of The Arc of Bristol County d/b/a proAbility, on 22 incredible years of dedication and service!

From his start as a Direct Support Professional to leading an organization that now supports 2,600+ individuals and families across Bristol County, MA & Northern RI, Michael’s journey reflects authentic leadership through compassion and inclusion.

“Reaching 22 years as President & CEO of The Arc of Bristol County is both humbling and deeply meaningful. Leadership is most powerful when it lifts others, and I’m proud of how our shared commitment has transformed not only programs and systems but the daily lives of those we support.”

We’re deeply grateful for Michael’s vision, compassion, and unwavering leadership.🧡💛

Want to make a difference like Michael?
💼 Join our team: https://www.workforthearc.org/.../the-arc-of-bristol-county/

10/30/2025

As we wrap up October - we celebrate the value and talent of workers with disabilities. This month is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) - Let's commit to building inclusive workplaces where everyone can succeed.

09/11/2025

Looks like a great breakfast to celebrate some amazing DSPs!!

09/11/2025

Sheldon R. - thank you for all you do!

🌟 DSP Appreciation Week Spotlight: Sheldon R. 🌟

Meet Sheldon R., a dedicated Direct Support Professional who has been with The Arc for over 7 years! 🙌

Sheldon says,

"To be honest, I've worked here so long that I forget when I first started. But what I can't forget is the individuals that I have been given the opportunity to support! Not only that, but I have received support from The Arc and staff, which in return gave me what I needed to empower those whom I support."

Sheldon is not only a passionate DSP—he’s also a devoted husband and proud father. He credits his wife, Dayana, and their children—Matayah, Messiah, Zylah, Alijah, and Allanah—for shaping him into the person he is today. 💙

We are so grateful for Sheldon's heart, commitment, and the positivity he brings to those around him every day.

✨ Thank you, Sheldon, for everything you do!

09/11/2025

Love the ice cream truck - thanks DSPs!!

09/11/2025

Thanks for all you do Greg!!

In honor of DSP week, we proudly celebrate and recognize, Greg as a Direct Support Professional Superstar at CSI!

Thank you, for all that you do!

09/11/2025

Thank you for all you do! Celebrating DSPs.

09/11/2025

This press release was picked up by State House News Service.

Governor Recognizes Direct Support Professionals
Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week is Sept. 7-13

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (Sept. 8, 2025) – The Association for Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP), a statewide association representing community-based human services providers, announced today that Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has proclaimed Sept. 7-13 as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. The proclamation calls attention to the work of direct support professionals (DSPs) who assist with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism, and to individuals who have brain injuries, in communities across the state.

“Direct support professionals enable individuals with disabilities to live meaningful, productive lives and avoid more costly institutional care,” Gov. Healey’s proclamation states. “Massachusetts recognizes the important role direct support professionals play in improving the quality of life and care of people across the state.”

DSP Recognition Week is observed nationally to highlight the skilled, compassionate workforce at the core of services for individuals with disabilities. These professionals are essential in enhancing the quality of life for countless people across the Commonwealth and this week of recognition ensures they have the support needed to continue their invaluable work.

“DSPs carry out work that is central to the lives of the people they serve and to our human services network as a whole,” said ADDP President and CEO Stephanie Costa. “They bring professionalism and consistency to their work, and families depend on them. Gov. Healey’s proclamation affirms the value of this workforce in our communities.”

Direct support professionals include direct care staff, personal care attendants, in-home support workers and others who provide critical, community-based supports and services that help individuals live meaningful and productive lives.

About ADDP

As a prominent statewide association, the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) represents 130 human service organizations that provide a wide range of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) including autism, and to individuals who have brain injuries. ADDP’s mission is to promote and ensure the strength of its community-based providers so they can be successful in improving access, quality and the value of services in the community.

09/10/2025

Thank you for all you do!

09/10/2025

Thank you for all you do!

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

Today, September 10th, we recognize World Su***de Prevention Day. It's vital that we talk openly about su***de to shatter the silence surrounding it. This year’s theme, "Changing the Narrative on Su***de," encourages us to come together and support one another.

Let’s take a moment to check in with friends, family, and colleagues—your kind words could truly change someone’s day. Remember, you are not a burden, and you are never alone in this journey.

Together, we can transform the narrative into one of hope and support. 💚

***dePreventionDay