09/19/2026
Thank you to all the DSPs who everyday help the residents living at FORWARD at the Rock!
This Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, we celebrate the incredible dedication of DSPs who are the backbone of the disability community across Massachusetts.
While gratitude is essential, true support means action. The Arc of Massachusetts is proud to continue fighting for the supports and recognition that DSPs deserve, including:
- Steady Pay Progress: Through persistent advocacy, we have successfully worked to increase rates of pay through Chapter 257—and will continue to push for more.
- Investing in Professional Growth: DSPs deserve the best tools to succeed. That is why we continue to advocate for dedicated training funds from the legislature, bringing specialized education opportunities directly to the workforce.
- Sharing Your Stories: The stories of members of our workforce are a critical piece of our advocacy, along with individuals and families. It is important to us to continue to highlight these voices, centering them in our advocacy on the workforce.
To every DSP: Thank you for empowering individuals, supporting families, and championing true inclusion every single day. We will keep fighting for you just as fiercely as you advocate for others.
Read Governor Maura Healey’s proclamation of Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week 2026: https://thearcofmass.org/post/celebrating-direct-support-professionals-our-commitment-to-fighting-for-what-dsps-deserve/
Maura Sullivan Nora Bent Emilia Niyangoda AFAM - Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts
