On May 5, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recognized Ka’iionna Stubblefield of Emmaus Homes as the 2015 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Missouri.“We at Emmaus Homes are proud of Ka’iionna. The award shows the dedication Ka’iionna has to support people with disabilities and reflects the quality of services provided by Emmaus,” said Cindy Clark, president and CEO at Emmaus Homes.The award was presented at the 2015 ANCOR Annual Conference: Ignite! in Arlington, Va.Direct support professionals (DSPs) ­— also referred to as caregivers, personal assistants and direct care or homecare aides — provide a rich mosaic of daily support services for the many Americans with disabilities. DSPs are integral in helping people with disabilities participate in their communities and lead full and independent lives. Since 2007, ANCOR has honored exceptional direct support professionals with the recognition award for exemplary work in furthering community inclusion and full participation for the many Americans living with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities.“The work that DSPs do is so important, not just to the people with disabilities they serve, but also to the social and economic lives of their communities,” said Chris Sparks, president of ANCOR. “DSPs like Ka’iionna deserve recognition for the difficult but inspiring work they do every day.”“When it comes to supporting community living, inclusion and choice for people with disabilities, DSPs are the front line workers we rely on,” said Barbara Merrill, CEO of ANCOR. “These awards are just one small measure of saying thank you to individuals like Ka’iionna.”“This year, ANCOR received hundreds of nominations highlighting DSPs from across the nation,” continued Merrill. “Ka’iionna stood out and she can be proud of the difference her work has made for the people she supports at Emmaus Homes.”ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional Recognition award is given to those who personify the values of ANCOR’s national advocacy campaign, which works to ensure a well-trained and sustainable direct support workforce. Nominees are judged on the work they’ve done to build social networks, substantive community participation and advocating for the people they serve.ANCOR is a national trade association representing more than 800 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 500,000 individuals with disabilities with a workforce that’s 400,000 strong.

The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recognized Ka’iionna Stubblefield of Emmaus Homes as the 2015 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Missouri. Submitted photo.