Every September, Fello joins providers across the country in celebrating National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week—a time to honor DSPs for the work they do to build a more inclusive Maryland. This year, DSP Recognition Week runs September 13-19.  

At Fello, our vision is a Maryland where everyone belongs—where every person has the opportunity to live the life they choose, with dignity, connection, and choice. DSPs help make that vision possible every single day. 

DSPs work alongside people with disabilities to help them shape their own paths. They support people in setting goals, pursuing what matters to them, and choosing how they want to live, work, connect, and participate in their communities. 

Fello proudly employs close to 450 DSPs across Maryland—each bringing their own story, talents, and passion to our mission. They are essential to helping the people we support live the lives they choose.  

“DSPs are there for the moments that make up a life: the big decisions, the everyday choices, and everything in between,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “We’re grateful for the people who show up every day to listen, support, and help make those choices possible.” 

Making Choice Possible: Tyrice 

Tyrice is a devoted mother of five, a loving grandmother to twelve, and a proud DSP who helps the person she supports live life on her own terms. 

Tyrice advocates for the person she supports. She entered the field because she wanted to be someone people could count on—and that commitment continues to shape how she approaches her work.  

For Tyrice, success looks like the person she supports feeling confident—knowing she has someone in her corner while still being the one to make decisions about her own life.   

Whether shopping, exploring new places, or enjoying a meal out, Tyrice makes sure the person she supports is always in the lead. It starts with something simple: “What would you like to do today?” 

That’s what it means to stand by someone and honor their choices. 

Standing Up For Choice: Tammy  

Tammy was raised by her grandmother—the greatest influence in her life and the most inspiring advocate she’s ever known. The lessons her grandmother taught her shaped a lasting conviction: everyone deserves to have a voice in the choices that shape their lives. 

Tammy began her career as a DSP in the early 2000s before moving into dementia care. Supporting others has always been who she is and what she wants to do. When Tammy’s brother-in-law Jack needed support, his mother reached out to Tammy to ask if she would return as a DSP with Fello to work with him. For Tammy, it was an easy yes—a chance to support her family and help Jack live the life he wants to live.  

Five years later, Tammy remains Jack’s staunch advocate.  

For Tammy, being a DSP means making sure Jack’s voice stays at the center of the decisions that affect his life. Tammy accompanies Jack to the mall so he can visit his favorite shops. At the grocery store, she supports him as he chooses his own meals and pays his own bill.  

These everyday choices are part of what independence looks like—and each one gives Jack the opportunity to decide for himself how he wants to spend his time, money, and energy.   

A Year-Round Commitment 

Tyrice and Tammy are just two examples of the remarkable DSPs who make Fello’s mission possible.  

Every day, our DSPs go above and beyond, shaping a culture of inclusion, belonging, and respect. National DSP Week puts a spotlight on their contributions, but our appreciation for DSPs doesn’t end there—it continues all year.  

“The best DSPs know that their role isn’t to decide what a good life looks like for someone else,” said Matt Morgan, Chief Program Officer of Fello. “It’s to listen, support, and create the space for people to define that for themselves. That’s what Tyrice, Tammy, and hundreds of DSPs across Fello do every day.” 

Join Us in Saying Thank You 

This week, and every week, we invite you to celebrate the DSPs who make a difference. Send a note, share a story, or simply say, “We see you, and we appreciate what you do.” 

To every DSP at Fello: thank you for listening, showing up, standing alongside the people we support, and helping make their choices possible—every day.