September 7 – 13, 2025 is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are an invaluable part of our community, whose contributions ensure that people with IDD and autism can lead well supported and fully realized lives in their community.
As we celebrate DSPs, this week and every week, we are also excited to reveal the official campaign recap video of the With All Your Heart workforce recruitment campaign.
The Arc of Massachusetts received a $1.635 million federal grant for a workforce recruitment program to address the critical shortage of DSPs who care for individuals with IDD and autism. Launched in March, the statewide campaign increased awareness of DSP roles and the positive impact they have on the community. Candidates were encouraged to apply for positions with The Arc’s 17 chapters through a centralized recruitment hub.
The campaign redefined perceptions of DSP work, highlighting its human value, and attracting qualified applicants. Advertising was placed on billboards, in convenience and grocery stores, and in quick service restaurants and laundromats, as well as on social media and online. The campaign’s impact extended beyond workforce recruitment by providing the public a rare look into the lives of adults with disabilities. The campaign increased The Arc’s brand recognition by a remarkable 29%.
We are deeply grateful to Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey for their support and partnership, which made this much-needed campaign possible. More information can be found at workforthearc.org.
