The Work Behind the Title

Being a DSP means showing up in ways many people never see. It’s getting someone safely to their appointment, helping with meals, or coaching someone toward more independence. It means laughter, patience, problem-solving, and always being ready to adapt. DSPs support people with disabilities in living full lives in their communities: helping with daily living, assisting with job or social goals, and being both guide and friend.

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is a chance to spotlight these essential workers.

What We Did at Sunrise

This week we celebrated DSPs across every corner of Sunrise. We shared cake and goodies, enjoyed client affirmations, and laughed together at moments that reminded us why this work matters.

We saw the pride on DSPs’ faces hearing directly from people they support. We saw clients express thanks, some eloquently, and others with a simple smile that said more than words.

Why It Matters

Recognition isn’t just a nice touch. It helps people in the field feel seen, valued, and encouraged. When someone says, “Thank you, I see what you do,” it refuels energy. It reminds all of us: the work you do isn’t invisible. It changes lives.

DSPs are facing challenges: high demands, sometimes low recognition, and many carrying burdens unseen outside the role. National reports note that turnover, understaffing, and inconsistent supports make this profession harder than ever.

Looking Forward Together

Let this week be more than a moment. Let it be fuel for ongoing respect, support, and improvement. At Sunrise we’re committed to doing more than saying thanks once a year. We want to:

• Keep listening—learning what DSPs need to do this work sustainably

• Make sure support and recognition are consistent—not just during recognition week

• Celebrate wins—both big and small—because every challenge overcome, every goal met, every life touched matters

On behalf of everyone at Sunrise, thank you to every DSP on our team. Your work shapes our community. Without you, the mission isn’t possible.

Here’s to deep gratitude, ongoing respect, and the difference one person with heart can make.

Disability is a natural part of being human. It’s not something to fix or hide. We see that truth every day: in the retail trainee mastering a new skill, the wood products team creating quality products, and the many staff who bring lived experience to our mission. With over 180 individuals served annually, and a staff that includes people with disabilities, we build workplaces where everyone belongs.

This month also marks a historic milestone: the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. That landmark law was a civil rights breakthrough, but the work didn’t end there. Real inclusion means more than access ramps. It means equity in employment, leadership, and community life.

You may notice a vibrant flag this month: a black background with diagonal stripes in red, gold, white, blue, and green. Each color represents a different part of the disability community. We’re giving out Disability Pride flag pins at Sunrise store locations this July. It’s a small gesture with a big message: you matter, you’re seen, and you belong.

As someone with hearing loss, I know how meaningful that message can be. When we stop expecting people to “overcome” their disabilities and instead remove barriers, we create real opportunity. That’s what Disability Pride is about.

We invite you to celebrate with us. Visit a store, partner with us, or just start a conversation. At Sunrise, we believe dignity and belonging aren’t extras, they’re the foundation of a better community for everyone.

Every person, every stage, every moment: worthy of love and belonging.

That’s not just a nice idea, it’s a core belief. One that becomes even more important when we look at the numbers.

Research shows that 42% of Americans over age 55 will develop some form of dementia. That’s almost one in every two people. For us at Sunrise, this brings up a few hard truths:

• Many of the people we support today – people with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or physical limitations – will also face dementia as they age.

• If you don’t currently have a disability, odds are high that you or someone you love will develop one later in life.

• And even if you’re never directly diagnosed, there’s a good chance you’ll care for a parent, spouse, sibling, or friend who is. Dementia ripples through families and communities.

We’re not a memory care facility. But we do know how to support people with dignity. We understand how complex needs can overlap. We know the fear and frustration that comes with change and decline. And we believe that everyone, at every stage of life and ability, deserves to be seen, heard, and included.

This month, we’re honoring the reality that brain health affects us all. And we’re recommitting to making Sunrise a place where people living with disabilities, in any form, can find support and respect.

Want to help?
Start small. Here are a few things you can do this month:

• Learn the signs of dementia. Forgetfulness isn’t always harmless. Early detection matters—for you and those you love.

• Talk to your family. Conversations about aging and memory loss aren’t easy—but they’re necessary.

• Support a caregiver. Even small gestures—a text, a meal, a break—can make a real difference.

• Advocate for inclusive services. Dignity in aging should be available to everyone, no matter their background or diagnosis.

• Keep showing up. Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or just paying attention—your presence matters.

Because the truth is, this isn’t just about “them.” It’s about all of us.

Every person, every stage, every moment: worthy of love and belonging.

A big thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at the JBCC Spring Fair last Saturday and added your piece to the bigger story we’re building at Sunrise. And special shoutout to the team who made our booth possible: Linda, Kevven, Diana, Ruth Ann, and Savannah, thank you for showing up with energy and heart.

The weather kept us on our toes (sun! clouds! rain!), but that didn’t stop folks from showing up. We had a strong turnout and even stronger community spirit.

At our booth, we invited kids, parents, friends, and neighbors to decorate puzzle pieces to reflect how everyone plays a part in our mission. Some drew symbols of inclusion. Others wrote names or messages of encouragement. Each piece was different, and each one mattered.

These creations will soon be displayed in one of our Sunrise stores as a colorful, collective reminder: the work we do is powered by connection. No matter your age, background, or ability, you belong here. Your piece matters.

Thanks for being part of it.

At Sunrise, we believe that meaningful work, inclusion, and opportunity are for everyone: every disability type, every ability level, every person.

Mental health conditions are more common than you might think:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental illness each year.

• 1 in 20 lives with a serious mental illness.

• Nearly 1 in 2 adults with a disability reports frequent mental distress.
  (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness and Centers for Disease Control)

We know disabilities aren’t always visible. Mental health is part of the whole person, just like physical health, communication needs, mobility, or learning style. That’s why our mission isn’t about just one type of disability. It’s about every person getting the support they need to grow, thrive, and belong.

Whether someone lives with anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or any combination, our work is about building pathways to dignity, independence, and self-worth. Real work, real inclusion, real community.

This month, we’re handing out green ribbons as a symbol of mental health awareness. On each card, there’s a QR code that leads here: a reminder that mental health is everyone’s business, and that no one is alone.

If you’re struggling, there’s help.
If you’re thriving, there’s still room to grow stronger.
If you’re unsure where you fit, you’re not broken. You belong.

Quick Resources:

• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime

• ADAPT Mental Health Services: adaptoregon.org/services/mental-health/

• NAMI Douglas County: namidouglas.org

• Mental Health America Free Screening Tools: mhascreening.org

Thank you for standing with us — for inclusion, for dignity, and for hope, in every form it takes.

For us, it’s not just about understanding autism—it’s about building a community that welcomes and supports autistic people in real, meaningful ways. That’s been part of our mission since 1969, and it continues to guide our work today.

Awareness Is the First Step. Acceptance Is the Goal.

Raising awareness has played a vital role in helping people better understand autism. But as the conversation has evolved—especially through the leadership of autistic self-advocates—we’re also embracing what it means to move from awareness to acceptance.

Acceptance means:

• Valuing differences in how people think, communicate, and interact with the world.
• Listening to autistic voices and lived experiences.
• Removing barriers that prevent full participation in work, education, and community life.
• Creating workplaces and services where people can thrive as they are—not just fit in.

At Sunrise, that kind of inclusion is core to what we do.

How Sunrise Supports Autistic Individuals

Customized Employment Support
We work one-on-one with autistic individuals to match them with jobs that align with their strengths, goals, and support needs. That might include visual schedules, job coaching, sensory considerations, or flexible pacing.

On-the-Job Training in Real-World Settings
Our five stores, mill, and janitorial services offer supported job training across Douglas County where people can build skills, confidence, and a path toward long-term employment. Many autistic individuals thrive in roles with structure, routine, and opportunities to focus—and we make space for that.

Workplace Inclusion Practices
We’re committed to creating supportive environments, offering training for staff and supervisors, and continuing to learn from the people we serve.

How You Can Join Us

• Be curious and compassionate. Whether you’re new to the conversation or deeply involved, there’s always more to learn—and more voices to listen to.
• Support inclusive hiring. If you’re a local employer, partner with us to create opportunities that work for everyone.
• Donate or advocate. Help us expand training, support services, and career pathways for individuals with disabilities—including autistic community members.

This April, let’s honor both awareness and acceptance. Let’s celebrate the strengths and contributions of autistic people—and recommit to building a more inclusive Douglas County where everyone belongs.

At Sunrise, we’re proud to be part of that work. Not just during Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, but every day of the year.

In Oregon, nearly 67,000 people live with developmental disabilities, contributing to strong, diverse communities. Everyone deserves a life full of opportunities—competitive employment, safe housing, relationships, and access to healthcare.

1. Learn and Share
   Educate yourself about developmental disabilities and share stories to break stereotypes and promote understanding.

2. Support Inclusive Employment
   Advocate for inclusive hiring practices and encourage local businesses to partner with Sunrise to provide job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

3. Show Your Support
   Wear orange to show solidarity and promote inclusivity through social media and community activities.

4. Advocate for Inclusion
   Support policies that enhance access to education, employment, and healthcare, and promote accessibility in public spaces.

How Sunrise Enterprises Makes a Difference
Sunrise Enterprises provides job training, employment, and community support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our programs empower people through meaningful work and advocacy. By supporting Sunrise, you help create a more inclusive Douglas County where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month celebrates abilities, but this work continues year-round. When we value every individual, we all thrive together.