Vermont Care Partners is very excited to bring the documentary, INVALUABLE- The Unrecognized Profession of Direct Support, to locations around the state. INVALUABLE explores the underappreciated and underfunded work of direct support professionals (DSPs), the people who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living full lives as members of their communities.
The movie was created by the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. The FREE film screenings will be followed by a Q&A with director Jerry Smith from the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration. Their website is –https://ici.umn.edu/product/invaluable/main
Through stories and interviews with DSPs, family members, advocates, and people with disabilities from across the country, the film honors the complexity of the work and the immense value it provides to individuals receiving support. We are asked to act now to strengthen the DSP workforce before the system collapses. One powerful quote from the movies says it all, “We need a million new workers in the next 10 years to do direct support. Where are they going to come from and how are we going to keep them?”
INVALUABLE is not a film only for DSPs or people who work in social services. It is meant for all community members to experience and gain a better understanding of the critical role DSPs play in the lives of those who live with developmental and intellectual challenges and their families.
Time/Dates/Locations
- Wednesday, November 20, 6 PM
The Film House, Main Street Landing, Burlington
- Thursday, November 21, 1 PM
The Savor Theatre, Main Street, Montpelier
- Thursday, November 21, 6 PM
Tuttle Hall, College of St Joseph, Rutland
- Friday, November 22, 3 PM
Community College of Vermont, 324 Main Street, Bennington
Visit: https://vermontcarepartners.org/agencies/ Phone Number: 802.279-0464 Email: [email protected]
The Vermont Care Partners’ statewide network of sixteen non-profit community-based agencies provides mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability services and support. To Find an Agency Near you visit: https://vermontcarepartners.org/agencies/