WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today congratulated Caitlin Peterson of Portland for receiving the 2015 Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year Award from the American Network of Community Options and Resources.  This prestigious award is given annually to an outstanding individual in each state to recognize the work of direct support professionals across our nation who support people with intellectual, developmental, and other significant disabilities. 
 
“Direct support professionals take on the important task of supporting Americans with disabilities and helping them to thrive within their community.  The work of direct support professionals not only helps those with disabilities to succeed, but enriches the lives of all members of our communities both in Maine and across the country. We applaud this well-deserved recognition of Caitlin Peterson and are proud of her selection as Maine’s 2015 Direct Support Professional of the Year,” the Senators said in a joint statement.  
 
Caitlin Peterson has served as a direct support for fourteen years and since 2013, she has worked for Group Main Stream (GMS), a non-profit organization that serves adults and children with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Through Caitlin’s dedication, research and persistence, a formerly non-verbal, autistic man with severely dangerous behaviors and anxiety is now able to create and complete his own daily routines, exercise, and participate in sensory activities.

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