Sue Barnette - August DSP Award Recipient

The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to recognize a direct support professional who is an Independent Provider as the Portage DD Direct Support Professional (DSP) Award Recipients for the month of August. The recipient is Sue Barnette.

Sue Barnette, an Independent Provider, was nominated by Patricia Wade.

Sue retired after providing services with the Portage County Board for 32 years. In those 32 years, she served in many capacities including bus driver, workshop sub, and FT Personal service assistant. During those years she also helped with Special Olympics and bowling. Sue has always treated those she serves as family and has taught her family to do the same. Since retiring Sue has become an independent provider and has 2 ladies who reside with her. These ladies have become part of the family and are treated as such. She assures they each have all their needs met,  encourages them to try new things, and goes above and beyond. You will often find Sue and the ladies in the community for outings and activities. When called upon for additional needs for others or emergency services Sue’s answer is always “yes”, without hesitation. In her years of care, the amount of lives she has impacted is innumerable.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Month Award is for those staff who provide direct support or direct services for individuals served throughout Portage County.

This award is an opportunity to nominate someone who has gone above and beyond to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, while also promoting independence and inclusion.

Individual award recipients will receive public recognition from Portage DD and will be promoted on our social media channels. Award recipients will also later be considered for Direct Support Professional of the Year.

All nominations will be kept on file for review and consideration for a period of 12 months after initial submission.