DDI Employees Win NYS Association of Day Service Providers Awards

Two employees of the Smithtown-based Developmental Disabilities Institute, a not-for-profit agency of service providers for children and adults with autism, received awards at the New York State Association of Day Service Providers annual symposium.

Dora Alarcon, the institute's day program manager, and Melissa Espinal, who works in the Meadow Glen Day Hab location, received the Leadership Award and the Service Provider of the Year awards, respectively.

"DDI could not contribute to improving the lives of the 5,000 children and adults we serve with autism and other developmental disabilities without our employees," John Lessard, executive director of DDI, said in a statement. "Our Day Service Providers play a key role in supporting the mission of DDI. We thank them for their commitment that is clearly shown on the smiling faces that fill our hallways and our homes. We are truly proud of a job well done by Melissa Espinal and Dora Alarcon."

The Service Provider of the Year award is given to a provider that goes above-and-beyond the expected levels of service, and dedicates themselves to quality care and helps promote independence. The Leadership Award is given to someone in the industry that shows exemplary, consistent leadership to direct support staff.