Kenneth Ortiz Recognized as an Exemplary Direct Support Professional
ANCOR is a national organization dedicated to promoting quality services to people with disabilities. From the many nominees received by Ancor they chose to recognize DDRC’s Kenneth Ortiz as its State Direct Support Professional of the Year in Colorado.
Kenny Ortiz, Vocational, Instructor Supervisor – Community Employment is an inspiration of how we all should work with people with developmental disabilities. Ken has been with DDRC for over 15 years and made a real difference in many lives. Each day his interactions with the members of his work crew are natural and motivating. Each crew member wants to do their best to please Kenny and show him how proud they are of their job. Kenny’s career at DDRC began substituting in direct care positions 1987. Kenny Ortiz was hired to provide one-on-one support for an individual with challenging behavioral needs, that no one else seemed to be able to motivate. Since that time Kenny has been Mr. Flexibility working a variety of direct care positions at DDRC’s day program, Adult Vocational Services. He has worked as a Vocational Instructor Supervisor, a Parks Crew Supervisor, Grounds Crew Supervisor, and is now in his sixth year as the Crew Supervisor for the Tivoli Student Center Food Court Crew. Besides being highly dependable and reliable, he handles all situations calmly and with good judgment. He is always willing to work with any consumer that may have very specific needs, and does so enthusiastically and successfully.
What made Ken uniquely qualified to receive this national recognition for his work as a Direct Support Professional? Without a doubt his greatest contribution is Kenny’s patience in working with consumers with significant needs including with people with severe behavioral challenges. Kenny’s respect and advocacy for the consumers he serves is apparent every single day. Kenny has been successful in helping to motivate underachieving individuals, challenging them to be their best. Kenny was able to challenge these individuals to work hard and overcome their challenges to be successful. In one case in particular he helped the individual internalize improved values to do his best and not follow temptations. Once Kenny has reached someone, we find they continue to do well, mostly because they don’t want to disappoint him.
Kenny personifies dedication and devotion to people with developmental disabilities. He has worked second jobs to be able to stay at DDRC and also runs his own summer lawn service to supplement his DDRC income. We at DDRC are fortunate that Kenny continues to work at DDRC and provide such excellent support to those he serves. Congratulations Kenny, you are truly worthy of receiving this National Award. Thanks for being a part of DDRC’s family!
