In recognition of her dedication to The Arc of Warren County, Training Coordinator and Self-Advocacy Adviser Carinne Buzzuto will receive the first-ever Exceptional Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year Award from the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network and New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project, a program of The Arc of New Jersey.

“Carinne was chosen by our board of The New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network and its participants for her capacity to provide exceptional, person-centered and comprehensive supports to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Ashley Ritchey, Director of the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project.

The award also acknowledges a direct support professional who infuses the principles of self-advocacy in their work.

Buzzuto has been a staff member of The Arc of Warren County for 20 years, where she has held multiple positions. She has been a training coordinator for the past 13 years, and also acts as the self-advocacy adviser and direct support professional.

She also continues to work in The Arc group homes and has worked part-time for other agencies.

“I humbly accept this recognition, but also want to acknowledge many of my other colleagues for the exceptional work that they do,” said Buzzuto. “I know that our commitment makes an impact on the many individuals who we serve. I see that what we do makes a difference from their expressions and their smiles.”

To attend the event, click here, and visit www.NJSelfAdvocacyProject.org for information and resources for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.