FARMINGTON — The week of Sept. 12 has been recognized by the U.S. Congress and Gov. Baldacci as Direct Support Professionals Week and LEAP Inc. will join with hundreds of other similar agencies across Maine and the country to celebrate the week.

LEAP is a member of the American Network of Community Options and Resources, which supports community agencies all across the U.S. to advocate for support, training and quality improvement in community services for people with disabilities.

LEAP currently employs 147 relief, part-time and full-time direct support professionals in Franklin, Oxford, Androscoggin and Somerset counties. They work as direct care workers, in-home support workers, personal assistants and attendants to ensure that people with disabilities are able to live more independently and in community settings.

For more information about LEAP or its services, contact Rick Dorian, executive director, at 778-3443, ext. 104 or by e-mail at [email protected].