What is a DSP?

Direct Support Professionals are people who work directly with people with disabilities. Our DSPs (Employment Specialists, Program Services Assistants, Specialists and Managers) provide endless support and opportunities to the individuals we serve. They provide opportunities for developing and maintaining independence through various program activities onsite and in their communities. Our DSPs’ daily work is essential to the communities we serve and an integral part of our mission— creating and promoting opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

What do DSPs do?

While many know what a Direct Support Professional is, few know what they do. These skilled professionals provide support to consumers in a manner that enables each consumer to realize their full potential as members of their communities. They make sure individuals they work with have the necessary supports in place that enable them to live, work, and enjoy life as independently as possible.

At their core, every DSP strives to ensure the individuals they support have opportunities to lead fulfilling lives. To achieve this, DSPs are required to complete many hours of training in human rights, HIPAA, incident reporting, first aid, CPR, diversity, person-centered thinking, and behavior interventions, just to name a few. This also means maintaining skills, understanding regulations and protocols, and using critical thinking skills during times of crisis.

What Does Their Day-to-Day Look Like?

For DSPs, every day is different. While they may have a set plan for their day, a large part of their job is about being prepared for change and adapting as needed, all while remaining calm and maintaining a positive attitude. DSPs provide daily opportunities for skill development, community integration and assistance with employment endeavors, as well as education and emotional support for consumers they serve. From the moment their shift begins to the moment it ends, they give unwavering support to their consumers, guiding them through daily tasks and fostering a positive environment.

A typical day for any DSP involves being in constant motion. For Employment Specialists, this could be going from supporting and shadowing consumers at one job site to covering for other DSPs at a different job site the next. They are in constant contact with consumers, employers, family members and Counselors from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to coordinate each person’s employment needs. When not at a job site, Employment Specialists assist consumers in their job hunt, develop situational assessments or conduct intakes for prospective consumers. The time in between is usually reserved for lots of paperwork, phone calls and emails. DSPs are also in communication with local businesses to facilitate employment success for the consumer.

At our Day Support Programs, DSPs focus on personal growth and development through planned activities in an effort to facilitate independence and build strong community relationships. DSPs spend a typical day assisting consumers with activities that meet their specific goals and objectives, such as volunteering, participating in a wide variety of structured educational classes such as cooking or nutrition classes, and providing skilled support, medication management, and personal care to those who need these supports.

What Being a DSP is All About

Being a Direct Support Professional means getting to see how each individual grows and learns each day while also learning from them in the process. It means empowering each individual through experience, communication and a sense of community. Ultimately, it means being a part of each individual’s unique journey and giving them the space and confidence to grow into the best versions of themselves.

“I honestly love being a DSP. After a career in Parks and Recreation and as a Special Education teacher, this was the next step. I loved being part of ‘what’s next’ once an individual with a disability graduates from high school. Assisting consumers to find and maintain employment is the best. Seeing someone who others said could not be employed succeed is just so satisfying. The joy they have of going to work each day and being productive members of society… It is not all unicorns and rainbows, but it is pretty darn close. I landed where I was meant to be,” says Theresa Polk, Employment Specialist.

According to Donna Tyler, Program Services Assistant, being a DSP means “To give each individual the opportunity to experience life and for community members to see them as a valued person, not just their disability.”

“It’s one of the most rewarding jobs that I’ve ever held. Being a DSP is very rewarding — being able to tap into the ability of the individual and not their disability,” says Antjwan Bland, Opal Day Support Program Manager.

This week, it is important for us to recognize those who provide support that enables individuals with disabilities to learn new skills and fully integrate into their communities. Through their steadfast dedication, DSPs give their all so the individuals they work with have a chance to showcase their abilities to the world. Our DSPs are the backbone of rehabilitation services, and we appreciate all they do to further the Didlake mission and effect change.