September is the time when we celebrate DSP’s (Direct Support Professionals).

You might ask – what does a Direct Support Professional do?

The job of a DSP is to:

• Teach people self-care in the areas of bathing, laundry, meal preparation, using the restroom, house cleaning, etc.
• Support people toward appropriate behavior
• Transport people
• Provide job training and support
• Provide support for people supported to interact and engage with their community
• Plan outings, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, vacations
• Shop along with people supported for groceries, clothes, house hold decorations
• Wash, clean, and gas their assigned vehicles
• Provide emotional support to those who are hurting
• Administer medications
• Deal with emergencies
• Accompany people supported to medical appointments and the ER when needed
• Document activities, medication administration, etc
• Follow all agency protocols
• Cope with grief as those they care for decline or pass away
• Work overtime when you would rather not
• Support co-workers
• Create a fun and happy home life
• Work with the families of the people supported
• Assist with anything else you are asked to do