Paladin, Inc. has all kinds of team members who help individuals with disabilities in a variety of ways. Amongst these team members are some of the most passionate and willing individuals of all: direct support professionals (DSP).
“All of our DSPs are special in their way. I like all my DSPs,” said Paladin Client Brandon Forcier.
For people who love helping and connecting with others, the DSP career path is extremely fulfilling. DSPs are individuals who provide support and assistance to people with disabilities so that they can be successful. Whether it’s helping a person strengthen their communication skills, or find the nearest city bus route, DSPs are there to make sure people with disabilities achieve whatever goals they have their heart set on.
“We’re here to help them figure out what kind of life they want to live or what goals they want to achieve, and then we work with them to make that possible,” said DSP Crystal Ashcraft.
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is someone who works directly with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. DSPs aim to assist people in realizing their full potential. The biggest part of their job is to help people become integrated and engaged in their community. This can be accomplished in in a person's home, at a day center, at a place of employment, or in the community.
Regardless of where a DSP works, they get the opportunity to challenge their clients in a unique way every single day. There’s no such thing as boredom for a DSP. Becoming a DSP gives a person the opportunity to be more than a caregiver. The DSP role has changed over time to focus more on individuals' independence, self-advocacy, and full integration.
“That’s what I love the most about my job: no day is the same. We do all kinds of things because I’m trying to open up the world a bit for them,” said DSP Sue Pizarek.
The clients see their DSPs in the same light. For clients, DSPs are supportive resources that help connect them to tools to be successful. Brent Biggerstaff, a Paladin client, currently works at AMC Theatres. He got the position on his own and family is always there to offer support when he needs it. Brent wants to become a cashier but struggles with counting money. His DSPs are helping him learn how so he can obtain a better position.
“Even though I’m high-functioning, I still have a lot of emotional issues. They’re always here to help. Even when we’re learning, we’re still having fun,” said Biggerstaff.
Another wonderful thing about being a DSP is that it provides an opportunity to better understand people with disabilities and spread awareness throughout the community. For Pizarek, becoming a DSP gave her a new perception of life. She strives to share that perception with others to help fight stereotypes or misunderstandings that people might have.
“You grow and learn so much in this position. So many people don’t understand what it’s like working with these individuals and they tell me that it takes a special person to do what I do, and I have to set them straight. I have gotten so much back from this job than I’ve ever put into it. I have fun every day,” said Pizarek.
Paladin’s staff and clients are always excited to welcome new DSPs. The staff can’t wait to touch more people's lives while the individuals are eager to share their experiences with new faces so that even more people can understand what it’s like to be in their shoes.
“If people are looking for a job, I think they should come here. It gives them a chance to learn stuff about people that they’ve never met before. They can see how we feel compared to what they think they know and learn what it’s like to be around people with disabilities,” said Forcier.
Ultimately, the choice to become a DSP can be one of the most rewarding and impactful decisions a person can make. Between making countless new friends, changing people’s lives, and getting the opportunity to learn and spread awareness about people with disabilities, there’s no limit to how special this opportunity is.
“It’s a great field to be in. You get this great satisfaction seeing a smile on their face,” said Ashcraft.
To learn more about Paladin and becoming a DSP, visit paladin.care
