September 13th, 2020 kicked off DSP Appreciation Week…what is a Direct Support Professional?
YAI Seeing Beyond Disability provides a wealth of information that explains in detail the many-faceted position of Direct Support Professional. DSPs help people of all ages with I/DD achieve their fullest lives possible! By empowering them to overcome challenges in areas and activities that would otherwise prevent them from being self-sufficient, their lives are full. According to YAI, since DSPs focus on providing individualized supports for people with disabilities, the job varies depending on the needs and wants of the person being supported. DSP work can include assistance with education, home care, basic health and hygiene. Not to mention transportation, housing, family services, vocational training, rehabilitation, or simply helping people integrate into their local community. Learn more at https://www.yai.org/what-direct-support-professional-dsp
At Echoing Hills, we are honoring our DSPs across the state of Ohio! Not just this week, but also every week all year round. They are the hands and feet of Christ to those who need care support every single day. This week at each location, there will be many festivities to celebrate those in DSP positions. From a company gift to sweet treats to specials lunches and more, our goal is to make each team member feel valued and appreciated.
2020 has proven to be a physical and emotional challenge. Still, we can honestly say the team members at Echoing Hills have risen to the occasion and have served the individuals with every fiber of their being. When Covid-19 became very real and personal to us, DSPs and other team members showed up suited up in proper Personal Protection Equipment to help. Some driving over three hours to say, “How can I help?” Did I mention we have outstanding team members?!
Who wants to be a DSP? Check out this interesting article about why being a DSP is the perfect job for college students. https://www.hercampus.com/school/mnsu/8-reasons-why-being-direct-support-professional-best-job-college
Many DSPs that work at Echoing Hills have worked here for a long time. It is their career. Serving others is their mission. Others are new to the journey, and maybe it will become their career, or perhaps it will be an incredible experience that prepares them for a different career. But I know for sure it will greatly enrich their lives and help them understand how to relate to people with disabilities. Here is a great article and some amazing quotes from some DSPs about their experiences! https://paconnectingcommunities.org/why-i-like-being-a-dsp/
Won’t you celebrate DSP week with us? How? Pray for all our DSPs. Sometimes their days are long and challenging, but with your prayers, those days will also be blessed and beautiful!
