Direct support professionals make a difference in lives

Direct Support Professionals’ Week is September 13-19. Direct Support Professionals are the frontline workers and the backbone of Achievements. The work they do is essential to providing long-term support and services for people with disabilities.

According to the American Network of Community Options and Resources - a national network of providers offering quality supports to people with disabilities, “DSPs are essential for supporting people with disabilities as they live and work in the community. The need for DSPs is growing. By 2020, an estimated 1.2 million DSPs will be needed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Achievements currently employs 38 DSPs who are highly committed to individuals in services. DSPs provide the around-the-clock support necessary for individuals to live successfully, safely and as independently as possible.

One might wonder why working with people with developmental or intellectual disabilities would be a career choice worthy of consideration. Without hesitation, the response is almost unanimous: DPSs get a great deal of satisfaction making a positive difference in the lives of those they support.

Anyone who has worked in this field for any time at all understands almost instantly how absolutely incredible individuals with developmental disabilities are. They teach us what is truly important, and help us see that it is the differences among us that make us special. DSPs empower, motivate and encourage people with disabilities to pursue their dreams. DSPs are there to  share in the joy and the heartbreak.

The opportunity to make a positive difference, to be part of dedicated team and interact with these wonderful individuals who are part of Achievements, make a career as a Direct Support Professional compelling,  worthwhile and infinitely rewarding. On behalf Achievements, I offer my sincere appreciation to each and every one of our Direct Support Professionals.

– Pam Zimmerman is the executive director of Achievements Inc.