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I was recently sent a video about direct support professionals (DSPs) and though over the years I have seen many videos about DSPs this one was particularly moving for me. At first, I wasn’t quite sure why this particular video was so moving so I watched it a few more times to see if I could figure it out. The title is Fix The DSP Crisis but I didn’t really pay too much attention to the title before I watched it. After watching it a couple of times a few things really stuck out for me. First was the relationship between the young man in the video and his support person. I was wondering how to capture in a sentence or two what the meaning of their relationship is. I don’t the answer to that, but I do know it meant EVERYTHING to the both of them.
Another person in the video said “I love my job as a DSP” but she also has to pick up an extra 16 hours a week just to barely make it. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. I love my job but what if I had to choose between my family or picking up and extra 15 -30 hours A WEEK just to get by? Would I stay if there was a job for 40 hours a week doing less work, with less responsibility for more money? For most of us the answer is probably not, because we want to be able to spend time with our families and see our kids in school productions or go out to dinner with our spouse once in a while. The reason why the DSP job is so special is because often you build a relationship that feels like family which is something that was beautifully illustrated in the video. There are so many people who are really good at being a DSP, they love it and they want to do it but end up choosing other jobs that they don’t love so they don’t have to choose between rent or gas.
One last comment…for now, over the years I have heard descriptions of the DSP job that really do not reflect the reality of the position. I have seen them referred to as “entry level” or “custodial care” positions which REALLY DO NOT reflect the true nature of the position. The video asks “What does a DSP do?” and here are just a few of the answers:
Med management, getting people out into the community, cook, taxi cab, nutrition, cleaning service, counselor, vocational support, finances, shopping, physical therapy, hygiene and medical issues – diabetes care…
Just that list alone is anything but entry level or custodial care. It’s hard work, it’s meaningful work, it’s important work and it is work that deserves a livable wage!
My favorite take away from the video is “It takes a long time to grow an old friend”! It is time to make it possible to have old friends. THANKS for sharing Jim J
Take 10 minutes out of your day to watch this moving video.
Teresa Anderson, Policy Director, The Arc & UCP Collaboration