My DSP Experience

By Veronica

I wanted to tell you about my Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and how they affect my quality of life. 

I have been working with my DSPs since I was in middle school. I attended a Saturday recreation Respite program. My DSPs and the Respite program gave me the opportunity to be a part of the community.  I attended different places and felt like I had the same experiences as everyone else did.  I went bowling, to the movies, to the park and many other places. Without having the Respite and DSPs I would have been isolated and missed these enjoyable community experiences which taught me new things  I learned a lot about what I enjoy through these activities.

I am currently living on my own and taking an art class. If I did not have the support of my DSP Com Hab staff, I would be dependent on other people and lack confidence. My Com Hab has increased my confidence and helped me realize that I have options. I can live on my own and have my own life.  My Com Hab staff have increased my confidence to be able to live on my own.  I make my own decisions on what I want to work on. It is my choice and I feel like that has helped me be more in control of my life. They support me and find ways for me to do activities I am interested in. My DSPs always keep in touch with me, and I appreciate that. During times when we cannot meet in person, we do virtual visits.  I do not feel isolated. 

The art class that I am taking is part of a Day Hab program. I go once a week. I made friends and enjoyed my art. The DSP staff are helpful and supportive. Day Hab Staff is so important especially for my friends that attend every day.

I appreciate my DSP Com Hab staff and how they are always there for me. They put in a lot of effort at every visit, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.  During the pandemic they would still come and work on my goals, help keep me safe and teach me safety skills.  We still would go out in the community. The amount of growth I have experienced from being around them is affecting me positively every day. Communication and learning skills like cooking, doing laundry, and keeping track of my banking - all these are important in life.

I do not think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for my DSP Com Hab Staff.  I am proud of the DSPs in my life. I want to take a moment to thank them for all they do for me every day.  This is how they have affected my quality of life in a positive way. I hope this inspires all DSPs, Respite, Com Hab Staff, and Day Hab to continue to work and make a difference.  You are all so valuable to the people you serve every day. 

Because I have DSPs in my life now and understand how important they are to individuals, I believe in advocating for them. You can learn more here.