Working with People with Disabilities or Intellectual Disabilities
Empowering Independence: How Direct Support Professionals Transform Lives and Communities
Helping people with disabilities live, work, and participate fully in their communities is at the heart of what we do. The programs we offer at Options For All promote independence by providing meaningful support in settings chosen by the individuals we serve. Our mission is to strengthen communities while empowering independence, respect, and dignity.
There is no better feeling than seeing someone’s dreams come true right in front of you—showing them that life has no limits on what they can achieve. Making a difference that our consumers and communities can truly see and feel is incredibly rewarding.
Our roles include building strong relationships, teaching life skills, managing personal care, supporting community integration, skill building, and advocacy. When a client is matched with an employer, the process begins for the Direct Support Professional (DSP). We take on the role of teaching the client how to successfully perform job functions for the employer while also acting as a mediator between the client and the customer. We provide training, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.
As the client learns their role, you can see growth not only in the client but also in the employer as both learn how to work together and successfully complete required tasks.
One of my favorite stories involves a client who dreamed of becoming a social worker. He was working at a coffee shop that was preparing to close while also attending IVC College to earn his degree. We matched him with an employer who needed someone to write highlights about new customers, document weekly projects, and create a newsletter covering events and community updates. He not only exceeded expectations—he was hired as a full-time employee and offered a permanent role within the company here in Imperial Valley. I cannot express how proud I am of him.
Another meaningful example involved a client who had gone through several DSPs and was considered unsuccessful in prior placements. When I arrived, I was told he was lazy and unmotivated. After sitting down and having a conversation with him, I realized he was simply depressed and had never been asked how he was feeling. He just wanted someone to talk to him and listen. Once that connection was made, he became one of the happiest clients we worked with and began exceeding expectations without issue.
This work is truly about listening and connecting with your clients—that is the key to being a great DSP. Every day, we learn something new. You must come to this job knowing that you will learn just as much as you teach, and that an open mind and an open heart make all the difference.
