A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is someone who works directly with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. DSPs aim to assist people in realizing their full potential by helping them become integrated and engaged in their community. They provide non-medical care and services to intellectually or physically disabled persons. Some of the tasks that DSPs perform include assisting with daily living, personal care, feeding, cooking, cleaning, administering medication, accompanying individuals to and from appointments and activities, and keeping individuals safe from hazards. DSPs are also observant and intuitive, and they are often the frontline of support for individuals, able to tell when something isn’t quite right.
In healthcare, DSPs play a vital role in providing necessary supports and services to individuals with disabilities. They help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with everyday tasks such as getting out of bed, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, finding a job, getting to work, and more. To become a DSP, one typically needs a high school diploma or GED, a driver’s license, and specialized training. There are different levels of certification available for DSPs, including DSP-Registered, DSP-Certified, and DSP-Specialist.
