Thirtieth Anniversary Issue on Progress and Priorities in Direct Support

DSPs Play Important Advocacy Role when Searching for Employment

Author

Melissa Steel is a self-advocate and peer mentor with the Arc Minnesota’s Peer to Peer Mentor Program.

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I work as a peer mentor. I help people with disabilities explore job options. In this role, I talk with others who are looking for a job about job topics, share experiences, and help people learn new skills. I enjoy helping with presentations and supporting others in their community. My goal is to help people when they need it and to bring them positivity and encouragement.

Woman sitting outside in a patio area, with a blooming bleeding-heart plant behind her. She is looking at the camera and smiling. She has short brown hair with golden highlights and bangs. She is wearing oval shaped glasses, a long-sleeve red polo shirt with the logo for HyVee, the grocery store that she works at.

Melissa Streel

In the last several years, it has become harder to find and keep a job. It is more difficult to find jobs that match interests and are a good fit. There are fewer jobs available also because it is more expensive for businesses to stay open, which can make it harder for people to find work. In my own experience, it was hard to find another job that fits me, especially because of my disabilities and limited work experience. I didn’t think I would find a job I enjoyed until I became a courtesy clerk at Hy-Vee [grocery store]. I really enjoy this job.

Many jobs today ask for things like background checks, experience, and a GED or other certificates. These can sometimes make it harder for people with disabilities to get hired. Employers can help by having clear expectations and good communication. When jobs are explained in a simple and clear way, people can do better. Employers should focus on what a person can do, not just their paperwork.

Direct support professionals (DSPs) help people find and keep jobs. DSPs can help with interviews, job tryouts, and learning how to do different tasks. DSPs should also make sure people are paid fairly for their work. It is important to give support while someone is learning a new job. With the right help, people can succeed in many different jobs.

DSPs can do better by asking more questions and learning with the person they support. They can share helpful resources like pamphlets, worksheets, books, and websites. They can also help connect people with businesses to learn about jobs. It is important to talk about things like insurance and daily living needs too. We need more year-round, entry-level jobs for everyone, especially for people with disabilities.