Frontline Initiative Direct Support Professionals

Welcome to The Real Scoop. Clifford is a self-advocate who has been politically active for years. He’s here to give you his spin on how to deal with issues you face as you forge ahead in your role as a Direct Support Profession al (DSP). Seth has been a DSP for many years, and he loves to give advice. He may ruffle your feathers, but hey, it’s for your own good! Clifford and Seth tackle this one with a few suggestions.

On Becoming Professional

Dear Cliff and Seth,

I am a DSP. I hear a lot about the importance of credentials and career development, but why is this important when my employer doesn’t recognize these efforts with better pay?

— Show Me the Money

 

Dear Show Me the Money,

Credentials can mean that you will get more pay with more education. Sooner or later, your employer will realize your value to the company. Eventually, being credentialed will be an expectation for DSPs. At the national level, NADSP is beginning to work on that issue. It may take a while to develop guidelines for credentialing, but employers will eventually hear about this and each state can say if you have to be credentialed. That means higher expectations.

— Cliff

Dear Show Me the Money,

The credentialing process is more important to you. It gives you credibility as a professional and possibly an opportunity “to go where the money is” to the agencies that credentials when determining wage incentives and leadership positions. It is critical to change the image of DSPs from “just another job” to a role that is recognized and valued by everyone.

— Seth

 

Dear Seth and Cliff,

I am a DSP and would like to work with other DSPs to further my professional development. Any suggestions on what steps can I take?

— Longing to Belong

 

Dear Longing to Belong,

First, find out if there is a chapter of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) in your state and start going to those meetings or talk to other DSPs at your work site. You can learn from your co-workers, and together you can build some good friendships as you work to build your own state chapter.

— Cliff

Dear Longing to Belong,

I would first go online and find DSP groups that meet in your area such as AAMR, ARC, and NADSP. Starting there should keep you busy finding conferences and other meetings that interest you. As you get to know other DSPs you may find that a natural coalition begins to build.

— Seth