We Get to Make a Difference

Celebrating Direct Support Professionals During this year’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) Week (September 13-19), we’re honored to recognize the incredible DSPs at Easterseals PORT Health. DSPs play many roles; they are caregivers, advocates, mentors and friends to those they support. Their dedication and compassion empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives, and for that, we say thank you!

Pictured: DSPs, Angelique, Alysia and Kaitlyn

“What I love the most about working at ESPH is seeing the individual I work with happy and smiling.” -Angelique, DSP for Individual + Community Services (ICS) in Salisbury, NC

What is a Direct Support Professional? Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide essential, person centered support to individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs and complex medical needs. DSPs help people live, work and thrive in their communities with dignity, independence and choice.

“As a DSP, I get to make a difference while also helping someone recognize what they are truly capable of. I enjoy seeing their progress, even when it may seem small to someone else, because I know how much work goes into reaching those goals.” -Alysia, DSP for Individual + Community Services (ICS) in Winston-Salem, NC

How do DSPs Help Support People with Disabilities? Direct Support Professionals are the heartbeat of Easterseals PORT Health. Through compassion, dedication and unwavering support, DSPs empower individuals to achieve their goals, build independence and thrive in their communities. DSPs are the foundation of ESPH’s purpose and the driving force behind countless success stories. During DSP Appreciation Week, we celebrate our amazing DSPs and the extraordinary impact they make every day.

“My goal is to create an environment where guests feel safe, understood and supported while building the skills and confidence they need to navigate challenges more independently. The teamwork and support we share are a big part of what allows us to make a difference in the lives of the individuals we support.” -Kaitlyn, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for our Youth Crisis Therapeutic Home in Culpeper, Virginia

Why are DSPs Essential? DSPs advance disability equality. Direct Support Professionals empower individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities by reducing barriers and providing the support and assistance they need.

“I love that I can build meaningful relationships, empower individuals to reach personal milestones and make a real, positive impact on people’s daily lives. Watching the individual I support gain independence, learn new skills and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding.” -Mary, DSP for Individual + Community Services (ICS) in Salisbury, NC

Direct Support Professionals’ compassion, dedication and everyday acts of support create opportunities and open doors for people with disabilities. Easterseals PORT Health proudly recognizes DSP’s hard work and significance. We sincerely appreciate our DSPs! We thank these amazing team members for the difference they make each day and every day.

If you are interested in making a difference and becoming a DSP, click here to learn more about current DSP job openings.

ABOUT US Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, mental health and substance use services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,800 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.