A Direct Support Professional’s Journey in Disability Support

Danielle Neff is a Senior Direct Support Professional (DSP) at a provider organization in Long Island, New York. Danielle supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is passionate about helping these individuals achieve their goals and live independent lives. Danielle's career in the field of disability support started as just a job, but it quickly became her calling. She finds purpose and fulfillment in her work, and considers the individuals she supports as part of her extended family.

In this episode of DSP Talk, host Gina Scarpa interviews Danielle Neff, a Senior Direct Support Professional (DSP) from Long Island, New York. Danielle shares her journey into the field of disability support and how it has become more than just a job for her. She discusses the importance of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving their goals and living independent lives. Danielle emphasizes the strong relationships she has developed with the people she supports, considering them as part of her family. She also highlights the qualities that make a successful DSP and offers advice to those considering a career in this field.

Key Takeaways:

• Supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is more than just a job; it is a fulfilling career that gives purpose and meaning to DSPs.
• The individuals supported by DSPs are like family, and strong relationships are formed based on empathy, care, and mutual respect.
• Successful DSPs are empathetic, caring, observant, and hardworking individuals who genuinely care about the well-being and goals of the people they support.
• Taking a chance and entering the field of disability support can lead to a rewarding career that makes a difference in the lives of others.

Notable Quotes:

• "I feel like I have my family that I have now and that I grew up with and everything, and then I have my work family. And the individuals we support are all a part of my family." - Danielle Neff
• "The people we support…each and every one of them are just so different and have these amazing personalities and abilities and talents. And that's really why the work matters, because it's really just all about them." - Danielle Neff
• "It's the one job that I actually didn't feel miserable in. I enjoyed doing it. I felt like it mattered, and I felt like it was making a difference." - Danielle Neff

Resources:

East End Disability Associates, Inc. 

Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation 

Listen to the full episode of DSP Talk to gain valuable insights into the field of disability support and the rewarding career of a DSP. Discover how Danielle Neff found purpose and fulfillment in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and learn about the qualities that make a successful DSP. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on DSP Talk.

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