Shining a light on invaluable work: A week to celebrate direct support professionals

This paid piece is sponsored by DakotAbilities.

For Chad Davis, a lead direct support professional at DakotAbilities, going to work doesn’t always feel like going to work.

“I’m spending time with very important people who are a large part of my life,” said Davis, who was recognized as DakotAbilities’ 2023 DSP of the Year. “I love working at DakotAbilities for many reasons, but the most important reason is to support everyone by helping them live fun and meaningful lives.”

In the realm of caregiving and support services, direct support professionals play a crucial role in the lives of people with disabilities.

As integral care team members, DSPs help people with complex needs with everything from personal hygiene to participating in community events. Naturally nurturing and compassionate, DSPs provide trusted companionship while helping foster a sense of belonging and independence for those they support.

Each September, a week is set aside nationally to honor DSPs, a time to shine a well-deserved spotlight on these dedicated men and women who contribute immensely to the lives of others.

There are an estimated 1.3 million DSPs in the United States. DakotAbilities employs 198 DSPs in Sioux Falls, which equates to over 75 percent of its workforce.

“As Sioux Falls and the surrounding community grows, so does the need for DSPs,” said Alison Braithwaite, HR director at DakotAbilities. “We’ve been fortunate to stay competitive with salary and benefits packages, allowing us to recruit new staff members and retain staff at an increasingly high level. Consistency, familiarity and relationships are deeply important in this line of work, and we’re fortunate to have DSPs who’ve been with us 10, 20, even 30 years.”

Braithwaite’s connection to the profession runs deep, having been a DSP herself in the early days of her employment with DakotAbilities.

“I started in a DSP role when I was in high school,” she said. “After I graduated from college, I began working in a different profession, but DakotAbilities still felt like home. I missed the people, and I knew in my heart this was where I wanted to be.”

DakotAbilities celebrates each day of DSP Week with engaging activities, prizes, catered meals and games. All activities are planned with the intent of being highly visible for DSPs, people supported, their family members and caregivers, and other staff members. The week will culminate in recognizing the DSP of the Year and Rising Star based on nominations from fellow employees.

“Our staff members are very supportive of one another, and we’ve worked hard to create a culture of recognizing and rewarding not only good work but also the kindness and care shown to each person supported,” Braithwaite said. “Being a DSP means showing up every day to help others live their best lives. DSP Week is important because it recognizes and celebrates their vital role in providing care, support and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.”

For information on DakotAbilities services and employment opportunities, visit dakotabilities.org.