Ask most people what a direct support professional does, and you’ll get vague answers. “They help people with disabilities.” “They provide care.” While true, they don’t capture the skill the role requires.
The split-second decisions in a crowded bank lobby. The balance between safety and independence during a walk. The advocacy work that happens when no one’s watching.
Meet Emily, a direct support professional (DSP) in Aspire’s community-based day services in New Hampshire. She lives locally and brings a calm, observant presence both to her work and personal life. When she’s not on the job, Emily likes bird watching and exploring antique shops, taking time to notice small details and stories others might pass by.
Emily found her way to this work while looking for a role that offered more flexibility and allowed her to be more present with her family. As a parent of a daughter with autism, she was drawn to work rooted in relationships, trust, and real connection. When she applied to Aspire five years ago, she found a role that aligned with both her life and values.
Since then, her days haven’t been guided by a checklist, but by partnership.
That partnership is with Michael, the person she supports.
Meeting Someone Where They Are
Emily’s day begins with picking Michael up at his staffed residence and heading to the day program office together. Once there, Michael uses a choice board app on his iPad to guide the day, pointing to the options that interest him. Together, they take a few minutes to revisit the goals Michael has set with support from his team and explore how his choice can shape the day ahead.
Emily draws on her professional judgement, considering his energy level, focus, and recent health. She thinks through how each option might affect him and how it fits into Michael’s goal to increase his movement throughout the day in a variety of settings. Her role is not to decide for him, but to help him think through his choices.
“If we do this activity first, how do you think your body will feel after?” Emily asks, giving Michael space to consider.
With a plan in place, Michael begins his mail delivery route inside an Aspire office. Emily and Michael first walk to the mailbox together, moving at his pace. Because Michael needs extra support while walking, Emily carries the mail, keeping her focus on balance and safety while staying alongside him. At the reception desk, he sorts the mail into the compartments for Aspire team members.
Their next stop brings Emily and Michael to the bank. The lobby is busy, and waiting in line requires both patience and staying steady on your feet. Emily watches Michael’s body language closely, looking for signs of fatigue or frustration. When Michael shows the urge to shift away, Emily offers calm reassurance and gentle redirection, deciding whether to slow things down or keep the visit moving.
When it’s time to approach the window, the teller greets Michael by name, and his face lights up. He signs his paycheck using a premade stamp, hands it to the teller, and completes the transaction on his own. He turns back to Emily with a proud smile, and she meets it with a quiet nod that says, you did this.
“My favorite part of my job is building relationships,” Emily shares. “I love getting to know the individuals I support, earning their trust, and being part of their growth over time. Seeing their progress, even in small ways, and knowing I played a role in supporting their independence and confidence is really meaningful.”
Understanding the Person Behind the Goals
The strong partnership between Emily and Michael didn’t happen overnight. It grew as Emily paid attention to what motivates him, how he learns best, and what helps him feel confident when trying something new.
When Emily noticed changes in Michael’s health, she responded with curiosity and initiative by pursuing new trainings like medication delivery while continuing to involve Michael in decisions about his own care.
Their partnership also guides how Emily advocates alongside Michael in the community. He enjoys visiting different libraries and reading in the children’s area, where the space is colorful, familiar, and engaging. During one visit, they were asked to move to the adult section.
Emily followed up with other libraries they visit and learned that no such rule existed. She returned to speak with the library director, explaining why that space mattered to Michael. The conversation brought clarity and reassurance, and Michael was welcomed back into the area where he feels most comfortable.
“One thing I wish people understood about being a DSP is that it is not just a caregiver role,” Emily explains. “I am an advocate, and I am responsible for noticing the smallest changes in the individuals I work with, including their mood, behavior, health, and safety.”
Why This Work Matters
“One thing I’ve learned through this role is that growth and development don’t stop after childhood,” Emily reflects. “Many of the adults at Aspire are fully capable of growth, independence, and success when they’re supported by a team that genuinely cares and believes in their potential.”
That same belief in people shows up in how teams are supported, including the one Emily is part of. For Emily, ongoing training, team connection, and moments like DSP Recognition Week create a sense of belonging and shared purpose. That support makes it possible to keep showing up fully, even on hard days, and is a big reason this challenging work remains rewarding over time.
If you’re looking for work grounded in relationships, growth, and meaningful impact, there’s a place for you at Aspire. Explore open DSP roles and find the role that fits you.
