News and notes from Imagine! and the Imagine! Foundation.
A Day In The Life Of A DSP - John Malecki
Sep-15-2023
Employees
The week of September 10-16 has been designated as Direct Support Professional (DSP) Week, a time to recognize the invaluable supports DSPs provide and the difference this workforce makes in the lives of people with disabilities.
Direct Support Professionals, often referred to as caregivers, personal assistants, or home care aides, are the lynchpin to the ultimate success or failure of community-based long-term supports. DSP workers build close, trusted relationships with the many people with disabilities they assist each day. They work in community settings assisting people with disabilities with medications, preparing and eating meals, dressing, mobility, participating in activities that they love, and handling daily affairs. The daily challenges these front-line workers face are both physically and emotionally demanding.
We are so fortunate here at Imagine! to have so many dedicated, talented, and passionate people who are willing not only to take on this difficult job, but to excel at it.
In honor of DSP Recognition Week, all week we will be sharing short videos about, and more importantly, from, Imagine! DSPs discussing their work.
Recently, we sat down with John Malecki, Vehicle Coordinator for Imagine!’s School Age Services, Adult Community Services, and Employment Services, and Lead Staff for Imagine!'s Summer Camp, and DSP for Imagine!’s After School Program. With that many roles, you can be sure John has some great insight on the work of a DSP – find out what he has to say here.
Imagine! DSPs: Thank you for your commitment to the individuals we serve. We are humbled by your work ethic, compassion, creativity, and commitment to creating a world of opportunity for all abilities every single day.
