If you look up the definition of vocation you will find “a vocation is an occupation to which a person is especially drawn or for which they are suited, trained or qualified.”

In my experience, most of the people that apply for the position of Direct Support Professional are looking for a job, not a vocation. Those of us in Utah County are settled between two major universities and the majority of applicants are looking for something they can do while they are in school — something that offers a flexible schedule. After getting their degree, most of them will move on to their chosen field but few will forget the things they learned and the people they met.

According to The Arc, a national community-based organization advocating for and with people with intellectual disabilities, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is “an integral part of life in the community for people with IDD. They work directly with them to support them to participate in their communities. The quality and effectiveness of Medicaid funded long term supports and services for persons with IDD depend on qualified providers of supports and services with necessary skills and training…”

The National Association of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) describes DSP’s as “those who assist people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in realizing their full potential and becoming valued and participating members of the community.”

Each year, in conjunction with several national organizations, most local service providers celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. This year, the week runs from Sept. 11 through Sept. 17. This is a great time for all agencies, schools, families and members of the community to recognize the work of these individuals for everything that they do to ensure that individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities have the same opportunities and experiences as their peers.

As was the case for every industry, the pandemic created many difficulties in the hiring of DSP’s and, consequently, many individuals were not able to participate in programs or community activities. This had a very strong impact on this population and their families and was a difficult reminder of how important DSP’s are.

So, is being a Direct Support Professional a job or a vocation? It has all of the characteristics of a job but I believe for most people whether they are in this field long or short term, it had the heart and soul of a vocation. Happy DSP week to all of you throughout the state.