Heroes
Direct Support Professionals
OUR COMMUNITY ’ S UNSUNG HEROES
A vibrant community recognizes police officers , firefighters and EMTs as the visible hands and feet of the organizations they represent - and rightfully so . After all , these first responders often put themselves in harm ’ s way for the betterment of all . Perhaps lesser known , Direct Support Professionals ( DSPs ) across San Diego , the state of California , and the country also spend their days working to better their communities . However , their front line is quite different . DSPs strive to create opportunities for some of our communities ’ most excluded - individuals with intellectual and / or developmental disabilities ( I / DD ).
Locally , the I / DD community is served by a variety of organizations . Some focus on adults , others on children , and others yet on specific kinds of disorders . Yet collectively , they own plenty of common ground . For instance , they offer paths toward independence , self-sufficient living ,
78 GBSAN . COM | OCTOBER 2022
PHOTO CREDIT : OFA FILM & MEDIA STUDENTS