In the community, you may know someone who supports people with developmental disabilities. You may even have thought, “Wow, I couldn’t do what they do.” The truth is, if you don’t have a personal connection to someone with a disability, you probably don’t know how important and rewarding this work can be.

What people also may not realize is that in the state of Maine, to work as a direct support professional, or DSP, in a residential or employment setting, you must be certified. Not only does this profession require rigorous training in the College of Direct Support, it demands a commitment to serve the needs of others above your own.

Potential DSPs are required to absorb a large volume of information before they are allowed to work in direct care — a great deal of responsibility at entry-level pay.

DSPs provide intimate care for the health and well-being of people with disabilities, and are also expected to be a personal advocate during doctor visits and other routine appointments.

At Community Partners, we support people with developmental disabilities in homes throughout Southern and Central Maine, and we also have a nursing home serving high medical needs in Lewiston. And, we help employees access the CDS curriculum, certification materials, online tests and live discussion sessions.

As the nursing home administrator, I oversee certified nursing assistants who are also certified as DSPs. Every day I witness these professionals providing life-sustaining support to people by managing complex care needs, developing thoughtful communication strategies, facilitating respectful conflict resolution, and helping to build self-confidence.

I see DSPs trying to make life better and easier for the people they support, many of whom have debilitating conditions.

The week of Sept. 8, we celebrate this important work force with National DSP Week. It is important to honor all DSPs for the time and commitment they provide to enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

DSPs are role models of patience, kindness and compassion, and this is certainly something to celebrate in our community.

Brad Peck is administrator with Community Partners Inc. in Lewiston.