by Linsey Carducci | Apr 23, 2025 | DSP Profiles
I’ve been doing this work for over 20 years, and I still get emotional talking about it. That’s how I know I’m where I’m supposed to be.
Right now, I support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in finding and keeping jobs. Sometimes that means helping with applications and interviews. Sometimes it means checking in with a phone call or meeting with a manager. Other times, I’m in high schools, teaching students job skills as they prepare for what’s next. It all depends on what that person needs, and that’s what I love most. It’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s personal.
To me, being a DSP means treating people like people. Not just a job title. Not a diagnosis. Just another human being with hopes, strengths, struggles, and dreams. I want people to feel seen and heard. I want them to know they matter.
I started when I was 19, working in a house with 12 residents. A lot has changed since then, but some things haven’t. Like how powerful it is when someone trusts you—really trusts you—to support them. That doesn’t come easy. With so much turnover in this field, people have learned to protect themselves. Why open up when the next staff might be gone in a week?
That’s the hard part, earning someone’s trust when they’ve been let down before. But I stick with it. I take the time, even when I don’t have it. Because once that trust is there, everything changes. That’s when you see someone grow, take risks, and start to believe in themselves.
That’s what keeps me going, watching people realize what they’re capable of. I tell them all the time: “Be yourself. You can do anything.” And I mean it.
I’ve worked in group homes, day programs, and community-based programs. I’ve made calls to care coordinators, talked with doctors, and handled all kinds of paperwork. But none of that compares to the feeling you get when someone you’ve supported lands a job they love or tells you they feel confident for the first time. That’s what matters.
It’s hard sometimes, especially lately. Wages are going up everywhere, and it’s scary to think I might not be able to afford to stay in a job I love. But I’m doing everything I can to keep going, to hold onto this work that means so much to me. Because being a DSP isn’t just what I do. It’s who I am. And if I can show even one person that they’re valued, capable, and not alone, then I’ve done something right.
by Linsey Carducci | Apr 23, 2025 | DSP Profiles
I’ve been a direct support professional for about five years now, and I honestly love the work. I didn’t set out on this path—I kind of fell into it. A friend of mine worked for AHRC NYC and mentioned they were looking for people to join. I was curious, ready for something new, and started in an entry-level position. I’ve been here ever since.
In this role, I support people with disabilities in their day-to-day lives, but it’s more than just that. A big part of what I do is helping folks build skills—job skills, life skills, communication skills. We spend time in the community volunteering, attending book clubs to build reading skills, and just being out in the world doing things that matter. It’s all about working on goals that they set—things that are meaningful to them.
We’ve done everything from sorting baby donations for families in need in the Bronx, to organizing art supplies that go out to public schools, to delivering meals with different Meals on Wheels programs. Sometimes we help with landscaping and clean-up in Prospect Park. All of it is real work that gives back to the community, and the people I support take pride in that.
This job has taught me a lot, especially about patience. There are tasks I could do quickly, but the point isn’t for me to do them. It’s about giving the person I’m supporting the time and space to learn and do it themselves. That’s where the growth happens.
In this job, you have to learn to go with the flow. You can have a plan for the day, but things come up—unexpected stuff. You just figure it out in the moment. I’ve really learned to let go of the idea that everything has to go perfectly. Sometimes we’re late. Sometimes the plan changes. That’s life, and that’s okay.
What keeps me here is how meaningful the work is. I love working directly with people. It’s not always easy—it takes a lot of effort and flexibility—but it’s fun, too. You’re not just clocking in and out; you’re building relationships, and that’s powerful.
If someone’s thinking about getting into this work, I’d say: don’t expect to learn about people just from labels. You might be told, “This person has autism,” or “This person has a disability,” but none of that really tells you who they are. You have to take the time to get to know them. That’s how you really learn.
I see myself staying in this field long term. In the next few years, I’d love to grow within the organization and find new ways to help people even more. This work matters, and I’m proud to be part of it.
by Linsey Carducci | Apr 23, 2025 | DSP Profiles
I’ve been working as a direct support professional for 22 years, and I’m currently a house manager, supporting seven individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
I didn’t always see myself in this line of work. I actually started out studying computer science. But a friend of mine who worked in the field told me, “You’re full of empathy and compassion. I think this job is for you.” So I gave it a try. My first weekend on the job, I ended up in the ER with someone—and I got chased around the kitchen by a man I supported! It was a rough start, but I didn’t walk away. I wanted to learn more. I changed my major from computer science to human services, and I’ve been doing this work ever since.
Today, I manage a home where we support seven people. About half have families who are involved, and I make it a point to build strong relationships with them. Their loved ones may not see what’s happening every day, so I do what I can to keep them informed and feeling confident. If someone has a doctor’s appointment or needs something explained, I make sure I’m there and can follow up with their family. That’s just how I like to work.
I took my time moving into management. I wanted to make sure I was ready to give it 110%. Now that I’m in the role, I do just that. I care deeply about the people we support, and I also care about supporting the staff team. Teamwork and communication are key. If the staff is good, then the people we support are going to be good.
This work isn’t easy. Sometimes the people we support have tough days. Sometimes there’s an emergency. And honestly, the hardest part for me is the paperwork—not the people. But if you’re dedicated, you get it done.
The best part of this job? It’s the thank-yous. When someone I support says, “Thank you,” I know I’ve made a difference in their day. That makes it all worth it.
If you’re thinking about this kind of work, my advice is simple: Make sure your heart is in it. Even a little bit of compassion and empathy goes a long way. And don’t ever judge someone by their disability. The people we support are smart. They’re capable. And they teach me something new every day.