More Than a Job: Finding Purpose Through Disability Support Work

For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed that people with disabilities can learn to do anything anyone else can — they may just need different approaches. That belief, rooted in compassion and equality, has shaped my journey. And now, as a Direct Support Professional, I’ve found a kind of purpose that goes far beyond a paycheck.

My grandmother once told me something that stuck with me: “You may go your entire life looking for your life’s purpose, when helping people along the way was your purpose the whole time.” I spent years trying different paths, all with the hope of helping others. But it wasn’t until I began working with individuals who often don’t have a voice — or don’t yet know how to use it — that I felt truly aligned with who I was meant to be.

Purpose in the Everyday

What makes this work different from a typical job is simple: I get to help people live life. One of my clients loves going to the movies, out to eat, and spending time at the beach. Another finds joy in swinging at the park, swimming, and using the elliptical at the rec center. I get to help them do what they love — not just exist, but enjoy life. And that fills my days with meaning.

I also support one client with daily living skills like laundry, trash, dishes, and personal hygiene. Teaching him to do more for himself isn’t just about independence — it’s about dignity. Knowing that I’m part of that journey is incredibly rewarding.

The Personal Growth Behind the Work

This job has reshaped the way I think, feel, and respond — not just at work, but in life. I’ve become more emotionally aware, more patient, and slower to jump to conclusions. I’ve learned that while I may face challenges in my own life, I often have the tools and autonomy to change my outcomes. That self-awareness and perspective have made me more grounded and grateful.

To Anyone Considering This Work

If someone were to ask me why they should consider working in disability support, I’d invite them to think about a time they felt stuck — when something seemed impossible. Then I’d ask them to remember who helped them through it. That same kind of support is what individuals with intellectual disabilities need every single day.

This work takes a team. No, we may not make life perfect for the people we support, but we absolutely help make it more joyful, more accessible, and more meaningful.

And in the process — we find our own purpose, too.