Advocating for Inclusion: What Disability Support Professionals Do Behind the Scenes

Inclusion isn't just about letting someone sit at the table — it’s about making sure they’re seen, heard, and valued. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), advocating for inclusion means standing beside individuals with intellectual disabilities and helping the world understand, accept, and adapt to them — not the other way around.

Before entering this field, I took many things for granted. I could walk into a restaurant, read a menu, place an order, and be understood. But not everyone has that luxury. One of my clients, for example, cannot read or verbalize what he wants to eat. When we visited a popular restaurant that only had a wall menu behind the cashier, the lack of options made what should have been a fun outing incredibly stressful. That’s when I step in — asking for accommodations, offering gentle explanations, and making sure he gets to participate fully, just like anyone else.

In the Community: Standing Up, Speaking Out

In public, my clients may express themselves through vocal stims or body movements that draw attention. At the movies or the grocery store, we sometimes get stares. Children occasionally ask what's “wrong” when one of my clients swings at the park or makes excited sounds. In those moments, I don’t just shush or walk away — I advocate. I explain that they are autistic, and that this is how they communicate joy or excitement. Most people, once given the context, are understanding. Some even offer words of support — and I always reply with, “Thank you. They deserve to be included like everyone else.”

Behind the Scenes: The Work No One Sees

True advocacy starts before we ever step out the door. I work closely with families and support teams to understand each client’s communication style, especially when it’s not verbal. Some use communication binders or assistive devices, but often, facial expressions and body language tell me everything I need to know — and that understanding comes from time, trust, and consistency.

The emotional toll of learning these communication preferences is real, especially in the beginning. But consistency pays off. I’ve started building a list of inclusive places where my clients feel comfortable and accepted, and I’m always exploring new spots with them. I also make an effort to connect with people at these locations — staff, community members, and other families — building a network of awareness and empathy one visit at a time.

Why It Matters

If I could share one message, it would be this: inclusion opens eyes — and hearts. Working closely with individuals who experience the world differently has completely changed how I see everyday life. Through their eyes, I’ve come to understand what true accessibility, patience, and belonging really mean.

DSPs do far more than accompany someone through their day — we advocate, translate, adapt, and uplift. We’re not just supporting people with disabilities — we’re helping reshape a world where everyone can belong.