DUNMORE, Pa. — St. Joseph's Center and PAR (Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resource for Autism and Intellectual Disability) held a news conference Thursday to highlight the Graduation to DSP Program (G2DSP).
The program provides high school students with experience working as Direct Support Professionals(DSPs). It is also helping to address a shortage of DSPs that has forced agencies to cut back on programs that allow individuals with intellectual disability and autism (ID/A) to live at home or in their community.
"Kids younger than me, I feel like, should have that opportunity to explore other options. That's what I did, and I absolutely loved it. It was the best decision I made to come here and be able to see a different perspective of things and having the people that supported me, I think that's what was really big for me," said Maria Luna, a West Scranton High School student. "You have to really have the patience for it, too, and to really get to know them and figure out what they like, and if you want to try something new and just try and meet new people, this is definitely the place to do it."
Get more information on the G2DSP program on St. Joseph's website.