Reasons I love my job {we won't go into the reasons I hate it.. that might go a little longer.. positivity!}

• The first core value: "Christ is preeminent in all that we do." As a religious person, I love this. To me it's all about helping people through a power higher than ourselves. Regardless of religious views and orientations, we can all come together in an attitude of Christ-like service. Even if you don't believe in Jesus, you can still treat others as He did.
• The fifth core value: "People direct decisions that affect their lives, positively impact the communities in which they live, and are supported in living life to the full." Oftentimes society thinks that individuals with developmental disabilities can't make decisions for themselves. But that is absolutely not true! And my job is to provide support for their decisions. I am not a "caregiver", I am a supporter. My job title is Direct Support Professional - I am empowering people, not just taking care of them.
• We use languages of respect. This type of language puts the person in front of the disability. Instead of saying, "Katie is autistic," we say, "Katie has autism." She is not the disease. I would not say, "Tom is brown hair," I would say, "Tom has brown hair." We tend to put this completely all-encompassing label on those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as if they are completely defined by their medical conditions. At Bethesda we promote viewing those we support as individuals with differing levels of capabilities and talents.
• I like riding the MAX. :) It feels dangerous cuz it's all inner-city-y and there are so so many crazies. What's not to love about that?? ;)