Alex Berrios, Cedar Lake Residences
1. For how long have you been a DSP?
3 years.
2. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actor.
3. If they made a movie about your life, what would it be called?
The Life of Alex.
4. Why did you become a DSP?
I knew I had a calling for working with this population since I was in middle school and high school. I worked as an assistant coach with a unified sports program playing soccer, and I knew I wanted to give these folks a chance to be as independent as possible and have a full life of inclusion in all aspects of their life. I wanted them to have a choice in their quality of life. I also love the challenge of helping a client with their socialization skills and seeing their eyes light up when they make a new friend.
5. Who is your hero in real life?
My hero is my wife. She has been such a strong person over the last 6 years that I have known her. While I was diagnosed with kidney failure, she stepped up and watched as my quality of life was slowly going away, and she wouldnt let it happen. She made me live a life as full as I could even while I dialyzed 3 days a week for 3 hours. She also stepped up and helped me see even when your sick, don’t let it get you down and helped me see that life is worth living no matter what.
6. What is your favorite part about being a DSP?
My favorite part of being a DSP is learning about different ways to help the clients that I serve learn more about themselves through self-discovery and trial and error.
7. If you had one wish, what would it be?
My one wish would be that DSPs were properly paid for the position that we do. We are very under represented. ANCOR and NADSP have been amazing, but there needs to be more advocacy for us.
8. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being a father. Hands down!
9. If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower?
I would love to be able to read peoples’ minds.
10. What is one thing you wish people understood about you and your work?
That it is very difficult, but rewarding, and it’s not all about just personal care stuff but it’s also about seeing a client discover that he or she has unlimited potential.
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