In honor of DSP Recognition Week and as part of our new Dedicated DSPs series, we’re spotlighting DSPs across LADD who go above and beyond. Read on to get to know Francis Popisil, a social guide in our Community Connections Program.

How long have you worked for LADD? 

I have worked for LADD for two years and one month. 

Tell us a little bit about what you do.

I work for the Community Connections Program as a Social Guide. I pick up people in a van and take them out in the community. Since Covid-19 our choices for outings have been limited. In the past we would visit museums, go to the movies, bowl and eat out. Nowadays we go for a lot of walks, play games and have cookouts.  

Why were you inspired to work with people with developmental disabilities?

At my previous job at WordPlay I was a tutor and teaching artist. At WordPlay I partnered with Visionaries and Voices. I also had a few students at WordPlay who were on the Autism spectrum. I found working with these students to be challenging and rewarding. My biggest inspiration though was getting to know my partner’s Uncle Dean who is on the Autism spectrum. He moved to Cincinnati and now lives next door to us. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love getting to know people on an individual level and learning about their interests and how they prefer to interact and communicate. I really like how LADD has created such a positive community and that even people who I don’t directly support light up when I see them on campus.

Name one thing you’ve learned from someone you support.

I learn something from everyone I support whether it’s Chris sharing his love of Anime or Kyle teaching me about martial arts. The biggest lesson learned though was early in my career at LADD. I had a young woman in my group who was non-verbal. I was amazed to discover that even though she didn’t speak she understood everything I said to her. One day I had to take her home in my personal vehicle. I told her so and that I drove a little sports car that was parked in the upper lot. She took off and when I caught up to her she was standing next to my car in the upper lot.

What does it take to be an outstanding DSP?

I think a major key to being an outstanding DSP is active listening. Even if someone is non-verbal, they are constantly giving us clues about how they are feeling and what their interests are.