This week is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, recognizing the integral role these dedicated professionals play in supporting the full independence and participation of people with disabilities in the community. Direct support professionals, or DSPs, go through hundreds of hours of education and training to be able to provide a range of services and supports to their clients, who are most often people with intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disabilities. DSPs work in family and individual homes, group settings, and centers, and they are vital partners for the people they support. Their work can include tasks typically done by teachers, nurses, occupational and physical therapists, and vocational counselors.

Research has shown that the DSP workforce has faced significant challenges in recent years, from low wages and high turnover to the health risks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has also shown that improving working conditions and benefits may reduce turnover and improve services for people with IDD—including for those with co-occurring mental health conditions. DSPs may also help their clients access community supports and reduce healthcare costs.

We looked at research and resources from the NIDILRR community and elsewhere to support and strengthen the DSP workforce, so that its members can fulfill their commitment to their clients.

NIDILRR-funded Research and Development

• The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Community Living and Participation Among People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities conducts advanced research, training, and technical assistance, and dissemination activities focused on community living and participation of individuals with IDD, including the crucial role of DSPs. Current research includes identifying potential solutions to direct support workforce high vacancy and turnover rates at the employee, employer, and systems levels.
  • Their newsletter Frontline Initiative covers issues important to DSPs, such as self-care for DSPs, diversity in the profession, and ways DSPs support health, wellness, and employment.
  • Their Wellness Matters for Direct Support podcast features discussions with DSPs, coaches, and advocates around how DSPs can support their own health and wellness so they can be there for their clients.
  • They have also developed the College of Direct Support, part of DirectCourse, which is a suite of competency-based, online curricula for professionals providing services to people with disabilities and older adults.
• Two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects are developing technology to support people with IDD and cognitive disabilities and their DSP partners in staying healthy and prepared for emergencies. These will be part of the Cognitopia web platform.
  • Development of a Person-Centered System for Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with IDD to improve self-management and communication needs in emergency situations; and enable formal and informal first responders to more effectively communicate, support, and render aid in an emergency. The product will be tested by key user groups, including DSPs who may be called upon to provide services and support in such situations.
  • Development of a Model System for Person Centered Oral Health Care Support for Individuals with IDD to help individuals to take a more active role in their daily oral hygiene, so they will be more likely to have successful routine dental visits. In addition, their care providers will have increased access to strategies specific to this target population. In consultation with dental practitioners, oral health supports can be customized to enhance better self-care using individualized routines to foster consistent training, prompting, and encouragement by DSPs.

Elsewhere in the Community

• The Administration for Community Living gathered information about initiatives and programs across the Federal government to strengthen the direct care workforce, including a Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center, research-based strategies and tools, and reports on approaches to expanding the workforce and make it a viable career path.
• The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) at the Department of Labor highlights DSPs as part of the broader workforce of Direct Care Workers supporting people with disabilities in meeting their employment goals. Visit their program area page to learn about professionalizing the DSP workforce, training and career pathways, and promising practices for credentialing and apprenticeship programs.
• ANCOR and the National Association of Direct Support Professionals are organizations run by and for DSPs. They provide professional development opportunities and advocate for the DSP workforce and the communities they serve.
• Many community colleges offer classes and training for DSPs and those interested in becoming a DSP, with programs that may lead to certifications or degrees. Check with your local community college admissions office!

Dive Deeper into the Research

Are you interested in exploring the research around DSPs? Explore publications indexed in our REHABDATA database about direct support professionals, including publications from NIDILRR-funded projects.

From the NARIC team: A deep, heartfelt Thank You to all the DSPs and direct care workers in our community!