Commentary from the field
The shortage of skilled Direct Support Professionals (DSPS) is a systemic crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored how essential a versatile direct support workforce truly is. Seventeen years ago, Larson and Hewitt outlined DSP recruitment and retention challenges, their dire impacts on people with IDD, and recommended career pathways as a promising solution.
In 2017, a consortium of five provider agencies formed the Maryland Direct Support Training Program (MDDSP) with SEEC as lead agency. The MDDSP created a competency-based training framework using a ladder and lattice approach. Progress along a ladder of knowledge acquisition is enhanced by a lattice of specialization options including DSP Mentor, DSP Job Coach, and the opportunity earn a national credential such as Registered Behavior Technician, or Certified Employment Support Professional. To date, the MDDSP has served DSPs at 10 provider agencies and successfully trained nearly 300 DSPs with a credentialed learner’s retention rate of 91%.
Notables
Recent awards, accolades, appointments, and other honors
- Dr. Elizabeth Perkins Awarded the 2022 George S. Jesien Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities
- Stanfort J. Perry, CEO, AHRC Nassau, was elected to serve as the Second Vice Chair of the National Conference of Executives (NCE) of The Arc, a peer membership organization supporting executive directors, management staff and volunteer leaders.
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Notables: Recent awards, accolades, appointments, and other honors
Perspectives: Commentary from the field
AAIDD is looking to feature notables and perspective pieces from our members in the field! Send us your commentary to be featured in a future Leadership in IDD Newsletter.
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