Enhancing DSP Training to Support Quality of Life

Kelly Thacker, MA

Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a crucial role in promoting quality of life for the people with developmental disabilities (DD) they support each day. Despite their critical role, training for DSPs across the country is often insufficient for the complexity of the work. DSPs are routinely expected to support individuals with significant medical, behavioral, and communication needs with minimal instruction. Without training to promote high expectations and quality of life, DSPs tend to prioritize compliance and task completion over person-centered outcomes, an approach that limits opportunities for those they support to exercise autonomy, build meaningful relationships, and fully participate in their communities. Inadequate training also contributes to high turnover among DSPs, which disrupts care continuity and undermines the stability and well-being of those relying on DSP supports.

National investment in standardized, competency-based training can improve service quality, support professionalization of the workforce, and ensure that people with DD receive supports that promote dignity, independence, and meaningful lives.