Inclusion co-Editors, Colleen Thoma, PhD, FAAIDD, and LaRon Scott, EdD, are seeking submissions for a special issue of Inclusion, to be published in September 2023, regarding Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
“Prior to the global pandemic, the direct support workforce was
not stable, and over the last few years, the growing demand for DSPs has
intensified due to the pandemic. The need for high-quality and creative
services and supports for individuals with IDD also increased. In that
spirit, the editors for Inclusion plan a special issue
(forthcoming, Volume 10, Issue 4) intended to begin the conversation
about the status of DSPs. This call for papers will extend this
important conversation in the field as we contend that there is a strong
need to expand ways to assist people with IDD, as well as needing new
ways to problem solve through research advances in supports of DSPs.
Therefore, we invite manuscripts that tackle these issues head-on.”
Drs. Thoma and Scott invite manuscripts that extend what is known about the stability (e.g., working conditions, turnover, retention, training, investments, career pathways, credentialing, interventions, theories) of DSPs who work to promote the inclusion of people with IDD.
To be considered for the special issue, a brief abstract (no more than 250 words) should be submitted no later than December 15, 2022. Full manuscripts must be submitted by March 1, 2023. Tentative publication date is September 1, 2023. Please email questions and abstracts to Dr. Lauren Bruno