Elevating the Status of Direct Support Professionals

Achieva partnered with The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) to develop a credentialing program for DSPs

In concert with our efforts to infuse person-centered thinking, planning, and action into the hearts and minds of all Achieva stakeholders, the vision of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) is a world with a highly qualified and professional direct support workforce that partners with, supports, and empowers people with disabilities to lead a life of their choosing. NADSP works to elevate the status of direct support professionals by improving practice standards, promoting system reform, and advancing their knowledge, skills and values, through certification, credentialing, training, professional development, and accreditation services.

• Timely, relevant, and reliable news about the work of DSPs, particularly on topics like turnover, wages, benefits, opportunities for career advancement, and more.

• Live and archived “Let’s Talk” webinars which explore timely and critical topics.

• DSP events, presentations, resources and webinars on DSP best practices.

• The E-Badge Academy provides DSPs the ability to earn national certification through stackable electronic badges to demonstrate a DSPs knowledge, skills, and values.

• Certification provides national recognition for the contributions and competence of staff who meet the NADSP certification standards.

By becoming a NADSP member, Achieva is taking steps to invest in staff development and allocate resources to elevate the status of Direct Support Professionals, by providing the tools needed for success in their work.

Bob Wegner Training Manager, Achieva Support