Share Your DSP Program That Makes A Long-Lasting Impact

Posted on June 16, 2022

Every September, the human services field devotes one week to express gratitude for the commitment and contributions of direct support professionals (DSPs). In 2022, National DSP Recognition Week takes place from September 11-17. Throughout the week, organizations regularly host award ceremonies, staff luncheons, raffle giveaways, etc. Along with that, there are also agencies that have implemented long-lasting programs that concentrate on the systemic issues that DSPs face, such as low wages, high turnover, and limited career opportunities – just to list a few.

Similar to our campaigns during previous years, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) and CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership are working together to amplify programs that address these DSP workforce issues. We are looking for organization-wide initiatives that have effectively confronted topics such as:

NADSP and CQL will be publishing and sharing these programs through articles posted on our websites, which will be sent out via email and social media. This campaign is intended to spread best practices and help other organizations replicate these programs.

Submit Your DSP Program

After clicking the ‘Submit Program’ button, you will be directed to a survey for submitting your organization-wide program that positively impacts DSPs. You can submit multiple entries, but please only submit one program per survey submission. Before submitting your program, please be sure that you can answer “Yes” to the following questions:

• Is this a specific program or initiative? (vs. a mission/vision statement)
• Does your initiative/program have a long-lasting impact?
• Has there been a positive effect on the lives/work of DSPs?
• Are you able to provide DSP testimonials/quotes about that impact?
• Could other organizations replicate your efforts?

The deadline for submitting your program is 8/3/22.

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Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.