Tennessee DDA Remains Responsive To DSP Feedback

Posted on September 2, 2025

In September 2023, CQL featured the Direct Support Workforce Advisory Group – now called the DSP Voice Group – from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). The initiative gathers the perspectives of direct support professionals (DSPs) in Tennessee, involving what’s working and what could be improved about the DSP experience. DDA then uses that information to drive change across the State by developing workforce strategies specifically informed by the DSP Voice Group. The findings are also compiled into a report that is shared with stakeholders throughout Tennessee. During National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in 2025, we’re checking in with DDA for an update about their DSP Voice Group.

Submitted By: Robin Wilmoth, Director of Workforce Development, Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA)

A few years ago, discussions were being held by the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) and other State of Tennessee groups. These meetings covered the current and future workforce situation, explicitly addressing the direct support professional (DSP) role. It was determined that DDA and others needed to hear the current voice of DSPs throughout Tennessee. This all led to the creation of the Direct Support Workforce Advisory Group, now called the DSP Voice Group. It provides staff with an opportunity to share ideas that could positively impact the lives, wellbeing, and work of DSPs in the State.

The DSP Voice Group: Raising Awareness About DSPs

The DSP Voice Group has generated a lot of ideas for potential changes to benefit DSPs over the years. One area the group explored was how to promote the valuable role of a DSP, including how to start the conversation about the workforce. 

This is how the “What is a DSP” button campaign began. The thought was, how do we initiate this conversation with people who want to know, listen, and engage in it? A button was created and disseminated across Tennessee for DSPs, their advocates, stakeholders, families, and anyone who wanted to be part of it. It has been successful, and conversations have begun that have advanced the “Voice of the DSP” in Tennessee. With that, the Direct Support Workforce Advisory Group decided to change their name to the DSP Voice Group, as they stated, “We want to give guidance, but we also want our voice heard.”

The Impact Of The DSP Voice Group

The DSP Voice Group has been a huge success. Providers are now asking to have their DSP staff become part of the DSP Voice Group as openings occur. The DSPs who are part of it share knowledge and ideas firsthand (before the findings report paper is released at the end of the cycle) with their peers to better support people receiving services.

We are going into our third year, so now will be the time to start data points and measures. We will be getting a baseline of data from the Tennessee National Core Indicators State of the Workforce (SOW) report, monitoring it to see if overall DSP retention improves for the state. While many factors can affect TN NCI SOW scores – not just the DSP Voice Group – we would like to believe that providers are reviewing the outcomes and initiatives and using them in-house.

Confronting Challenges In Participation

While we have not encountered many challenges involving the DSP Voice Group, it has been somewhat of a struggle to get DSPs to participate from agencies that are located in more rural areas. This is due to the travel distance for in-person meetings, even though the DSP Voice Group meetings are held in three separate regions in Tennessee. 

To confront this challenge, virtual meetings were offered. However, we found virtual meetings to be difficult due to losing face-to-face interaction with DSPs. There were also instances when DSPs had other activities occurring, while the meetings were taking place.

Quick Tips For Implementation

1. Don’t be afraid to start small. 
2. Listen to what your stakeholders are saying. 
3. Always be honest and open. E.g., if DSPs raise the need for higher wages, how do you address this issue to make a markable change? It’s not sufficient to just say “we need more money.” 
4. Create a ‘safe space’ for meetings, where DSPs feel comfortable speaking up. 

In addition, you should recognize that not every DSP will be a good fit for an advisory committee. They need to be staff who have a vested intertest in improving services to people supported and DSPs. A DSP may be a good advocate for people receiving services, but not always understand the dynamic of operating a business or community perceptions, and how to change those. 

About The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA)

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) is to empower, support, and enhance the lives of people with disabilities and older Tennesseans by promoting independence, inclusion, and the pursuit of lifelong health. Its vision is to create an environment where every Tennessean, regardless of ability or age, has access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive and contribute to their communities.

You can learn more about the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) by visiting the website: https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging.html 

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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.