Organizations applying for the award are required to demonstrate how their direct support workforce practices and philosophy align with the key principles of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). These principles are:

• All direct support professionals benefit from access to well-constructed educational experiences (e.g., competency-based trainings, continuing and higher education) and lifelong learning;
• Certifying highly qualified workers incentivizes continuing education, increased compensation, and access to career pathways for direct support professionals thereby improving retention;
• Values-based and ethical decision making can be learned and infused into daily practice; and
• Strengthening relationships and partnerships between direct support professionals, self-advocates, and other advocacy groups and families improves the quality of support.

The programs/initiatives that are nominated can range from small (a single program) to large (statewide) in scope and can involve just a few or many DSPs. Organizations that have applied previously, but were not selected, are invited and encouraged to re-submit a nomination for this year’s competition. Recipients of this award must exemplify practices that support community living for people with disabilities and lived experiences. The RTC-CL, the NADSP, and ANCOR are looking for unique and creative initiatives that support community living and contribute to improving workforce outcomes for direct support professionals and their employers. We welcome applications from statewide/regional initiatives, local organizations, and individuals. Up to two awards may be presented each year. This year’s award winners will be honored at the Reinventing Quality Conference on July 31-August 2, 2022. The actual location and format of the award presentation will be based on our ability to gather and celebrate. Winners will be notified in advance.

To learn more about the awards click the button below. For information on previous award winners click here to visit our Moving Mountains Award page.