News And Events

The very latest articles, events, and developments from NADSP
Let's Talk: The Power of Words: Why Language Matters

Let’s Talk: The Power of Words: Why Language Matters

Direct support professionals (DSPs) do some of the most important work in our communities. Every day, they help people live ...
Strengthening the DSP Workforce and Disability Services in Pennsylvania

Strengthening the DSP Workforce and Disability Services in Pennsylvania

“We cannot build a strong disability service system on poverty wages for Direct Support Professionals.” Pennsylvania House Bill 1939 represents ...
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Olivia Grizzle

NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Olivia Grizzle

Congratulations to Olivia Grizzle who has been selected as the March 2026 NADSP E-Badge Academy Earner of the Month. We ...
The Essentials Of Person-Centered Assessment

The Essentials Of Person-Centered Assessment

Embrace thorough and person-centered assessment practices in your work ...
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Kerri Hickey

NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Kerri Hickey

Congratulations to Kerri Hickey who has been selected as the February 2026 NADSP E-Badge Academy Earner of the Month. We ...
A woman receives change at a restaurant counter

DSP Advocacy During Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month

Help educate community members about needs and services ...
NADSP Policy Update: Federal Funding Update: FY2026 Appropriations and Potential Shutdown

NADSP Policy Update: Federal Funding Update: FY2026 Appropriations and Potential Shutdown

Dear NADSP Community, We are living through extremely challenging days. Events are changing rapidly, and it has become increasingly difficult ...
NADSP Policy Update: Bipartisan Proposal Aims to Protect Essential Education Programs

NADSP Policy Update: Bipartisan Proposal Aims to Protect Essential Education Programs

Dear NADSP Community, I want to share an important update from Congress and express our sincere appreciation to the bipartisan ...
A white man with Down syndrome points at a digital menu board

Empowering People In Making Their Own Choices

Promote choice, voice, and control for people receiving support ...
Let's Talk: Swallowing Complexities, IDD, and Ethics

Let’s Talk: Swallowing Complexities, IDD, and Ethics

Direct support professionals (DSPs) in the community provide vital care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) when supporting ...
Virtual Training: Supporting the Whole Person: Effective Approaches for DSPs Working with Individuals with IDD and Mental Health Needs

Virtual Training: Supporting the Whole Person: Effective Approaches for DSPs Working with Individuals with IDD and Mental Health Needs

NADSP is excited to share our first virtual training of 2026. We have teamed up with NextGen Synergy to create ...
NADSP News: Meet Our Newly Elected Board Officers

NADSP News: Meet Our Newly Elected Board Officers

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) is pleased to announce its newly elected board officers. The board of ...
A person wearing a winter hat has their back to the camera as they watch a winter holiday parade.

Community Activities: Creating Connections During The Holidays

Improve your supports so people can participate meaningfully in community activities ...
The Role of Direct Support Professionals in  Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The Role of Direct Support Professionals in Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3, serves as a ...
NADSP Condemns President's Use of the "R-Word

NADSP Condemns President’s Use of the “R-Word

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals is deeply disheartened by the President’s recent use of the “R-word” to attack ...
A Time for Gratitude

A Time for Gratitude

The Thanksgiving holiday tends to be a time for reflection, connection, and especially appreciation. It’s no different for all of ...
Join Us In Welcoming Our New Board Members!

Join Us In Welcoming Our New Board Members!

The NADSP Board of Directors and Staff would like to recognize with gratitude our outgoing board members, starting with our ...
A black man wearing a red shirt points his pen at a whiteboard with sticky notes. Two other colleagues observe.

The Positive Impact Of Professional Development For DSPs

Learn about the importance of professional development for DSPs and the impact it has on people supported ...
Let's Talk: Practice and Study Makes You Professional! The Role of Continuing Education for Direct Support Professionals

Let’s Talk: Practice and Study Makes You Professional! The Role of Continuing Education for Direct Support Professionals

Join NADSP team members, John Raffaele and Brian Gelb for a webinar exploring how DSP training, education, and professional development empower ...
NADSP Policy Update: Federal Shutdown & SNAP Benefits, WIC Services

NADSP Policy Update: Federal Shutdown & SNAP Benefits, WIC Services

Dear Colleagues, Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown that began on October 1, tens of thousands of Direct Support ...