NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Larry Lauff
Congratulations to Larry Lauff who has been selected as the April 2026 NADSP E-Badge Academy Earner of the Month. We are recognizing Larry for his excellent Empower DSPs E-Badge submission. This badge represents work involving and empowering DSPs by taking a direct interest in their roles and responsibilities. By earning this badge you are encouraging DSPs to try new ideas, seeking DSPs’ opinions and input regarding various issues, and empowering DSPs to make decisions.
Larry works as a Program supervisor at Core Services of Northeast Tennessee. The mission of Core Services is to be committed to empowering people with intellectual disabilities to live a shared vision of a valued life in connection with family, friends and community life. Core Services is a 2022 Moving Mountains Award Winner. Learn more about Core Services by clicking here.
Larry’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Larry about his experiences with the NADSP E-Badge Academy. The questions covered how he carries out his work, the skillsets he demonstrates on a daily basis, the impact that the E-Badge Academy has had on their professional recognition, and how they get credit for competency.
Describe the story you shared in carrying out that competency:
My story was about how Core Services has developed a DSP council to empower and promote DSP perspectives across the agency. This council is self governed by DSPs and they go over agency policy and procedures and other agenda items effecting DSPs at Core Services.
Why is this competency so important to DSPs?
Giving DSPs power over change and policy allows for the buy in for staff. I think this competency allows for supervisors to take a step back and see how our work effects DSPs and hopefully allows change for our DSPs to have more control and say over how things are going.
Have you used this competency in your work?
Directly talking to DSPs regularly to stay ahead of their needs and together finding new ways of achieving our goals.
How can other DSPs replicate your practices?
I think getting the administration team together and getting them to buy in is the most imperative thing and getting a team of DSPs together that want to see growth not just wanting the power of it. Making sure it’s real and can actually effect change is important as well. I think companies need more employee buy in for things and a council comprised of only DSPs has allowed for the change and growth the employees want to see and the change they want from us as well. Giving staff more say more of the time is incredibly important no matter the field.
How does the NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit your agency?
By giving everyone the chance to be credentialed. Some people grew up not having the opportunity for continued education and this gives them a chance.
How does NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit the people you support?
By giving a spot light to them. To be seen and heard in a louder way. By giving them the loudest voice.
What does the future hold for your involvement in the NADSP E-Badge Academy?
To complete my Front line supervisor certification and then whatever else comes my way. I’m always searching for new learning opportunities.
How has NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your professional image?
Yes, I think it has helped for me to meet new people in this field and has helped me grow professionally. I appreciate what NADSP has done and will continue to do for DSPs and the people we support!!
Congratulations from Core Services
Larry is a hardworking and dedicated Frontline Supervisor. Larry embodies the Code of Ethics and strives to provide detailed support and education for DSPs within the workforce to learn and grow. Larry goes above and beyond to listen attentively to the perspectives of others in a manner that is respectful and empowering to them. Larry is a great asset to the organization. Congratulations on your achievement!
-Jessie Dunn, Program Director Core Services of Northeast Tennessee
The NADSP E-Badge Academy
The NADSP E-Badge Academy offers Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Frontline Supervisors (FLSs) the ability to earn national certification through stackable electronic badges. These badges demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and values that these professionals utilize every day, recognizing the professional development that might otherwise go unacknowledged. Through the NADSP E-Badge Academy, DSPs and FLSs are acknowledged for the experience and education that they bring to the human services field.
NADSP E-Badge Academy Earners Of The Month
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Larry Lauff
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Olivia Grizzle
NADSP E-Badge Earner of the Month: Kerri Hickey
