Direct support professionals (DSPs) have endured so much since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We dedicated this issue to hearing stories and linking to resources because we know that COVID-19 has impacted so much of their day-to-day work. This includes stories from DSPs who saw COVID-19 infect their co-workers and the people they support. Some recovered and some did not. It includes resources related to vaccines and stories from self-advocates, family members, DSPs, and administrators related to the importance of vaccines in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Results from the three waves of survey data collected from DSPs through a partnership between the ICI and the NADSP are summarized. This issue highlights the essential work that DSPs do and the importance of their decision-making, such as use of personal protective equipment, vaccinations, and self-care.

Frontline Initiative is a series covering the issues important to direct support professionals and supervisors who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other disabilities in a variety of community settings. Each feature issue contains resources, perspectives, and strategies to advance the profession of direct support.