NADSP Advocacy

The mission of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) is “to elevate the status of direct support professionals by improving practice standards, promoting system reform, and advancing their knowledge, skills and values.” When it comes to the “promoting system reform” component of our mission, it’s essential that we actively engage in advocacy to advance policy and legislation that benefits direct support professionals (DSPs). To live out our mission, we are producing resources, working with legislators, and partnering with national organizations to amplify the voices of DSPs and drive systemic change at all levels.

2025 Disability Policy Seminar

NADSP was excited to join the Disability Policy Seminar as partner this spring in Washington, D.C. The Disability Policy Seminar is an annual federal legislative conference focused on cultivating champions on Capitol Hill and advancing the grassroots movement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

NADSP’s Latest Policy Updates

NADSP Senior Policy Advisor Nicole Jorwic shares the latest policy updates. Click the learn more button below for our most recent advocacy alerts. 

NADSP Policy Priorities

NADSP has prioritized the following proposed legislation in its advocacy efforts. Our organization is actively working to secure support for these bills by increasing the number of cosponsors and organizing advocacy efforts through public policy events and initiatives.

At this time, NADSP is actively monitoring proposed legislation in the 2025 United States House and Senate. If you have any questions on NADSP’s policy priorities, please email our Senior Policy Advisors, Nicole Jorwic (njorwic@nadsp.org) and Gary Blumenthal (gblumenthal@nadsp.org). 

“I believe that NADSP’s advocacy efforts will one day lead to true, systemic change that will improve the lives of many.”

- Joseph Macbeth, NADSP President & CEO

NADSP Advocacy & Policy Resources

NADSP has produced a number of different articles, guides, videos etc. to help educate DSPs and inform the broader human services field. These materials provide information about NADSP’s legislative priorities, advocacy efforts, and more.

US Capitol Building - Washington, DC

The Time For Advocacy Is Now!

The following article is part of an ongoing series about the NADSP Competency Areas. The NADSP Competency Areas offer DSPs ...
Response to HHS on Autism

Response to HHS on Autism

The National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals is deeply disappointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s ...
Logo for the 2025 NADSP Conference: Elevate

2025 NADSP Conference: Elevate

2025 NADSP Conference: Elevate When it comes to issues affecting direct support professionals – wages, benefits, professional development, recognition, career ...
NADSP Policy Update: We Must Stop the Attack on Medicaid and Community Living

NADSP Policy Update: We Must Stop the Attack on Medicaid and Community Living

The Trump Administration's decision to eliminate the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and propose $880 billion in Medicaid cuts will ...
NADSP Policy Update:  Direct Support Professionals and allies Must Speak Out – HHS Decision Threatens Disability and Aging Supports

NADSP Policy Update: Direct Support Professionals and allies Must Speak Out – HHS Decision Threatens Disability and Aging Supports

Today, the Trump Administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced a major reorganization that will ...
NADSP Policy Update:  A Call to Action for the Disability Community -March 18, 2025

NADSP Policy Update: A Call to Action for the Disability Community -March 18, 2025

We were excited to welcome Gary Blumenthal, NADSP’s Public Policy and Communications Advisor, last week. In his first policy update, ...
A direct support professional assists a woman using a wheelchair to enter a van, with a ramp.

Webinar: Informing Workforce Development Strategies: The DSP Experience Inside and Outside the Workplace

Many people in the IDD field began their careers as direct support professionals, so they understand some of the experiences ...
Virtual Training: Understanding Informed Decision Making for Direct Support Professionals

Virtual Training: Understanding Informed Decision Making for Direct Support Professionals

In embracing a person-centered approach and supporting self-direction, people receiving support need to be empowered to make their own choices ...

Advocacy & Policy Sponsors

We would like to thank the following organizations for their support of NADSP’s advocacy initiatives. Their partnership helps ensure that NADSP can continue its efforts to promote system reform that will positively impact DSPs.

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