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.

Action Alert: The Bill Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act Passes the Senate

Action Alert: The Bill Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act Passes the Senate

The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S1332) passed in the Senate yesterday. The push now moves to ...
Logo for 2022 NADSP Policy Event

2024 NADSP Advocacy Symposium: Building A Grassroots Movement

About the Event ​This spring, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) will embark on its third national advocacy ...
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 ...
2023 NADSP Annual Conference

2023 NADSP Annual Conference

September 8 - 9, 2023Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square300 W Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 The National Alliance ...
NADSP News: Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S.1332)  Advances through Committee!

NADSP News: Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S.1332) Advances through Committee!

I think it was appropriate that on the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the American with Disabilities Act, the ...
Celebrating Pride Month with Proud and Supported Advisory Council Members

Celebrating Pride Month with Proud and Supported Advisory Council Members

In celebration of Pride Month, NADSP asked Proud and Supported Advisory Council members, Matthew Kuriloff and Matt Maclean to share ...
Call for Frontline Initiative Authors

Call for Frontline Initiative Authors

Frontline Initiative is a publication produced through a partnership between the Institute on Community Integration and the National Alliance for ...
Exterior image of the US Capitol building

2023 NADSP Advocacy Symposium: Amplifying the Direct Support Professional Workforce

About the Event On May 3rd and 4th, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) will embark on its ...

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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