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.”
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.
International Journal: Responsibilities of DSPs Off Duty
Congratulations to Dr. Diane Potts
2020 Moving Mountains Award
‘Black DSPs Matter’ Part 4: How do we convey what’s going on with people supported?
‘Black DSPs Matter’ Part 3: What do we need to hear as a field?
‘Black DSPs Matter’ Part 5: What do we need to do to change the narrative?
‘Black DSPs Matter’ Part 2: Is your company committed to changes and supporting you?
‘Black DSPs Matter’ Part 1: What prompted you to speak up?
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.