This episode is Featuring Jennifer Ochs, Ms. Wheelchair Colorado 2023
• An overview of Direct Support work;
• The role of a DSP for people with developmental disabilities;
• How to become a DSP; and
• The importance of a quality Direct Support workforce in every community.

Timestamps

• 2:15 – What is a DSP?
• 8:15 – The work DSPs do for those with Developmental Disabilities
• 9:55 – Who can be a DSP?
• 12:20 – Why DSPs are vital
• 14:13 – Understanding and Respecting DSPs, closing thoughts from Jennifer Ochs.

Quality Direct Support Professionals (DSP) are vital to the lives of people with disabilities. They are the professionals that provide supports such as helping with employment, providing personal care, and are sometimes the support that someone with a disability needs to be able to live independently. A shortage of DSPs has been mounting in the United States for years now, with a 2022 report finding that 71% of case managers are struggling to find available providers for direct support services. With DSPs being such a vital workforce, tune into Addressing the Direct Support Professional Shortage TRAINING series, to learn more about the challenges and solutions!

Why you should tune in
Understand the everyday lives of Direct Support Professionals and the need to support this essential workforce. Being a DSP is not just a job, but a skilled career and must be valued as such! Tune into this podcast/vodcast series to learn about the variables behind this workforce crisis and how you can get involved in the solutions.