There are more than 5.4 million adults with autism in the United States (CDC). Many autistic and neurodivergent adults are supported by Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
The role of a DSP can be multi-faceted, similar to many licensed healthcare professionals (see chart). Their mandated training, however, only focuses on safety and compliance. This leaves DSPs without the tools to support the well-being of the whole person, this starts with guidance from DSPs.
How do we provide DSPs with the tools and resources necessary to ensure that those they serve can live up to their fullest potential?
OUR SOLUTION
NEXT for DSP, is a professional development curriculum that transforms mandatory compliance into skill-based training that empowers DSPs to prioritize the health and safety of those under their care while fostering lifelong growth. NEXT for DSP provides organizations with cutting-edge competency- and performance-based training grounded in best practices as well as ongoing mentoring from a team of professionals. The program provides professional support for DSPs while simultaneously creating improved outcomes for the people they support.
HOW WE DO IT
NEXT for DSP is deployed through a combination of virtual interactive eLearning, in-person classroom instruction, on-the-job mentoring, and ongoing observation and feedback sessions. Lessons and data collection are centered on 4 pillars: Choice, Belonging, Healthy Living, and Life-Long Learning with the goal of empowering individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities to:
- Make supported decisions
- Encourage a sense of belonging
- Facilitate connections and relationships within their community
- Achieve healthy living outcomes
In addition to promoting healthy lifestyle practices, this unique learning model increases independence across the lifespan.
WHY IT'S DIFFERENT
Ongoing coaching and fidelity checks, combined with person-centric key performance indicators, make NEXT for DSP unique. Instead of checking a box with a one-time training, NEXT for DSP helps your organization stay accountable and provides the tools and support necessary for your staff to continually grow. Our actionable performance data can be used in real-time to pinpoint areas of growth and produce long-term results while validating the quality-of-service delivery to individuals served with third-party metrics.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Real-time data collection
- Interactive training and observation
- Easy to use dashboard identifies strengths and growth opportunities
- Digital trainings and resources
A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT
We know that your staff time is at a premium. By proactively setting up systems that work NOW, you save time putting out fires LATER. That’s an investment worth making! Here’s what you’ll need to make NEXT for DSP successful:
- Cultural buy-in at all levels of the organization
- Designated trainers & observers. This can be your current training team OR other organizational leaders
- Four hours of online and in-person training per DSP
- Three hours per month of data collection, observation, and feedback per home/program location
GAME-CHANGING RESULTS
At the end of the day, NEXT for DSP delivers real results. Here’s what our data shows:
- Efficient expansion of DSP skillset and knowledge
- Improved DSP job satisfaction
- Increase DSP retention resulting in continuity of care
- Quality outcomes for those served, including increased independence, engagement, and satisfaction
NEXT for DSP has been piloted at the Arc Westchester and the Arc Palm Beach. Through these pilots, we have trained upwards of 150 DSPs, 30 Frontline Supervisors, 20 Clinicians, and 10 Directors. Ultimately, we have impacted 482 individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities (and counting) across residential, day programs, and schools.
MAKE A GIFT
Help us revolutionize the way Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are trained with NEXT for DSP. Your donation will allow us to continue to test and expand our model, providing the essential tools and best practices necessary for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities to live their most independent and fulfilling lives.
