THE DSP HANDBOOK

Empowering Direct Support Professionals

Discover essential resources for direct support professionals and employers, including role descriptions, historical context, workforce retention insights, skill-building tools, marketing strategies and tools, advocacy support, self-care resources, and a DEI toolkit.

“We are recognized in the community and hear, “it takes a special kind of person to do what you do”. We deserve more than that.”

-Direct Support Professional from Upstate NY

About the DSP Handbook

This handbook was created by the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation to help attract and educate new direct support professionals, engage incumbent workers, and support HR professionals in recruiting new workers. The New York Alliance’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for positive change and innovation and a leading resource for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the organizations supporting them.

A woman wearing headphones, immersed in music, with a focused expression on her face.

Key Features of the DSP Handbook

A man wearing a yellow shirt converses with a boy, highlighting an interaction between two individuals.

What is a DSP

Our handbook includes detailed training modules that cover essential skills and knowledge areas for direct support professionals.

A man and woman stand together in front of a large tree, surrounded by greenery and natural light.

Visual Timeline

This timeline provides a historical perspective on services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A woman and a boy relax in a pool, sharing smiles and laughter under the bright sun.

Advancing Direct Support

Explore resources for training, professional development, marketing campaigns, and podcasts that advance the profession of direct support.