News
Elevating Care: Investing in Our Direct Support Professionals
September 9, 2025
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the backbone of the disability community, indispensable caregivers who empower people with disabilities to lead full, independent lives within their communities. They provide critical, day-to-day assistance—from personal care and health management to transportation and social engagement—truly enhancing the quality of life for those they support.
However, a national shortage of DSPs has created a looming crisis in the disability services sector. Demand for these vital services is projected to grow by an astounding 35% over the next decade. For families, DSPs offer more than just assistance; they provide peace of mind, lighten caregiving loads, and foster trust and stability. Without a robust and highly skilled DSP workforce, the well-being of both people with disabilities and their families is at risk.
Recognizing this critical need, Achieva has made a significant investment in its DSPs by implementing the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge Academy. This initiative is a game-changer, designed to elevate the standard of care, enhance professionalism, and ensure top-quality support.
NADSP training equips DSPs with specialized knowledge in person-centered planning, ethical decision-making, and effective communication, empowering them to deliver truly personalized and competent care.
The E-Badge Academy enables DSPs to earn digital badges that represent mastery of 12 core competencies in the direct support field. These badges accumulate toward formal certification at three distinct levels, offering a clear career ladder and recognizing their invaluable expertise. This program provides DSPs the opportunity to expand their skills, earn higher pay as they gain new credentials, and advance professionally within Achieva.
However, a national shortage of DSPs has created a looming crisis in the disability services sector. Demand for these vital services is projected to grow by an astounding 35% over the next decade. For families, DSPs offer more than just assistance; they provide peace of mind, lighten caregiving loads, and foster trust and stability. Without a robust and highly skilled DSP workforce, the well-being of both people with disabilities and their families is at risk.
Recognizing this critical need, Achieva has made a significant investment in its DSPs by implementing the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge Academy. This initiative is a game-changer, designed to elevate the standard of care, enhance professionalism, and ensure top-quality support.
NADSP training equips DSPs with specialized knowledge in person-centered planning, ethical decision-making, and effective communication, empowering them to deliver truly personalized and competent care.
The E-Badge Academy enables DSPs to earn digital badges that represent mastery of 12 core competencies in the direct support field. These badges accumulate toward formal certification at three distinct levels, offering a clear career ladder and recognizing their invaluable expertise. This program provides DSPs the opportunity to expand their skills, earn higher pay as they gain new credentials, and advance professionally within Achieva.
I must admit at first I thought what in the world have I gotten myself into and how can I possible watch/read so much training? But as I got used to the writing process for the badges on NADSP, and got to relive what I've experienced in my years as a DSP, I enjoyed recalling all of the good times, trying times, and scary times. The training has expanded my knowledge. I feel all aspects of this opportunity aid in what I have learned throughout the years and will still learn as one can never truly master a field, it's the journey along the way that guides us. Thans again for the support and opportunity."-Pam Thomas
Achieva launched the program with 22 DSPs in the first year, and is working toward ambitious goals to train, credential, and maintain credentialing for 100% of its front-line supervisors, and at least 25% of Achieva's total DSP workforce beginning this year. This commitment will not only enhance the quality of support for people with disabilities but also directly address the workforce shortage, creating a more skilled and sustainable professional team.
This project is fundamentally elevating the role of direct support professionals by raising practice standards, driving system reform, and significantly enhancing their knowledge, skills, and values. Achieva and NADSP are committed to ensuring people with disabilities fully participate in all aspects of community life through person-centered support. A highly trained, professional staff is equipped to empower people toward greater opportunity, independence, and meaningful contribution, ultimately strengthening their entire community.
This project is fundamentally elevating the role of direct support professionals by raising practice standards, driving system reform, and significantly enhancing their knowledge, skills, and values. Achieva and NADSP are committed to ensuring people with disabilities fully participate in all aspects of community life through person-centered support. A highly trained, professional staff is equipped to empower people toward greater opportunity, independence, and meaningful contribution, ultimately strengthening their entire community.