Understanding Dual Diagnosis: How DSPs Can Better Support Individuals with IDD and Mental Health Conditions
When a person with an intellectual or developmental disability starts withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed
· 6 min
From Doubt to Dedication: How Yadira Melo Found Her Calling as a Direct Support Professional
When Yadira Melo's sister first suggested she try working as a Direct Support Professional, Yadira hesitated.
· 8 min
The Communication Skills That Transform Care: Essential Training for Building Trust with Residents and Families
Communication forms the foundation of every meaningful relationship in direct care settings.
· 7 min
From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Self-Care Training Strengthens Direct Support Professionals and Improves Care Quality
Direct support professionals pour their hearts into caring for others, often at the expense of their own wellbeing.
· 7 min
5 Skills Every Direct Support Professional Should Master in Their First 90 Days
The first three months as a Direct Support Professional set the foundation for a fulfilling, successful career.
· 7 min
How Training Transforms Adult Day Services
The difference between a good Adult Day Services program and an exceptional one often comes down to how well staff understand person-centered care.
· 5 min
How Direct Support Professionals Build Meaningful Connections: 7 Evidence-Based Communication Techniques
The most successful Direct Support Professionals share a common skill that transforms their work from task completion to genuine relationship-building: exceptional communication.
· 11 min
Ten Years of Excellence: How Patient Care and Deep Empathy Define One DSP's Career
Bei Dzekem Kenso never planned to become a Direct Support Professional.
· 5 min
Why Maryland's Direct Support Workforce Is Struggling—And How Better Training Can Help
Maryland's developmental disabilities service system faces a workforce challenge that affects everyone involved—individuals receiving services
· 6 min
Maryland DDA Training for Agency Administrators: Ensuring Team-Wide Compliance
Managing training compliance across an entire agency presents unique challenges for Maryland developmental disabilities service providers.
· 6 min
From DSP to Supervisor: Career Advancement Through DDA Training in Maryland
A career as a Direct Support Professional doesn't have to be a dead end.
· 8 min
Building a Maryland DDA Training Program That Retains Staff
Direct support professional turnover rates nationally hover around 50%, creating significant challenges for Maryland agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
· 6 min