1	"College of Direct" College of Direct Support gateway to a profession
2	What is the College of Direct Support? Online learning program designed to focus in the areas that have been defined as most important in the work of Direct Support Professionals. Developed by the University of Minnesota’s Research and Training Center on Community Living and Institute on Community Integration
3	Mission Statement The College of Direct Support is a learning gateway for contemporary best practices for direct support professionals. By incorporating web-based learning, backed by nationally recognized curricula, the CDS is designed to help support a profession of direct care.
4	Developmental Disabilities Act of 2000 Congress included: “direct support workers….have played essential roles in providing support needed by individuals with DD and in expanding community options…” “Among the factors [that] have contributed to a decrease in….direct support workers….: [is] the lack of quality training and career advancement opportunities…”
5	Congress required the curriculum development project to be: Based on comprehensive job analysis of the content of direct support roles Guided by an advisory group with experience and expertise Field-tested and validated content and program
6	Why CDS? DSP Workforce and Quality Crisis Increasingly demanding roles & responsibilities (DSPs & supervisors) Geographic dispersion Inadequate/poor DSP training Lack of articulated skill sets and career paths Need to respond to new support options Offers a new method of training DSPs Cost effective Asynchronous (anytime, anywhere)
7	Collaborative Project The University of Minnesota Research & Training Center on Community Living The Institute on Community Integration MC Strategies Sertoma Center’s MyLife Foundation US Department of Health & Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities
8	Multimedia Solutions Higher retention (over 50% better) Can track hours, testing results Consistency in delivery format Individualized for the learner Flexibility in time and place (on demand) More interesting and engaging Improves computer literacy
9	A sample of States & organizations using the CDS Curricula include: Pennsylvania Minnesota ResCare SPIN South Dakota Kansas Tn Micro Boards Illinois Heritage Christian Services Virginia Mississippi District of Columbia Wyoming Evergreen Ministries CUNY
10	Community Support Skill Standards Participant Empowerment Communication Assessment Community and Service Networking Facilitation of Services Community Education, Training, & Self-Development Advocacy Vocational, Educational, and Career Support Crisis Intervention Organizational Participation Documentation
11	Course Outline Intro to Developmental Disabilities Individual Rights and Choice Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults and Children Positive Behavior Support Teaching People With Developmental Disabilities Supporting Healthy Lives Safety at Home and in the Community Community Inclusion Supporting Family and Friend Connections Documentation Direct Support Professionalism
12	Continuing Education Courses New Courses added regularly Use new courses as continuing educational opportunities for DSPs who have completed the Core curriculum
13	Professional Certification The completion of the College of Direct Support is designed to result in a certificate and a nationally recognized title of Direct Support Professional.
14	Long Term-Why have a professional certification? With other credentialed professions, i.e. HHA, CNA, LPN there is a national standard and understanding of the profession and respect for the amount of effort needed to become one of these professionals. If all frontline professional workers were combined into one credential there would be 7% * of the American workforce represented in a uniform way.
15	Interested in the College of Direct Support? DDEN can provide agencies with the product, orientation information, and administrative support Contact DDEN for a free full course demonstration before you send staff through the course
16	Choice & Capacity www.collegeofdirectsupport.com
17	21^st Century Learning for 21^st Century Careers