Impact: Feature Issue on Direct Support Workforce Development (1998)

2010

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Clearly, the quality of services and supports provided to people with developmental disabilities is directly related to the quality of their direct support providers. Yet, as we have heard time and again from people with developmental disabilities, their family members, advocates, and provider agencies, finding and keeping quality direct support staff is a daunting task. Although it has always been challenging to cultivate a quality workforce, it is especially difficult when community services are growing rapidly, the economy is healthy, and the unemployment rate is low. This issue of IMPACT briefly outlines current workforce development challenges. In addition, several direct support providers and people with developmental disabilities describe the importance of finding solutions to these problems. It also provides several examples of creative strategies used by provider agencies, educators, and others to enhance and improve the recruitment, retention, and training of direct support staff. We hope that in reading these pages service providers and policymakers will find practical tips for improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities by improving workforce development practices. We also hope this issue will stimulate continued sharing of ideas regarding solutions to workforce development challenges. This issue is available online at: http://ici.umn.edu/products/archive/Impact/104/default.html

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