NCADSP envisions a world where all children, adults and families in need of support services have the opportunity to live community-based lives of their choosing and are supported by Direct Support Professionals who have the knowledge, skills, and values needed to assist them in achieving their life goals.

NCADSP’s mission is to enhance the quality of support provided to all children, adults and families through the provision of products, services, and certifications which elevate the status of Direct Support Professionals , improve practice standards, promote systems reform and, most importantly, advance the knowledge, skills, and values of Direct Support Professionals.

NCADSP values the full participation of all children, adults and families in all aspects of community life through the provision of person-centered supports. We believe that high quality support requires all Direct Support Professionals follow the individual path suggested by the unique gifts, preferences and needs of each person they support, to walk in partnership with that person and those who love them, toward a life of opportunity, well-being, freedom, and contribution.

NCADSP’s Operating Principles:

• NCADSP is guided by a belief that:
• All Direct Support Professionals benefit from access to well-constructed educational experiences (e.g., in-service training, continuing and higher education) and lifelong learning;
• Certifying highly qualified Direct Support Professionals incentivizes continuing education, and access to career pathways while providers may adopt using certifications as a means to justify increased compensation, thereby improving retention.
• Values and ethical decision making can be learned and infused into daily practice; and
• Strengthening relationships and partnerships between Direct Support Professionals, and the children, adults and families in need of services, improves the quality of support.

As part of our constant drive to enhance the quality of care for people and the skills of Direct Support Professionals, we have developed a moderated forum for NCADSP members to use to communicate with each other, trouble-shoot issues, explore training opportunities, etc.​ to help expand resources for those that get up every day to help others.

Resources and Research:

• 7.8 Million Direct Care Jobs Will Need To Be Filled By 2026
• Developing Future Public Health Leaders
• Direct Support Professionals COVID-19 Immediate Response
• PAC White Paper
• Workforce Presentation
• Direct Care Workforce Background