DSP Nexus: Recognizing the People Who Show Up Every Day
Direct Support Professionals are the heart of care for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health conditions.
DSP Nexus isn't just another training requirement. It's a chance for agencies to recognize their DSPs' dedication, build real career pathways, and give their teams the credentials and confidence to grow in this field for the long haul.
Funded by the Maryland Department of Labor, this grant led in partnership with NADD, Dr. Karyn Harvey, and Capital Services aims to strengthen the skills of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to better support people with IDD and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Training kicks off in staggered cohorts of 15 DSPs, starting September 2026
Join us for an informational webinar about DSP Nexus on the
3rd Wednesday every month
Help DSPs Grow
This one-of-a-kind initiative is about recognizing DSPs and helping them grow. Over 6 weeks, DSPs in the state of Maryland who take part will:
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Earn national certification through NADD, a credential that travels with them for their whole career
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Get trained in trauma-informed care, led by trauma expert Dr. Karyn Harvey
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Become certified in Mental Health First Aid, building the confidence to respond when it matters most
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Join real-time case consultation and peer learning, so they're never figuring it out alone
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Build coaching and leadership skills to grow into new roles within their agency
We're also tracking what changes along the way things like job satisfaction, wage growth, and retention so we can keep proving what we already know: investing in DSPs makes sense!
This is more than a training! Its a career changer!
Still looking for more information? Contact us!
Ready to Sign up?
This Maryland initiative is about investing in the people who make support possible...Direct Support Professionals.
By offering trusted certifications, hands-on learning, and mental health tools, we're helping DSPs grow their skills, advance their careers, and feel recognized for the work they already do so well.
At the same time, we're helping Maryland agencies build stronger, more supported teams, leading to better care, better retention, and DSPs who feel seen for their commitment.
Want to recognize your DSPs and give them a real path to grow?
Review and sign our Agency Agreement today!
DSP Nexus is only open to agencies in Maryland. If you’d like to partner with NextGen Synergy to create a DSP Nexus for individuals in your state, please contact us at Anne.k@nextgenidd.com
