DSP Nexus: Beyond Support Initiative
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.
Beyond improving care, this initiative also serves as a workforce development tool, helping DSPs build knowledge and expand their career paths in the field.
Goals
-
This initiative gives DSPs the tools and training they need to grow—and stay—in the field.
-
DSPs from participating agencies will:
-
Earn national certification (NADD)
-
Get trained in trauma-informed care
-
Become certified in Mental Health First Aid
-
Join real-time case consultation and peer learning
-
-
We’ll track what changes—like job satisfaction, wage growth, and retention—and share what we learn to keep building a stronger, more supported workforce.
Stay up to date on our grant progress HERE
Impact
-
This 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 and feel confident in their work.
-
At the same time, we’re helping agencies build stronger, more supportive teams—leading to better care, better jobs, and a stronger system.
-
This is more than a training program. It’s a step toward lasting change, where people with IDD and mental health needs get the support they deserve from a workforce that’s ready, respected, and equipped to lead.
Interested in Collaborating?
If you have questions, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Nick Burton at Nick.b@nextgenidd.com or Dr. Monica McCall at Monica.m@nextgenidd.com.
If you’re a Synergy Pass Holder provider agency supporting people with IDD and co-occurring mental health conditions and would like to collaborate, click the “Apply Now” button below to submit your application.
Learn More