A new Direct Support Professional (DSP) training program at BOCES, coordinated with the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation (NY Alliance), will solve a massive, double-digit shortage of workers in the industry with career paths for adults.
The $155,800 grant announced recently will help low-income individuals who are unemployed or “under-employed” receive training through BOCES to become direct support professionals (DSPs). DSPs help people with disabilities navigate everyday life tasks, such as work, volunteer, live in their own home and go to doctor’s appointments.
“This initiative will produce qualified individuals who are skilled and ready to meet the workforce needs of the disability sector as direct support professionals (DSPs),” said President and CEO of the NY Alliance Michael Seereiter. “We are excited about the program and the new career paths it will create for students at BOCES – and the precedent it will set to help take this effort statewide.”
DSP training will become part of BOCES’ existing Certified Nurse Assistant, Home Health Aide, and Personal Care Aide (CNA/HHA/PCA)program, thus allowing program graduates to pursue four career paths
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