College of Direct Support

More than 30,000 people across new Jersey are employed as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), supporting people with disabilities in daily activities ranging from personal care to developing relationships in the community.

Statewide, DSPs are dedicated to supporting and empowering people with disabilities to live meaningful lives in their communities. The New Jersey Partnership for Direct Support Professional Workforce Development acknowledges the critical role these employees play in the lives of people with disabilities through recognition and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of this workforce.

Trainings mandated by the Division for agency staff and self-directed employees are accessed online through the College of Direct Support (CDS), administered in New Jersey by The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities.

In addition, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) has developed a national certification program for DSPs.