- Type Learning
- Level Intermediate
- Time Months
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Academy
Issued by
University of New Hampshire
The DSP Academy digital badge will reflect the recipient completing the 26-week DSP Academy curriculum which consists of four primary components: a 12-week asynchronous online course, monthly in-person seminars, 26 weeks of on-the-job mentoring, and an in-person graduation. The badge is awarded upon demonstration of the knowledge, skills, competence and confidence of professional DSPs enrolled in the DSP Academy.
- Type Learning
- Level Intermediate
- Time Months
Skills
- Advocacy
- Community suppport and living skills
- Cultural Responsiveness
- effective assessment and curiosity-driven interventions
- employment support for people with IDD
- Mental Health Literacy
- NADSP Code of Ethics
- outcome-oriented support
- Person-Centered Support
- person-centered support and empowerment
- professionalism and organizational engagement
- Self-determination
- strength-based support, interventions, and documentation
- understanding of IDD and effective communication strategies
Earning Criteria
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This intensive 12-module program requires 60 hours of hybrid course curriculum, including 12 Canvas modules and four in-person seminars. The weekly asynchronous modules consist of viewing recorded lectures, written discussion forums, class assignments, and reading course materials. The in-person seminars are interactive, experiential sessions where DSPs practice the application of concepts learned through their asynchronous coursework and receive direct feedback from seminar instructors.
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Course completion is dependent on successful class attendance, completion of coursework, and completion of the final project and presentation. Participants need to earn 80 points or higher to “pass” the course and earn the digital badge.
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Following the 12 weeks of intensive asynchronous and in-person study, the DSP Academy participant will continue their on-the-job mentorship. This experience is designed to promote the application of skills through the coursework and to continue toward completing the core competencies within the course.