In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by John Raffaele, Director of Educational Services at the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), for a candid conversation about the evolving role of direct support professionals (DSPs) and their impact on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Recorded live from the NADSP Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, this episode dives deep into the unique challenges and responsibilities DSPs face and how the industry is working toward elevating their role from entry-level caretakers to respected professionals. John sheds light on NADSP’s mission to redefine DSP training as meaningful development, focusing on professional growth rather than just compliance-based instruction.

John also discusses the critical need for a standardized credentialing and certification system for DSPs—something he likens to a medical residency, providing DSPs with hands-on, guided experience rather than simply checking off boxes for required trainings. He emphasizes that DSPs are often left underprepared by traditional entry-level training models, which typically focus on emergency response rather than the nuanced daily support most individuals with IDD require. With over 1.5 million DSPs in the United States, the push for a more formalized development structure and recognition as a legitimate profession is a priority for NADSP, which actively works on advocacy and policy initiatives to achieve this goal.