DSP Orientation
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The Values that Support Life in the Community
This section explains the core values Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) must follow when supporting individuals. You will learn why inclusion, dignity, respect, independence, and choice are essential for helping people live meaningful lives in the community.
Introduction: Understanding Community Values
Reading
Values in Action: Key Responsibility of a DSP
Reading
Community Values Hotspot
Reading
Interactive Activity: Understanding Community Values
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Understanding Community Values
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Understanding Community Values
Quiz
Supporting Individuals in the Community
Reading
Interactive Activity: Matching Community Values
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Matching Community Values
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Matching Community Values
Quiz
Video Lesson
Video - 13:24 mins
The Values that Support Life in the Community
Quiz
The Values that Support Life in the Community
Quiz
The Values that Support Life in the Community
Quiz
Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
This section introduces developmental disabilities, common terms, how disabilities may impact daily life, and what respectful person centered support looks like. You will learn practical ways to support independence, dignity, and inclusion while following the individual’s plan of care.
Introduction: Understanding Developmental Disabilities
Reading
Key Terms and Common Diagnoses
Reading
Interactive Activity: Key Terms Flashcards
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Key Terms Flashcards
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Key Terms Flashcards
Quiz
How Developmental Disabilities May Impact Daily Life
Reading
Interactive Activity: Person Centered Support Scenario
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Person Centered Support Scenario
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Person Centered Support Scenario
Quiz
Video Lesson
Video - 9:50 mins
Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
Quiz
Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
Quiz
Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
Quiz
Waivers for People with Developmental Disabilities
This section explains what DD waivers are, who they support, and why waivers matter for community living. You will learn the purpose of waivers, the types of supports they can cover, and how Direct Support Professionals follow service plans while respecting rights, choice, and dignity.
Introduction: Waivers for People with Developmental Disabilities
Reading
DD Waivers Basics: Eligibility, Level of Care, & Screening
Reading
Interactive Activity: DD Waivers Vocabulary: Find the Words
Quiz
Interactive Activity: DD Waivers Vocabulary: Find the Words
Quiz
Interactive Activity: DD Waivers Vocabulary: Find the Words
Quiz
Waiver Services: Supports, Providers, & Service Plans
Reading
Interactive Activity: DD Waiver Services Crossword
Quiz
Interactive Activity: DD Waiver Services Crossword
Quiz
Interactive Activity: DD Waiver Services Crossword
Quiz
Video Lesson
Video - 8:47 mins
Waivers for People with Developmental Disabilities
Quiz
Waivers for People with Developmental Disabilities
Quiz
Waivers for People with Developmental Disabilities
Quiz
Communication
This section covers how Direct Support Professionals communicate in a respectful, person-centered way. You will learn how to use clear verbal and nonverbal communication, practice active listening, support communication preferences (including AAC), and document/report concerns appropriately to protect the individual’s rights, dignity, and safety.
Introduction: Communication
Reading
Communication Basics
Reading
Interactive Activity: Communication Do's & Don'ts: Drag the Words
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Communication Do's & Don'ts: Drag the Words
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Communication Do's & Don'ts: Drag the Words
Quiz
Active Listening + De-escalation
Reading
Documentation + Reporting
Reading
Interactive Activity: Incident Report Walkthrough
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Incident Report Walkthrough
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Incident Report Walkthrough
Quiz
Video Lesson
Video - 11:13 mins
Communication
Quiz
Communication
Quiz
Communication
Quiz
Positive Behavior Support
This section covers how Direct Support Professionals use Positive Behavior Support in a respectful, person centered way. You will learn how to understand behavior as communication, prevent challenging situations by improving routines and quality of life, follow behavior support plans consistently, and document and report patterns to support safety, dignity, and independence.
Introduction: Positive Behavior Supports
Reading
PBS Basics: What It Is
Reading
Interactive Activity: PBS Basics Cards
Quiz
Interactive Activity: PBS Basics Cards
Quiz
Interactive Activity: PBS Basics Cards
Quiz
Quality of Life First (Prevention)
Reading
All Behavior Is Communication
Reading
Interactive Activity: Positive Support Statements
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Positive Support Statements
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Positive Support Statements
Quiz
PBS Plans: What They Do & What You Do
Reading
Your Role as a DSP in PBS (Daily Actions)
Reading
Video Lesson
Video - 12:39 mins
Positive Behavior Supports
Quiz
Positive Behavior Supports
Quiz
Positive Behavior Supports
Quiz
Health & Safety
This section covers how Direct Support Professionals support people to maintain their health and safety at home and in the community. You will learn about good nutrition, personal hygiene, regular medical and dental care, how to recognize and report changes in health, and how to stay alert for key health conditions that need special attention.
Introduction: Health & Safety
Reading
Nutrition & Healthy Eating
Reading
Safety & Nutrition: Your Role as a DSP
Reading
Interactive Activity: Health & Safety Cards
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Health & Safety Cards
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Health & Safety Cards
Quiz
Personal Hygiene & Dental Care
Reading
Recognizing Health Changes & Reporting
Reading
Interactive Activity: Health & Safety: Mark the Warning Signs
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Health & Safety: Mark the Warning Signs
Quiz
Interactive Activity: Health & Safety: Mark the Warning Signs
Quiz
Key Health Conditions That Need Special Attention
Reading
Video Lesson
Video - 13:22 mins
Health & Safety
Quiz
Health & Safety
Quiz
Health & Safety
Quiz