Direct Support Professional Academy

What is a DSP?

 

A Direct Support Professional or DSP, supports a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives. This can include; supporting community inclusion, personal care, employment goals, teaching new skills, relationship building, and many more! DSP’s are in high demand in today’s job market.

What is the DSP Academy?

The DSP Academy is RCM of Washington’s customized vocational training program that upon completion, participants will have all training and certifications needed to be a DSP in the District. The curriculum has been adapted to suit all learning styles and job development has been built into the academy.

Note: Currently, participants must be eligible for services
under the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).

This six week program includes:

  • All certification required of DC DSPs
  • Hard and soft employment skills
  • Experiential Learning Opportunities

Read Testimonials from past DSP Graduates:

“Great learning experience, exceptional patience from the (RCM) employees with explaining material and answering questions. I enjoyed interacting with the people I was training with.”

“The most valuable experience wasn’t academic. It has been enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. I have learned different disabilities people may have and how to support them. Through the training, I have learned how to support people to enhance their social skills, communication skills, and self-worth. I have learned empathy for others.”

“I enjoyed engaging myself with all types of disabilities and coming up with creative ideas to help support a person so that they can have a good quality of life.”

“This experience was an eye opener for me. It gave me insights on the history of disability and how programs for people with disabilities came about.”

DSP Academy in the News

Several news sources have written about the success and ingenuity of our Direct Support Professional training program. Check out the articles here and watch the new BBC video feature!

NEW: BBC News Video

Washington Post

DSP Article Yes To Employment! Podcast Episode 

Disability Scoop Feature 

 

Interested in learning more about the DSP Academy?

For more information and eligibility requirements please contact us sbrooks@rcmofwashington.com or call at (202) 789-1930, ext 131.
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