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


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!
DSP Article Yes To Employment! Podcast Episode
Disability Scoop Feature