DSP Essentials
Do-It-Yourself Training for Impactful Support
Welcome to the DSP Essentials! We’re thrilled to have you join this series of eight modules, tailored to equip you, Direct
Support Professionals (DSPs), with an exciting, flexible program that will enhance your skills and introduce resources
to deliver meaningful person-centered support.
Throughout the courses, you’ll engage in interactive, self-paced videos, hands-on exercises, and practical tools you can
apply immediately. You’ll have the chance to work through guided sessions while practicing alongside someone you
support.
Collaborative learning will encourage you and those you serve to learn and grow together, applying person-centered
approaches to achieve more meaningful, effective support.
Why DSP Essentials:Do-It-Yourself Training for Impactful Support?
- Engaging, self-paced trainings designed to empower you with the skills and resources to use immediately
- Time effecient and convenient
- Can be done at work with people you support
- Side-by-side learning and growing together
Your Courses
Building Bridges: Promoting Integration in Everyday Support
Supporting Decision-Making: Tools for Everyday Empowerment
Empowering Opportunities: Strategies for Meaningful Support
Respecting Rights: Foundations for Dignity in Support
What's included when you participate in DSP Essentials?
- Four one-hour interactive and educational videos for Direct Support Professionals.
- Four interactive, self-guided "Side-by-Side" videos to watch alongside the people you support, puting your learning immediately into action.
- Practical, easy-to-use resources to better understand and deliver personalized support.
- Toolkits for Direct Support Professionals.
- Top Tips for Direct Support Professionals.
- Conversational Guides and activity packets to use with the people you support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is each DSP Essentials course?
Each course is one hour or less, including video, learning, and skill practice.
I have finished the course and assignments but the progress bar does not say I have completed it what do I do?
Be sure you have clicked the green “Mark Complete” button on each page of the course. You can go back through the course and click them now.
Will there be a test?
There are no tests associated with these courses.
How long will I have access to these courses?
Courses will be available in your account through December 31, 2025 unless otherwise notified.
Do I earn a Certificate of Completion?
Yes, you will automatically receive a certificate of completion for each course. These are available for download in your account.
How do I access the Certificate of Completion?
You can access your Certificate of Completion when you complete all steps of a DSP stipend course. When you complete a course, the certificate will appear at the top of the course page in a banner saying “You’ve earned a certificate!” In that banner, you can click “Download Certificate” to save a PDF copy of your certificate.
You can also download your certificate in My Account under Membership/Courses→ My Courses and clicking the certificate icon next to your completed course.
If you have completed a course but do not see the option to download your certificate, please make sure the progress bar at the top of the course page says “100% Complete”. If it does not show 100%, please go back through the course and click “Mark Complete” on the bottom of any page that does not have a green check mark in the left navigation menu. Videos will not be marked as complete until the video is watched in its entirety. Once all pages are completed, the certificate should appear in your account and on the course page.
I have other questions, who do I contact?
Please email hello@helensandersonassociates.com with any questions you might have.
