There’s something powerful about the kind of relationship that can grow between a direct support professional (DSP) and the person they support.
“What makes us a good team? We have lots of inside jokes,” said Nicole.
DSPs are part of people’s everyday lives. They build relationships, share experiences, and support people in doing the things that matter to them. For Corinne and Nicole, that connection shines through in the way they talk about each other.
Corrine: “What is your favorite memory of us?”
Nicole: “I was nervous to start day program before I started working with her. She was very welcoming and made me feel comfortable.”
This National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, September 13-19, 2026, we shared conversations between DSPs and the Californians they support.
It was part of a collaboration with the Association of Regional Centers of California, California Disability Services Association, and service providers across the State to highlight DSPs at different stages in their careers:
- people entering the field through the DSP Internship Program,
- people growing their skills through Direct Support Professional University (DSPU).
- DSPs who are excelling in their work and were nominated for the CDSA Empowerment Awards,
Starting Out as a DSP
On September 14, Governor Gavin Newsom shared a letter honoring “the dedicated individuals who are the backbone of essential services to Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” In it, he also renews California’s commitment to strengthening the DSP workforce.
The DSP Internship Program is part of this effort. The program gives people an opportunity to explore a career as a DSP.
North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC) interviewed Maricruz, a DSP program instructor who was hired by Creative Minds after completing her internship.
Watch the DSP Internship Program video featuring Maricruz.
NLACRC Executive Director Angela Pao Johnson hosted a new podcast to discuss career opportunities available through the DSP Internship Program. Her panel included:
- Nancy Brookman and Dan Putnam, former DSP interns, who share their experiences entering the field and transitioning into employment.
- Jennifer Parsons, Deputy Director of the Department’s Service Innovation and Oversight Division
- Alona Yorkshire, Deputy Executive Director of The Adult Skills Center
Training Opportunities with DSP University
For DSPs who are already working in the field, DSP University offers training and coursework designed to build knowledge, skills and confidence. Service and Workforce Development Branch Chief Krystall Rollins shared her perspective on the courses DSPU offers and their benefits for DSPs growing in their careers.
Watch the DSP University video reel.
Excelling as a DSP
The “Get to Know My DSP and Me” video series featured DSPs nominated for the California Disability Services Association’s Empowerment Awards, including Corrine. In each video, a DSP and a person they support talk with each other about their experiences and what they appreciate about one another.
Watch the short videos on YouTube:
Thank you to the many thousands of DSPs across California for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose!