The Supply of Direct Support Professionals Serving Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Other Developmental Disabilities: Report to Congress

In 2004, Congress requested that HHS conduct a study on the shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs) supporting persons with intellectual disabilities and other developmental disabilities (ID/DD), including an examination of the root causes associated with high vacancy and turnover rates, and an examination of the impact this shortage may be having on services for people with ID/DD. This report is a product of collaboration between many offices within HHS in response to the request from Congress. Staff throughout the Department worked collaboratively to share information and data pertaining to DSPs. The results of these efforts are presented in this unified Report to Congress. [69 PDF pages]