College of Direct Support Expands National Advisory Board

The College of Direct Support (CDS) has expanded its national advisory board, broadening its knowledge of the changing federal landscape to better inform and guide CDS leaders on funding opportunities for its educational programs targeted to direct support professionals. “New standards for direct support professionals established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services focus on improving quality services for individuals with disabilities,” says Amy Hewitt, director of ICI’s Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC). “By selecting a national advisory board that understands the changing federal landscape in this area, our goal is to enhance the quality of support services and provide a valuable workforce development tool to CDS staff.” CDS is part of DirectCourse, a suite of online curricula for professionals providing services to people with intellectual, developmental, physical, and psychiatric disabilities, and to older adults. CDS is operated the RTC and Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services.