Apply Today! Honoring DSPs

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2/11/2022
The logo for the Moving Mountains Award. Under the phrase, "Presented by," the image also contains the logos of the award's three presenters: NADSP, RTC-CL, and ANCOR.

As the shortage of direct support professionals worsened, did your organization improve staff retention and career pathways for DSPs? Did sticking to high ethical standards strengthen your relationships with DSPs, families, and staff members? If so, it’s time to share your story: 

Applications are now open for the 2022 Moving Mountains award, the annual recognition of outstanding organizations using leading-edge practices in direct support staff workforce development. The awards are bestowed annually by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), the Institute on Community Integration’s Research and Training Center on Community Living, and the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). This year’s awards will be made during the 2022 Reinventing Quality Conference, July 31 to August 2, in Baltimore, Maryland.  

“We know that the past two years have been very difficult for service providers and the direct support workforce,” said Joseph Macbeth, NADSP president and chief executive officer.“There’s no doubt that many new and innovative strategies have been implemented to address workforce issues related to COVID-19, as well as longer-term systemic issues. The 2022 Moving Mountains Award will shine a light on the very best that is out there and give much needed recognition to strategies that bring change. We look forward to learning from these innovations.” 

Organizations applying for the award must demonstrate how their DSP workforce practice and philosophy aligns with NADSP principles, including a commitment to professional development, certification, ethical decision-making, and relationship building.  

"Sharing what’s working in your organization to keep DSPs safe, motivated, and fulfilled in their roles not only allows your own organization to reflect on its successes and think about new ways to increase retention, it also serves as a model for others," said ICI Director Amy Hewitt. “We are grateful to each organization that steps up and shares this insight in the midst of the most challenging staff crisis our field has endured.” 

“Now more than ever, lifting up solutions to the direct support workforce crisis is of critical importance,” adds ANCOR CEO Barbara Merrill. “That’s why ANCOR is so proud to partner with our colleagues at the University of Minnesota and NADSP to co-present the Moving Mountains Awards. These awards recognize promising—and replicable—practices for stemming the tide of high turnover and vacancy rates.”

Programs of all sizes are encouraged to apply for the prestigious awards. View past winners here.