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How foundational skills in communication, safety, and empathy shape confident, consistent, and person-centered DSPs Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the backbone of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They are mentors, advocates, caregivers, teachers, supporters, and in many cases, a source of emotional stability for the people they serve. But the responsibility of being a DSP is often underestimated. The role is complex—req

Caring for a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) is one of the most meaningful roles a person can take on. Whether you are a parent, sibling, guardian, or Direct Support Professional (DSP), caregiving becomes a relationship built on patience, understanding, and commitment. But it is also a role that often comes with challenges—challenges that many people are expected to navigate without clear instruction, consistent training, or emotional support. Fa

How a new guidebook is transforming confidence, consistency, and person-centered care for Direct Support Professionals Across the country, the role of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is becoming more essential—and more demanding—than ever. DSPs stand at the heart of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), providing support that requires skill, emotional intelligence, consistency, and patience. Yet despite the importance of this wor

The IDD workforce has been facing unprecedented challenges—staffing shortages, high turnover, increasing expectations, and more complex service needs. Consistency and high-quality care depend on confident, well-trained staff who understand not just what  to do, but why  they do it. Briason recognized a need for: 1. Standardized Training Across All Programs Every DSP deserves the same strong foundation. The manual ensures consistency from site to site, shift to shift, and supe

A Deep Look at Staffing Shortages, Retention Struggles, and the Innovative Solutions Briason Brings to the Moment The field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) services has always been rooted in care, compassion, and advocacy. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), managers, clinicians, and support staff all play critical roles in helping individuals with developmental disabilities live meaningful, self-directed, and empowered lives. Yet today, the stability of

How Career Ladders Empower DSPs to Rise Into Management Roles — With Briason Support Every Step of the Way In the world of human services, few roles are as essential—and often as underestimated—as the Direct Support Professional (DSP). DSPs form the backbone of quality care, providing hands-on support, encouraging independence, and shaping meaningful daily experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their work is personal, skilled, and deeply impactful. Yet h

Working in the human-services and developmental-disability world often means walking a tightrope between “doing good work” and “making sure the regulators say we’re doing good work.” At Briason Associates, we believe you don’t need to sacrifice humanity for compliance—and you certainly don’t need compliance to feel like a never-ending burden. Let’s talk about how we help organizations meet the requirements of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Coun

In today’s fast-paced, hybrid, and geographically scattered workplace, one thing is universal: no one has enough time. Between tight schedules, regulatory demands, and the daily work of serving people, training often slips to the bottom of the priority list. Yet training is where excellence begins. It’s how staff stay compliant, grow skills, and strengthen the culture of quality your organization needs to thrive. But the old model of scheduling in-person sessions, printing ha

If you work in the field of human services or developmental disabilities, you already know the heart of the system isn’t policy manuals, documentation, or funding streams. It’s people — specifically, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). These are the hands, hearts, and voices of the field — the people helping others live, learn, work, and thrive every day. Yet despite the importance of their work, too many DSPs experience their role as “just a job” rather than a career. That’

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Failure happens. What matters most is how leaders respond when it does. No matter how skilled, experienced, or prepared you are as a...

How well-meaning leaders unknowingly weaken initiative—and how to turn it around Accountability is often praised but rarely practiced...

Focus: Conflict Is Inevitable—But Avoiding It Is a Leadership Mistake Great leaders don’t shy away from tough conversations. Learn how to...

In every high-performing team, one practice stands out as a silent driver of success: feedback. When done well, feedback is far more than...

As we close another year and look toward the promise of the months ahead, I want to extend my deepest love and gratitude to every family,...

Learn to honor your emotions, accept loss, and find gentle strength during the holidays, transforming grief into gratitude and deeper...

Discover how sharing stories and memories during the holidays brings generations closer, creating lasting traditions and cherished...

Learn how Briason Associates uses the holiday season to reflect, set intentions, and innovate, ensuring community support, caregiver...