Strengthening the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Workforce:

Illinois’ DSP Workforce Policies Fact Sheet

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) make community living possible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). They support daily routines, independence, and meaningful participation in the community. 

A stable, well-supported DSP workforce is essential to ensuring that people with I/DD can access the services they need, when and where they need them.

In this fact sheet, you’ll learn about:

• The realities and challenges of the DSP workforce in Illinois

• Our policy priorities

• Why a stable DSP workforce is critical and what it would result in