The DSP Training Toolkit: Free and Low-Cost Resources That Actually Improve Retention

Looking for DSP training resources? These free and low-cost tools promote ongoing learning and strengthen long term retention.

September 15, 2026

DSP workforce, Training

Many of the factors that influence whether direct support professionals (DSPs) stay in their roles — like wages, vacancy rates, and even the state you operate in — are hard for an individual agency to control.

But training is one area where your efforts can make a real difference in retention. Instead of thinking about training as a box to check, savvy providers invest in ongoing learning as a way to help DSPs build confidence and feel supported throughout their careers.

That investment doesn’t have to come with a large price tag, either. Many national organizations, nonprofits, universities, and state agencies offer free or low-cost resources that you can incorporate into your onboarding and professional development.

Below, we’ve compiled some of the best free and affordable DSP training resources, along with practical ways to turn training into a long-term investment in your workforce.

How does IDD staff training support retention?

Ongoing training can support retention by helping DSPs develop new skills, build confidence, and continue growing throughout their careers. That starts with giving new hires the support they need to succeed from day one.

For new DSPs, those first few weeks can feel like drinking from a firehose. Learning to complete documentation, communicate with clinical staff and families, and support clients in the community can feel overwhelming. A strong onboarding process helps new hires feel capable and supported stepping into their role.

Of course, no onboarding program can prepare a DSP for every situation they’ll face. Ongoing training helps them develop the skills needed to coach someone through a job interview, support self-advocacy, or help a client pursue their independent living goals. With each new skill, DSPs become more confident in their ability to support the people they serve.

Researchers at the Institute for Community Integration found that IDD providers who invested in ongoing, skills-based training experienced significantly lower annual turnover than those that did not. So while training alone won’t solve the workforce crisis, it can be one important piece of your broader DSP retention strategy.

What belongs in your DSP training toolkit?

There’s no single right answer to “What belongs in my DSP training toolkit?” The right mix of training resources depends on the service your agency provides, the specific role you’re hiring for, and your state’s training requirements.
Regardless of those differences, though, a strong training program includes resources to support DSPs at every stage of their career.

Onboarding

New hires need to learn the fundamentals, like following agency policies and procedures, completing activity records, and using person-centered language. Many onboarding programs also include required certifications like CPR and first aid.

Ongoing professional development

As DSPs gain experience, they benefit from opportunities to deepen their knowledge and build more specialized skills. Depending on your service lines, that might include topics like positive behavior supports, assistive technology, mental health, or trauma-informed care.

Leadership and career advancement

Many of the best managers and supervisors start their careers as DSPs. Leadership training and mentoring opportunities help talented employees keep growing within your organization instead of looking elsewhere for new opportunities.

Free and low-cost DSP training resources

Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 free DSP training resources that can help both new and experienced staff enhance their skills and knowledge. These include courses on topics like behavior and mental health, as well as certifications that are necessary for certain job requirements or to fulfill regulatory obligations.

In addition, we’ll share some ideas to help reduce the cost of required training and certifications. Let’s get started!

1. National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Training Resources

If you’re looking for some general training resources for your DSPs, NADSP is a great place to start. NADSP offers a range of free training resources on their website, including webinars, videos, toolkits, and online courses. These resources cover various topics related to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting person-centered care. For instance, NADSP recently hosted a free virtual training on best practices in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who identify as LGBTQIA+.

2. DirectCourse online training

DirectCourse offers a collection of online training courses specifically designed for DSPs. These courses cover topics such as person-centered supports, positive behavior support, and health and wellness.

While their courses require a fee, many state agencies provide free or low cost access for DSPs. For example, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (MDHSS) and Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities offer access to free online training options through DirectCourse. Check with your state agency to see if they provide access to DirectCourse.

3. Capabilities CESP training

Need CEUs for Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) recertification? Capabilities, a career rehabilitation provider in Ohio, hosts free CESP virtual training sessions twice a month. Training is accredited by APSE, and staff earn one CEU for each session they complete.

4. Goodlife University

If you’re looking to learn more about workforce solutions to support your DSPs, you’ll want to check out GoodLife University. GoodLife U is a collaboration between GoodLife Innovations, a disability service provider in Kansas, and the University of Kansas Department of Applied Behavioral Sciences.

They’ve developed tons of valuable free content including a blog series, podcast, and video library to help you on your path to staff stability. For example, this video on filling the vacancy gap explains how to build a system that anticipates openings and has DSPs ready to fill these positions.

5. Did You Notice? behavior and communication training

When dealing with challenging behaviors, it’s important to recognize that all behavior is a form of communication.To that end, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) has developed a free training experience for DSPs called Did You Notice? that combines online learning and virtual reality to provide realistic training on behavior and communication. The pilot program is free for direct support professionals and anyone who supports people with developmental disabilities.

6. American Red Cross CPR/first aid

Depending on the employer, most DSPs will need to have either CPR/first aid training or certification. While certification courses always require a fee, the Red Cross occasionally offers free CPR/first aid training classes or scholarships to the community. Check with your local Red Cross chapter to ask about any free training opportunities.

7. Mental Health Wellness for Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

DSPs play an important role in supporting the mental health and wellness of the individuals they serve. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, along with UT Health San Antonio Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, has developed a free training program to educate DSPs about the mental health needs of individuals with IDD. Six training modules are available, covering topics from what it means to have a co-occurring IDD and mental health condition to trauma-informed care.

8. State and local resources

For more training resources, check with your state or local agencies that oversee disability services. They often provide free training opportunities for DSPs, either through in-person workshops, webinars, or online materials. These resources can cover state-specific regulations, best practices, and specialized training areas.

For example, the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has developed a DSP Toolkit with information about career opportunities for DSPs, training-related resources, and leadership materials for managers and supervisors.

9. Nonprofit organizations and associations

Many nonprofit organizations and associations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities offer free training resources for DSPs. Examples include The Arc, the Autism Society, and the National Down Syndrome Society. Visit their websites or reach out to them directly to inquire about available training materials.

10. Open access online learning platforms

Many online learning platforms provide free educational content, such as Coursera, Udemy, Alison, edX, or Khan Academy. While they may not have specific DSP training courses, you can find relevant courses on topics like psychology, human services, or disability studies that can broaden DSPs’ knowledge and skills.

For example, Alison offers a free American Sign Language – Fundamental Concepts course for beginners who want to learn the basics of sign language. The course takes 2-3 hours to complete and teaches the basics of the ASL alphabet, grammar, and sentence structure as well as deaf culture and the community behind it.

Other ways to reduce the cost of training & certification

While free courses can provide valuable knowledge and skills, obtaining certification typically requires a fee. Certification may be necessary for certain job requirements or to fulfill regulatory obligations. This includes things like CPR/first aid training, chauffeur or food handling license. Here are a few possibilities that could help reduce the cost of obtaining these certifications:

1. Government programs

In some cases, government assistance programs or workforce development initiatives may provide financial support or fee waivers for job-specific training or licensing. Contact government offices, such as the Department of Labor or the Administration for Community Living, to find out about programs that could help cover the cost of certifications.

2. Scholarships or grants

Various nonprofit organizations, foundations, or community programs offer scholarships or grants for individuals pursuing specific career paths. Be sure to check out local community organizations or online scholarship search platforms to identify financial assistance opportunities.

3. Train-the-trainer programs

Another way to lower the costs of training is to get someone at your agency certified to train others. This is known as a “train-the-trainer” model, and can be significantly more cost effective than sending each individual employee to training. For instance, the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) offers an instructor certification program that allows the individual to teach CPI’s training programs within their organization.

4. Community organizations and nonprofits

Local community centers, YMCA/YWCA, nonprofits, or volunteer fire departments occasionally offer free or low-cost training classes (such as CPR and first aid) as part of their community outreach programs. Contact these organizations in your area to see about any upcoming courses or free training sessions.

5. Online resources

While not always free, there are some online platforms that offer certification courses at a reduced cost compared to in-person training. Examples include the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, which offer online courses with certification options for a fee.

6. Artificial intelligence (AI)

AI-powered tools can help agencies create more targeted learning experiences. It can draft role-playing scenarios, turn your agency policies into quizzes, break long training materials into more digestible modules, or create personalized learning plans based on a DSP’s experience level. While AI won’t replace quality training, it can make your existing professional development opportunities stronger.

How to choose the right DSP training resources

Not every training resource belongs in your toolkit. As you evaluate courses and training opportunities, it helps to ask yourself:

⦁ Does this promote person-centered practices?
⦁ Is the information current and evidence-based?
⦁ Can staff apply what they’ve learned immediately?
⦁ Which staff would benefit most from this information (new DSPs, experienced staff, supervisors)?

Ten resources your staff actually use are far more valuable than a library of 50 courses no one has time to complete.

Keep building your DSP training toolkit

Building a stronger workforce goes beyond onboarding. Investing in ongoing professional development and leadership training helps DSPs provide high-quality support and continue growing in their careers.

Want more ideas? Explore our 10 Continuing Education and Certification Programs for DSPs for even more courses and professional development opportunities.

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