35th Anniversary Edition

Direct Support Workforce Solutions

Four people sit in discussion around a table.

Direct Support Workforce Solutions is a national consulting group addressing the workforce needs of organizations providing community-based supports for individuals with disabilities. Drawing on more than 30 years of research, training, outreach, and evaluation, the group helps organizations develop and implement workforce strategies that reduce turnover; attract, recruit and retain qualified talent; and engage and prepare their workforce to deliver high-quality services. Finding, training, and keeping workers has never been more important. Solutions to the direct support workforce crisis are critical to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work, and participate fully in their communities. For more information, visit dsws.umn.edu.

Volume 36, Number 1 | Spring 2023

35th Anniversary Edition

Issue Editors:

Amy Hewitt, Director, Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

John Smith, Research Project Specialist, Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Managing Editor: Janet Stewart

Graphic Designer: Sarah Curtner

Web Developers: Shawn Lawler, Jonathon Walz

Editorial Assistant: Julia Thomalla

Impact is published by the Institute on Community Integration (UCEDD), and the Research and Training Center on Community Living and Employment (RTC), College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota. It is supported, in part, by Grant #90DDUC0070 from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to the Institute; and Grant #90RTCP0003 from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), HHS, to the RTC. Additional support for this issue was provided by Grant #5 T73MC12835-14-00 from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, HHS, to the Minnesota LEND.

The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute, Centers or University. The content does not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Health and Human Services, or Department of Education, and endorsement by the Federal Government should not be assumed.

For print copies contact: Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, 2025 East River Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55414 • icipub@umn.edu.

Impact is available in alternate formats upon request. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

The University of Minnesota stands on Miní Sóta Makhóčhe, the rightful homelands of the Dakhóta Oyáte. We recognize the U.S. did not uphold its end of these land treaties. It is the current and continued displacement of the Dakhóta Oyáte that allows the University to remain today.

Ongoing oppression and discrimination in the United States has led to significant trauma for many people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other oppressed persons. At ICI, we affirm our commitment to address systemic racism, ableism and all other inequalities and forms of oppression to ensure inclusive communities.