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NADSP State Chapter Information
Minnesota
Direct Support Professional Association of
Minnesota (DSPAM)
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DSPAM Background
The Direct Support Professional Association of Minnesota (DSPAM) formed as an informal group in January 2005. As a small but growing number of direct support staff members and supervisors from community-based human services agencies, DSPAM envisioned a broad aim to develop an association of direct support professionals (DSPs) operated by and for DSPs. The group's initial purpose was to explore a variety of issues that directly impact the work lives and futures of direct support professionals. These issues have included: inadequate orientation and training, few genuine recognition programs for DSPs, low wages and poor benefits, a lack of formal education and career pathways for professional growth, and high turnover and vacancy rates among direct support staff. All of these issues can and do have adverse effects on the lives of DSPs and the persons with disabilities they support.
DSPAM Accomplishments
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Obtained 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status with the IRS.
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Incorporated as a nonprofit organization on January 26, 2006 in the State of Minnesota.
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Planned and held the first DSP Statewide Conference, by and for DSPS, in Minnesota on November 11, 2006.
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Presentations on the NADSP Code of Ethics for DSPs.
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Conducted a statewide survey of Minnesota DSPs. 100+ participated. Please see results posted on our website.
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Presented on survey results at 2008 ARRM conference and hosted an exhibitor table.
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Presented at the Direct Support Worker Symposium in Baltimore, Maryland in 2008.
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Developed a strategic plan for the next 3-5 years using recent survey results and the services of Community Consulting Group.
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Hosted two celebration events in September 2008 in honor of "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week", which was designated by the unanimous passing of Senate Resolution 613 on July 14, 2008.
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