The Problem
More than 18,000 Marylanders with developmental disabilities (DD) rely on Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to live, work, and participate in their communities. However, the DD service system faces a persistent workforce shortage driven by low wages, limited benefits, and few career advancement opportunities. The shortage intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic while demand for services continued to grow, leaving many providers unable to fill positions and individuals at risk of losing essential supports.
Action
In summer 2024, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council convened the DSP Workforce Shortage Think Tank to develop practical solutions. The Council brought together people with DD, family members, providers, advocates, and state agency leaders to examine root causes and identify strategies to strengthen the workforce. Through a collaborative process, participants explored approaches to improve recruitment, retention, and professional development, with a focus on solutions that could be implemented across multiple systems.
Results
The Think Tank produced 25 actionable recommendations for the Maryland Department of Health and other partners, identifying both short-term and long-term strategies to strengthen the DSP workforce. Several recommendations can be implemented independently by providers, community organizations, and government partners. As a direct outcome of this collaboration, Maryland’s Department of Service and Civic Innovation updated internship policies, expanding opportunities for students with disabilities to intern with community providers and explore careers as DSPs—helping build a future workforce pipeline.
What Made the Council’s Role Unique
The Maryland DD Council serves as a trusted statewide hub for disability policy and collaboration. Its ability to convene diverse stakeholders and translate shared expertise into actionable strategies positioned the Council to drive meaningful solutions to Maryland’s DSP workforce crisis.