DirectCourse: Pioneers in Direct Support Professional Training

Dedication from the start.

DirectCourse  is an online training curricula, specifically tailored to empower the direct service workforce. Our mission? To ensure individuals with disabilities lead enriching lives within their communities. Our approach is rooted in long-standing partnerships with field thought leaders, ensuring every curriculum set is both comprehensive and cohesive.

DirectCourse is published by Elsevier – a global leader in evidence-based practice content, research publishing and information analytics.  DirectCourse is a collaboration between Elsevier and the University of Minnesota’s Research and Training Center on Community Living. Our vision was born from a simple idea: everyone deserves the best. DirectCourse was developed to equip the direct support workforce with top-tier training, ensuring unparalleled support for every individual and family. Our content, crafted by families of people with disabilities, former direct support professionals, and researchers, is a testament to community-driven excellence.

What DirectCourse Offers:

  • Foundational Training: Perfect for newcomers to the field.
  • Compliance Training: Content that meets regulatory standards
  • Skill-building Modules: For those seeking to elevate their expertise.
  • Advanced Content: Tailored for seasoned professionals.
  • Specialty Training: For targeted projects and circumstances.
  • Leadership Training: For those at the helm of policy and practice design.

Our curricula cater to competency-based training objectives across various home and community-based programs, including Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Competitive Integrated Employment Services, Home Care for Older Adults and Individuals with Physical and/or Medical Challenges, and Person-Centered Counseling.

“I was often told by parents of individuals with ID/DD that they had no faith in our support system. It became apparent to me that the only way to address this concern was to build a stronger Direct Support workforce — better supporting those who serve and those served.” — Bill Tapp, One of the Founders of DirectCourse

Our Commitments:

  • Up-to-date Training: Our online training curricula are always in sync with the latest research.
  • Strong Partnerships: We value our bonds with content developers from university partners.
  • Skill-based Training: Our content is rooted in specific skills and competencies, ensuring clear on-the-job training.
  • Building Connections: We’re here to foster connections between families, providers, board members, supervisors, and everyone in the support industry.

Discover how DirectCourse can revolutionize your organization’s approach to direct support professional training. Dive into our curricula today.