Training needs of direct support staff.

Training needs and current status of training for direct support staff were identified in one southeastern state. Data sources were (a) direct support staff, (b) administrators of direct support staff, and (c) consumers with developmental disabilities. Stratified sampling was used to gather data from 108 administrators and 170 direct support staff utilizing mail surveys and from 179 focus group participants (56 administrators, 53 direct support staff, and 70 consumers). Findings suggest that direct support staff recognized the needs (a) for additional training on Community Support Skill Standards; (b) to develop a comprehensive, cost-efficient statewide system for training direct support staff; and (c) to develop the role of direct support staff into a valued profession.