Title:
Estimating the Demand for Direct Support Professionals in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Field

Authors:
Scott Spreat, USA

Abstract:

National residential census data from residential programs for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities were examined to estimate the demand for Direct Support Professionals. Publicly available data and basic residential staffing formulae were used.  While the number of individuals receiving residential supports and services increased about 28% over 11 years, the demand for Direct Support Professionals increased about 33%. Smaller group homes were noted to increase about 47% in demand for Direct Support Professionals.  The shortfall in terms of Direct Support Professionals was estimated to be approximately 73,000 in the United States. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.2022.61008