The Alaska Alliance of Direct Support Professionals’ Vision is to build a robust network of highly qualified DSPs that set the standard for innovation and best practices for supporting people with I/DD to live the lives they choose.

AADSP is a group of veteran Direct Support Professionals committed to elevating, empowering and connecting the DSP workforce in Alaska. AADSP was created as part of the Shared Vision and the recognition that without a professional direct support workforce, the Shared Vision would fail. AADSP’s mission is to be the voice of the DSP workforce in Alaska.

The AADSP leadership team meets bimonthly to work on its strategic priorities in partnership with AADD. Members participate in national and state advocacy events and regularly present at conferences and provider association meetings; they have presented at national conferences including ANCOR and NADSP. They also participate on a variety of committees and councils and are a member of the Key Coalition of Alaska.

AADSP embraces the NADSP Code of Ethics and the NADSP Certification Program. Through statewide initiatives, AADSP advocates for fair wages, career pathways, and the respect that DSPs deserve as essential professionals.

At its core, AADSP believes that when Direct Support Professionals are valued, supported, and heard, the quality of life for people with disabilities improves across the system. Through collaboration with AADD, NADSP, and the State of Alaska, AADSP continues to grow a statewide movement that honors the work of DSPs and strengthens the foundation of community-based services in Alaska.