CDS Homepage Welcome

On behalf of the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), we welcome you to Georgia’s College of Direct Support.

DBHDD is committed to assisting providers of developmental disabilities services with the creation of a qualified direct support workforce. The goal of the College of Direct Support (CDS) is to improve the training and retention of employees who support Georgians with disabilities now and in the future. Therefore, DBHDD has made a significant investment in creating in-state access to the College of Direct Support’s unique and nationally recognized online learning system.

The CDS curriculum is nationally recognized and is built on established and validated skill sets. Completion of CDS courses can result in certification by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (www.nadsp.org). NADSP believes that service participants and direct support professionals are partners in the move towards a self-determined life. NADSP recognizes that “people needing support are more likely to fulfill their life dreams if they have well-trained, experienced, and motivated people at their side in long-term, stable, compatible support relationships.” NADSP offers Direct Support Professionals (DSP) a credentialing program with three tiers: Registered DSP, Certified DSP, and Specialist DSP.

Your work is essential and we value your contributions as you provide day-to-day supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Georgia. It is hoped that through the CDS curriculum you will grow and continue to advance your skills as you improve the quality of life for those you serve.

The ability of Georgia’s provider organizations, individuals and families to find, choose and keep effective direct support professionals is critical and Georgia’s direct support workforce now has the opportunity for a unique and enriched learning experience. Thank you for participating in Georgia’s inaugural year of the College of Direct Support (CDS)!

Note: As you embrace this new learning experience, please carefully read the instructions provided on your personal page after you log in or you may read more about CDS by selecting the ‘About Us’ link while viewing your personal page. Please feel free to address any questions, concerns or feedback to your organization’s designated CDS Advisor.