by Joie Tyrrell
Jun 4, 2026
Students in the DSP Pathways program joined special education students who run the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s coffee shop at Sanford H. Calhoun High School. Photo courtesy: Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
Parents, advocates, educators, and leaders in the disability community applauded the state’s inaugural group of high school students who graduated in early June from a first-of-its-kind program designed to help address the shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
A dozen students from Sanford H. Calhoun High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District represented the founding class of the unique high school DSP curriculum. The program was developed through a partnership between the district and Long Island-based agencies AHRC Nassau and Citizens Options Unlimited, with support from the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and New York Disability Advocates.
The DSP Pathways graduation ceremony was held June 2 at the AHRC Brookville Mansion where OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer joined students at the event.
“This is an untapped workforce for us and whether these students go on to work in direct care or something adjacent, the skills they learned here will absolutely have a positive impact on the service system,” Baer said. “I hope they stick around and develop a passion for direct support …We always need skilled humans helping other humans.”
The program’s enrollment has doubled in the Bellmore-Merrick district for next year and other Long Island school systems have also shown interest, officials with the program said. Baer noted she’s looking into expanding this program statewide.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are essential workers who provide daily care, services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chronic staffing shortages have plagued this sector as advocacy organizations have lobbied for better pay and working conditions.
“For years, New York’s intellectual and developmental disabilities service system has faced a growing workforce crisis, making innovative solutions more important than ever,” said Michael Seereiter, President & CEO of New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation and a board member of New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) in a statement. The NYDA team was heavily involved in the program.
“DSP Pathways represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we need—introducing young people to the profession early, helping them understand the value and impact of direct support work, and creating a meaningful pathway into a career dedicated to inclusion, independence, and community participation,” he said.
The New York State Budget passed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature includes a 2.7% targeted inflationary increase for these workers, a boost applauded by advocates.
Bob Policastro, the founder and executive director of Angela’s House and a board member of New York Disability Advocates, lauded state leaders in a statement sent to Able News for “recognizing the significant inflationary pressures facing providers and for increasing this investment beyond the original proposal. That decision sends an important message that New York values the essential services that support people with I/DD and the workforce that delivers them every day.”
Willow Baer, Commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), joined students who just graduated from the DSP Pathways program. Photo credit: Joie Tyrrell
The Calhoun students learned firsthand what these roles entail. They completed a full year of Pathways coursework that included a focus on ethics, safety, and person-centered support for people with developmental disabilities, as well as the social, behavioral, and daily challenges people and families may experience. Those lessons included work-based learning across 13 agency sites. Students earned school credit and gained real-world experience in both community-based day service programs and residences, according to program organizers.
Student Madalyn Colapinto said she appreciated the real-world experience she gained from the program.
“I learned valuable lifelong lessons about teamwork, patience, empathy and communication,” she said. “With this experience I discovered how much I truly enjoy helping others learn and grow to reach their full potential.”
Their efforts align with outcomes set for entry-level DSPs in the DSP Level 1 E-Badge program, established by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). The E-Badge curriculum meets standards set by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
The program was developed over the course of six years by an AHRC Nassau/Citizens team, including Bridget Cariello, Assistant Director Project Development; Laura Franzen, Human Resources Assistant Director for Employee Services; and Jim Stock, Assistant Director of Talent, Development, and Engagement.
Alyssa Sieber, DSP Pathways classroom teacher, led the program and said she will do so next year as 24 students have already enrolled. Plans are also underway to develop a micro-credential available through the State University of New York (SUNY) with transferable college credit.
Stanfort J. Perry, chief executive officer of AHRC, said at the graduation that he was thrilled to host the ceremony considering the program marked a milestone as the first in the state. AHRC worked with the district on the program for six years.
The DSP Pathways program model “gives us an opportunity to bring a new cadre of individuals who are interested but who are also prepared in ensuring the independence and the inclusion of people with disabilities,” he said. “This is huge.”
Cathy Loquercio relies on these professionals for assistance with her daily life, she said in a statement to Able News.
“People need to know what our lives look like,” said Loquercio. “It would help for people to see what we go through and how DSPs support us. It’s how I’m able to live independently.”