Welcome to Kansas Direct Support Workforce (DSW) Development Portal

Empower professionals with training and resources needed to succeed

You will be redirected to the Kansas TRAIN website to take trainings.

Quality Training

Curriculum crafted with field experts

Skills Development

Competency-based skills guided by the NADSP

Equitable Access

Training, resources, and tools are available 24/7

Technical Support

We’re here to help. Get answers by contacting us

Online Training

Clicking the ‘take training’ button will redirect you to the KS TRAIN website where all trainings are located. View All Trainings.

elder woman work o puzzle

Dementia Care Giving

Course ID: 1132283

This module provides an overview of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, strategies for managing cognitive and behavioral changes, reducing challenging behaviors, and ensuring safety and well-being

Available Now

elder male pushing a walker with staff help

Supporting People with Complex Medical Conditions

Course ID: 1132281

This module discusses symptoms and signs of common health conditions, illness, and injury. It also includes how to report health changes and emergencies.

Available Now

stethoscope curl into heart shape

Health Maintenance Activities

Course ID: 1132288

This module covers common medical devices (feeding tubes, ostomies, catheters, etc.), assisting with device use and maintenance, and how to recognize device malfunctions. Understanding nursing delegation rules and responsibilities is also included.

Available Now

News & Updates

New Training Available Now:

Supplemental Trainings

While not officially part of the KS DSW Training Program, these resources can help those providing or receiving care expand their knowledge and skills.

NADSP Code of Ethics

KCART Training/OASIS

HCBS Settings Final Rule

HCBS Programs

Resources

Policies and Regulations

“These competency-based trainings will ensure that DSWs have the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide person-centered, quality support.”

Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)

Meet Our Team of Experts

A multidisciplinary team of authors developed the training modules in close consultation with community partners.

Carrie Wendel-Hummell, PhD, has extensive experience in researching, developing programs, and evaluating HCBS in Kansas, as a researcher in the KU School of Social Welfare. Her dedication to enhancing aging and disability service systems stems from her time as a Direct Support Worker (DSW). This firsthand experience fuels her commitment to creating high-quality trainings tailored to the diverse needs of DSWs.

Carrie Wendel-Hummell photo
Carrie Wendel-Hummell

CAHE, KU SSW

Sean Swindler, MS Ed, has joint appointment as Director of Community Program Development and Evaluation at The Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART) and Project Manager at Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD). Mr. Swindler has worked in the field of developmental disability and Autism for over twenty five years.

Sean swindler photo
Sean Swindler

K-CART, KUCD

Kelsey S. Goddard, PhD, BCBA, LBA, is an assistant research professor at the Research and Training Center on Independent Living (RTC/IL) and the Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies (IHDPS). Dr. Goddard identifies as a person with a disability and strives to bring awareness to disability concerns.

Kelsey Goddard photo
Kelsey Goddard

RTC/IL, IHDPS