Career center partnership graduates new class of direct support professionals

The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities, in collaboration with the Medina County Career Center and the Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals, recognized the latest graduating class of the Direct Support Professional University program April 16.

Held at the Career Center, the ceremony honored students who completed a nationally recognized training program designed to prepare them for careers supporting individuals with developmental differences.

“This group of students has shown a remarkable commitment to making a real difference in the lives of others,” said Stacey Maleckar, superintendent of the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “Their dedication and compassion give me great hope for the future of direct support services in our community.”

Maleckar said the demand for skilled, compassionate professionals in the field continues to grow and programs like DSP-U help build a prepared workforce.

DSP-U introduces students to a high-demand career path through hands-on experience, classroom instruction and the opportunity to earn the Certificate of Initial Proficiency. This credential allows graduates to step into roles as direct support professionals, a field projected to grow, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The program also connects local service providers with trained and credentialed professionals. Internship partnerships with local organizations provide real-world experience for students while helping address workforce needs in the county.

“Watching these students grow, not just in their skills but in their passion for this work, has been incredibly rewarding,” Maleckar said. “This program is changing lives—not just for the students, but for the individuals they’ll go on to support.”