AHRC Nassau, in partnership with Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District (CHSD) and Citizens Options Unlimited, proudly celebrated the inaugural graduating class of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Pathways program on June 2.

DSP Pathways is the first school district-based career program of its kind in New York State, providing high school seniors with an opportunity to explore careers in disability services while earning Level 1 E-Badge certifications from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).

The twelve graduating seniors were honored with a procession, graduation ceremony and brunch in recognition of completing a full year of coursework and work-based learning across thirteen agency sites. Earning school credit, students gained hands-on experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in both community-based day service programs and residences.

The celebration welcomed OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer; Kathy Brown, Regional Manager of NADSP’s E-Badge Academy Operations; Dr. Michael Harrington, Superintendent of Bellmore-Merrick CHSD; Ann Hardiman, Chief Innovation Officer of the New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation; along with industry colleagues, families, and friends to recognize the next generation of leaders.

State Senator Steve Rhoads, Assemblyman David McDonough, and Assemblyman Ed Ra recognized the important milestone with legislative citations recognizing the program’s innovative approach to workforce development.