🌿 NADSP Code of Ethics

The NADSP Code of Ethics is a nationally recognized guide that supports Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in making ethical, person‑centered decisions in their daily work. DSPs regularly face complex situations involving autonomy, safety, communication, relationships, and rights. The Code of Ethics provides a clear framework to help DSPs stay aligned with the values of self‑direction, dignity, inclusion, and justice for the people they support.

This course introduces the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Code of Ethics and explores how it guides ethical, person‑centered decision‑making in daily practice. Learners will review official NADSP materials, understand the nine core ethical principles, and apply these principles to real‑world scenarios in disability support.

Official NADSP Sources Used in This Course:

• NADSP Code of Ethics (NADSP-Code-Of-Ethics.pdf)
• NADSP Code of Ethics for Direct Support Professionals (Code-of-Ethics.pdf)

🌱 What the NADSP Code of Ethics Is

The NADSP Code of Ethics is a set of professional guidelines designed to help DSPs navigate daily ethical decisions and maintain a strong commitment to the people they support. It emphasizes that a DSP’s first allegiance is to the person receiving support, and that all actions should promote autonomy, well‑being, and full participation in community life.

The Code exists because DSPs often face pressures from systems, policies, or organizational demands that can unintentionally shift focus away from the individual. The Code helps DSPs stay grounded in person‑centered values and disability‑rights principles.

🤝 Why the Code of Ethics Matters

DSPs support people in areas such as:

• Daily living
• Communication
• Personal finances
• Health and safety
• Relationships
• Employment
• Community participation

Because these areas involve trust, vulnerability, and personal choice, DSPs must make decisions that respect the person’s rights, identity, and goals. The Code of Ethics provides a consistent, values‑based foundation for these decisions and helps DSPs uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

It also reinforces that DSPs are a skilled, knowledgeable profession with a unique role in supporting self‑directed lives and community inclusion.

🌈 Core Ethical Principles

The NADSP Code of Ethics includes several key principles that guide daily practice. These principles are not rules—they are values that shape how DSPs think, act, and support others.

Person‑Centered Supports

The DSP’s primary commitment is to the person they support. All actions should reflect the person’s preferences, goals, and identity.

Promoting Physical and Emotional Well‑Being

DSPs support safety, health, and emotional stability while respecting autonomy and reducing risk without limiting independence.

Integrity and Responsibility

DSPs act with honesty, professionalism, and accountability, and work in partnership with the person, their team, and the community.

Confidentiality

DSPs protect the privacy and personal information of the people they support, sharing information only when necessary and appropriate.

Justice, Fairness, and Equity

DSPs affirm and uphold the civil and human rights of the people they support, promoting fairness and equitable treatment in all settings.

Respect

DSPs honor the dignity, uniqueness, and worth of every person, recognizing each individual as valuable and deserving of inclusion and opportunity.

Relationships

DSPs help people build and maintain meaningful relationships that enrich their lives and support their goals.

Self‑Determination

DSPs support individuals in directing their own lives, making choices, and exercising control over decisions that affect them.

Advocacy

DSPs advocate with people for justice, inclusion, and full participation in community life, challenging barriers and discrimination when they arise.

🌟 How the Code Applies in Daily Work

DSPs use the Code of Ethics to guide decisions such as:

• Respecting communication preferences
• Supporting informed choice
• Balancing safety with autonomy
• Protecting privacy
• Encouraging community participation
• Navigating conflicts or ethical dilemmas
• Advocating for rights and inclusion

The Code helps DSPs stay aligned with disability‑rights values and ensures that support is ethical, person‑centered, and empowering.

📘 What Learners Will Gain From This Course

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Use the Code as a guide for professional decision‑making

Explain the purpose and importance of the NADSP Code of Ethics

Identify and describe each ethical principle

Apply ethical principles to real‑world scenarios

Recognize how the Code supports autonomy, dignity, and inclusion