Online Training Program for Direct Support Professionals
Posted on Dec 29, 2025 in NewsHawaiʻi State Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD) is funding an online training program designed to extend an alternate pathway for learners who have already started efforts to achieve National Association of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Level 1 Certification through the DDD Workforce Development Training Incentive Program (WDTIP) and did not achieve certification, but had achieved at least 1 badge. The program will provide support and differentiated instruction to support learners to achieve certification by March 31, 2026. Only DDD Waiver Providers previously enrolled in WDTIP are eligible to apply. Applications are due Tuesday, January 13, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. (HST)
A Request for Application (RFA) has been issued by the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) on behalf of the State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities to solicit applications from DDD Waiver Provider Agencies who wish to be considered. The contract will be issued and administered as an Agreement for Services with the RCUH.
Please review the application for specific eligibility details, and watch the informational webinar for more information.
The following is a list of important dates for the program.
Activity Scheduled Date
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| RFA Issued | Monday, December 29, 2025 |
| Informational webinar | Monday, January 5, 2026: 1:00pm to 2:00PM |
| Closing date for receipt of questions | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4PM |
| Department’s deadline for response to applicant’s questions | Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 4PM |
| Application due date | Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 4PM |
| Selection/Award notifications (tentative) | Friday, January 16, 2026 |
| Deadline to inform DDD, learners and mentors expectations, roles and responsibilities | Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| Service agreement (contract) execution period | January 19-January 23, 2026 |
| Orientation | January 26-27, 2026 |
| Program Start | Monday, January 26, 2026 |
| Certification Completion Date | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 for $500 |
Please direct questions to Marlene Murray via email at [email protected]. All questions and responses will be compiled and released on January 8, 2026, and will also be made available online on the DDD website.