Communication is foundational to safe, effective, and person-centered support. Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) communicate without words or express needs through behavior, making it essential for direct support professionals and coordinators to recognize cues, reduce frustration, and respond thoughtfully.

Effective Communication for Direct Support Professionals is a self-paced health and safety training course designed to strengthen communication skills across a wide range of support settings. The course helps learners interpret verbal and nonverbal communication, recognize barriers to understanding, and apply person-centered strategies that build trust, reduce escalation, and support positive outcomes.