About Us
Learn all about the CDS.
FAQ's
Q: How is the CDS evaluated?
A: The University of Minnesota is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the College of Direct Support. This evaluation includes case studies of CDS customers, Direct Support Professional surveys about how they are applying and using the skills they have developed as a result of the CDS and supervisor surveys about DSP performance and application of their learning to the real work environment. The evaluation also looks at the CDS assessments and tests and ensures that test items are valid and reliable. To learn more about this process, email Bill Tapp, CDS National Director, btapp@collegeofdirectsupport.com.
Q: How does the CDS work for learners who do not have English as their primary language?
A: CDS users and purchasers have indicated that the College of Direct Support is a useful tool for training people who do not use English as their primary language because the learner can go through the CDS courses as many times as needed in order to absorb the information. Additionally, for learners who speak Spanish as their primary language there is a Spanish glossary.
Q: Who are some of the existing CDS customers?
A: : The CDS is now being used in more than 30 states and by more than 300 agencies. Approximately 250,000 learners are enrolled in the CDS as of July 2010. The CDS is used statewide in Pennsylvania, Montana, Oklahoma, Iowa, Tennessee, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota, Maine and Connecticut. It also is used in Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, California, New York, Virginia, Florida, Texas, and Arizona, among others.
Q: What customer service is available to purchasers?
A: The CDS offers true customer service. There is a toll free number (1.877.353.2767) and when you call this telephone number a REAL LIVE person WILL answer the phone. CDS makes every effort to solve your problem on the spot or as soon as humanly possible.
Q: Are there any states or service provider agencies using the College of Direct Support that I could talk to about it and how they use it?
A: Please contact Bill Tapp, CDS National Director, at our toll free number 1.877.353.2767 to discuss this.
Q: What are some of the most important ingredients to successful use of CDS?
A: The Center on Human Policy at Syracuse University has been studying the experiences of organizations that have implemented the College of Direct Support. That work and focus groups that have engaged CDS users have shown that the CDS is all about focus, passion and purpose – focusing on the development of a trained workforce, passion for empowering those we serve and the sole purpose of training and celebrating an American direct care workforce.
Q: If we invest in implementing the College of Direct Support, how do we know it will be around in 5 years?
A: Because of the long-term commitments and track records of Elsevier and the University of Minnesota and their respective roles in training the workforce and improving the lives of the people and families who depend on the Direct Support Professionals that we train together.
Q: Where does the content in CDS come from?
A: The Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC) at the University of Minnesota is the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research’s designated national Center on Community Integration of persons with developmental disabilities and it coordinates the writing of the courses. The RTC has extensive experience working with community agencies to understand the needs and experiences of individuals with disabilities. This work has included analyses of the essential training needed by DSPs and development of training programs to prepare DSPs to meet the needs and support the desired experiences of people with disabilities. The RTC serves as primary developer of the content and instructional design of CDS. In its efforts it is supported by CDS's Board of Editors.
Q: Will this replace all of the training our agency is required to provide?
A: Because every situation is unique, no single curriculum can promise to replace all training in any organization. To be truly effective, even the best training content must be supplemented by on-the-job opportunities and be customized to meet individual needs of people receiving supports. CDS offers a broad array of effective interactive learning that can be customized and modularized to meet unique needs. It can replace much of your classroom or independent training. It will allow reallocation of experienced trainers to on-site, on-the-job training. In addition, CDS offers suggestions to both learners and supervisors on how to develop on-the-job learning and get the skills needed by each learner in each unique situation.
Q: How can I access CDS’s website and when can I review a demo?
A: For a free trial of CDS, go to www.collegeofdirectsupport.com and click on the “Explore Our Demo” button on the home page. You will be able to sample the various special features of CDS and to review it free of charge.
Q: Who will be able to access this training?
A: Virtually anyone with a PC computer and access to the Internet can access CDS. People interested in purchasing CDS can do so as individuals, organizations, states, or other partnering entities. Individuals will have access to the content only through an “e-commerce” model which will give them time-limited access for a set fee per course. Businesses, states, and other partnering entities will be asked to enter into a contractual agreement to have access to the content, learner management system, and the human resource functions for the period of the contract.
Q: What equipment and software are necessary for this media-rich, web-based training?
A: The minimum requirements include:
- IBM-compatible computer usually called a PC. CDS is not Mac compatible.
- 500 MHz processor, running Microsoft Windows 98® (second edition) or later.
- 128 MB RAM.
- 56k modem or high speed-connection. A high-speed connection such as DSL is highly recommended.
- Color monitor capable of 800 x 600 resolution.
- Audio sound card with amplified speakers.
- Printer.
- Internet Explorer® (preferred) or Netscape Navigator® version 4.0 or later.
- Macromedia Flash Player 6® plug-in.
- Window Eyes® screen reader is the recommended screen reader for Flash compatibility.
Q: What about staff who have never used a computer? Can they utilize this training?
A: Yes! Prior to the first lesson, a tutorial program is provided to walk the learner through the basic keystrokes and mouse work needed for successful navigation of CDS. We have found that those who have never before used a computer are very eager and excited about learning this new skill.
Q: Will training and support be available on how to use CDS?
A: Training and support is provided via telephone and/or online from MC Strategies’ WebInservice® Help Desk for designated administrators during generally accepted business hours. Each customer is provided with a customer service representative whose sole job is to support customers in effectively using the CDS.
Q: What is the role of the administrator?
A: Each purchaser using CDS appoints an administrator who will have the responsibility of overseeing and directing the use of CDS within that organization. The administrator is the primary liaison between the purchaser and MC Strategies, Inc., which will provide training on using CDS learner management system. The number of administrators needed by any organization depends on its size and geographic scope, but many will only require one administrator. Below is a detailed explanation of the administrator’s role:
The Role of the Administrator
Communications Link: You serve as the training link between your agency and the CDS implementation coordinator. They are available to assist you by phone at 1.877-353-2767 as well as by e-mail between 8:00 and 5:00 pm EST Monday through Friday.
Agency Implementation Coordination: You provide the roll out for the CDS at your local agency, assist with log-on questions, assist “new learners” with site navigations questions, technical issues etc.
Access Management: Registers, edits and deletes learners, custom lesson plans, learner groups/departments.
Agency Content Editing: Coordinates notations for local agency policy. Can create modules for policy and procedures at the agency level, and the use of Web-links
Coordination of “Best Use” Practices: Works to ensure the best use of the “electronic textbook”. Facilitates with other staff the OJT and Portfolio training.
Documentation of Training: Training records and test scores are privileged information to the learner and agency. Administrator defines how often pre and post tests are taken and a minimum score for completion.
Assignment and Use of Survey Tools: Ability to assign staff surveys to track satisfaction and intent to stay, tracking of turnover and vacancy rates.
Q: How much successful experience is there?
A: MC Strategies’ WebInservice® program has over 1,000,000 registered learners. There are 300,000 learners actively enrolled at any time.
Q: Will learners have access to new courses and updates made during the purchaser’s contract period?
A: Annual and ongoing updates to current CDS courses will become immediately available to contract holders at no extra charge. This is one of the clear benefits of on-line training. When contracts are renewed, fees may be slightly increased to reflect the expanded library of course offerings.
Q: How much does the CDS cost?
A: CDS is priced according to the number of individuals served by the purchasing entity plus an annual administrative charge. To discuss CDS pricing for your organization, please contact Bill Tapp, CDS National Director, at 1.877.353.2767 (toll free).
