DSP Ambassador Program FAQs

You are eligible to apply for the DSP Ambassador Program if:

• Your primary role in your organization is providing direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
• You are eager to use your voice to strengthen the direct support workforce.
• Your employer supports your participation in the program, including by being willing to cover the associated costs and by granting permission for you to be contacted directly by ANCOR to engage in advocacy and media opportunities.

It is likely that we will receive applications from more people than we can accept to participate in the program. If that is the case, priority may be given to applicants who:

• Have worked in the field for at least two years.
• Work for an organization that is a member of ANCOR.
• Contribute to the diversity of the geographies and services delivered by members of the cohort to which they are applying.

No. However, in the event that interest in the program exceeds space available, ANCOR members may be given priority over non-members. Additionally, ANCOR members enjoy discounted program enrollment fees compared to non-members.

There is no fee to apply for the DSP Ambassador Program, but accepted applicants are required to pay a program enrollment fee. In 2026, the program enrollment fee is $600 for ANCOR members and $800 for non-members. It is ANCOR’s expectation that program enrollment fees are paid for by applicants’ employers, not by the applicants themselves.

In addition to the program enrollment fee, selected applicants’ employers are expected to cover travel expenses for in-person experiences. Typically, this will require:

• Round-trip airfare or train fare or, for participants within driving distance, mileage reimbursement.
• Ground transportation, or the cost of parking a personal vehicle (for participants within driving distance).
• Three nights of lodging, plus applicable taxes and fees.
• All meals not provided by ANCOR, as well as incidental expenses. Typically, ANCOR will provide approximately 4-5 meals during a three-day in-person experience.

Yes. However, we may choose to select only one applicant from an organization if doing so enables us to invite DSPs from a wider array of organizations to participate.

No. Because we want the DSP Ambassador Program to serve as many DSPs and organizations as possible, we do not accept applications from alumni of the program.

Yes! Previous applicants are able and encouraged to apply again if they remain interested in the program.

DSP Ambassadors participate in a series of intensive and interactive trainings that aim to position them as more effective spokespeople when engaging with the press, lawmakers and members of the community. Topics covered during these immersive training experiences include:

• Multifaceted approaches for engaging lawmakers at the federal, state and local levels.
• The ins and outs of engaging with the press.
• Building partnerships that enhance community inclusion for the people you support.
• Amplifying your message on social media.
• Techniques for refining your professional brand.

These trainings are delivered by experts in their respective fields or industries, as well as ANCOR staff and ANCOR members.

These trainings are supplemented with additional opportunities to:

• Build lasting relationships with peers from across the country.
• Receive mentoring from graduates of the DSP Ambassador Program.
• Meet other ANCOR members who are leaders in their communities and at the national level.

Throughout the program and after program completion, ANCOR will call on DSP Ambassadors to share their stories and add their perspective to outreach to the media and lawmakers when advocating on behalf of the direct support workforce.

Participants who tend to get the most out of the program are those that work to develop connections with fellow members of their cohorts and those who practice the skills they develop by taking advantage of opportunities to act as spokespeople for the direct support workforce.

Selected participants are expected to:

• Participate in all scheduled training and activities (a comprehensive schedule will be provided during the virtual orientation).
• Be willing and available to share their perspectives as a DSP when opportunities arise, including by working with ANCOR to respond to inquiries from press.
• Leverage what they learn in the program to raise the profile of the important work carried out by direct support professionals, both during their time in the program and beyond.

Although your formal participation will end upon completion of the program, you will continue to have access to the online community established for your cohort on the ANCOR Connected Community (ACC). That will be the primary means by which ANCOR continues to make you aware of opportunities to engage in advocacy and press opportunities, and it will provide an opportunity for you to continue connecting with your fellow DSP Ambassadors.

In addition, when you complete the DSP Ambassador Program, you’ll have the opportunity to continue your leadership journey by mentoring members of a future DSP Ambassador cohort. As a mentor, alumni ambassadors provide guidance, encouragement and real-world insight to help new participants navigate the program and grow in their roles as advocates.

Mentors serve as trusted points of contact—answering questions, sharing experiences, offering feedback, and helping mentees build confidence and skills—while strengthening the overall DSP community through peer-to-peer support.