SUNY Sullivan adds new Direct Support certificate program

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SUNY Sullivan residence hall.

LOCH SHELDRAKE—SUNY Sullivan announces the Direct Support Program, a one-year certification for students interested in pursuing a career working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as current practitioners looking to advance their current position. The program prepares students to join the community of care that supports and promotes all the aspects of a productive, meaningful, and fulfilling life for people with disabilities.

SUNY Sullivan President Jay Quaintance said, “This groundbreaking program, developed in partnership with agencies such as the Center for Discovery, New Hope Community, ARC, and Crystal Run Village, will help us to develop a sustainable workforce for the largest employment sector in Sullivan County.”

Students gain an understanding of care through an inclusive model that safeguards and enriches the health and well-being of individuals with complex needs. Through academic courses and a practicum provided at a community organization, the program offers tangible ways to gain confidence and competence in specific skill areas.

The practicum offers students the basic building blocks needed to sustain a career in a dynamic and ever-growing field, and students have the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of caring for individuals through their human services placement. Local agencies may offer credit for onboarding training, and students may also have the opportunity to live in sponsored housing during their practicum. Students may also choose to continue on to complete an Associates degree.

For more information about this program and guidance on how to register, please go to sunysullivan.edu/direct-support/, send an email to admissions@sunysulivan.edu, or go to https://sunysullivan.edu/join-us/



Picture of Todd Bender

Todd Bender

Todd Bender started as a stringer before rising through the ranks to Dutchess County Bureau Chief. Bender is the senior investigative reporter for Mid Hudson News, focusing on crime and government. He is an avid angler and is likely to be organizing his collection of unused fishing lures while watching replays of council or board meetings and simultaneously complaining about the lack of time to go fishing.