NEW Pandemic Preparedness Module Available
through The College of Direct Support
The NY Alliance continues to provide innovative ways to support the field during these challenging times and as such, we have worked with DirectCourse, a platform that provides online training modules through The College of Direct Support to bring a new Pandemic Preparedness module to the field. This module is now available free of charge to all providers in New York State.
Lessons in this module include:
  • Hand Washing Procedures
  • Cleaning and Disinfecting
  • Universal Precautions
  • The Basics of Hygiene
  • Pandemics
  • Aspects of Infectious Diseases
  • Infection Control and Prevention
  • Signs and Symptoms of Illness
  • The Role of the Direct Support Professional in Emergency Preparedness
  • Maintaining a Clean Home
  • Natural Supports
  • Cultural Competence in Daily Support
Learners can access the online training using computers, mobile devices and tablets. On average, participants will complete the full module (all lessons included above) in less than 8 hours.
How to Register for the
Pandemic Preparedness Module
Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis. To ensure everyone has access, we ask that you limit the number of enrollments to 25 per agency . As lessons are completed and space becomes available additional enrollments will be accepted at that time.

The last day to enroll staff is June 22nd.  They will have continued access to lessons through June 30th. If you are interested in enrolling staff in this online training opportunity please send enrollments including full name, organization name and email address for each participant to Stacy Dowling at stacy@nyalliance.org as soon as possible.
More Information About The College of Direct Support
The College of Direct Support is a product of the NY Alliance bringing online training opportunities that align with the state required core competency implementations criteria (OPWDD Administrative Memorandum #2014-03) to organizations that provide supports and services in NYS.

CDS offers several other modules throughout the year in addition to the new Pandemic Preparedness module mentioned above. To learn more about other online training opportunities through CDS, click here .

Message from DirectCourse: DirectCourse acknowledges this is a very critical time for keeping individuals supported, staff and families safe and healthy. Two elements of that effort are: making certain that everyone knows the health and safety protocols, and continuing to offer the day-to-day supports and services that individuals and families depend on. DirectCourse is working with the NY Alliance to provide access to online training for your Direct Support Professionals to assist in meeting both of these elements. This specialized online training will be available through the NY Alliance until June 30, 2020.