Research Reports

This study examined how Pennsylvania direct care workers (DCWs) in the aging and mental retardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD) provider systems are trained to meet the needs of the growing population of individuals with developmental disabilities who are aging, and how training needs and challenges may be different in rural areas. To conduct the study, the researchers compared Pennsylvania regulations for DCW training with publicly available DCW training regulations of other states and with evidence-based best practices. They also surveyed licensed Pennsylvania aging and MR/DD service providers to gather data on current training practices, challenges and needs, and to identify issues specific to rural service providers. Finally, the researchers conducted a content analysis of currently used materials for DCW training that were provided or reported by service provider organizations to compare current practices in Pennsylvania’s rural and non-rural areas with best practices.