Direct Support Workforce Data

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Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative (RISWI) SupportWise Workforce Data Summary and Implications

These reports provide a comprehensive summary of workforce data for Rhode Island, focusing on direct support professionals (DSPs) and frontline supervisors (FLSs). It evaluates whether statewide efforts are effectively impacting workforce conditions. The report is designed to inform people with disabilities, their families, employers, state partners and policymakers with insights in both detailed and plain language (easy read) versions. Here are the most recent reports:

  • Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative (RISWI) SupportWise Workforce Data Summary and Implications for Reporting Period June 1 to Dec. 31, 2025 (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)

Previous reports

  • Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative (RISWI) SupportWise Workforce Data Summary and Implications for Reporting Period Jan. 1 to June 30, 2025 (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
  • Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative (RISWI) SupportWise Workforce Data Summary and Implications for Reporting Period Jan. 1 to June 30, 2025, Easy Read Report (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
  • Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative (RISWI) SupportWise Workforce Data Summary and Implications for Reporting Period July 1 to Dec. 31, 2024 (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
  • Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative (RISWI) SupportWise Workforce Data Summary and Implications for Reporting Period July 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, Easy Read Report (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
  • Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative (RISWI) SupportWise Workforce Data Summary and Implications for Reporting Period Jan. 1 to June 30, 2024 (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
  • Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative (RISWI) SupportWise Workforce Data Summary and Implications for Reporting Period Jan. 1 to June 30, 2024, Easy Read Report (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
  • Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative (RISWI) SupportWise Workforce Data Summary and Implications for Reporting Period July 1 to Dec. 31, 2023 (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
  • Rhode Island Statewide Workforce Initiative (RISWI) SupportWise Workforce Data Summary and Implications for Reporting Period July 1 to Dec. 31, 2023, Easy Read Report (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)

RISWI Self-Direction Report

Self-directed supports allow people to hire and manage their own direct support professionals (DSPs). Rhode Island has collected direct support workforce data for several years, primarily from provider agencies. To address gaps in information about self-directed staff, the state, key partners and the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota developed and piloted the Rhode Island Self-Direction Staffing Survey and Self-Direction Learning Series. This report presents findings from both. Results reflect early, self-reported pilot data and are not representative of all self-directed staff in Rhode Island. These findings are intended for learning and testing purposes only.