LEAD is an interactive and intensive leadership development experience designed to help DSPs build on their own skills and leadership strengths to become more confident leaders in Delaware’s Home and Community-Based system. Local and national leaders share ideas, best practices for skills and approaches, strategies and resources that Delaware’s DSPs can use in their day-to-day roles. Training includes group discussions, self- and organizational assessments, exercises and simulations, leadership challenges and presentations. Sessions are held both virtually and in person in Dover, Delaware.
2026 LEAD Sessions
- The Spring 2026 Leadership Institute (April 12–17, 2026)
- The Summer 2026 Leadership Institute (July 26–31, 2025)
- The July Wisconsin Leadership Institute (July 12–17, 2026)
Learn more and apply for LEAD.
LEAD Training Topics
- Introduction to LEAD
- History and Human Rights
- Leading Effective Teams
- Fostering a Sustainable Workforce
- Strategic Leadership to Enhance Organizational Practices
- Transforming Organizational Culture
- Enhancing Accountability and Interpersonal Communication
- Networking and Building Connections
- Strengths-Based Leadership
- Advocacy and Your Role in Systems Change
- Next Steps in Your Career
- Leadership Development Wrap Up / Staying Connected
To participate, DSPs must have the support of their organization. Each organization will pay a fee of $1,500 per participating DSP. This fee plus a $500 stipend to help supplement salary or pay for the hours that DSPs are participating in the program will be reimbursed to the organization from DDDS upon completion of the Training.
LEAD is a partnership of the National Leadership Consortium and Delaware’s Division of Developmental Disabilities to invest in the state’s Direct Support Workforce.
