This practical worksheet helps staff identify reinforcers that match the individual they support and the program setting. With options ranging from time alone, leadership roles, or small surprises, DSPs can plan reinforcement strategies that are meaningful, dignified, and consistent. Space is included to write out how each reinforcer could be used in daily routines, making it easy to apply in real time.
Give your team the tools to make reinforcement consistent, dignified, and effective. The DSP Reinforcement Toolkit combines five practical resources designed for staff working in residential and day program settings. Each tool provides ready-to-use strategies and examples, helping direct support professionals reduce conflict, build trust, and increase participation without falling into the trap of bribery.
What’s Included:
Reinforcement Planning Worksheet – DSP Edition – Identify reinforcers that match the individual and the setting.
10 Real-World Ways to Reinforce Without Bribery – DSP Edition – This guide explains the difference between reinforcement and bribery, then provides 10 reinforcement strategies with concrete examples drawn from residential homes and day programs. Each strategy helps DSPs strengthen participation, build trust, and reduce conflict—without blurring boundaries or rewarding escalation. Reflection prompts at the end support staff in choosing approaches that fit their setting and the individuals they serve.
Say It Simply – DSP Script Starters – Direct support staff often need quick, respectful words to use in the moment. This resource provides ready-to-go script starters for noticing effort, connecting effort to outcomes, and closing the loop with reinforcement. With examples designed for group and individual settings, it helps DSPs use reinforcement in ways that feel natural and supportive.
Reinforcement vs. Bribery – What to Say Instead (DSP Edition) – This side-by-side guide shows how common bribery phrases used under pressure can be reworked into reinforcement-based alternatives. Each example highlights realistic DSP scenarios—such as resistance to chores, schedule changes, or pacing—and offers language that teaches skills instead of reinforcing escalation. A built-in practice section helps staff rewrite their own phrases for immediate use.
This toolkit helps staff move beyond “putting out fires” and into building skills, consistency, and connection—tools that make reinforcement work in the real world of direct support.
This practical worksheet helps staff identify reinforcers that match the individual they support and the program setting. With options ranging from time alone, leadership roles, or small surprises, DSPs can plan reinforcement strategies that are meaningful, dignified, and consistent. Space is included to write out how each reinforcer could be used in daily routines, making it easy to apply in real time.
Give your team the tools to make reinforcement consistent, dignified, and effective. The DSP Reinforcement Toolkit combines five practical resources designed for staff working in residential and day program settings. Each tool provides ready-to-use strategies and examples, helping direct support professionals reduce conflict, build trust, and increase participation without falling into the trap of bribery.
What’s Included:
Reinforcement Planning Worksheet – DSP Edition – Identify reinforcers that match the individual and the setting.
10 Real-World Ways to Reinforce Without Bribery – DSP Edition – This guide explains the difference between reinforcement and bribery, then provides 10 reinforcement strategies with concrete examples drawn from residential homes and day programs. Each strategy helps DSPs strengthen participation, build trust, and reduce conflict—without blurring boundaries or rewarding escalation. Reflection prompts at the end support staff in choosing approaches that fit their setting and the individuals they serve.
Say It Simply – DSP Script Starters – Direct support staff often need quick, respectful words to use in the moment. This resource provides ready-to-go script starters for noticing effort, connecting effort to outcomes, and closing the loop with reinforcement. With examples designed for group and individual settings, it helps DSPs use reinforcement in ways that feel natural and supportive.
Reinforcement vs. Bribery – What to Say Instead (DSP Edition) – This side-by-side guide shows how common bribery phrases used under pressure can be reworked into reinforcement-based alternatives. Each example highlights realistic DSP scenarios—such as resistance to chores, schedule changes, or pacing—and offers language that teaches skills instead of reinforcing escalation. A built-in practice section helps staff rewrite their own phrases for immediate use.
This toolkit helps staff move beyond “putting out fires” and into building skills, consistency, and connection—tools that make reinforcement work in the real world of direct support.
