YOUR VOICE MATTERS: Speak Up for Direct Support Professionals

On August 6, a U.S. Senate committee voted to advance the 'Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act.'

This is great news—but there is a long way to go to get this important legislation passed! 

We are asking YOU to show your support and help ensure your elected officials understand just how important Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are to people with disabilities and our communities. 

Ask anyone at Easterseals Southern California, and they will tell you: Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

DSPs provide vital support to millions of people with IDD to live full lives in their communities—assisting with healthcare, daily activities of living, employment support, and community participation. 

Despite their immense impact, DSPs are not recognized as a distinct occupation in federal labor data. 

Why does this matter? 

Without accurate labor data, it’s difficult to measure staffing shortages, develop plans for needed services, and create policies that address workforce issues. 

Addressing the problem 

The ‘Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act’ would help fix this issue by creating a job classification for DSPs. This would allow accurate tracking of the DSP workforce in labor statistics, giving policymakers the tools to support the workforce and the disability community. 

How can you help? 

You can tell your Congressional Representative and Senator just how important this bill is! The more they hear from you, the more they prioritize you and the DSPs in our communities.  

The August 6^th Senate hearing is just the start—Congress will be back in session towards the end of summer, and our goal is to rally as much support as possible from California's representatives! 

Just one minute of your time can make a real impact. 

Follow the link above to send a pre-written letter to your representatives and consider adding in your own story about why this bill is important to YOU and your community.  

The Direct Support Professional Workforce Crisis

Disability service provides are experiencing significant workforce challenges, fueled by high turnover, limited career pathways, and reimbursement constraints. 

Direct Support Professional workforce stability directly impacts the health, safety, and independence of the millions of people nationwide who rely on DSPs for essential services.