Use our advocacy tool to tell your members of Congress that direct support professionals need a standard occupational classification.

The Details

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on the support of direct support professionals (DSPs) in order to live and work in their homes and communities. However, low wages due to insufficient reimbursement rates have led to high turnover and vacancy rates in the DSP workforce. The loss of DSPs across the field has left many people without stable access to community-based supports and services.

Because we need data to understand the scope of the workforce crisis before we can fully solve the problem, the creation of a standard occupational classification (SOC) for DSPs is essential to ensuring people with I/DD have access to critical supports and services. A unique SOC for DSPs would help states and the federal government collect data on demographics and turnover rates. This, in turn, will help inform policies to address the workforce shortage. A DSP SOC will also help states more accurately set rates, which could positively impact DSP wages.

Tell your members of Congress to support the bipartisan Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act today!