Vital role of DSPs recognized--U.S Senate Resolution 613 Passed

On July 14th 2008 U.S. Senate Resolution 613 was passed to recognize the dedication and vital role of direct support professionals in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities of all ages. It went on to declare the week of September 8th 2008 as National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week.

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals and its allies did a number of things to commemorate this momentous occasion. State and local NADSP contacts were notified and encouraged to celebrate this event in a way that was right for their local groups. Activities ranged from picnics, to after or before work gatherings, to using this federal recognition of the DSP as reason to make first contact with state policy makers. As your National voice the NADSP collaborated with the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) and other allies to thank our Senators and took the opportunity to share with policy makers how the country can grow to understand and better support the work we do as DSPs.

We share much in common with this provider association and will continue to work in collaboration on key issues like:
· providing competitive wages and benefits for DSPs,
· securing incentives for career development and training
· Promoting the value that people with disabilities and those who support them bring to the community.

We also encourage you to get involved in governmental affairs on the grass roots level. Your state NADSP contact may have something going already so check with them first otherwise our Allies at ANCOR and Arc likely have local activities you can participate in and bring the DSP voice to their efforts. Let’s continue to be the change we want to see happen for DSPs and the people we support.

Mark