National Direct Support Professionals Recognition week began Monday, September 11. Our member providers employ thousands of DSPs across South Dakota and they are the backbone of the services we provide to people with developmental disabilities. The job entails many responsibilities from supporting everyday activities, to intensive medical and behavioral supports. The job is tough, demanding, and rewarding! This is year is also unique in that there is national legislation aimed at recognizing the DSP as a Bureau of Labor Statistics job classification. This legislation is important in recognizing and further advancing the DSP in the labor market. Each of our member providers will be celebrating their DSPs throughout the week. Be sure to thank a DSP this week!
Standard Occupational Classification for DSPs Passes Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
On the anniversary day of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities ACT, S1332 establishes a standard occupational classification for Direct Support Professionals (DSP). The bill unanimously passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. This is a significant step forward in addressing the decades long workforce crisis. This bill will require the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to begin collecting and monitoring wage and benefit data specifically aimed at DSPs in Home and Community Based Services. The official designation will help to improve wage and benefit information and is a foundational step in the professionalization of the DSP. The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) led the charge with this legislation and Community Support Providers of South Dakota along with hundreds of other provider groups across the nation supported the effort. The next step in the process is full passage of the Senate. Click here for more information.
