Archives: 2010
October
ANCOR was proud to host the 2010 DSPs to DC in conjunction with the 2010 Government Activities Seminar. Over 120 DSPs and providers gathered in the nation’s Capital on September 13 to raise awareness and seek additional support for H.R. 868, The Direct Support Professional Fairness and Recognition Act. The DSPs and their providers took part in a massive grassroots advocacy and outreach initiative that included a Capitol Hill briefing, DSP training, grassroots advocacy training, the 2010 DSP of the Year award ceremony, and numerous visits with congressional offices.
To kick off the event, attendees gathered in the Rayburn House Office Building for a Capitol Hill Briefing where they heard from staffers of both co-sponsors of HR 868 Representative Lois Capps and Representative Lee Terry. Tina Fagan, one of the newest Certified Direct Support Professional from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), offered moving and passionate remarks. Attendees also heard from Joe MacBeth of NYSACRA and watched a video about DSPs.
Following the briefing, DSPs attended training sessions on topics such as “What Makes a Professional,” “The NADSP Code of Ethics: Live in High Definition Full Color,” “Community Supports and Skills Standards,” and the “National Apprenticeship Program.” The next day, ANCOR staff trained DSPs on how to reach members of Congress with H.R. 868 and offered insider tips for speaking with Congress.
2010 DSP of the Year
During ANCOR’s annual DSP to DC event, the winner of the 2010 DSP of the Year Contest was honored and the state winners received their awards during a special ceremony.
This is the fourth year of the National Advocacy Campaign’s successful DSP of the Year Contest, where once again we were provided a wonderful opportunity to highlight the direct support workforce, thank them for their immeasurable work and advance the advocacy agenda on their behalf.
ANCOR received hundreds of nominations from across the country and carefully selected winners in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Winning DSPs demonstrated examples of accomplishment in building social networks for their consumers, effectiveness in advocating for change on behalf of their profession and those they support, creativity in performing their duties, and leadership among their peers.
Congratulations to our state winners, as well as our national winner, Maria Cordova. We admire the dedication and professionalism these DSPs exhibit in their daily work, and appreciate the many ways they make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and within their community.
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
In a show of bipartisan support, and for the third consecutive year, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution designating the week beginning September 12 as “National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.” Sponsored by Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), Senate Resolution 558 recognizes Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for their commitment to supporting individuals and promoting community-inclusion for individuals with disabilities of all ages. Senator Nelson was joined by Senators Kerry (D-MA), Brownback (R-KS), Dodd (D-CT), Bingaman (D-NM), Johanns (R-NE), Collins (R-ME), Bunning (R-KY), Carper (D-DE), Brown (D-OH) and Udall (D-CO) as co-sponsors of the bill.
In addition to the U.S. Senate Resolution, ANCOR secured Governors’ proclamations in thirty states declaring the week beginning September 12 a “Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.” The list of state proclamations is available on ANCOR’s website.
ANCOR member agencies celebrated DSPs for their hard work in many ways. They hosted events such as cookouts, luncheons, scavenger hunts, and car washes. Some created t-shirts or wristbands as tokens of thanks. Many agencies organized interviews with local newspapers about the work of DSPs. Conversations about celebrating DSP week within member agencies were held in the Supports and Services Open Forum of ANCOR’s Connected Community. Go there now to see some of what members shared about their DSP Week festivities.
September
2010 DSPs to DC
The National Advocacy Campaign is sponsoring DSPs to DC in conjunction with the ANCOR Governmental Activities Seminar September 13th and 14th. DSPs will travel to Washington for a two day program including a Capitol Hill briefing and the chance to meet with their representatives.
If you have not done so already, make your appointments now with your U.S. Representative’s office for Tuesday afternoon (September 14). We suggest you schedule meetings starting at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the direct support workforce crisis and support for workforce wage legislation (H.R. 868).
ANCOR will also recognize the winners of the 2010 DSP of the Year Contest in a special ceremony and awards presentation!
16 Gubernatorial Proclamations Recognizing DSPs!
As of August 20, we have sixteen gubernatorial proclamations! To honor the direct support workforce, state governors issued proclamations designating the week of September 12, 2010 as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in their states!
The following states are celebrating DSP Week:
Arizona
Colorado
Connecticut
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Maine
Missouri
Nebraska
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Utah
Virginia
Wisconsin
Easy Access to ANCOR DSP Week Materials
We’ve put the DSP Week downloadable poster, news release, newsletter article templates and DSP Week graphics on the ANCOR Connected Community (ACC) for your easy access. Login to the ACC using your ANCOR email/password combination.
Once on the ACC, select “Libraries” from the top navigation bar, and select “Search Library.” On the Library Search screen, click on the arrow for “Search Tags,” then find and check the box by “DSP Week” under the “National Advocacy Campaign” and click “Search” at the bottom of the page.
To make the most use of the ACC, you should also post your organization’s fliers, posters, etc. on the ACC for others to view. Directions for posting a document on the ACC can be found here (you’ll need to have your ANCOR email/password before searching these instructions. Other ACC instructions can be found by conducting a search using the “Instructions” tag in the ANCOR Connected Community section of the search page). Good luck! Questions about the ACC? Contact Tony Yu or Jocelyn Breeland.
July/August
U.S. Senate Declares DSP Recognition Week 2010
In a show of bipartisan support, and for the third consecutive year, the U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a resolution designating the week beginning September 12 as “National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.” Sponsored by Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), Senate Resolution 558 recognizes Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for their commitment to supporting individuals and promoting community-inclusion for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
“Direct support professionals provide an invaluable service to the millions of Americans living with disabilities. I'm proud to honor these hard-working individuals who give so much to help those in need. Their dedication to service is an example to us all,” said Senator Nelson.
This acknowledgment by the Senate is significant to ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign (NAC) as work continues to raise awareness of this workforce, to secure increased funding for DSPs, and improve supports and services for people with disabilities.
“We are proud that the U.S. Senate has bestowed this recognition in honor and observation of the direct support workforce and the tremendous impact they have in communities across the country,” said Renee Pietrangelo, ANCOR CEO. “The DSP workforce deserves our highest praise and respect for the critical services they provide daily.”
Along with securing the U.S. Senate resolution, ANCOR is working through its network of providers to seek proclamations from all governors declaring DSP Recognition Week in the states.
Celebrate DSP Recognition Week 2010
In preparation for DSP Recognition Week in September, ANCOR is readying resources to assist members in showcasing the work of DSPs in their own communities. Over the summer, ANCOR members and Public Relations Council will receive template materials, ideas and successes collected from last year’s celebration and some fresh new recommendations to ensure a successful week in 2010.
Among the activities being planned is the annual DSP to DC event hosted by ANCOR September 13-14 and a Congressional call-in day to Members of Congress in support of workforce wage legislation.
Look for information soon on suggested ways you can celebrate DSP Recognition Week 2010!
Let’s get ready to celebrate and advocate!
June
ANCOR Releases Results of 2009 DSP Wage Study
A clear disparity exists in wages and retention rates between privately-operate and state-operated providers of the Medicaid-funded support services for people with disabilities, according to the results of a national survey. The 2009 Direct Support Professionals Wage Study, which was conducted in partnership between ANCOR and the Mosaic Collaborative for Disabilities Public Policy and Practice, also shows the negative effect of these wage and retention gaps on the private provider direct support workforce.
The survey results compared wages among DSPs employed by private providers with those who work for state-operated programs. The average 2009 wage for Direct Support Professionals working in private community-based agencies is $10.14/hour compared to $15.53/hour in state operated facilities – a 51% disparity. The net effect of this disparity is a 154.7% higher turnover rate for community DSPs and resulting destructive emotional and psychic affects on the people with disabilities served.
“The link between low wages and high turnover is marked and the wage disparity among private and public DSPs is unjustified,” said Renee Pietrangelo, CEO of ANCOR. “As demand for the Medicaid services provided by DSPs increases, low wages will continue to prevent privately-operated providers from attracting and retaining a qualified workforce. People with disabilities receiving support services in their communities need and deserve continuity in their support system.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 1 million new DSPs will be needed by 2016. Of those, 38 percent (388,538) will be for personal and home care aide positions, which is the category where DSP positions are most often included. “Without an increase in funding to support increased wages for DSPs working in the community, this workforce will continue to experience high turnover, which directly impacts the quality of supports and services,” says Peter Kowalski, ANCOR President. “Add in the exponentially growing number of aging Americans who will also need support services provided by DSPs, and America is witnessing a healthcare crisis of significant proportion.”
To learn more, visit http://ancor.org/news/2010/05/survey-links-low-wages-and-high-turnover-rates.
Save the Date – DSP Recognition Week is September 12-18, 2010
In May, the ANCOR Board unanimously adopted a resolution marking the week of September 12 as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. ANCOR has also launched an effort seeking a U.S. Senate Resolution to establish this week concurrently as a national event – and, we are asking all 50 state governors to do the same!
The purpose of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is to honor DSPs for their commitment and devotion to supporting individuals and building community-inclusion for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities
ANCOR is readying resources to assist members in showcasing the work of DSPs during this recognition week in their own communities. Over the summer, ANCOR members and the NAC Public Relations Council will receive template materials, ideas and successes collected from last year’s celebration and some fresh new recommendations to ensure a successful week in 2010.
Stay tuned for more information on DSP Recognition Week activities coming your way this summer!
May
2010 DSP of the Year Contest Winners Announced
Last month during the Management Practices Conference and Trade Show in New Orleans, ANCOR honored Maria Cordova of Adelante Development Center, Albuquerque, NM as the 2010 Direct Support Professional of the Year. The Direct Support Professional Award program was started by ANCOR in 2007 to acknowledge the commitment and courage of the direct support professionals (DSP) who work to ensure community inclusion and full participation for hundreds of thousands of Americans with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities. Cordova was named the national winner from among 231 nominations submitted for the competition. Forty additional DSPs received awards as best of the best in their respective states and the District of Columbia.
“There were so many inspiring and deserving nominees that it was difficult to choose the final winners,” said Renee Pietrangelo, ANCOR CEO. “ANCOR takes great pride in recognizing and honoring the remarkable work done by these professionals. We congratulate Maria Cordova and the other 40 for their stand-out achievements.”
ANCOR is pleased to recognize these DSPs for their tremendous work and for the considerable difference they make each day in the lives of people with disabilities, and in the communities they serve. ANCOR will be honoring all of our contest winners in a special issue of LINKS this summer; we plan to present awards to our state winners during the 2010 DSP to DC event taking place in September.
ANCOR salutes the 2010 DSP of the Year class!
ANCOR Release Results of 2009 National DSP Wage Survey
ANCOR recently released the results of its national survey that clearly illustrate the growing need for increased federal funding for low-wage workers who provide supports to people with disabilities. The 2009 Direct Support Professionals Wage Study, which for a second year was conducted in partnership between ANCOR and the Mosaic Collaborative for Disabilities Public Policy and Practice, imparts a sobering view of a national healthcare workforce in crisis.
A key finding of the report shows that nationally the 2009 average wage for Direct Support Professionals working in private community based agencies is $10.14/hour compared to $15.53/hour in state operated facilities. This represents a 51% disparity!
A significant effect of this disparity is a 154.7% higher turnover rate for community DSPs, which results in immeasurable negative emotional and psychic affects on the people served.
“The link between low wages and high turnover is indisputable and the wage disparity among private and public DSPs is unjustified,” said Renee Pietrangelo, CEO of ANCOR. “As demand for the Medicaid services provided by DSPs increases, low wages will continue to prevent private-operated providers from attracting and retaining a qualified workforce. People with disabilities receiving services under Medicaid in their communities deserve to enjoy continuity in their support system.”
This report, again, substantiates and strengthens ANCOR’s claims that a stark disparity exists between state and private DSPs, and provides the statistical data necessary to compliment our continued efforts before Congress to increase Medicaid funding to the states for DSP wages, training, and technology.
Visit www.ancor.org for more information on the 2009 DSP Wage Study.
Hill Happenings
We are pleased to report that ANCOR is again working with Senator Nelson’s (D-NE) office to declare with week of September 12th as Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. This week also coincides with “DSPs to DC” at ANCOR’s Governmental Activities Seminar on September 12th-14th. In addition, ANCOR will be working with many of its members to have Governors proclaim the week of September 12th as DSP Recognition Week in their states. If you are interested in contacting your governor to encourage a state proclamation, please contact Mary Pauline Jones, as she will be providing materials and coordinating these activities.
In April, the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act (HR 868) obtained additional co-sponsors, bringing the total to 61, including the “original co-sponsors” Representatives Capps (D-CA) and Terry (R-NE). If you have not already contacted your Representative, please do so. You can use ANCOR’s Action Center to contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 868!
April
Hill Happenings
In an effort to help sustain the direct support workforce, the NAC has encouraged its network to urge passage of the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 (H.R. 4213). This bill contains an additional estimated $25.5 billion in federal Medicaid (FMAP) and an additional $1.2 billion in adjustments to help states with the Medicare Part D payments states are required to make to the federal government. (See related LINKs article in this month’s issue.) Although the Senate passed HR 4213 on March 10th, as LINKs goes to print, the bill will be conferenced with a version the House passed in December. Thank you to everyone who reached out to their Senators and urged passage of this bill.
In March, ANCOR staff updated and discussed future activities around the workforce crisis with Representatives Capps (D-CA) and Terry (R-NE), the co-sponsors of the workforce bill (HR 868). Capps and Terry reiterated their support for ANCOR’s efforts on H.R. 868. Although ANCOR members have been working hard to add additional co-sponsors, the sentiment of our bill’s champions is that health care reform has brought Congress to a grinding halt, with little room for work on other important issues, like H.R. 868. The currently has 58 co-sponsors, so if you have not already contacted your Representative, please do so. You can use ANCOR’s Action Center to contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 868!
Find Us on Facebook
Online social networks have emerged as a highly effective way for people to share information and communicate. The leading social network Web site, Facebook, has some 400 million users –well greater than the entire population of the United States. Did you know that 50% of active users log-on to Facebook each day? More than 35 million users update their status each day? More than 5 billion pieces of content is shared each week? These figures are staggering – and provide a great opportunity for us to raise awareness for the issues advocated by the NAC.
Last fall, in effort to grow our coalition of supporters and provide a forum to share information on the DSP workforce, the NAC landed on Facebook. We have a page with close to 500 “fans”. In the coming months, we plan to grow the NAC’s presence on Facebook and create a forum to share information, news and stories related to the workforce. We also are looking to grow the number of “fans” we have and invite you to login to Facebook and search for “National Advocacy Campaign”. More than 20 million people become fans of pages on Facebook each day – be among them and help the NAC grow on Facebook!
March
YAI Named Winner of ANCOR Advocacy Award
In February, ANCOR announced YAI National Institute for People with Disabilities as the winner of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) Capital Challenge and recipient of its annual ANCOR Advocacy Award.
Through the NAC, ANCOR launched the DSP Capital Challenge in the fall of 2009 as a competition among its membership to generate contact with Members of Congress in support of H.R. 868, the Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act.
The Capital Challenge competition was successful in facilitating close to 600 unique constituent contacts from DSPs, family members and consumers to Washington lawmakers, helping to raise awareness of the critical supports DSPs provide each day to millions of Americans with disabilities. During the three-month competition, H.R. 868 experienced an increase of thirty-three new co-sponsors bringing the current total to 59.
“Each year, the ANCOR Advocacy Award highlights the incredible work of our membership in affecting change for the direct support workforce and shaping the future of the profession,” said Renee Pietrangelo, CEO of ANCOR. “On behalf of ANCOR, I am pleased to recognize YAI’s support of the NAC’s goal to seek funding and other solutions that would mitigate the worsening direct support workforce crisis.”
As the award winner, a YAI representative will be sent to ANCOR’s 2010 Management Practices Conference in New Orleans, LA (April 11-13) to receive the prestigious ANCOR Advocacy Award and be honored for outstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of the direct support workforce.
"It is gratifying that so many of YAI/NIPD's families, staff and direct support professionals reached out to their Congressional members on behalf of all DSPs across the country. By partnering with ANCOR and its members, our collective voices carried a powerful message about our most valuable resource – DSPs," said Dr. Philip H. Levy, President and CEO of YAI/NIPD.
NAC Grassroots Activism
A key component of the National Advocacy Campaign is strengthening our grassroots network and engaging a broader audience of stakeholders to advocate on behalf of higher wages for the direct support workforce.
The NAC has been successful since its inception in 2001, due in large part to an active and vocal base of support. Now, more than ever, we must continue to grow that base. ANCOR has launched several grassroots programs over the years to recognize and engage DSPs to be leaders in communicating with decision makers on the workforce issue. Such programs are instrumental in our capacity to effectively convey the need for higher wages and the real threat not addressing the workforce crisis will have on the ability of providers to meet the needs of their consumers.
ANCOR will continue to grow our “grassroots army” and advocate for higher wages for DSPs, but we can’t do it without the help of our members. We encourage agencies to become active in the NAC and engage their DSPs, and the families of their consumers, in this campaign.
Please take the time and join the NAC through our website: www.youneedtoknowme.org. Sign up to receive emails and we’ll keep you informed of current events and ways to get involved!
February
Legislative Update – Workforce and Health Care Reform
While the members of the House and Senate prepare to get back to Washington and tackle the conferencing of their respective health reform bills, ANCOR has persevered in efforts to gain traction and increase co-sponsors for the workforce wage bill (HR 868). ANCOR staff continues to work with Congresswoman Capps to raise awareness and increase the number of co-sponsors on the bill. As of January 18, 2010 there are 59 co-sponsors including 13 Republicans and 46 Democrats.
The NAC Steering Committee met in early January to reassess, among other things, their current and future legislative goals and revisit the long and short term objectives of the campaign. As directed by the committee, ANCOR staff and volunteers will continue to push for HR 868 and add additional cosponsors with emphasis on achieving a congressional hearing on the workforce issue this year.
Thanks to the direct outreach of ANCOR members whose efforts continue to grow support the workforce wage bill – please keep it up! Please visit the ANCOR Action Center at www.ancor.org to contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 868 - TODAY!
2010 DSP of the Year Contest
Do you know a DSP deserving of recognition for their exemplary work increasing the social involvement of a client in their community? Someone that has gone above and beyond to promote independent living for their consumer?
If so, ANCOR is currently accepting nominations for the 4th Annual DSP of the Year Awards which provides a great opportunity to recognize the work of your most dedicated direct support staff!
Click here to nominate the best and brightest of your DSP staff TODAY!
The deadline for entries is Friday, February 26, 2010 at 5:00 pm (EST).
Direct Support Professionals Wage Study
In partnership with the Mosaic Collaborative for Public Policy and Practice, ANCOR has again commissioned a national study comparing entry level and average wages for DSPs.
The purpose of the survey and study is to gain credible data related to growing wage disparities to illustrate how that impacts high turnover rates and the overall workforce shortage.
Initial analysis of survey results substantiates our claims of a stark disparity between state and private DSP wages, and strengthens the statistical data for our work to increase DSP wages, training, and technology. Results of the study will be available online soon. Be sure to visit www.ancor.org for more information.
January
Wage Legislation & Health Care Reform
HR 868 was introduced last February giving us most of the year to focus on securing co-sponsors and building support for a hearing in the House Energy & Commerce Committee. Along the way, national health care reform surfaced as a pivotal issue for the Administration and Democratic leadership in Congress, thereby changing the politics of both Chambers and influencing our dialogue with House Members related to DSP wage legislation.
To overcome this continued setback, ANCOR has had to reposition efforts to generate support and increase co-sponsors for workforce wage legislation (H.R. 868). This involved coordinated meetings on the Hill speaking to Members that have previously co-sponsored workforce wage legislation (H.R. 1279). As well, ANCOR sponsored a grassroots competition, the DSP Capital Challenge, to grow the number of co-sponsors and raise awareness of our issue in Washington. To date we have 58 co-sponsors on H.R. 868, and the pace at which we grow support should accelerate into the new year.
Related to health care reform, ANCOR has been working closely with Senators from the Finance Committee and the Senate HELP Committee on the reform package. We have drafted language that creates a national commission whose ultimate purpose is to examine the workforce crisis and report back to Congress concrete solutions. This is an incredible opportunity for our industry to raise awareness of our priority issues and mitigate the impacts of the impending workforce crisis.
Currently, our language is being guided through the process by Senator Snowe of Maine, one of the key Republicans being courted by Democratic leadership to support the reform bill. At press time, the Senate is debating floor amendments to the bill.
Direct Support Professionals Wage Study
Building upon the success of last year’s research, ANCOR, in partnership with the Mosaic Collaborative for Public Policy and Practice, has again commissioned a study comparing wage data among public and private DSPs (entry level and average wages).
The purpose of the survey and study is to gain credible data related to growing wage disparities and how that impacts high turnover rates and the overall workforce shortage.
Initial analysis of survey results substantiates our claims of a stark disparity between state and private DSP wages, and strengthens the statistical data for our work to increase DSP wages, training, and technology. Results of the study will be available online soon. Be sure to visit www.ancor.org for more information.
2010 DSP of the Year Contest
Do you know a DSP that deserves recognition for their outstanding work supporting clients? Is there someone on staff that has gone above and beyond in promoting independent living for their consumer? Do you have a compelling story to share about how a DSP has increased the social involvement of a consumer in their community?
If so, ANCOR wants to know about it!
ANCOR is currently accepting nominations for the 4th Annual DSP of the Year Awards.
This is a great opportunity to recognize the work of your most dedicated direct support staff!
Deadline for entries is Friday, February 26, 2010 at 5:00 pm (EST). Visit www.ancor.org to nominate the best and brightest of your DSP staff TODAY! |
