Press Releases
2008
June 29, 2008
Unsung Heroes Need A Pay Raise, Too
Many Americans have begun to realize that the professionals who take care of people who need help need some help, too. These unsung heroes, the Direct Support Professionals (DSP), need a pay raise.
As many as 75 percent of those who assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities leave their jobs every year because of low wages that average about $8.68 an hour. At the same time, the need for DSPs is growing. By 2010, there will be 10 million more jobs than DSPs to fill them.
The DSPs who work in community- based residences, treatment and habilitation centers get some personal rewards. Recently, the American Network of Community Options and Resources, a national association of agencies offering quality support services, announced its 2008 Direct Support Professional of the Year: Mike Garcia of Catholic Community Services in Tucson, Arizona.
To learn more about the DSP workforce crisis, and how to contact your legislator about this issue, visit www.youneedtoknowme.org.
(Click here to download PDF version of this story.)
January 17, 2008
ANCOR’s H.R. 1279 Gets Boost in House Hearing
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, in its first meeting of the New Year, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health examined Medicaid coverage for people with disabilities. Testimony concentrated on the role of Medicaid in helping Americans with disabilities havebetter access community care and the supports they need.
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