Today, we have good news to share. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously approved S. 3211, the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act, and recommended it for passage by the full Senate.

The bill will now move to the Senate calendar, where Senate leadership will determine when it may be considered. It must still pass the Senate and House before reaching the president’s desk, but this unanimous vote is an important step forward. 3211 would direct the federal government to consider creating a distinct Standard Occupational Classification for DSPs. This would provide better data on wages, vacancies, turnover, and workforce shortages while giving DSPs long-overdue recognition as skilled and essential professionals.

NADSP is deeply grateful to Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire for sponsoring and championing this legislation; and to Sen. Rand Paul, of Kentucky, Chairman of the Subcommittee for bringing the bill up for passage from Committee to the full Senate. We are also grateful to the many DSPs, family members, self-advocates, advocates, and provider leaders who contacted their senators and explained what direct support really means.

One DSP wrote: “We need to be recognized as a profession for better pay and valued as important community members.” Another, who has worked as a DSP since 1999, wrote: “We are the backbone for those who rely on having someone who has the time to truly care.” DSPs also reminded senators that Home and Community-Based Services allow people to live independently while reducing reliance on costly institutional care. They described low wages, high turnover, and DSPs working two or three jobs simply to survive. One DSP explained: “I chose this work because I believe every person deserves the chance to live a good life in their home community.”

These stories matter. Legislators hear statistics every day, but personal messages show them what those numbers mean for real people, families, and communities.Direct advocacy works. Emails, calls, letters, meetings, and conversations with elected officials can turn a technical policy issue into something human and urgent. This unanimous vote shows what can happen when DSPs tell their stories and lawmakers listen.

There is still a long road ahead, and NADSP will continue working to move this legislation through Congress. For today, we should recognize this important progress.Thank you to everyone who contacted Congress. Your advocacy helped move DSPs one step closer to the professional recognition they have earned.

Sincerely,

Joseph M. Macbeth

President and Chief Executive Officer

National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals