NADSP Senior Policy Adviser Nicole Jorwic is back with more policy updates. As outlined in this video, August recess is a very important time to share your stories, and request action from the people who represent you in Congress, your Senators and Representatives. To support DSPs please take the 3 action steps below between now and September 5, 2024 when they return to DC!

ACTION 1: Pass the Long-term Care Workforce Support Act to Raise Wages for DSPs, and Improve Job Quality and Career Ladders

The Long-term Care Workforce Support Act Must Pass Congress!

The Long-term Care Workforce Support Act (S 4120) and (H.R. 7994) must pass to address the direct care workforce crisis. Due to decades of lack of investment by federal and state governments to address the stagnant wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in all settings, there are workforce shortages in all settings where people with disabilities live. Employee shortages, unsafe working conditions, low wages and lack of career pathways is the daily reality for DSPs in every district and in every state.

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT! Contact your Senators and Representatives and ask them to co-sponsor and support the Long-term Care Workforce Support Act.

For more on the bill see the NADSP one-pager.

To find the member of the House who represents YOU, go here.

ACTION 2: Urge Passage of the Bill to Create a Standard Occupational Code for DSP’s 

The Bill Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act Must Pass in House!

The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S1332) passed in the Senate this Spring. The push now moves to the House. The House bill  H.R.2941 has been introduced by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT! Contact your Representatives in the House and tell them to VOTE YES on HR 2941 and recognize the role and value of Direct Support Professionals

For more on why the SOC is so important, see here.

To find the member of the House who represents YOU, go here.

ACTION 3: Share These Action Alerts with Friends and Family!