NADSP Advocacy
The mission of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) is “to elevate the status of direct support professionals by improving practice standards, promoting system reform, and advancing their knowledge, skills and values.” When it comes to the “promoting system reform” component of our mission, it’s essential that we actively engage in advocacy to advance policy and legislation that benefits direct support professionals (DSPs). To live out our mission, we are producing resources, working with legislators, and partnering with national organizations to amplify the voices of DSPs and drive systemic change at all levels.
2025 Disability Policy Seminar
NADSP was excited to join the Disability Policy Seminar as partner this spring in Washington, D.C. The Disability Policy Seminar is an annual federal legislative conference focused on cultivating champions on Capitol Hill and advancing the grassroots movement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
NADSP’s Latest Policy Updates
NADSP Senior Policy Advisor Nicole Jorwic shares the latest policy updates. Click the learn more button below for our most recent advocacy alerts.
NADSP Policy Priorities
NADSP has prioritized the following proposed legislation in its advocacy efforts. Our organization is actively working to secure support for these bills by increasing the number of cosponsors and organizing advocacy efforts through public policy events and initiatives.
S.1437 – Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act
Current Status: Introduced in Senate (4/28/21)
The aim of S.1437 – Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act is “to require the Office of Management and Budget to revise the Standard Occupational Classification system to establish a separate code for direct support professionals, and for other purposes.”
View Sponsor / Cosponsers
Sponsor:
- Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Cosponsors:
- Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
- Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
- Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
- Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
H.R.4779 – Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act
Current Status: Introduced in House (7/28/21)
The aim of H.R.4779 – Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act is “to require the Office of Management and Budget to revise the Standard Occupational Classification system to establish a separate code for direct support professionals, and for other purposes.”
View Sponsor / Cosponsers
Sponsor:
- Rep. Rice, Kathleen M. [D-NY-4]
Cosponsors:
- Rep. Katko, John [R-NY-24]
- Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2]
- Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
- Rep. Maloney, Sean Patrick [D-NY-18]
- Rep. Delgado, Antonio [D-NY-19]
- Rep. Wild, Susan [D-PA-7]
- Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
- Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
- Rep. Manning, Kathy E. [D-NC-6]
- Rep. Kuster, Ann M. [D-NH-2]
S.2344 – Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act
Current Status: Introduced in Senate (7/14/21)
The aim of S.2344 – Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act is “to award grants for the creation, recruitment, training and education, retention, and advancement of the direct care workforce and to award grants to support family caregivers.”
View Sponsor / Cosponsers
Sponsor:
- Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Cosponsors:
- Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
- Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
- Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
- Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]
- Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
- Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
- Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
- Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]
H.R.2999 – Direct CARE Opportunity Act
Current Status: Introduced in House (5/4/21)
The aim of H.R.2999 – Direct CARE Opportunity Act is “to award grants for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of direct care workers.”
View Sponsor / Cosponsers
Sponsor:
- Rep. Scott, Robert C. “Bobby” [D-VA-3]
Cosponsors:
- Rep. Wild, Susan [D-PA-7]
- Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
- Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
- Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-11]
“I believe that NADSP’s advocacy efforts will one day lead to true, systemic change that will improve the lives of many.”
NADSP Advocacy & Policy Resources
NADSP has produced a number of different articles, guides, videos etc. to help educate DSPs and inform the broader human services field. These materials provide information about NADSP’s legislative priorities, advocacy efforts, and more.
Response to HHS on Autism
2025 NADSP Conference: Elevate
NADSP Policy Update: We Must Stop the Attack on Medicaid and Community Living
NADSP Policy Update: Direct Support Professionals and allies Must Speak Out – HHS Decision Threatens Disability and Aging Supports
NADSP Policy Update: A Call to Action for the Disability Community -March 18, 2025
Webinar: Informing Workforce Development Strategies: The DSP Experience Inside and Outside the Workplace
Virtual Training: Understanding Informed Decision Making for Direct Support Professionals
Advocate “With” People On Election Day and Beyond
Advocacy & Policy Sponsors
We would like to thank the following organizations for their support of NADSP’s advocacy initiatives. Their partnership helps ensure that NADSP can continue its efforts to promote system reform that will positively impact DSPs.