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.

Exterior image of the US Capitol building

2022 NADSP Advocacy Symposium

NADSP held its first-ever national advocacy event to bring the DSP perspective to the forefront of Congress and the Administration.

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.”

- Joseph Macbeth, NADSP President & CEO

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.

Logo for 2022 NADSP Policy Event

2024 NADSP Advocacy Symposium: Building A Grassroots Movement

About the Event ​This spring, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) will embark on its third national advocacy ...
NADSP News: Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S.1332)  Advances through Committee!

NADSP News: Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S.1332) Advances through Committee!

I think it was appropriate that on the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the American with Disabilities Act, the ...
Call for Frontline Initiative Authors

Call for Frontline Initiative Authors

Frontline Initiative is a publication produced through a partnership between the Institute on Community Integration and the National Alliance for ...
Exterior image of the US Capitol building

2023 NADSP Advocacy Symposium: Amplifying the Direct Support Professional Workforce

About the Event On May 3rd and 4th, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) will embark on its ...
NADSP Sixth Annual Conference Request for Proposals

NADSP Sixth Annual Conference Request for Proposals

2023 Conference Overview: The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals Annual Conference will return September 8-9, 2023 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania at ...
Save the Date: 2023 NADSP Advocacy Symposium: Amplifying The Voices Of DSPs

Save the Date: 2023 NADSP Advocacy Symposium: Amplifying The Voices Of DSPs

In early March 2022, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) embarked on its first ever national advocacy event, ...
National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week It’s Time for Frank Discussion

National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week It’s Time for Frank Discussion

As another National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week begins, we watch with deep appreciation all the creative ways supervisors, administrative ...
Gratitude for the 2022 NADSP Advocacy Symposium

Gratitude for the 2022 NADSP Advocacy Symposium

In early March 2022, NADSP embarked on its first ever national advocacy event, the 2022 Advocacy Symposium, Amplifying The Voices ...
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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.

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