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

2024 NADSP Advocacy Symposium

NADSP is hosting a 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.

Implementing DSP Credentialing in New York

Implementing DSP Credentialing in New York

The report provides an overview of the direct support professional workforce in New York and makes a number of recommendations ...
NADSP Statement On Wages

NADSP Statement On Wages

A Call for Systems Change to Address the Wage Disparity of Direct Support Professionals Across the nation there is growing ...
NADSP Responds To Shooting Of Direct Support Professional

NADSP Responds To Shooting Of Direct Support Professional

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) envisions a world where people with intellectual and other disabilities live community-based ...
Protection of Vulnerable Persons in Residential Facilities Against Abuse & Neglect

Protection of Vulnerable Persons in Residential Facilities Against Abuse & Neglect

This report addresses the problem of abuse and neglect of vulnerable people in residential programs operated or supported by agencies ...
The Frontline Of Change

The Frontline Of Change

Direct Support Professionals: The Frontline of Change was inspired by the men and women of this workforce, some of whose ...
Report To The President 1996: Building Leadership for the 21st Century

Report To The President 1996: Building Leadership for the 21st Century

The outcomes articulated in this Report to the President reaffirms the mission of PCMR and strengthens the resolve for continued ...

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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