ANCOR Leads Coalition Support for Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act

A coalition of 25 national organizations, spearheaded by ANCOR, as part of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Task Force, recently sent a letter to Chair Virginia Foxx and Ranking Member Bobby Scott of the Education and Workforce Committee in support of the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S. 1332/H.R. 2941). 

The bill, which has already passed the Senate unanimously as S. 1332, would ensure that when the Office of Management and Budget revises the standard occupational classification (SOC) system, it considers the importance of a code for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This classification is seen as a crucial step in addressing the long-standing workforce crisis.

DSPs play a vital role in providing essential caregiving services and promoting independence and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. However, the workforce faces significant turnover rates, with some states experiencing rates as high as 59%. This turnover has left many individuals without stable access to home and community-based supports, leading to delays in services and, in some cases, service closures.

One major challenge in addressing this crisis is the lack of comprehensive data on DSP employment and wages. The creation of a unique DSP SOC would enable accurate data collection, facilitating informed policymaking and targeted solutions to address workforce challenges.

The coalition’s letter urges support for S. 1332 in the U.S. House of Representatives, emphasizing the importance of federal recognition of the critical role DSPs play in providing supports for people with disabilities.