The State of America's Direct Support Workforce Crisis 2026

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Research & Reports

The State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis 2024

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Thumbnail of cover page of ANCOR's 2024 workforce crisis report
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Headshot of Tom Rice
Tom Rice
headshot of Lydia Dawson
Lydia Dawson
For the fifth consecutive year, ANCOR has conducted a survey to measure the impact of this workforce crisis on both providers and the people they support. The results of the 2024 survey are a sobering revelation of a system of care in peril.
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Key Findings

Key findings from the State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis 2024 include:

  • 90% experienced moderate or severe staffing challenges in the past year.
  • 69% reported turning away new referrals.
  • 39% were discontinuing programs/services.
  • 64% intended to delay the launch of new programs.
  • 34% were considering further cuts to programs if recruitment and retention challenges failed to subside.
  • 45% were experiencing more frequent reportable incidents.
  • 57% of case managers struggled to connect people with services.
  • 57% reported delivering services in areas where few or no other options exist.

Download the 2024 Survey Report

More Resources

Research & Reports
The 2024 National Technology Solutions 2.0 Survey of I/DD Service and Supports Providers
Fact Sheets
The HCBS Relief Act
Fact Sheets
Access Rule and Budget Reconciliation Law Implementation Timeline