WHEREAS, Direct Support Professionals serve people with disabilities and other life challenges with dedication and distinction so they may live their best lives; and
WHEREAS, thousands of vulnerable adults continue to require the community-based services for these essential workers who are employed by non-profit organizations like Mosaic in Delaware, Easterseals, KenCrest, Forward Journey, ServiceSource, and others; and
WHEREAS, the need for additional Direct Support Professionals staffing in community service providers far outweighs the current workforce; and
WHEREAS, Direct Support Professionals are trained and highly skilled healthcare employees; and
WHEREAS, the Direct Support Professionals are not minimum wage workers; and
WHEREAS, Direct Support Professionals need greater pay that is commiserate with the level of skill and professionalism their work requires; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly has expressed its support for the work done by Direct Support Professionals by including additional funds to stabilize this workforce in previous state budgets; and
WHEREAS, “Direct Support Professional Advocacy Day” to acknowledge the need recognizes Direct Support Professionals as healthcare professionals by increasing funding of Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) services, co-sponsored by Ability Network of Delaware and A Team Delaware, is taking place on May 21, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 152
nd
General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the General Assembly hereby recognizes the important role that Direct Support Professionals play in meeting the human service needs of our citizens and expresses its sincere gratitude to these essential workers for their commitment to serving their fellow human beings.
