Whereas: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the primary providers of community-based long-term support services for tens of thousands of individuals with disabilities in Minnesota; and
Whereas: DSPs support informed choices and person-centered practices that honor and respect the people with disabilities they serve; and
Whereas: DSPs are valued for their work in building close, respectful, and trusted relationships with individuals to assist them in all areas of their lives; and
Whereas: DSPs provide essential support to people with disabilities to stay connected to family, friends, coworkers, and the community, helping them to explore options to live a purpose filled life; and
Whereas: DSPs provide a broad range of individualized supports, including work and life enrichment opportunities, personal care and life skills training, mobility, health and wellness and daily tasks; and
Whereas: An adequate workforce of high-quality DSPs is necessary for the people of Minnesota to meet obligations to people with disabilities and minimize less inclusive and more costly settings such as hospitals or institutions; and
Whereas: DSPs are one of the fastest growing positions in America and demand for their skills is great, yet demographic trends and insufficient funding have made wages uncompetitive and have created a staffing crisis which reduces access to services and programs for people with disabilities.
Now, therefore, I, as _____________________________________________
do hereby proclaim September 12-18, 2021 as
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK
