DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) need and deserve quality care – that’s where Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) come in. Unfortunately, the current workforce crisis facing community-based DSPs has and will continue to result in vulnerable Texans being left behind if lawmakers do not take action. Without these dedicated and passionate servants, the quality of life for Texans with IDD would be unimaginable. We are thankful for all DSPs who are called to serve their fellow Texans and improve the lives for families and communities across our great state. Their tireless work is the very foundation of our coalition’s conviction to fight for competitive wages that will help address the ongoing workforce crisis impacting community-based IDD services across Texas. We hope that our state leaders and the Legislature share our concern for the state of the DSP workforce in Texas and honor their incredible service by delivering the wage increase they need and deserve.

Who are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)?

Direct Support Professionals provide support and service to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).

Why do we need to secure more funding for DSPs?

We must secure more funding for DSPs to ensure individuals with IDD can continue receiving the support and services they require to live safely and independently in the community.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DSP

Check out the many services DSPs perform for the IDD community for less than the pay of a fast food worker.

Medication/Administration
Assisting clients with their oral medications
Administration of medications via gastrostomy or jejunastomy tubes
Administering medications sublingually
Administering ear drops, eye drops, nose drops and nasal spray
Applying topical medications
Administering suppositories
Administering oxygen (non-acute)
Administering inhalation medication-routine/prophylaxis
Administering insulin
Administering medications via Pill Reminder box
Tube Feeding
Test – Demonstrated procedure for Preparation
Feeding and irrigation via gastrostomy or jejunostomy
Test – Demonstrated procedure for feeding
Meal preparation
Transfer/Ambulation/Positioning
Test – Demonstrated proper Transfer Procedures
Test – Demonstrated proper Positioning Procedures

Test – Proper procedures for Trach/Ventilator/Insulin Pump Care
Trach care procedures including instilling normal saline, routine suctioning, routine oxygen
Ventilator care
Insulin Pump
Seizure Management
Incontinence management
Manage and report Incidents
Manage Maladaptive Behaviors
Routine skin care
Hygiene
Bathing
Hairwashing techniques on an individual
Toileting an individual
Dressing
Grooming
Elimination

DISCOVER MORE SERVICES

WATCH THEIR STORIES

BY THE NUMBERS

485000

Texas children and adults in Texas are diagnosed with IDD.

97000

The number of individuals with IDD Texas has the capacity to currently serve

$10.60

Current hourly wage for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) serving in group homes, at-home care, and other non-state settings

$17.50

Current hourly wage for DSPs at state-supported living centers (SSLCs)

Benefits of Additional Funding for Direct Support Professionals

Additional funding would help recruit and retrain qualified and experienced staff to assist and support individuals with lifelong intellectual or developmental disabilities in various settings.

With more funding, agencies can expand their services and serve a larger population of individuals with disabilities, reducing waitlists and ensuring timely access to critical support.

Increased funding will help DSPs achieve pay parity with employees at state-operated institutions who are performing the same essential services they are.

Adequate funding enables agencies to offer competitive wages and benefits to DSPs, which reduces attrition and will prevent the continued closure of group homes.

Additional funding will directly ensure the safety of and promote the autonomy of individuals with IDD living in group homes and the community who deserve and need quality care.

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TEXAS,
THE TIME
TO CARE
IS NOW

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