FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

AUSTIN, TX – Today, Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now announced that the Down Syndrome Association of Houston (DSAH) has joined the coalition, further strengthening the statewide movement to address the urgent issue of underfunding faced by direct support professionals (DSPs) who tirelessly care for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).

The chronic underfunding of DSPs has not only compromised the quality of care provided to individuals with IDD but has also led to the regrettable closure of essential group homes, leaving many vulnerable Texans without vital support.

“The Down Syndrome Association of Houston recognizes that giving a competitive wage to direct support professionals is essential if we are to provide care for individuals with developmental disabilities that is not just adequate, but empathetic, loving and safe. We are proud to join the Time to Care Coalition and to further support this effort in any way we can,” said DSAH Executive Director, Michael Roberts.

The coalition is urging state leaders to authorize an emergency appropriations request through the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to raise the salary for community-based DSPs from $10.60 to $15 an hour. This will help address the immediate workforce crisis facing DSPs, ensuring that Texans with IDD can receive the support they need.

Coalition spokesperson Sandy Batton expressed profound gratitude for Down Syndrome Association of Houston’s partnership, stating: “We are forging a path towards a brighter future, to support the cirtical members of our state’s workforce that selflessly serve Texans with IDD. The addition of Down Syndrome Association of Houston to our coalition strengthens our resolve and magnifies our collective voice.”

Down Syndrome Association of Houston has been serving individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the members of the Greater Houston community who serve them since 1974. The mission of the DSAH is to provide health education and advocacy resources and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and their communities. To learn more https://dsah.org/

Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is a coalition dedicated to securing competitive wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who provide essential care to Texans with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Through collaboration and grassroots efforts, the coalition strives to enact meaningful change at both the legislative and community levels. To learn more about how to get involved at https://timetocaretx.org/

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