AUSTIN, TX – In recent columns published in the Bryan-College Station Eagle and the Houston Chronicle, Franco Marcantonio – a board member of Evergreen Life Services whose 25-year-old son Keith has severe autism – outlined the tireless work of direct support professionals (DSPs) who serve Texans with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). In his columns, Marcantonio made clear that DSPs serving Texans with IDD in community-based settings need to see significant investments from the Texas Legislature this session, as they make it possible for his son and thousands of others across the state to live with dignity, safety, and independence:

“My son, Keith, skinny as a beanpole and fast as lightning, loves his life, as we all do. But unlike most of us, he cannot meet even his most basic needs. He’s 25 years old, non-verbal and severely autistic. Keith is unable to feed, bathe or dress himself without assistance. If he could name his favorite things, I believe he would say three-meat pizza, a crackling fire, twinkling lights, balancing on narrow railings, highway drives with all the windows down and sitting right beside the organ in church.

“Keith’s list of favorites would also certainly include familiar faces and voices, especially the caregivers at Evergreen Life Services who make it possible for him to live with dignity, safety and as much independence as possible.

“These individuals are more than caregivers; they provide indispensable services for children and adults with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who cannot do for themselves, and they do so with dedication, hard work and sacrifice…

“…In Texas, many IDD caregivers remain shockingly underpaid. For our disabled family members, our caregivers and our communities, it is time to recognize the situation and provide adequate wages.”

Marcantonio emphasized that investing in community-based IDD services was the most cost-effective way to serve Texas’ most vulnerable residents:

“Not only is this a moral imperative, but it will also save Texans money…

“…Last year, large state-run institutions received an increased minimum mandated reimbursement rate of $19.16 per hour for the IDD caregivers they employ. State-supported smaller group homes like Evergreen fell into a blind spot, where IDD caregivers with the same training and duties as their state-school counterparts receive only $10.16 per hour. This amount is woefully incommensurate with the skills, dedication, and emotional stamina required for the job. Correcting this disparity with an appropriate wage rate of $17.50 per hour will allow group homes to compete for staff capable of providing the difficult care individuals with IDD require. The change will also prevent staff from leaving group homes, not because they want different jobs, but because they desperately need the higher income offered by the larger institutions.

“State-supported IDD group homes save Texans money, because the overall cost of care is significantly lower than in the larger state institutions. Disabled individuals are able to receive personalized care in a home environment. They can often live closer to their families, allowing for more frequent visits, and are more easily integrated into community activities…

“…It is time the Legislature acknowledged that, although they have raised pay for IDD caregivers in state institutions, they have overlooked the IDD caregivers employed in state-supported group homes. By shining the light on behalf of my son, I pray that our honorable representatives and senators will act quickly to remedy their oversight.”

Writing in the Bryan-College Station Eagle, Marcantonio details the challenges that families of Texans with IDD face when seeking care options in their communities, particularly when persistently low wages have driven many DSPs to seek employment elsewhere:

“IDD caregivers play a crucial role for individuals like my son. They assist with daily activities, provide emotional support, and help our loved ones navigate the challenges of living with disabilities. Their responsibilities often include assisting with bathing, dressing and grooming, managing mental health, and promoting positive interactions, facilitating learning both at home and in educational settings while encouraging social interactions and participation in community activities…

“…Low wages lead to high turnover among caregivers, which can disrupt the continuity of care. When a caregiver leaves, it can take time to establish a new relationship, which is critical for building trust and security for our children. Inadequate compensation also makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified caregivers. This shortage means that families may struggle to find the support they need, forcing us to manage more responsibilities on our own.

“Many caregivers struggle to make ends meet with low wages, leading to job dissatisfaction and burnout. This not only affects their ability to provide quality care but can also impact their mental and emotional well-being.

“By offering competitive wages, we can attract skilled and compassionate caregivers who are committed to providing high-quality support. For instance, when caregivers feel valued and compensated fairly, they are more likely to pursue training and professional development, enhancing the overall care “provided. Adequate wages can lead to job satisfaction, which translates into better care for our children.

“For families who want to keep their loved ones in their local communities, using smaller group homes is essential for parental choice. I believe an adequate wage for those caregivers that serve families like mine is not only critical for the state Legislature to fund but a moral imperative.”

To read Marcantonio’s full column in the Houston Chronicle, click here.

To read Marcantonio’s full column in the Bryan-College Station Eagle, click here.

To read the Time To Care coalition’s full statement following last week’s passage of the proposed state budget in the Texas House of Representatives, click here.

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. Learn more about how to get involved at https://timetocaretx.org/

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