AUSTIN, TX – In a resolute step towards championing those who care for Texans with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), Time To Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now is proud to announce that Spectrum of Solutions 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 individuals with 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.

“Spectrum of Solutions’ mission is to provide a spectrum of resources and support to our community and to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)” said Kayla Minchew, Executive Director of Spectrum of Solutions. “We value our direct support staff who provide daily care for the individuals we serve and understand their importance in the sustainability of group home programs and quality provision of care for the IDD community. We are glad to join this coalition to continue to advocate for fair and adequate compensation for these unsung heroes.”

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 Carole Smith expressed profound gratitude for Spectrum of Solutions’ partnership, stating: “We are proud to welcome Spectrum of Solutions to our growing coalition of organizations and advocates from across the state and nation. Their partnership helps further strengthen our collective voice in calling on state leaders to deliver a much-needed wage increase for community-based DSPs who serve Texans with IDD.”

Spectrum of Solutions, formerly known as MARC, was chartered in 1959 as a school for children with disabilities. Since then, it has grown into an organization respected for its advocacy and delivery of a wide range of programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental and cognitive disabilities. Spectrum of Solutions exists to provide a spectrum of resources and support to our community and to the individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). To learn more, visit https://www.spectrumofsolutions.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. Learn more about how to get involved at https://timetocaretx.org/

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