FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

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 the Texas Chapter of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) 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.

“In order to provide optimal services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it is imperative that direct support professionals are qualified, appropriately trained, and adequately compensated,” said Toye Babb, President of the Texas Chapter of AAIDD. “To maintain effectiveness, continuity, and dedication of direct support professionals, there must be an increase in their compensation to an hourly wage of $15.”

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.

“Welcoming the Texas Chapter of AAIDD further empowers our coalition to continue fighting for competitive wages for DSPs as they continue to serve the most vulnerable in our communities,” saidCarole Smith, a coalition spokesperson and Executive Director of the Private Providers Association of Texas (PPAT). “AAIDD members in Texas know that enhancing quality care for Texans with IDD starts with recruiting and retaining the best DSPs, and we are honored that the Texas Chapter of this important national organization has joined our effort.”

AAIDD – Texas works to enhance the quality of services and provide meaningful opportunities and choices for people with IDD and their families by exchanging information and ideas, and by advancing the knowledge and skills of individuals in the field. To learn more, visit https://www.aaidd.org/about-aaidd/mission.

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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