On May 13th individuals from Catholic Charities, Department for Persons with Disabilities, gathered together at the NJ Statehouse to support a wage increase for Direct Support Professionals.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide all supports necessary for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities to successfully live in their communities.
DSPs are advocates for individuals presenting with intellectual, physical, medical, and behavioral challenges and protect their rights to make choices about their lives. DSP duties include meeting medical and behavioral health needs, and teaching workplace, social, and activit ies of daily living skills. DSPs often provide personal care and assist with mobility and transfers. DSPs are responsible for completing complex documentation and complying with oversight and training regulations.
We are blessed to have hardworking, kind, and intelligent DSPs as part of our DPD, Catholic Charities family! There is currently a DSP work shortage, one that is expected to increase. It is important to address this issue to ensure service delivery will continue for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We are proud to stand with similar organizations to push to #Pay4DirectCare!