WASHINGTON, D.C. — Easterseals President and CEO Kendra Davenport has submitted a formal Statement for the Record to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advocating for S. 3211, the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act.
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) assist millions of individuals with disabilities through daily care, skill-building, job coaching, and transportation. However, a severe nationwide workforce shortage threatens these essential community-based services.
Why S. 3211 Matters
S. 3211 directs the Office of Management and Budget to establish a distinct Standard Occupational Code (SOC) for DSPs. Currently, DSPs are grouped into broad caregiving categories, obscuring critical workforce data.
Creating a dedicated code will help federal, state, and local leaders set accurate reimbursement rates, raise wages, improve working conditions, and address the severe staffing shortage.
By the Numbers
- 1.5M+ DSPs currently support 2 million Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities.
- 550,000+ people with disabilities are on waiting lists for home- and community-based services.
- $5/hr: Average gap between DSP wages and a living wage, leading to a 40%+ annual turnover rate.
- 88% of disability service providers report a moderate or severe staffing crisis.
"Strengthening and supporting DSPs ensures people with disabilities can access the high-quality services they rely on every day."
— Kendra Davenport, President and CEO, Easterseals
Take Action
Easterseals urges the Senate Committee to advance S. 3211 to build a sustainable workforce for millions of Americans.
Reach out to your elected officials today.
