Whereas: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the primary providers of community-based long-term support services for tens of thousands of individuals with disabilities in Minnesota; and
Whereas: DSPs are valued for their work in building close, respectful, and trusted relationships with individuals to assist them with their most intimate needs; and
Whereas: DSPs provide essential support to individuals with disabilities to stay connected to family, friends, coworkers, and the community, helping them to define and live a quality life; and
Whereas: DSPs provide a broad range of individualized supports, including meal preparation, medication assistance, personal care and life skills training, mobility, work and life enrichment opportunities and other daily tasks; and
Whereas: DSPs support informed choices and person-centered practices that honor and respect the individuals with disabilities they serve; and
Whereas: During the COVID-19 outbreak, DSPs have played an instrumental role in ensuring safety and maintaining dedicated support and care for those they serve; and
Whereas: An adequate workforce of high-quality DSPs is necessary for the people of Minnesota to meet obligations to people with disabilities and minimize more costly settings such as hospitals or institutions; and
Whereas: DSPs are one of the fastest growing positions in America and demand for their skills is great, yet low wages and demographic trends are creating a growing shortage of DSPs, leading to increased turnover; and
Whereas: Public officials are key advocates in building awareness and addressing the issues facing this publicly funded workforce.
Now, therefore, I, as Mayor
do hereby proclaim September 13-19, 2020 as
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK