Statewide congratulations to DSPs for the patience, encouragement and support they give to those with disabilities
Recognize the Awesome Work of the DSP
MOHR and ARRM have reached out to all
Mayors in Minnesota to sign this proclamation:


Declaring September 13-19, 2020 as
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
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