Unsung Heroes Need A Pay Raise, Too

Saturday, March 1, 2008

sayNagulneton Unsung Heroes Need A Pay Raise, Too (NAPSA)—Many Americans have begun to realize that the professionals who take care of people who need help need somehelp, too. These unsung heroes, the Direct Support Professionals (DSP), need a pay raise. As many as 75 percent of those whoassist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities leave their jobs every year because of low wages that average about au as Helping people with disabilities live fuller lives is the work of a dedicated group of people who need a payraise. $8.68 an hour. At the same time, the need for DSPs is growing. By 2010, there will be 10 million more jobs than DSPstofill them. The DSPs who work in com- munity-based residences, treat- ment and habilitation centers get some personal rewards. Recently, the American Network of Community Options and Resources, a national association of agencies offering quality support services, announced its 2008 Direct Sup- port Professional of the Year: Mike Garcia of Catholic Community Services in Tucson, Arizona. To learn more about the DSP workforce crisis, and how to contact your legislator about this issue, visit www.youneedtoknowme.org.

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