As a not-for-profit provider dedicated to supporting people with autism and other developmental disabilities, Brightway Living & Learning strongly endorses the “Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act.”
This bipartisan legislation gives Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) a dedicated code within the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Currently, the federal government groups DSPs into an "all other" category with unrelated jobs, making data tracking nearly impossible. Creating a unique code corrects this long-standing gap, rendering the workforce economically visible and clearing the path to solve the caregiving shortage. Ultimately, this vital step addresses the sector's staffing crisis to ensure people with disabilities receive the high-quality support they deserve.
DSPs empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live more independently, participate in their communities, and achieve personal goals. Their daily work includes assisting with communication, self-expression, employment, independence, and essential activities like meal preparation, hygiene, and mobility.
While we have many outstanding professionals who have been with us for years, Brightway (formerly Developmental Disabilities Institute) is proud of the many outstanding professionals who have built long-standing careers with us. As we continue to strengthen and grow our workforce, we work within clear budget constraints to find creative ways to maximize our resources, attract and retain talented staff, and support our team." Implementing a three-day workweek schedule for DSPs, for example, is one of the ways we prioritize employee satisfaction, offering an improved work-life balance while maintaining high-quality care.
However, due to a variety of factors, including the growing demand for services and higher wages offered in the retail and food service industries, the national turnover rate for DSPs is 39%. As a statistic, this number is remarkable, but what it means to each person supported is profound. This instability disrupts care and makes it harder for people with disabilities to build on their progress.
Legislation directing the Office of Management and Budget to establish a distinct classification for DSPs will recognize the unique skills and responsibilities of these professionals, enable better data collection that will inform public policy and funding decisions, and in so doing, will provide for a more stable workforce.
By supporting the “Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act,” we invest in a future where every person with a disability can thrive and where every DSP is duly acknowledged for the exceptional work they do.