By Jordan Lindsey, The Arc/UCP California Collaboration
Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law that will raise wages to $20 per hour for the state’s 300,000 workers employed by fast-food chains. When signing the law, the Governor stated, “We have the opportunity to reward that contribution, reward that sacrifice, and stabilize an industry.” The law also includes the possibility of annual wage increases, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, of 3.5%, and could result in a wage of $25 per hour in the next few years.
Meanwhile, California’s 100,000 direct support professionals (DSPs), who heroically support people with developmental disabilities to participate in our communities and jobs, earn wages between $16-$20 per hour. Their contribution and their sacrifice also deserve to be rewarded, and the Governor, Legislature, and labor unions should commit to doing so by fighting for the same wage increase and annual adjustments. The state faces a critical shortage of direct-care staff to deliver services to people with disabilities due to receiving unlivable wages. Many work multiple jobs and rely on government assistance programs.
It was only a few years ago when the California Legislature and Governor attempted to stabilize the disability direct care workforce by passing $2 billion to increase reimbursement rates for direct service providers. Those new rates, which are dictated by rate models established by the state, provided hope for DSPs and the 400,000 Californians with developmental disabilities they support and their families. Unfortunately, that hope for a stabilized workforce and higher quality supports and services looks like it’s short-lived because in these last few years, the goalposts have been moved on people with disabilities. Just since 2020, the California consumer price index has inflated nearly 17%, but the rate models didn’t change as a result. And now, DSPs will be torn between doing a job they love and that brings support, opportunity, and dignity to individuals with disabilities, or making more money at a fast-food chain.
Governor Newsom, the Legislature, and labor unions should demonstrate their commitment to our direct care workforce the same way they just did for fast-food workers. The Arc & United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration believes the commitment DSPs demonstrate daily to improving the lives of those they support with developmental disabilities demands it.
Back in 2004 a satirical mockumentary debuted that sought to look at the potentially catastrophic results to the California economy if a certain population (workforce) were to disappear for a day. Because of that movie I have often wondered (certainly not through a satirical lense) what the impact to our economy, let alone day-to-day life, would be if we lost our Direct Support Professional workforce even for a day.
How many people would go unsupported? How many jobs would be impacted? How many people would experience harm? How many families would have their lives upended? What is the actual cost? All of those questions are nearly impossible to answer with accuracy but what the questions show is the critical role of DSPs and the catastrophic consequences of not having a stable DSP workforce.
What does a DSP actually do? WHATEVER IT TAKES to assist the person they work with to realize their full potential! The responsibilities vary from person to person but often include a wide range of supports related to basic needs (bathing, eating, medications), employment (obtaining and coaching), shopping, finances, building relationships with peers, learning transportation systems, health advocacy, social support, emotional support, crisis management, household management, education, cooking… Just to name a few. Throughout the process of supporting the individual DSPs and their clients build trust and often friendships that go far beyond just “supporting” the person. As you can see the job of a DSP is very complex and can be the lifeline to the person they support.
In California we know there are over 330,000 people with an intellectual or developmental disability and while every single person may not need the support of a DSP it is likely the majority do or will at some point need a DSP. When you think about how many people would go unsupported you must think about what support means in the first place.
The obvious answer is that support means something different for each individual. For one person it may be physical support such as getting from one’s bed to their wheelchair while for another it may be administering medication or support learning a new bus route to get to work. The impact on employment overall would be far reaching as it is an entire workforce that supports several other industries and sectors of employment. Parents and family members are unable to go to work if they don’t have support for their loved one. Individuals with I/DD who have jobs but need support before, during or after their workday would not be able to go to work. The loss of employment is in all these situations would have a significant impact on the economy.
How much could the potential “harms” cost? Medication errors, falls, hunger, consequences of complex behaviors… Those are just a few of the quantifiable harms that would occur. Of course, less quantifiable, but just as significant, is the social-emotional distress or mental health issues that would occur as people become less and less able to access the community.
We have promised (codified in legislation) people with I/DD a life in the community and that they have the same basic legal, civil and human rights as other citizens. These rights are fundamental and are to be protected.
A full life in the community means something different to everyone and is in large part dependent upon the work of the DSP. We as a society ask A LOT of our DSP workforce but when it comes to our policy priorities it is sad to say but we don’t really place a HIGH VALUE on the work they do, as evidenced by the low wages they receive.
A livable wage for DSPs is a policy priority that should be recognized as such at the state and federal levels. The reality is that it is an absolutely terrifying thought to imagine even a day without a DSP because our system, our community, our families and above all individuals with I/DD would be in dire straits without DSPs. Much RESPECT to all the DSPs out there. PLEASE keep doing what you are doing!
LaTricee Hill’s first interaction with The Arc of San Diego was as a volunteer in the Adult Day Program. She found volunteer work with individuals with I/DD to be enjoyable and rewarding and chose to make it her career when she joined The Arc of San Diego as a DSP in October 2011. She is now a Lead DSP, and is recognized by her coworkers as a responsible leader and a team player. She recognizes each individual’s skills and strengths and her dedication is evident in the clients she serves as they demonstrate increased communication, socialization and fine motor skills. LaTricee is also eager to attend training and professional development courses and share what she learns with her team to better support the clients they serve. “My experience as a DSP has humbled me as a person,” said LaTricee. “I am more open to understanding the importance of person-centered approaches and knowing that it starts with you.”
Star DSP Maria Virto from The Arc of Ventura County
Maria Virto is a great employee and role model. Maria always greets everyone with a huge smile daily. She motivates them, encourages with enthusiasm, shares ideas, always includes everyone, try’s getting participants involved in activities, projects, volunteer in the community and make the most fun out of whatever they are doing. Maria does her best to make the participants happy, not only for the participants she supports but for others as well. Maria get’s along with all participants and staff.
Star DSP Andrea Vernaci From The Arc of San Diego
Andrea Vernaci has worked for The Arc of San Diego for 14 years. As a Lead Direct Support Professional at The Arc’s North County location, she is responsible for assisting the Supervising Case Manager with the daily operations of the day programs and providing direction, training and support to other DSPs. She also implements support plans that enhance clients’ growth and independence. When asked what the most rewarding thing about her job is, Andrea said, “The most rewarding thing for me is seeing the growth in my clients, and the way my day is instantly brightened by coming to work and someone saying something to me that makes me happy.”
Star DSP Jan Marshall From The Arc of Placer County
Jan Marshall supports the clients at the Arc of Placer County by providing them with new opportunities and fostering their independence. Jan initiated a transportation class at one of our programs over the past year, taking groups out to learn public transit and become familiar with bus routes in our area. Jan also heads the Culinary/Gardening class at Studio 700 where she and her clients not only grow fresh vegetables, they also find healthy recipes and cook with them. Jan’s dedication to the clients facilitates positive relationships and confidence.
Star DSPs Leo Parks and Joe DuBois from The Arc of Amador and Calaveras
Thank You Leo Parks and Joe DuBois for being amazing mentors to the consumers we serve at The Arc of Amador and Calaveras. Both Leo and Joe are Supported Employment Specialist, who in the last year have assisted 16 consumers in finding employment, maintained 43 placements and built trust and a rapport with both the consumers and businesses we serve. These two work a variety of hours, are always willing to make changes, all with a positive attitude. They work as a team with a common vision; There is a job for everyone, we just need to find the right one for you.
Star DSP Karla Renteria from The Arc of San Diego
Karla Renteria has brought warmth, joy and a lot of love to the lives of clients at The Arc of San Diego’s East County location during her three years as a DSP. In that time, she has received the Employee of the Year Award and the CEO’s Gold Star Award for demonstrating safety while out in the community with a group of clients. She is responsible for providing support to clients throughout their daily activities and teaching them life skills that improve their independence. Some of these activities include art class, computer class, cooking, and exercise. “It’s about the bond that we have with everyone here. I love my clients, I love what I do. Just being around them and seeing them smile and knowing that we’ve been able to help them better their lives is a wonderful feeling,” said Karla.
Star DSP Denika (Dee) Hankins from The Arc of San Francisco (Photo Not Available)
Denika (Dee) Hankins has been DSP at The Arc San Francisco for over 5 years. She is known for her positive attitude, professionalism, and willingness to partner with co-workers. Her colleagues consider her to be an excellent role model.
Dee has an incredible work ethic and will always go the extra mile for her participants, using creative approaches to ensure their success. This past year Dee spent many hours working with a participant who had terminal cancer. Dee assisted with maintaining the participant’s quality of life so that the last few months were some of her happiest. The Arc SF appreciates everything that Dee and all of our outstanding DSPs bring to The Arc and its participants!
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