Advocacy
Direct Support Professionals are not designated with their own Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as a result, DSP wage and occupation data is not accurately captured. This diminishes the true impact of the workforce crisis, hinders opportunities for professional advancement, certifications, and the pursuit of a life-long career.
The "Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act" creates a SOC for DSPs and has recently passed the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) with unanimous support! Now it is up to us to help usher this legislation through the full Senate and subsequently through the House of Representatives.
With just a few clicks, you can directly send our representatives a message by using this online form. You may customize who you are in the first paragraph as you see fit (parent, self-advocate, caretaker, supporter, etc.).
Take Action and Contact Your Representatives NOW!
The Arc New York Advocacy Goals
The Arc of New York advocates at the state and federal level for public policy that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We also advocate on various issues including increasing salaries for direct support professionals, protecting Medicaid, and increasing residential development. The Arc New York 2023 Advocacy Priorities provide an overview of our current legislative advocacy platform, details on the key issues, and the policy changes we are advocating for.
The Arc of New York's Position Statements express our foundational beliefs regarding the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to a rich, full and equitable life, and our positions on the policies and approaches necessary to achieve that goal.
NYDA Partnership
The Arc New York is an active member of New York Disability Advocates (NYDA), a statewide coalition of seven non-profit provider agencies encompassing more than 300 non-profit organizations providing vital services and support to more than 140,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to Advocacy efforts conducted by The Arc New York, we collaborate with NYDA member agencies to carry a consistent statewide message to state leaders.
