A Rally to Remember: The 2008 DSP to DC Event

A diverse group of more than 75 people gathered in light rain on Capitol Hill near the United States Capitol Building yesterday to rally in support of HR 1279 – the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act. First introduced in 2007 by Representatives Lee Terry (R-NE) and Lois Capps (D-CA), the bill would give states federal funds to increase the wages of direct support professionals working with people with disabilities – also called DSPs or home caregivers.

Though the inclement weather caused mischief with the microphones, supporters were enthusiastic as they prepared to visit with and plead their case to their Congressional Representatives. Currently, DSPs working in private practice make an average of $8.68 per hour for work that is emotionally and physically exhausting. Nineteen percent of all DSPs live in poverty and 25% are without their own healthcare. Turnover is high, and the resulting lack of continuity in care can be demoralizing for or even harmful to people with disabilities.

"We've seen what happens when our clients don't get consistent care," Andrea McMurray, a caregiver from Lawrence, Kansas, told those attending the rally. "We've seen them turn inward, stop trusting the people who are supposed to help them. But when they can depend on a staff member to be there... it's amazing what they can do."

YouTube: DSP to DC Event

Billie McMiller, a mother from Texas whose son receives services from a caregiver, added, "My son doesn't know you as an employee, he knows you as a friend and as a family substitute."

Carl Gregory Everett, a self-advocate with disabilities who receives services from St. John's Community Services in DC, also spoke at the event. He thanked by name many of those who work long hours every day "so we can live longer."

Congressman Terry beseeched the crowd to "educate" his colleagues about the "crisis" facing the support services industry: "Help us create a mandate to give states flexibility to use federal dollars to help you stay put."

YouTube: DSP to DC Event Pt. 2
Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE)

Congresswoman Capps echoed these sentiments, but acknowledged that not much progress would be made this legislative session. However, "next year," she said, "we're going to get right in there, in the thick of things, with a new Congress and a new President."

YouTube: DSP to DC Event Pt. 3
Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA)

By 2:00 PM, a half hour after the rally began, it was over - the caregivers and their clients and supporters headed in the direction of the Capitol Building and House and Senate offices, to enlist co-signers for HR 1279. Left behind was Renee Pietrangelo, the CEO of ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources), a support services advocacy group and the organizer of the rally through the WhoWillCare.net, in conjunction with United Cerebral Palsy, and YouNeedtoKnowMe.org.

"The whole disability community has been advocating for community-based support and services for years; a system where clients can make their own choices," she said, summing up the risks of not passing the legislation. "The whole system of services is built upon a well-qualified, well-trained, direct support workforce." She paused and squinted at the dome of the Capital poking out from behind the trees of the park, then shrugged her shoulders, "No workforce, no choice." For more information about HR 1279 and the DSP Workforce crisis, visit UCP and ANCOR's WhoWillCare.net or contact Will Hull at (202) 776-0406 x7106.

YouTube: DSP to DC Event Pt. 4
Interviews and Stills

Calling all DSPs
Rally in Washington, DC on September 9^th

On September 9, 2008, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) from across the country rallied on Capitol Hill in support of H.R. 1279, The Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act. This rally helped raise awareness in Washington of the challenges facing the direct support workforce.

No one can communicate the challenges facing this essential workforce better than DSPs themselves. This event worked to raise the visibility of the workforce crisis and workforce legislation on Capitol Hill.

DSPs and supporters alike participated in this amazing annual event!

Resources:

• » DSP to DC and GAS Agenda
• » Governmental Activities Seminar and DSPs to DC Complete Program
• » Brochure
• » DSP to DC Checklist
• » DSP to DC Registration Form
• » Leadership Meetings Schedule
• » PreConference Description

After making appointments to meet with your Senators or Representative, please complete the online appointment form so we can identify who DSPs have contacted during the event.

DSP TV Online Contest Results Are In

The DSP TV Online Contest received many entries and the results are in. The grand prize winner gets an all expense paid trip to Washington, DC for the DSP to DC Event.

Category: Grand Prize

Powered by

Visit the YouNeedToKnowMe.org Web site to view more videos.
Congratulations to all of the winners.