Gov. Tom Wolf Has Failed to Address The Collapse of Pa.’s Intellectual Disability System
DSP
Request to Senator Toomey to Support the Build Back Better Act
RCPA joined with other disability service associations representing disability service providers and individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) in Pennsylvania urging Senator Toomey to support the investment included in the Build Back Better Act. The BBB Act, as passed by the House of Representatives, will strengthen the direct support professional workforce and sustain and expand access to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
The longstanding direct support professional (DSP) worker shortage has grown during the pandemic and decreased access to HCBS for people with disabilities in Pennsylvania as well as negatively impacted the quality of supports those individuals receive. Supporting this historic investment is crucial to strengthening and growing the DSP workforce so that all people with disabilities may lead safe and fulfilled lives. It is critical for Senator Toomey to vote in favor of this legislation to strengthen and expand the Medicaid HCBS program.
Additionally, we ask that members join us in this advocacy. This letter can be utilized as a template for your efforts. Please join us in this advocacy effort.
University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Living Resources and Webinar Recording
New Webinar From ANCOR Diamond Partner Relias: 11 Steps to Implementing a Peer Mentoring Program
RCPA Member Via of the Lehigh Valley One of Many Local Agencies Struggling With Staffing Shortages
Foothold Technology DSP Workforce Panel and Recognition
Message from RCPA Member Foothold Technology:
Webinar/Panel — The DSP Workforce Crisis — What is the path forward?
We have pulled together a panel of thought leaders to have a conversation about the current DSP workforce crisis. Here is the registration link that can provide more details.
Recognize a DSP Doing Amazing Work
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a special and essential role in supporting individuals receiving I/DD services, empowering them to lead independent and meaningful lives.
This year for DSP Recognition Week, Foothold Technology invites you to participate with us as we extend our gratitude to DSPs everywhere. We are building a digital recognition board and we’re collecting stories. Nominate a DSP you believe is doing amazing work, and we’ll feature them on our recognition board during DSP Recognition Week — September 12–18. We’ll also send them a $5 Starbucks gift card to say thanks for the great work they do.
[Submit Your Nomination] — link to the nomination and more details
The Impact of the Pandemic on the Direct Support Professional’s (DSP) Workforce
August 11, 2021 from 1:30 pm–3:00 pm ET
This training will explore the Direct Support Professional’s (DSP) experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through information gathered through the National Core Indicators (NCI) Staff Stability Survey, the presentation will highlight current research on the DSP workforce gathered before and during the pandemic. Information will be presented regarding the DSP workforce nationally and its growth and importance to those needing long-term services and supports. Results from two national surveys conducted with DSPs during the pandemic will be shared, reflecting the impacts the pandemic has had on individual DSPs. Finally, the training will share the personal stories of six DSPs as they navigated the pandemic.
Following the presentation, webinar participants will have the opportunity to take part in a question and answer session, receiving feedback from CMS and the presenters.
Register here. Contact HCBS-Learning with any questions.
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