The U.S. Senate has voted unanimously to set aside September 14-19, 2009 as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, a week to recognize, in the words of Ancor, “the invaluable supports Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide and the difference this workforce makes in the lives of Americans with disabilities.”

As in 2008, the recognition week coincides with ANCOR’s annual Governmental Activities Seminar in Washington, D.C.

The resolution (pdf) creating the recognition week states that, among other things, the Senate “recognizes the dedication and vital role of direct support professionals in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities of all ages” and “appreciates the contribution of direct support professionals in supporting the needs that reach beyond the capacities of millions of families in the United States.”

Elsewhere, the resolution emphasizes the invaluable role that DSPs play in improving the lives of people with disabilities; points out that the majority of DSPs serve in home and community-based settings; and acknowledges that “there is a documented critical and growing shortage of direct support professionals in every community throughout the United States.”

ANCOR is getting the word out by encouraging agencies around the nation to plan activities to celebrate the week. They have also made available downloadable posters and letter templates, and have scheduled a “Call on Congress” day for September 15, when agencies and individuals are urged to call in support of H.R. 858, the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act, which would increase Medicaid reimbursement to states for DSPs.