Stand with New Hope Community to Support DSPs

At New Hope Community, we know how important Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are to the lives of the people we support – and everything we do. Right now, DSPs don’t have a unique job code at the federal level, which means their critical role often goes unrecognized in government data. This makes it harder to address issues like high turnover and workforce shortages.

We have an opportunity to advance the recognition and support of DSPs through the bipartisan “Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act” (H.R. 2941/S. 1332). Thanks to the tireless efforts of advocates nationwide, this critical legislation has already passed unanimously in the Senate and recently cleared the House Education and Workforce Committee. We are now just one step away from full passage, and we need your voice to make it happen.

DSPs are the heart of our mission at New Hope. They empower the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live full, independent lives within their communities. Despite their essential role, the lack of federal data collection has made it harder to address the workforce shortages impacting home and community-based services (HCBS).

This legislation will change that. By creating a unique occupational classification for DSPs, H.R. 2941/S. 1332 equips federal and state leaders with the tools they need to develop effective policies to support DSPs and strengthen the services people with I/DD rely on.

We are at a critical moment. The overwhelming bipartisan support this bill has received reflects a shared understanding of the essential contributions DSPs make in communities across the country. Now, it’s time to ensure every Representative knows how vital this legislation is for the future of HCBS.

Take Action Today Your Representative needs to hear from you! By sending a message to Congress, you can help move this bill forward to a vote on the House floor. Every voice matters, and together, we can ensure that DSPs receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Call on Your Representative to Recognize Direct Support Professionals | ANCOR

Visit the link > Fill out the form with your New Hope information > Submit

For New Hope staff, this recognition could lead to better resources, stronger advocacy for fair pay, and more awareness of the vital work they do every day to empower the lives of people with disabilities.