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Background Today, millions of people with disabilities count on direct support workers to assist them in managing their daily lives so they can live, work and otherwise participate in their communities. These workers assist people with disabilities with daily medications, dressing, preparing and eating meals, getting to work, gaining life skills and handling daily affairs. Unfortunately, these positions have as high as a 75 percent turnover rate each year because of poor wages and high job demands, putting the quality of life for people with disabilities at risk. And demand for these workers is growing - hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities are waiting for services and the demand will grow 62 percent by 2010 as these Americans get older. To address these problems, Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Lee Terry (R-NE) introduced the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act (H.R. 1279). Status The bill was introduced on March 1, 2007 and has 112 cosponsors as of today. See the list of cosponsors. Take Action Send the letter below to your Representative to make sure people with disabilities get the quality supports and services they need and deserve.
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