Your Action Needed: The DSP Profession Threatened

posted on Monday, December 22, 2025

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the backbone of community-based services, helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) live and work in their homes and communities. Yet, low wages—driven by insufficient reimbursement rates—have led to high turnover and persistent vacancies, leaving many without stable access to critical supports.

Why This Matters
To address this workforce crisis, we need better data. Right now, DSPs are grouped under broad categories like home health aides or personal care aides. Without a unique Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code:

• The government cannot accurately track or address DSP shortages.
• DSPs’ specialized skills—often including complex medical tasks—go unrecognized.

Creating a distinct SOC code is essential for:

• Collecting accurate workforce data to inform policy solutions.
• Helping states set fair reimbursement rates, which could improve wages.
• Elevating the DSP profession and ensuring people with I/DD receive the quality support they deserve.

That’s why we’re urging support for the bipartisan Recognizing the Role of the Direct Support Professional Act (S. 3211 / H.R. 6137), introduced by Senators Susan Collins and Maggie Hassan and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Joe Morelle.

Take Action Today
Your voice matters! Our friends at ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources), have put together an easy-to-use advocacy toolkit with drafted messaging to tell Congress that DSPs need a unique SOC code. Together, we can strengthen the DSP workforce and ensure people with I/DD have access to the supports they need.

Take Action Now by clicking here.