DSPs Deserve More.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the lifeblood of our organization. They are the hands-on health heroes who work directly with our individuals in effort to help them lead a self-directed life and encourage behavior that enhances community inclusion.  

During the COVID pandemic DBHDD (Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities) initiated a 10% increase in DSP pay for those serving individuals under the NOW & COMP waivers. While we applaud DBHDD’s efforts, we do not believe this rate increase should fade away after concerns of the virus lessen. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the inflation rate between 2003 and 2018 was 36.47%. In the same period, reimbursement rates for IDD services remained stable with a modest 2% adjustment in 2014. This equates to an average DSP wage of $10.35 per hour or $21,528 annually – we do not believe these are livable wages for those who provide such critical services! 

 

Ways you can help: 

  • Share your love for DSPs! Call & email your Georgia House and Senate representatives. Let them know how vital the DSP services are to your loved ones!  

  • Follow, like, and share advocacy postings from our InCommunity Advocacy page. 

  • Make a donation to InCommunity and directly impact those you care about most! 

Script: 

Hello, {Senator/Assemblyman} {Last Name}, 

My name is {First, Last Name} and I am a voter in your district. My {son/daughter/etc}, {name}, has an {intellectual/developmental} disability and receives supports and services through InCommunity. I am calling today as a concerned parent to advocate for a continued 10% pay increase to Direct Support Professionals – even past the pandemic. As you may already know, DSP turnover has plagued our community even before the pandemic at a startling 39.1%. In order to provide quality services, a trained and stable workforce is required for the health and safety of Georgia’s most vulnerable population. {Add your personal story here}. Thank you. 

Erin Zauner