FLORIDA

February 23, 2004

U.S. Senate and House Pass Direct Support Professional Recognition Resolution

On October 22, 2003, through the tireless work of The American Network of Community Options and Resources’ (ANCOR) National Advocacy Campaign (NAC) in support of the invaluable role of the Direct Support Professional, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives passed the Direct Support Professional Resolution [S. CON. RES. 21].  It states that “It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government and the States should make it a priority to promote a stable, quality direct support workforce for individuals with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities that advances our Nation’s commitment to community integration for such individuals and to personal security for them and their families.”  

Sunrise actively supports NAC’s efforts.  Sunrise and 21 other agencies are “Founders” of The American Network of Community Options and Resources’ (ANCOR) National Advocacy Campaign.  In its third year, the NAC has brought awareness to our legislators and the public of the crisis of the 8,000,000 Americans who have mental retardation or other developmental disabilities and the diminishing availability of qualified direct support staff. 

As the availability of direct support staff dwindles due to competition with other entry-level jobs that provide less physically and emotionally demanding yet higher paying rates and other benefits, the opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to live safe, secure and meaningful lives in the community is severely jeopardized.  The Mission of the NAC is to obtain the resources to recruit, train and retain a stable, qualified direct support workforce that will, in turn, enhance and promote community living and enrich the lives of Americans with disabilities.

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