Workers Still on Job After Settlement

ALBANY — Some of the employees named in a $2.25 million lawsuit stemming from the death of a client at the O.D. Heck facility in Nisakayuna continue to work for the state, caring for developmentally disabled people.

Maryland Bill Focuses on DSP Wages

Such an important issue in every state. If your organization is not already a member of the American Network of Community Options and Resources, then you should be, as ANCOR's National Advocacy Campaign is focused on raising the professionalism and wages of all Direct Support Professionals.

Tony, Chucky and Barry live in a typical suburban house in a typical suburban neighborhood. They leave for work in the morning, and come home again at the end of the day.

In the evenings Tony usually relaxes in his favorite chair, the TV on in the background, while Barry watches Westerns in his room. Chucky either watches TV with Tony, or finds tasks to do around the house.

To lead these lives though, Tony, Chucky and Barry need help. “The guys”, as their support staff collectively refer to them, all have varying degrees of developmental disabilities.

They live in a group home paid for by the state.

Their “work” is a day program of individualized activities they attend with other people with developmental disabilities. And in their house they have Charlene Smith-Scott and Jared Knight-Hopkins, the support staff who help them with their daily functions.

How much to pay support staff like Smith-Scott and Knight-Hopkins is the subject of SB890, sponsored by Sen. Thomas Mac Middleton, head of the Finance Committee. The bill aims to ensure that the compensation for support staff always remains at least 50% above the minimum wage.

Better Pay Urged for Direct Support Professionals

The Albany Times Union's story from earlier this month about the Direct Support Professionals who work with individuals with developmental disabilities across the state is generating some interest. It is particularly timely after last week's National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and the bill in the House of Representatives that would boost wages and the professionalism for this incredibly dedicated workforce. Check out this letter to the editor from Karen Nagy, a parent of a child with autism in Rexford, N.Y.

Your Sept. 12 story, "Health workers seek respect," highlights the ongoing challenges facing direct care staff working with individuals with significant disabilities.
We are parents of a young man with autism. With the help of many not-for-profit agencies and their dedicated direct care staff, he has made significant progress toward independence and community integration. Our son is profoundly disabled and requires a high level of expertise. Staff who care for him provide a substantial level of supervision -- and they are grossly underpaid.

Direct care workers deserve to be adequately compensated and recognized for their profession.