The role of Direct Support Professionals (DSP) in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to function in their homes and be part of their communities is vital. That’s why Mosaic (mosaicinfo.org) is celebrating their Direct Support Professionals who serve people with IDD during National Direct Support Professional Week, September 8-14.
“We want to raise awareness and recognize the important work DSPs do supporting people to live the life they choose. Their work makes Mosaic’s mission statement to ‘relentlessly pursue opportunities that empower people’ come alive. It is truly a work of heart, which is our theme for this year’s awareness celebration,” said Mosaic in Omaha’s Executive Director Nic Batterton. “We couldn’t do what we do without them.”
Cheryl Wicks, Mosaic’s Vice President of Government Relations, leads efforts to advocate for higher pay for DSP’s and IDD disability rights along with 2,000 of “Mosaic Allied Voices” volunteers.
“Provider organizations across the nation are still experiencing staffing crises like none before,” said Wicks. “States and the federal government must remedy the decades of chronic underfunding so wages for DSPs can increase, and people with disabilities have the support they need.”
According to Batterton, “For most Direct Support Professionals their work isn’t a job, it’s often a calling. We have some DSPs who have loved and served people with IDD for decades because they know they’re making a positive difference for others. It’s a selfless act–and that’s why they should be held up, celebrated and rewarded.”
Mosaic is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information about Mosaic in Omaha, visit mosaicinfo.org.