Government Law Newsroom

United Cerebral Palsy Urges Congress to Support Professional Caregivers

At a press conference with Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE) and Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA) today, United Cerebral Palsy reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act and urged Members of Congress to do the same.

"Direct support professionals are underpaid and under-appreciated," said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. "Representatives Terry and Capps recognize that by raising these workers’ personal stability we will improve the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities."

There are more than 2 million aides, personal assistance workers, and direct support professionals who make it possible for over 4 million Americans with disabilities to live full and independent lives.

The Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act addresses the alarming turnover rate – between 40% and 77% – of direct support professionals working through the Medicaid program. Higher wages will help stabilize turnover rates while giving stability to families who rely on direct support professionals.

A 2003 national report found that direct support professionals earn an average of only $8.68 per hour, a wage clearly unequal to their professional responsibilities. Direct support professional wages, which are almost entirely publicly financed through Medicaid, are increasing at well below comparable jobs and even the minimum wage. According to the Department of Labor, the wages of personal and home care aides increased only $0.82 from 1992-2000 versus $2.11 for fast food workers.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported the average income for all nursing home direct support staff was just $13,287; so low that the American Journal of Public Health reported that more than 1.3 million health care workers provide a standard of care that they and their families cannot expect to receive.

As a result, the long-term services industry, plagued with employment shortages and high turnover, is in turmoil. The lack of a reliable labor pool has placed the lives of millions of Americans who rely on long-term services and supports at risk.

"A further decrease in the stability of services could lead to the needless institutionalization and risk the health and safety of people with disabilities," said Marty Ford, Director of Legal Advocacy for the Disability Policy Collaboration. "We urge Members of Congress to stand with Congressman Terry and Congresswoman Capps to support the Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act."

Citing their work on behalf of the nation’s direct support professionals and the citizens with disabilities they serve, United Cerebral Palsy honored both Representatives Terry and Capps with a UCP Leadership Award on March 1.