The past year has redefined much of everyday life, including the notion of the essential worker. Direct Support Professionals or DSPs, the caring and committed people who support individuals with disabilities, stayed on the job despite the risk.  Isn’t it finally time that we elevate this workforce with the wages and prestige this critical job deserves? Are these heroes worth more than $12.50 an hour? Joseph MacBeth of the National Association of Direct Support Professionals discusses the opportunities to professionalize this work and State Representative Stephen Kinsey (PA-201), a former DSP himself, talks about prioritizing public support for this workforce.  Edward “Gee” Culmer reflects on a 20+ year career in the field and Clara Thompson of JEVS Human Services describes the challenges of finding and keeping the workforce needed for this important work.

Produced by

JEVS Human Services

PWPvideo