Workforce crisis could lead to quality care crisis for people with developmental disabilities
The Arc of Madison Cortland, NYSARC, OPWDD, NYSRA and COPA have been lobbying in Albany for the necessary $45 million funding to be added to the 2017-18 New York state budget. This increase would provide a living wage for the dedicated direct support professionals who work tirelessly caring for people with autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury and other developmental disabilities.
The Arc of Madison Cortland is dependent on state and federal funding to pay the salaries of these essential staff members. Their jobs require extensive training and the work is emotionally, physically and mentally strenuous while offering 24 hour care 7 days a week in some locations.
Prior to 2008 a Direct Support Professional earned approximately $4.00 an hour above minimum wage and after years of flat budgets and funding cuts these same workers are now earning the minimum wage or slightly more. It is a challenge to recruit and retain qualified staff when they can potentially earn a higher hourly wage in the fast food industry.
Approximately 85% of The Arc of Madison Cortland’s workforce are Direct Support Professionals and the current vacancy rate is nearly 40% in Cortland County and nearly 30% in Madison County. “If we can’t provide a living wage we fear this workforce crisis could lead to a quality care crisis,” stated Jack Campbell, Executive Director of The Arc of Madison Cortland. “The Governor must recognize that the needs of our disabled community are not a luxury, they are a human right,” Campbell added.
Your help is needed. Please call Governor Cuomo TODAY at (518) 474-8390, press 1 after the recorded message, and say the following:
“I am calling on behalf of the #bFair2DirectCare Campaign for a living wage for the direct support staff who assist people with developmental disabilities. Governor Cuomo, PLEASE join the Legislature and provide $45 million in the final budget. This funding is critical to the health, safety and well-being of people with developmental disabilities.”
For more information, please contact Shannon Richard at: 315-363-3389 ext. 1600.