Currently Day Support Services are struggling to serve the disabled population due to the low wages. This will only get worse if an increase is not provided. This is a great disservice to our most vulnerable populations and the providers that serve them, we must support this increase on behalf of those that cannot speak for themselves. 

• Currently, DSPs are paid poverty-level wages.
  • Waiver providers cannot compete with corporations (e.g., fast food chains, retail) that offer $15/hr and signing bonuses.
  • Low pay contributes to high turnover rates and difficulty recruiting new staff.
  • High turnover is correlated with lower quality of care, increases in injuries to individuals and care providers, and fewer service options due to dangerously low staffing ratios.
• Therefore, increasing rates for waiver funded services will:
  • attract and retain highly qualified staff and reduce turnover rates
  • improve quality of services (provider are able to provider more effective supervision)
  • reduce injuries to individuals and staff
  • increase service options (consumer choice) for individuals