Schenectady ARC and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara to host awareness rally about the crisis they and other agencies face in recruiting and retaining direct support professionals, who care for and empower those with disabilities.

What:

Awareness rally to highlight crisis in recruiting and retaining direct support professionals

Who:

• Senator Jim Tedisco
• Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara
• Kirk Lewis, Executive Director, Schenectady ARC
• Mary Ann Allen/Parent, Advocate
• Direct Support Professionals who care for and empower those with disabilities
• Individuals and Families Supported by Schenectady ARC

When:

Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 4:00pm

Where:

Robb Alley, Proctors (by the coffee house)

Schenectady ARC in partnership with long-time advocate Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara will host a rally to raise awareness about a significant crisis faced by their organization and similar organizations across the state in recruiting and retaining direct support professionals, who care for those with disabilities. Agencies are in need of financial support so that they have the ability to pay critical employees a living wage.

“We are facing the worst crisis that I have seen in my more than thirty years in this field. We need to act quickly and decisively to help providers retain and grow this critical workforce. Those with disabilities deserve excellent care,” said Kirk Lewis, executive director for Schenectady ARC. In addition to obtaining greater financial support, these organizations also want to ensure that there are no future cuts.

“This past year has stretched some of us to our limits and has been especially challenging for our direct support professionals,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “The pandemic highlighted the need for a much-needed investment in direct care to better serve our community. That’s why, I’m joining Schenectady ARC and providers from across the state in calling for fair wages and more career opportunities that support the indispensable services these professionals provide to some of our most vulnerable. Many of us who were unable to reach a family member or friend receiving care during the pandemic knew that we could rely on these dedicated individuals to provide top-notch care and comfort to our loved ones when they needed it most.

At such a critical time, these dedicated individuals need our support now more than ever. As the father of a son with autism, you can be sure I'll always fight to ensure our health care system supports the hardworking and compassionate people that keep our loved ones safe and healthy.”

This rally will include those currently working as direct support professionals, people with disabilities and their family members. There is an effort across the state to raise awareness about this critical issue where action needs to be immediately taken.