The New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will provide over $1.5 billion in American Rescue Plan Act Funding in order to support recruitment efforts and retention incentives for DSPs. This funding will go towards retention and longevity bonuses for DSPs, a ‘Heroes Fund’ that will provide incentive payments for DSPs who worked during the pandemic, and long-term recruitment and retention strategies which will address the stability of this workforce and provide skill building opportunities for DSPs.

“Recently, in a letter to Congress, I called for long-term support for our direct support professionals (DSPs). With 1 in 6 New Yorkers over the age of 65 and 1 in 4 New Yorkers having a disability, DSPs are an essential part of our health care service as they provide these individuals with critical support, including personal care, meal preparation, medication assistance and other health-related tasks. However, due to an ever-growing demand for these services, our direct care workforce is currently severely understaffed and underpaid, which impacts the livelihood of these workers and the vulnerable populations they support.

“This is great news for our direct care workforce and the patients they care for.I’ve long advocated for the OPWDD’s plans, and it’s encouraging to see federal and state officials working together to achieve this goal. I cannot thank this group of dedicated professionals enough, and I’ll continue fighting to ensure DSPs receive the proper appreciation and compensation they deserve.