Skip to main content

We can do better for people with disabilities

By
John Wayne Barker, Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation

Stable, solid, secure — these are words for anything that’s important. Unfortunately, the words do not apply to the support staff situation for people with disabilities in Minnesota.
There are more than 8,000 vacancies for the direct support professionals (DSPs) who serve these individuals. It’s called a workforce crisis. Locally, day training programs are very aware of this situation.
With low starting wages stemming from a lack of funding, hiring is a sad magic trick of interview-hire-disappear. The dedicated staff who have a heart for this work remain, and continue to give their all, with many finding second jobs to make ends meet. 
Training is often “speed training” to cover the basics. Some new hires are gone before they can make a first impression. How can trust and good working relationships be developed?
A court-imposed plan that emphasizes “person-centered” service and “community inclusion” is highly admired by thoughtful leaders and will be practically impossible to accomplish without a stable DSP workforce. 
How can service providers give people choices and offer inclusion when there are no staff members to drive the van or give months of careful coaching to teach job skills?
This is a crisis because human beings should not be treated this way, not those with disabilities or those who provide heartfelt, quality care for them.
Legislative leaders are reviewing budgets now. We need people to call and email them to urge support for the “Competitive Workforce Factor” which will help. Increased wages for DSPs will be a change for the better.
 
Editor’s note: Rock County Opportunities is a member of MOHR, which advocates for opportunities and employment for Minnesotans with disabilities.
Legislators representing Rock County are Sen. Bill Weber (651-296-5650 or sen.bill.weber@senate.mn) and Rep. Joe Schomacker (651-296-5505 or rep.joe.schomacker@house.mn), both of Luverne.
 

You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.