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Michelle Sagan
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National Down Syndrome Society Joins Time to Care Texas: Save Texas Caregivers Now Coalition
April 15, 2024 - (Washington, D.C.)- The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. NDSS has joined the Time to Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now coalition to address the urgent issue of underfunding faced by direct support professionals (DSPs) who tirelessly care for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
The chronic underfunding of DSPs has compromised the quality of care provided to individuals with IDD and led to the closure of essential group homes, leaving many vulnerable Texans without vital support.
The coalition is urging state leaders to authorize an emergency appropriations request through the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) to raise the salary for community-based DSPs from $10.60 to $15.00 an hour. This increase will help address the immediate workforce crisis facing DSPs, ensuring that Texans with IDD can receive the support they need.
“Direct support professionals play a critical role in our community,” said NDSS President & CEO Kandi Pickard. “Empowering DSPs can strengthen care for individuals with Down syndrome and any individual or family that requires a care team.”
Coalition spokesperson Sandy Batton expressed profound gratitude for the National Down Syndrome Society partnership, stating: "The addition of the National Down Syndrome Society to our coalition fortifies our resolve and amplifies our collective voice. Together, we are forging a path towards a brighter future, one where the people who care for Texans with IDD receive the support they deserve."
For more information on the Time to Care: Save Texas Caregivers Now coalition and to access testimonials from advocates, family members, and care providers, please click here. For further information on how to get involved with NDSS and their policy priorities, please click here.
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About NDSS
Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. NDSS engages grassroots advocates at the federal, state, and local levels and creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan on topics including education, employment, health and wellness, and aging. NDSS founded the National Buddy Walk® Program in 1995 and hosts community engagement events throughout the country including the New York City Buddy Walk® and Times Square Video, the NDSS Adult Summit, and the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. Visit www.ndss.org to learn more.