Direct Support Workforce Supporting Individuals With IDD: Current Wages, Benefits, and Stability

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 317-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Bogenschutz ◽  
Amy Hewitt ◽  
Derek Nord ◽  
Renee Hepperlen
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fringe Benefit ◽  
Fringe Benefits ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Skilled Worker ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals ◽  
Integral Role

Abstract Direct support professionals (DSPs) and frontline supervisors (FLSs) play an integral role in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and are often the individuals directly responsible for assisting people with IDD to live and fully participate in their communities. These two groups of workers have typically been employed at lower wages with limited access to fringe benefits, contributing to high rates of turnover compared to a similarly skilled worker in the United States. This article summarizes findings and is the first investigation in several years to systematically examine the wages, fringe benefits, and stability of the DSP and FLS workforces supporting individuals with IDD. Findings suggest that a typical DSP may expect to earn about $11.25 per hour, while FLSs may expect wages of about $15.45 hourly. Of concern, however, is that fringe benefit provision was quite limited in this sample. Implications, including relation to past reports of DSP workforce development, are discussed.

Workforce: Goals for Research and Innovation

Inclusion ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 267-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen McLaughlin ◽  
Lori Sedlezky ◽  
Harolyn Belcher ◽  
Abby Marquand ◽  
Amy Hewitt
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Competency Development ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals

Abstract Across the United States, there is growing demand for a competent and stable workforce able to effectively support the health and community lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout the lifespan. This article describes national goals for research and innovation to advance the IDD workforce. The research goals outlined address important workforce topics that include increasing capacity and sustainability, competency development and quality support, the use of technology, family support, and the vital role of direct support professionals in helping people with IDD to become fully included and valued members of their communities.

Introduction to the Special Issue: Understanding the Direct Support Workforce in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-191
Author(s):  
Carol B. Laws ◽  
Amy S. Hewitt
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The United States ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Full Inclusion ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals ◽  
Increasing Demand

Abstract This special issue on the direct support workforce highlights the critical role of the direct support workforce in the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the United States. Although there is increasing demand for this workforce, challenges in the recruitment, training, and retention of direct support professionals (DSPs) threatens the safety, health, and full inclusion of people with IDD living in the community. This special issue brings to the forefront current research to understand this workforce and their importance and to consider strategies to address the complex challenges facing DSPs so that people with disabilities can live and thrive in their communities.

Conclusion to the Special Issue: Understanding the Direct Support Workforce in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-252
Author(s):  
Amy S. Hewitt ◽  
Carol B. Laws
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
United States ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Career Opportunities ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals ◽  
Positive Practices

Abstract This special issue sheds light on the needs of the direct support professionals (DSPs), as well the possibilities when positive practices are implemented. A commitment to quality services and quality lives requires a commitment to finding solutions that better support DSPs so they can afford (emotionally, physically and financially) to keep doing the work they love. Improving supports to people with IDD is contingent on improving the compensation, working conditions, professional development, and career opportunities of DSPs.

Direct Support Professionals and Quality of Life of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 234-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carli Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Direct Support Professionals ◽  
Services And Supports ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the “backbone” of long term services and supports (LTSS) in the United States (Bogenschutz, Hewitt, Nord, & Hepperlen, 2014, p. 317). This study examined the relationship between DSPs and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities' (IDD) quality of life. To do so, we utilized Personal Outcome Measures® interviews from over 1,300 people with IDD to examine the impact DSP change has at individual and organizational levels. We found DSP continuity is central to quality of life of people, including human security, community, relationships, choice, and goals. States cannot continue to provide near-poverty level reimbursement rates for DSPs and still ensure quality of life.

scholarly journals Improving Undergraduate Life Science Education for the Biosciences Workforce: Overcoming the Disconnect between Educators and Industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. es12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Thompson ◽  
Joseph Sanchez ◽  
Michael Smith ◽  
Judy Costello ◽  
Amrita Madabushi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
The United States ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
College And University ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Undergraduate Institutions ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Undergraduate Programs

The BioHealth Capital Region (Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC; BHCR) is flush with colleges and universities training students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines and has one of the most highly educated workforces in the United States. However, current educational approaches and business recruitment tactics are not drawing sufficient talent to sustain the bioscience workforce pipeline. Surveys conducted by the Mid-Atlantic Biology Research and Career Network identified a disconnect between stakeholders who are key to educating, training, and hiring college and university graduates, resulting in several impediments to workforce development in the BHCR: 1) students are underinformed or unaware of bioscience opportunities before entering college and remain so at graduation; 2) students are not job ready at the time of graduation; 3) students are mentored to pursue education beyond what is needed and are therefore overqualified (by degree) for most of the available jobs in the region; 4) undergraduate programs generally lack any focus on workforce development; and 5) few industry–academic partnerships with undergraduate institutions exist in the region. The reality is that these issues are neither surprising nor restricted to the BHCR. Recommendations are presented to facilitate improvement in the preparation of graduates for today’s bioscience industries throughout the United States.

scholarly journals Advancing the Science of Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance in the United States

Insects ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Wisely ◽  
Gregory Glass
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Centers Of Excellence ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Vector Borne Disease ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Vector Borne

Globally, vector-borne diseases are an increasing public health burden; in the United States, tick-borne diseases have tripled in the last three years. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the need for resilience to the increasing vector-borne disease burden and has called for increased partnerships and sustained networks to identify and respond to the most pressing challenges that face vector-borne disease management, including increased surveillance. To increase applied research, develop communities of practice, and enhance workforce development, the CDC has created five regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-borne Disease. These Centers are a partnership of public health agencies, vector control groups, academic institutions, and industries. This special issue on tick and tick-borne disease surveillance is a collection of research articles on multiple aspects of surveillance from authors that are affiliated with or funded by the CDC Centers of Excellence. This body of work illustrates a community-based system of research by which participants share common problems and use integrated methodologies to produce outputs and effect outcomes that benefit human, animal and environmental health.

Employment: Renewed Investments

Inclusion ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Mank ◽  
Teresa A. Grossi
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Supported Employment ◽  
The United States ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Integrated Employment ◽  
Fair Pay

Abstract Supported employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities emerged in the 1980s, clearly showing the untapped potential of people to work productively in integrated jobs. Expanding across the United States and other countries, supported employment was shown to be an effective approach to employment across communities and cultures. While supported employment has expanded little in the last decade, there is a renewed investment nationwide and in some other countries. The renewed developments include improvements in supported employment methods, interest in funding based on outcomes rather than services, concern about the persistence of segregated workshops, the need for qualified supported employment personnel, investment in Employment First policies in states, the emergence of litigation promoting integrated employment over segregation, renewed investment in transition, investments in other countries, and the increasingly clear voice of self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities calling for community jobs and fair pay. While there is renewed interest in supported employment, threats remain to further improvement and expansion that must also be addressed.

scholarly journals COVID-19 mortality rates for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-183
Author(s):  
Mark D. Davis ◽  
Scott Spreat ◽  
Ryan Cox ◽  
Matthew Holder ◽  
Kathryn M. Burke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
General Population ◽  
General Public ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Probability Of Death ◽  
Over Time

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) appear to have an increased probability of death from COVID-19 once infected. We report infection and mortality rates for people with IDD compared to the general population of eight states at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic. Note that these eight states contain approximately 1/3 of the population of the United States. These data suggest individuals with IDD are less likely to be infected with the COVID-19 virus (5.62%) than the general public (7.57%). However, while mortality rates for both groups have declined over time, people with IDD are over twice as likely (2.29) to die from the infection as members of the general public.

History of the Department of Surgery at Albany Medical Center

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Conti ◽  
Neil Lempert ◽  
Steven C. Stain
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Albany Medical College ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
History Of ◽  
Flexner Report ◽  
Teaching Programs

Surgeons have always played an integral role in the history of the Albany Medical Center and Albany Medical College. In addition to supporting vital patient care and teaching programs, the Department of Surgery has played an important administrative role providing the college with five deans. The origins of the Department of Surgery reach back to 1910 when the American Medical Association-sponsored Flexner report proposed dramatic changes in the structure and format of medical education in the United States. In response to the recommendations of the report, the medical center restructured its faculty and curriculum to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing profession. One result of this reorganization was the formation of the Department of Surgery in 1912. Dr. Arthur Elting was named the first Chair of the Department in 1915. This report will review the history of the Department, focusing on the eight surgeons who have served as Chair.

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