New Resolution Pushes for Official Federal Job Code for Direct Support Professionals, Highlighting Workforce Crisis

This resolution is all about giving a long-overdue nod to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)—the people who make it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to live in their own communities instead of institutions. It officially designates the week starting September 7, 2025, as "National Direct Support Professionals Week," recognizing their essential, day-to-day work, from helping with meals and personal care to managing finances and finding employment.

The Crisis Under the Surface

While the week designation is nice, the real meat of this resolution is the policy push behind it. It highlights a massive, growing workforce crisis: there aren't enough DSPs. The resolution points out that these workers, who are vital for upholding the 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court ruling (which mandates community-based care), often earn low wages, lack benefits, and face high turnover. This isn't just an employment issue; it creates real uncertainty and risk for the people relying on these services.

Why a Federal Job Code Matters

The resolution specifically calls on the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to create a dedicated Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for Direct Support Professionals. Right now, these workers don't have their own specific code in the federal system used for collecting labor data. If you can't measure a workforce accurately, it’s nearly impossible to draft effective policy for it. Creating a specific SOC code would mean better data on wages, demand, and turnover, providing the foundation needed to argue for better pay and benefits down the line. For a busy person, this means the government would finally have the data to understand why your neighbor who needs support can’t find consistent care, or why your friend working as a DSP is constantly struggling to make ends meet.

The Real-World Impact of Recognition

This resolution is largely symbolic, but symbols matter when they draw attention to a critical issue. For DSPs, this is formal recognition that their job is not just 'caregiving' but a complex, professional role essential to the nation's long-term care infrastructure. For individuals with disabilities, this focus on the workforce crisis is a necessary step toward stabilizing the support system they depend on. While the resolution doesn't immediately raise wages or improve benefits—it’s a declaration, not a funding bill—it sets the stage for future legislative action by clearly defining the problem and advocating for the data needed to fix it.