LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim September 14-20, 2009 as Direct Support Professionals Recogni-
tion Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Direct support professionals are the primary providers of
publicly funded long term support and services for many individuals in
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, A direct support professional must build a close, trusted
relationship, with an individual with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals assist an individual with devel-
opmental disabilities with the most intimate needs, on a daily basis;
and
WHEREAS, A direct support professionals provide a broad range of
support including: preparation of meals, helping with medications, bath-
ing, dressing, mobility, getting to school, work, religious and recre-
ational activities and general daily affairs; and
WHEREAS, A direct support professional provides essential support to
help keep an individual with developmental disabilities connected to the
family and community of the individual; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals enable individuals with develop-
mental disabilities to live meaningful, productive lives; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals are the key to allowing an indi-
vidual with developmental disabilities to live successfully in the
community of the individual, and to avoid costly institutional care; and
WHEREAS, Federal and State policies, as well as the Supreme Court in
Olmstead v L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999), assert the right of an individual
to live in the home and community of the individual; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, the majority of direct support professionals are
employed in home and community-based settings and this trend is project-
ed to increase over the next decade; and
WHEREAS, There is a documented and critical growing shortage of direct
support professionals in every community throughout New York State and
nationally; and
WHEREAS, Many direct support professionals are forced to leave jobs
due to inadequate wages and benefits, creating high turnover and vacancy
rates that research demonstrates adversely affects quality of support to
individuals with developmental disabilities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim September 14-20, 2009
as Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week in the State of New
York, recognizing the dedication and vital role of direct support
professionals in enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental
disabilities of all ages; appreciating the contribution of direct
support professionals in supporting the needs that reach beyond the
capacities of many families in New York State; and commending direct
support professionals as integral in supporting the long-term support
and service system in the State of New York and finds that the success-
ful implementation of public policies of the State of New York depends
on the dedication of direct support professionals; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.