LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim September 11-17, 2016, as Direct Support Professionals Recogni-
tion Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Direct support workers, direct care workers, personal assist-
ants, personal attendants, in-home support workers and paraprofessionals
(referred to in this Preamble as direct support professionals) are the
primary providers of publicly funded long-term supports and services for
thousands of New Yorkers with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals first allegiance is to the
person they support; they must build a close, trusted relationship with
an individual with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals make community living a reality
for more than 125,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals assist individuals with disabil-
ities with the most intimate needs, on a daily basis, including a broad
range of support such as preparation of meals; helping with medications;
bathing and dressing; mobility and getting to school, work, religious,
recreational activities and with general daily affairs; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals are responsible for supporting
the emotional, physical and personal well-being of individuals receiving
support, helping to keep an individual with disabilities connected to
family and community of the individual; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals enable individuals with disabil-
ities to live self-directed, meaningful and productive lives and are the
key to allowing an individual with disabilities to live more successful-
ly in the community of the individual; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals respect the human dignity and
uniqueness of the people they support; they advocate with the people
they support, promoting their human rights, their civil rights and
responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body appreciates the contribution of direct
support professionals in supporting the needs that reach beyond the
capacities of the families in the State of New York, and further recog-
nizes them as integral in supporting the long-term support and services
system in this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body finds the successful implementation of
the public policies of the State of New York depends on the dedication
of direct support professionals; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 11-18, 2016,
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 disabilities of
all ages; appreciating the contribution of direct support professionals
in supporting the needs that reach beyond the capacities of thousands of
families in the State of New York; and commending direct support profes-
sionals as integral in supporting the long-term support and service
system in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.