Senate Resolution No. 2681

BY: Senator ORTT

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 10-16, 2017, as Direct Support
Professionals Recognition Week in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, Direct support workers, direct care workers, personal
assistants, 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
disabilities with the most intimate needs, on a daily basis, including a
broad range of supports 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, and helping to keep an individual with disabilities connected
to both family and the community; and

WHEREAS, Direct support professionals enable individuals with
disabilities to live self-directed, meaningful and productive lives and
are the key to allowing an individual with disabilities to live more
successfully in the community; and

WHEREAS, Direct support professionals respect the human dignity and
uniqueness of the people they support; they advocate for 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
recognizes 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 10-16, 2017,

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
professionals 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
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.