Assembly Resolution No. 589

BY: M. of A. Gunther

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 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, In 2017, the majority of direct support professionals are
employed in home and community based settings and this trend is
projected to increase over the decade; and

WHEREAS, A direct support professional assists an individual 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; dressing; mobility; getting to school, work,
religious and recreational activities; and general daily affairs; and

WHEREAS, A direct support professional is responsible for supporting
the emotional, physical and personal well-being of individuals receiving
support, helping to keep an individual with disabilities connected to
the family and community of the individual; and

WHEREAS, Direct support professionals enable individuals with
disabilities to live self-directed, meaningful and productive lives;
they 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 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 of individuals with
developmental disabilities and their 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; 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.