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Three women in green shirts walk on a pathway toward the camera while holding a sign that says If Not Now When

Be an Advocate

Success Through Advocacy

Help us advocate for Delawareans with disabilities.

The Problem:

A direct support professional sitting next to a man with disabilities in a wheelchair

Thousands of Delawareans with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (I/DD) depend on Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) every day to help them participate and be safe in their communities. Yet, although the responsibilities are much greater, the average wage for DSPs in Delaware is less than what they could make working at a big-box retail store or fast-food restaurant. 

Although Easterseals and other service providers pay more than what the State of Delaware reimburses for the service, turnover in DSPs happens regularly, and it impacts Delawareans with disabilities. 

A graphic giving details on DSP turnover

How You Can Help:

Contact your legislators below and urge them to support additional funding in the Delaware FY26 budget to support services for adults with I/DD. If you live in Delaware, visit the Delaware General Assembly website and type in your address to identify your State legislators in Delaware. 

A graphic showing how to input your address in the Delaware legislator websit

Here’s a sample of what you can tell your state legislator in your email:

  1. As your constituent, I am asking you to please support additional funding in the Delaware budget for day and residential services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. 
  2. There is a crisis in the Direct Support Professionals workforce who care for Delawareans with disabilities. This crisis continues to worsen because of inflation and providers' inability to compete with better pay offered in retail and other jobs. Without additional funding, services will continue to fall behind, which affects families and caregivers, many of whom are already overwhelmed and under-resourced. 

In your message, if you or your loved one relies on a DSP for assistance, tell your legislators why their service is so important. 

Your voice can make a difference as the Governor and your State Senators and Representatives make decisions on the Delaware budget this spring!

Thank you for advocating with Easterseals!

 

*National Core Indicators State of the Workforce in 2023 Workforce Study Survey (IDD)