Honor Direct Support Workers

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.