I Am DSP- Support Illinois Direct Support Professionals
Target:
Community direct Care, direct support and non-executive DD and MH staff
Sponsored by:
Wage Increase for Community Direct Care, Direct Support and Non-Executive DD and MH staff
http://www.iarf.org/video/ANCHORExtra.wmv
Investment: $27.5 million ($13.75 million GRF; $13.75 million Medicaid match)
Return:
- Every study for the last five years has said wages for direct support professionals must be increased.
- These facts have become more critical as Illinois increased the minimum wage by $1 in the last year; with another $.25 increase to be effective July 1, 2008 and a final increase of $.50 next year.
- Using salary data from the IARF Salary Survey, it is estimated the $.50/hour increase in DSP wages included in the FY09 budget (January 1, 2009) will increase wages to a statewide average of $7.75 for entry level DD-DSP (no bachelor's required) and to a statewide average of $8.29 for entry level MH-DSP (bachelor's degree required for most).
- The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute Index calculator suggests a reduction in turnover costs of approximately $407,374 statewide based on the $.50/hour increase could allow more than 37 new DSP to be hired as a result.
Wage Increase for Community Direct Care, Direct Support and Non-Executive DD and MH staff
http://www.iarf.org/video/ANCHORExtra.wmv
Investment: $27.5 million ($13.75 million GRF; $13.75 million Medicaid match)
Return:
- Every study for the last five years has said wages for direct support professionals must be increased.
- These facts have become more critical as Illinois increased the minimum wage by $1 in the last year; with another $.25 increase to be effective July 1, 2008 and a final increase of $.50 next year.
- Using salary data from the IARF Salary Survey, it is estimated the $.50/hour increase in DSP wages included in the FY09 budget (January 1, 2009) will increase wages to a statewide average of $7.75 for entry level DD-DSP (no bachelor's required) and to a statewide average of $8.29 for entry level MH-DSP (bachelor's degree required for most).
- The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute Index calculator suggests a reduction in turnover costs of approximately $407,374 statewide based on the $.50/hour increase could allow more than 37 new DSP to be hired as a result.
We signed the "I Am DSP- Support Illinois Direct Support Professionals" petition!
# 435:
1:47 pm PDT, Oct 6,
Blanca Ochoa, Illinois
# 434:
9:35 am PDT, Oct 5,
Name not displayed, Illinois
# 433:
9:19 am PDT, Oct 5,
Name not displayed, Illinois
# 432:
8:33 am PDT, Oct 5,
Irene Duran, Illinois
Let' make it a Success!!
Let' make it a Success!!
# 431:
5:21 pm PDT, Oct 3,
Marcella Kustwan, Illinois
# 430:
3:19 pm PDT, Sep 29,
Name not displayed, Illinois
# 429:
2:05 am PDT, Sep 27,
DARLA SHUMAKER, Illinois
SERVICES LIKE THESE ARE UNDERSTAFFED AND UNDERPAID. THE COMMUNITY IS IN DIRE NEED OF THESE AND STOP CUTTING FUNDING.
SERVICES LIKE THESE ARE UNDERSTAFFED AND UNDERPAID. THE COMMUNITY IS IN DIRE NEED OF THESE AND STOP CUTTING FUNDING.
# 428:
11:27 am PDT, Sep 26,
Misty Conn, Illinois
Without this increase more DSP's will leave the field. This is not work that anyone does to get rich at. We do this job to better the lives of those we serve. However, without a pay increase we saddly have to find other employement. The cost of living seems to go up each day and working for only the knowledge that I am making a difference will not pay my bills.
Without this increase more DSP's will leave the field. This is not work that anyone does to get rich at. We do this job to better the lives of those we serve. However, without a pay increase we saddly have to find other employement. The cost of living seems to go up each day and working for only the knowledge that I am making a difference will not pay my bills.
# 427:
4:15 am PDT, Sep 25,
Cynthia Collins, Illinois
Illinois is 51st and Failing. Why? We pay some of the highest taxes in the country
Illinois is 51st and Failing. Why? We pay some of the highest taxes in the country
# 426:
1:56 am PDT, Sep 25,
Simos Tarabatzis, Greece
For more impact, add a personal comment here
For more impact, add a personal comment here
# 425:
1:29 pm PDT, Sep 24,
Erika Rock, Illinois
# 424:
1:05 pm PDT, Sep 24,
Kimberly Ashford, Illinois
# 423:
12:56 pm PDT, Sep 24,
Anita Wells, Illinois
Do what you know is right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do what you know is right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
# 422:
12:53 pm PDT, Sep 24,
Ian Hamilton, Illinois
Do what you know is right.
Do what you know is right.
# 421:
12:49 pm PDT, Sep 24,
Kerry Studer, Illinois
Please do the right thing by us. We work hard and do the right thing for these special people everyday. We don't make enough money to support ourselves. Let alone our own children.
Please do the right thing by us. We work hard and do the right thing for these special people everyday. We don't make enough money to support ourselves. Let alone our own children.
# 420:
6:06 pm PDT, Sep 21,
Elizabeth Voss, Illinois
I have worked in this field since 2004 and I am not here for the money, but I know that the people that I service for are here because of the money from the state. With these cuts, the people that I work for will be without the caring and helpful environment needed to service their needs. Then where will they be? Where will we be? And what does our future hold without the special gifts that they give to us every day?
I have worked in this field since 2004 and I am not here for the money, but I know that the people that I service for are here because of the money from the state. With these cuts, the people that I work for will be without the caring and helpful environment needed to service their needs. Then where will they be? Where will we be? And what does our future hold without the special gifts that they give to us every day?
# 419:
11:15 am PDT, Sep 21,
Connie Pope, Illinois
How do we expect our care givers to support thier families if WE don't support them?
How do we expect our care givers to support thier families if WE don't support them?
# 418:
6:07 am PDT, Sep 21,
John Bowman, Illinois
# 417:
3:11 am PDT, Sep 20,
Monique Lornitis-Sanderson, Illinois
I have been a DSP for almost 10 years. I am currently also a full-tme student with two girls to send to college myself. I have not recieved a raise in over three years. With everything going up including food, gas, and the price of clothing I am forced to cut areas that may be harmful to my credit or my family. This raise in needed for the care of the individuals we serve.
I have been a DSP for almost 10 years. I am currently also a full-tme student with two girls to send to college myself. I have not recieved a raise in over three years. With everything going up including food, gas, and the price of clothing I am forced to cut areas that may be harmful to my credit or my family. This raise in needed for the care of the individuals we serve.
# 416:
10:51 am PDT, Sep 19,
Lisa Bowdler, Illinois
# 415:
6:18 am PDT, Sep 19,
Michelle Schukar, Illinois
I am DSP certified If we could get more money for the companies that serve in direct care we would have stability in the workers that we have. Therefore if we never get more money that means staff will not stay at their present jobs and look for a better job that gives more in salary. So what I guess what i am saying staff that stay at their present jobs know their needs of the clients and know what special care that they need and behaviors and so unlike if you get new staff it is going to take alot more training and work to get to know all the individual that they work with.
I am DSP certified If we could get more money for the companies that serve in direct care we would have stability in the workers that we have. Therefore if we never get more money that means staff will not stay at their present jobs and look for a better job that gives more in salary. So what I guess what i am saying staff that stay at their present jobs know their needs of the clients and know what special care that they need and behaviors and so unlike if you get new staff it is going to take alot more training and work to get to know all the individual that they work with.
# 414:
6:03 am PDT, Sep 19,
Pamela Lawler, Illinois
I feel that our clients are important people and their care is valid. How ever when a DSP cant live on the wages they recieve then they leave their jobs. will look for new jobs that pay more. So for consistency in their lives more pay means better workers. With longevity also clients wolud get continuous quality care from staff that has learned thier needs. Instead of staff that is always rotating because they are new. Thank you Pam Lawler
I feel that our clients are important people and their care is valid. How ever when a DSP cant live on the wages they recieve then they leave their jobs. will look for new jobs that pay more. So for consistency in their lives more pay means better workers. With longevity also clients wolud get continuous quality care from staff that has learned thier needs. Instead of staff that is always rotating because they are new. Thank you Pam Lawler
# 413:
6:15 pm PDT, Sep 18,
R Dixon, Illinois
I first worked in a facility for individuals with disabilities at the age of 17 while attending college. I worked at a nursing facility as a CNA and the last 2 years was caring for the individuals with disabilities residing there. I have been at my present job for 23 years. I enjoy working with the consumers. As a DSP we are the closest thing to family that some of them have. The work we do is very important as are the consumers. We help them with their daily living skills and activities. I am a single income individual. With the cost of gas, food, and utilities all going up and my wages remaining the same it is very difficult. I have given up several of the luxuries to be able to have the necessities. I am asked by coworkers who are two income families how I survive because they themeslves are struggling and barely making it. I enjoy my job working with the consumers. I am asking that you see your way to allowing the raise for DSPs working with and caring for consumers in IL. Lawmakers give themselves raises at every opportunity. I am asking them to give those of us who take care for the consumers on a daily basis the raise to help make things financially a bit easier for us.
I first worked in a facility for individuals with disabilities at the age of 17 while attending college. I worked at a nursing facility as a CNA and the last 2 years was caring for the individuals with disabilities residing there. I have been at my present job for 23 years. I enjoy working with the consumers. As a DSP we are the closest thing to family that some of them have. The work we do is very important as are the consumers. We help them with their daily living skills and activities. I am a single income individual. With the cost of gas, food, and utilities all going up and my wages remaining the same it is very difficult. I have given up several of the luxuries to be able to have the necessities. I am asked by coworkers who are two income families how I survive because they themeslves are struggling and barely making it. I enjoy my job working with the consumers. I am asking that you see your way to allowing the raise for DSPs working with and caring for consumers in IL. Lawmakers give themselves raises at every opportunity. I am asking them to give those of us who take care for the consumers on a daily basis the raise to help make things financially a bit easier for us.
# 412:
7:15 am PDT, Sep 18,
Don Propeck, Illinois
I work with and supervise DSPs and they havee my utmost admiration and support. The skill it takes to relate to, teach, and assist clients, some of whom are very low functioning with very limited behavioral controls is gargantuan and demands a great deal of insight into human behavior. A DSP is a dedicated, hard working, extremely capable person who is extremely underpaid and all that is being asked for is 50 cents. Don Propeck
I work with and supervise DSPs and they havee my utmost admiration and support. The skill it takes to relate to, teach, and assist clients, some of whom are very low functioning with very limited behavioral controls is gargantuan and demands a great deal of insight into human behavior. A DSP is a dedicated, hard working, extremely capable person who is extremely underpaid and all that is being asked for is 50 cents. Don Propeck
# 411:
5:19 pm PDT, Sep 17,
Nicole Hill, Illinois
I my self a DSP and also CNA certified feel that we deserve the increase in wages as well as all other staff members we are a nurses eyes and ears which inturn they are the doctors eyes and ears so unless your giving the nurses a pay raise to do the DSP or CNAs job in full I don't believe they have more "qualification" to get the raise and we don't just because we don't have the LPN or RN title behind our name doesn't mean we aren't inteligent human beings that are also raising a family on an even smaller budget than a nurse or doctor- so apperently we are more intellegent and more qualified because we can raise a family of 3-4 on a pitty little salary that the state of illinois provides for us in their multimillion dollar budget. While our govenors and senators are living the high life and our tax paying dollars are flying our govenor to and from chicago why don't you people making 500,000 a year try to live on our 16-20 thousand a year budget with a family to raise? We tax payers are the ones making your salary what the government doesn't feel they need that extra $0.50 an hour to tax us. What a DSP's money isn't good enough for you.
I my self a DSP and also CNA certified feel that we deserve the increase in wages as well as all other staff members we are a nurses eyes and ears which inturn they are the doctors eyes and ears so unless your giving the nurses a pay raise to do the DSP or CNAs job in full I don't believe they have more "qualification" to get the raise and we don't just because we don't have the LPN or RN title behind our name doesn't mean we aren't inteligent human beings that are also raising a family on an even smaller budget than a nurse or doctor- so apperently we are more intellegent and more qualified because we can raise a family of 3-4 on a pitty little salary that the state of illinois provides for us in their multimillion dollar budget. While our govenors and senators are living the high life and our tax paying dollars are flying our govenor to and from chicago why don't you people making 500,000 a year try to live on our 16-20 thousand a year budget with a family to raise? We tax payers are the ones making your salary what the government doesn't feel they need that extra $0.50 an hour to tax us. What a DSP's money isn't good enough for you.
# 410:
9:43 pm PDT, Sep 16,
Trisha Landert, Illinois
As a current DSP I feel that we don't get paid enough as it is. We should make more than minimum wage for everything we have to put up with at work everyday. We affect the lives of our clients on a daily basis and they rely on us for ALL of their care. We get mandated, clean up nasty messes, cook, pass meds, take them to the doctor, shower them, get beat up, deal with behaviors, and so much more. We are their life and most of them their only contacts. People at fast food and gas stations do a LOT LESS, but get paid the same if not better because they at least can get raises, but we can't. Our company doesn't believe in them. The only reason I stay at my job is because I am attached to my clients and care about them. It sure ISN"T for the pay because that sucks!!! It takes a special kind of person to do the work we do , and a lot of people won't even think about doing it. Yet we do it everyday to enrich the lives of the ones we take care of. I LOVE my job and what I do with my clients to improve their lives. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they accomplish something they never thought possible and I have helped them do that. Due to budget cuts and mounting costs of living in every area, I may have to start to look for a job that pays more just to make ends meet. Please help us all to keep our jobs by not cutting budgets that help us to help our clients. You or a loved one may be in one of these homes someday, and making a change today would help so many. Why do you think there is such a high rate of employees constantly coming and going as DSP's? We take care of humans, but yet factory workers that make headlights or whatever make more than we do. Also, our clients deserve more money just to have the standard things you take for granted. They don't get any luxuries. They are people to and they matter. My clients all have M.R. but they are so intelligent and loving.
As a current DSP I feel that we don't get paid enough as it is. We should make more than minimum wage for everything we have to put up with at work everyday. We affect the lives of our clients on a daily basis and they rely on us for ALL of their care. We get mandated, clean up nasty messes, cook, pass meds, take them to the doctor, shower them, get beat up, deal with behaviors, and so much more. We are their life and most of them their only contacts. People at fast food and gas stations do a LOT LESS, but get paid the same if not better because they at least can get raises, but we can't. Our company doesn't believe in them. The only reason I stay at my job is because I am attached to my clients and care about them. It sure ISN"T for the pay because that sucks!!! It takes a special kind of person to do the work we do , and a lot of people won't even think about doing it. Yet we do it everyday to enrich the lives of the ones we take care of. I LOVE my job and what I do with my clients to improve their lives. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they accomplish something they never thought possible and I have helped them do that. Due to budget cuts and mounting costs of living in every area, I may have to start to look for a job that pays more just to make ends meet. Please help us all to keep our jobs by not cutting budgets that help us to help our clients. You or a loved one may be in one of these homes someday, and making a change today would help so many. Why do you think there is such a high rate of employees constantly coming and going as DSP's? We take care of humans, but yet factory workers that make headlights or whatever make more than we do. Also, our clients deserve more money just to have the standard things you take for granted. They don't get any luxuries. They are people to and they matter. My clients all have M.R. but they are so intelligent and loving.
# 409:
9:21 pm PDT, Sep 16,
Sarah Campbell, Illinois
I have been a DSP for 4 years and I can tell you it takes a special person to do the kind of work we do. I enjoyed it thouroughly, but with the long hours and chaotic environment, the pay is rediculous. Please give these employees what they deserve!
I have been a DSP for 4 years and I can tell you it takes a special person to do the kind of work we do. I enjoyed it thouroughly, but with the long hours and chaotic environment, the pay is rediculous. Please give these employees what they deserve!
# 408:
7:09 pm PDT, Sep 16,
Nichole Whitworth, Illinois
I am a DSP as well as a licensed CNA. I find it crazy that we don't get paid what we deserve to TAKE CARE OF OTHERS! I know that there is only so much money to go around, but these are peoples lives, they matter to me and I know how much these nursing homes and places get to house the folks we take care of....it nuts we don't get paid better and that the residents don't get more of what they deserve. I am not a DSP for the money I do it because I love my clients, but I do feel that we deserve more to care so much!
I am a DSP as well as a licensed CNA. I find it crazy that we don't get paid what we deserve to TAKE CARE OF OTHERS! I know that there is only so much money to go around, but these are peoples lives, they matter to me and I know how much these nursing homes and places get to house the folks we take care of....it nuts we don't get paid better and that the residents don't get more of what they deserve. I am not a DSP for the money I do it because I love my clients, but I do feel that we deserve more to care so much!
# 407:
3:59 pm PDT, Sep 16,
Debra Raimondi, Illinois
We need your support to provide quality care for our loved ones.
We need your support to provide quality care for our loved ones.
# 406:
3:59 pm PDT, Sep 16,
Sally Ritchey, Illinois
Please help our staff, who often make less than the minimum wage, support people with disabilties.
Please help our staff, who often make less than the minimum wage, support people with disabilties.
# 405:
1:14 pm PDT, Sep 16,
Sharon Houchin, Illinois
# 404:
12:13 pm PDT, Sep 16,
Dale Sheets, Illinois
It is so important to have direct support workers who can support the individuals who need it most. Without such dedicated worker paid a living wage, people like my sister who has a severe mental retardation with secondary diagnoses could not live independently in the community.
It is so important to have direct support workers who can support the individuals who need it most. Without such dedicated worker paid a living wage, people like my sister who has a severe mental retardation with secondary diagnoses could not live independently in the community.
# 403:
12:10 pm PDT, Sep 16,
Cindy Epley, Illinois
I am the SEP Coordinator for Challenge Unlimited. Everyday I see the impact that the loss of funding can effect our people. Our People are people that deserve a chance to suceed in the world, to be proud of what they do and how they do the job. Without the funding that is needed they fall between the cracks. They are people just as your are. They have families, friends and hopeful will be able to have some of the additional luxury's that you are afforded and if they don't get this they would at least be able to get by. Someday this may be an issue in your life so now may be the time to stop it froming coming back to you.
I am the SEP Coordinator for Challenge Unlimited. Everyday I see the impact that the loss of funding can effect our people. Our People are people that deserve a chance to suceed in the world, to be proud of what they do and how they do the job. Without the funding that is needed they fall between the cracks. They are people just as your are. They have families, friends and hopeful will be able to have some of the additional luxury's that you are afforded and if they don't get this they would at least be able to get by. Someday this may be an issue in your life so now may be the time to stop it froming coming back to you.
# 402:
12:09 pm PDT, Sep 16,
Kathi Price, Illinois
I LOVE my job and what I do with my clients to improve their lives. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they accomplish something they never thought possible and I have helped them do that. Due to budget cuts and mounting costs of living, I may have to start to look for a job that pays more just to make ends meet. Please help us all to keep our jobs by not cutting budgets that help us to help our clients. I AM A DSP YOU SHOULD KNOW ME!!!
I LOVE my job and what I do with my clients to improve their lives. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they accomplish something they never thought possible and I have helped them do that. Due to budget cuts and mounting costs of living, I may have to start to look for a job that pays more just to make ends meet. Please help us all to keep our jobs by not cutting budgets that help us to help our clients. I AM A DSP YOU SHOULD KNOW ME!!!
# 401:
12:06 pm PDT, Sep 16,
Kenneth Neukam, Illinois
AS a supporter of people with disabilities and the fact that I work with them each day of the week; I feel it is very important for our Legislature to re-instate all of the money the Governor has vetoed for community services.
AS a supporter of people with disabilities and the fact that I work with them each day of the week; I feel it is very important for our Legislature to re-instate all of the money the Governor has vetoed for community services.
