• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us

Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

  • Featured
  • Leaders
  • Government
  • Industry
  • Education
  • Opinion
You are here: Home / Government / Disability Advocates to Demand Fair Wages During Upcoming Virtual Event

Disability Advocates to Demand Fair Wages During Upcoming Virtual Event

Posted on February 4, 2022

Shining a spotlight on the direct support workforce shortage thousands of Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities are facing, individuals, family members, support organizations and disability rights advocates are calling on lawmakers to “Pay Fair for My Care” during Wednesday’s 2022 Virtual Developmental Disabilities and Awareness Day (DD Day).

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) fulfill many critical roles, especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as serve as the bedrock of the many supports and services provided through Florida’s Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services iBudget Waiver. However, advocates say DSPs are leaving the profession in large numbers due to a lack of pay increases and sustainable wages.

Scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, DD Day will bring together hundreds of individuals, family members and DSPs who will hear and share stories on why quality care is critical for their well-being and survival.

“For more than 20 years, DD Day has been a staple among disability rights advocates and we are dedicated to providing a platform to make voices heard at the state level,” said Valerie Breen, executive director of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC). “While we were hoping to be back at the State Capitol this year, the Florida Legislature must understand the critical importance of funding to help alleviate workforce shortages among direct support professionals.”

With nearly 1,000 attendees in 2021, this is the second year the FDDC will host the event virtually.

Starting at 9 a.m., attendees will have the opportunity to hear from special guest speakers as well as participate in breakout sessions with exhibitors. Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls, Senator Aaron Bean and other key lawmakers will share special messages of encouragement and action during the closing session.

DD Day is free and open to anyone interested in attending. Online registration is required in order to access the event. For additional information and to complete the registration form, go to ddday2022.org.

The mission of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) is to advocate and promote meaningful participation in all aspects of life for Floridians with developmental disabilities. www.fddc.org.

Share this article! Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Filed Under: Government Tagged With: Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

Primary Sidebar

    Submit News    

Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Largest Tax Relief Plan in Florida’s History

Record $2.7 billion of tax relief could save a family of four as much as $1,000 over the course of a … [Read More...] about Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Largest Tax Relief Plan in Florida’s History

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet Invest $103 Million to Conserve Vital Lands in Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet today approved the investment of over $103 million … [Read More...] about Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet Invest $103 Million to Conserve Vital Lands in Florida

Florida Preserves Historic Number of Agricultural Operations Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

The Governor and Cabinet today approved the preservation of approximately 18,279.38 acres … [Read More...] about Florida Preserves Historic Number of Agricultural Operations Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Newsletter signup

Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a brief recap of the week's most popular stories.

Footer

News

  • Featured
  • Leaders
  • Government
  • Industry
  • Education
  • Opinion

About Us 

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit News
  • Contact Us

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2021
Terms & Conditions

© Copyright 2023 Capital Soup · All Rights Reserved ·