2020.09.13-19 No 4 Direct Support Professional Recognition Week_2020City of Otsego Proclamation No.4
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
WHEREAS: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the primary providers of community -
based long-term support services for tens of thousands of individuals with disabilities in
Minnesota; and
WHEREAS: DSPs are valued for their work in building respectful and trusted relationships with
individuals to assist them with their most intimate needs; and
WHEREAS: DSPs provide essential support to individuals with disabilities to stay connected to
family, friends, coworkers, and the community, helping them to define and live a quality life;
and
WHEREAS: DSPs provide a broad range of individualized supports, including meal
preparation, medication assistance, personal care and life skills training, mobility, work and life
enrichment opportunities, and other daily tasks; and
WHEREAS: DSPs support informed choices and person -centered practices that honor and
respect the individuals with disabilities they serve; and
WHEREAS: During the COVID-19 outbreak, DSPs have played an instrumental role in
ensuring safety and maintaining dedicated support and care for those they serve; and
WHEREAS: An adequate workforce of high -quality DSPs is necessary for the people of
Minnesota to respond to the needs of people with disabilities, and minimize more costly settings
such as hospitals or institutions; and
WHEREAS: DSPs are one of the fastest growing positions in Minnesota and demand for their
skills is great; and yet low wages and demographic trends are creating a growing shortage of
DSPs, leading to increased turnover; and
WHEREAS: Public officials are key advocates in building awareness and addressing the issues
facing this publicly funded workforce.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jessica Stockamp of Otsego, do hereby proclaim September 13-19,
2020, as:
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK
By: (ymgo' Mayor Jessica Stockamp
ATTEST: -�
Tami Loff, City Clerk