Direct Support Professionals Association of Tennessee (DSPAT)

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The Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act - NADSP The Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act by Joseph Macbeth | Apr 22, 2024 | News | 0 comments The Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act by Joseph Macbeth | Apr 22, 2024 | News Last week, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced the Long Term Ca...

The DSP Workgroup of the Statewide Planning and Policy Council & Regional Sub-Councils is excited to announce the launch of Tennessee’s first-ever Direct Support Professional Website, DSP Tennessee!

The site seeks to bring this expertise and experience into a landing spot where all things DSP in Tennessee and the latest information is available. You will find that the website seeks to elevate the passion and work of Tennessee’s DSPs by pulling together the latest resources available into one space. This includes the value of the DSP, current initiatives that address the DSP workforce shortages, solutions and best practices are just a few things that are featured.

You will also find opportunities to engage with other DSPs from other areas of the state, as well as opportunities to attend DSP workshops, seminars, DSP advocacy, and DSP professional development events.

We want you to help us continue to build this website. We invite your ideas and your feedback on what you would expect to see on this site.

The website is the product of a number of individuals, entities and organizations who have been addressing the DSP workforce shortages in Tennessee for a number of years. These organizations include:

- Tennessee Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
- Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
- TennCare Division of Long-Term Services & Supports
- Blue Care
- Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup)
- United Healthcare
- Tennessee Community Organizations (TNCO)
- The Arc Tennessee
- DSP Voice Regional DSP Workgroups
- American Job Centers, Northern Middle

And now, introducing the first ever, Tennessee DSP website

Home | DSP Tennessee Addressing Tennessee's pressing staffing shortage for direct support professionals and caregivers is a top priority. Discover a multitude of statewide workforce development (WFD) initiatives dedicated to enhancing staffing for home and community-based service (HCBS) providers. This platform consolid...

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/29/a-proclamation-on-care-workers-recognition-month-2024/

A Proclamation on Care Workers Recognition Month, 2024 | The White House Every day, care workers dedicate themselves to ensuring the people we love are safe and secure. They watch over our children, assist our parents, and support loved ones with disabilities. Their work makes all other work possible. During Care Workers Recognition Month, we honor their tireless efforts...

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DSP Talk A New Podcast

SEE LINKS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW FOR WEBINARS

See links below in the comments section

Dear ANCOR Advocates,

This Thanksgiving let's seize the spirit of gratitude and send a strong message to Congress: We must support professionalizing our workforce and encourage the federal government to formally recognize direct support professionals (DSPs)!

Click Here to Contact Your Representatives! https://www.ancor.org/actions/call-on-congress-to-recognize-direct-support-professionals/
Why It Matters: DSPs are the backbone of support for individuals with I/DD, yet their profession lacks the federal recognition it deserves. The "Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act" would address this gap by recognizing the unique and vital role DSPs play every day in the lives of those with I/DD and urging the creation of a standard occupational code for DSPs to better enable employment data collection.

How You Can Make a Difference:

Write to Your Representatives: Utilize our action center to write a urging your Senators and Representatives to support and co-sponsor the "Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act."
Spread the Word: Share this action alert on social media. Encourage your network to join in advocating for DSP recognition. Use the hashtag .
Encourage Others to Advocate: Rally your friends, family, and colleagues this week to also write to their Members of Congress. Every voice counts in making a collective impact.


Join me in advocating for DSP Recognition this Thanksgiving week!

Noah Block

Advocacy Manager at ANCOR

Call on Congress to Recognize Direct Support Professionals | ANCOR Use our advocacy tool to tell your members of Congress that direct support professionals need a standard occupational classification!

TN DSP's VANDERBILT WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU.

Here's a poem dedicated to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in Tennessee for the Direct Support Professional Week:

In the heart of Tennessee, where the rivers flow,
DSPs stand tall, their dedication ever aglow.
Guiding hands, and hearts so true,
For every challenge, they see it through.

From Memphis to Nashville, and all towns between,
Their impact on lives is clearly seen.
With patience and care, they stand by our side,
Through trials and triumphs, in them we confide.

For every story, every tear, every laugh,
They're the unsung heroes, our guiding staff.
In the Volunteer State, where spirits are high,
DSPs are the wings, helping dreams to fly.

So here's to the DSPs, in Tennessee's embrace,
Thank you for making the world a better place.
For during this week, and all days to come,
Your dedication and love is second to none.

https://www.ancor.org/actions/call-on-congress-to-recognize-direct-support-professionals/

Call on Congress to Recognize Direct Support Professionals | ANCOR Use our advocacy tool to tell your members of Congress that direct support professionals need a standard occupational classification!