09-09-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Direct Support Professional Recognition Week Proclamation 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, John T. Keis, Mayor of Little Canada, do hereby proclaim September 13-19, 2020, as: DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION WEEK Mayor John T. Keis Date