The California Policy Center for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CPCIDD) is studying the impact of the direct support professional (DSP) workforce shortage on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). CPCIDD is conducting surveys, focus groups and 1:1 interviews with services providers, individuals served, family members, DSPs, and regional center service coordinators as part of the larger study. The purpose of the study is to gain a better understanding of the limitations imposed by, and the consequences of, the unprecedented shortage of direct support professionals on individuals served by the regional center system.
We anticipate the study will take 4 – 6 months to complete with a release date expected in September 2024. To date, we have completed the DSP survey with preliminary findings showing that more than 63% of the DSPs surveyed work at second job to make ends meet, and nearly one-third (32.4%) qualify for Medi-Cal or some other type of public benefit such as CalFresh. We have opened the survey for self-advocates which will close June 30, 2024.
We will also be sending out the service providers, family member, and regional center service coordinator surveys within the next 2 weeks. If are you are a self-advocate, service provider, family member, or regional center service coordinator please consider going to our website to take these important surveys. The findings from the study will be used to help inform advocates, policymakers, the Governor’s office, and other stakeholders about the importance of strengthening the DSP workforce and ensuring a livable wage such that service providers can attract, recruit, and retain this critical workforce.
