Once again, I recently said goodbye to another wonderful caregiver. I’m very sad to see her go, but I also understand. She’s going into nursing school and I know she’s going to do great.

When she left, she sent me a goodbye present that I’m very grateful for – a package with recipes/instructions and some Bluey stickers.

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Direct support professionals play a crucial role in the disability community. For many of us, they are a lifeline to stay in the community instead of institutions while still getting the care we need.

They help manage medications, support us with daily living, and help us socialize. Because of them, we get to appointments on time and get to eat meals that aren’t lunchables. We learn new life skills and find things that we never knew we would enjoy.

They provide a moment of respite for families, allowing for our loved ones to take a breath. The supports help ease our families’ anxieties – especially if they feel that we are in good hands.

These services are absolutely essential for people with disabilities and our families. For those of us with complex medical conditions, sometimes having a direct support professional is even a literal life saver.

And yet, they’re not given the support that they need themselves.

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We know that home/community-based services often have long waitlists, but what about when we’re finally approved?

Many places have a significant shortage of support staff to the point where it’s honestly a crisis. I know so many families who are struggling to find help, despite being “approved” for supports. Families go through all the red tape and hoops to get approved – only to find that the help they needed isn’t even there.

Direct support professionals aren’t given the credit they deserve from the system – and insincere praise or ableist pity does *not* count. Our caregivers deserve to have a living wage. They need comprehensive training/support, benefits, and more. Support staff are not glorified babysitters for people with disabilities; they are an integral part of our inclusion in society.

Direct support professionals need to be seen as a part of a valued profession, not a temporary position until they can find a career that actually pays the bills or provides health insurance. It’s not fair to them or us – and it needs to change.

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