I have been working for Easterseals for over 14 years, coming here after a successful for-profit career. Every day, I watch the impact that direct support professionals have on the individuals with disabilities that we serve, Delaware’s most vulnerable population.
The job they do is selfless; they do it to ensure that each individual is treated with respect, compassion, dignity and a caring smile.
But yet the state has continued to neglect fully funding the McNesby Act (House Bill 104), even after it was signed into law by Gov. John Carney on Sept. 4, 2018! What does it take for the state to realize that “if not now, when” is the right time to fully fund services that have been neglected far too long?
Maybe the answer will be when providers no longer are able to provide disability services in Delaware. Not because we don’t want to but because we no longer have the staff to provide the services.
Service providers are losing direct support professionals to the likes of Amazon, Walmart and corporate America for jobs where they are being paid a livable wage.
Again, I ask, “If not now, when, Delaware?”
Beth M. Altemus
Newark
