The Impact of the Direct Support Professional Workforce Shortage

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) serves just over 458,000 individuals 
with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). California, along with the rest of the nation, struggles to meet the service and support needs of individuals with IDD due to a severe and persistent shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). DSPs provide the day-to-day support to individuals with IDD to live full lives, and as independent as possible, in the community of their choice. The DSP workforce shortage is harmful to people with IDD as it is the single greatest barrier to inclusion and independence for people with IDD. For many people with IDD, the workforce shortage serves to drastically limit opportunities for employment, choice of where and with whom they live, social activities, the type of services they receive, and overall access to their communities.

There are several factors that contribute to the on-going DSP workforce shortage, but the main factor is the historically low wages paid in relation to the high levels of skill and responsibility required for the job. Other factors include staff burnout, high turnover rates, inadequate training for both new and experienced DSPs, and limited resources for enriching levels of support for the individuals they support. Additionally, awareness about the profession is lagging so it is often overlooked as people are entering the workforce or seeking employment. Finally, low reimbursement rates limit service providers’ ability to compete in the labor market and pay a competitive wage such that they could consistently attract and retain DSPs.

This report takes an in-depth look at how the DSP workforce shortage impacts individuals and families, served under the Lanterman Act, by the DDS and the Regional Center System in California.