LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim September 7-13, 2014, as Direct Support Professionals Recogni-
tion Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Direct support workers, direct care workers, personal assist-
ants, personal attendants, in-home support workers and paraprofessionals
(referred to in this Preamble as "direct support professionals") are the
primary providers of publicly funded long-term supports and services for
thousands of New Yorkers with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals' first allegiance is to the
person they support; they must build a close, trusted relationship with
an individual with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the majority of direct support professionals are
employed in home and community based settings and this trend is project-
ed to increase over the decade; and
WHEREAS, A direct support professional assists an individual with
disabilities with the most intimate needs, on a daily basis, including a
broad range of supports such as preparation of meals; helping with medi-
cations; bathing; dressing; mobility; getting to school, work, religious
and recreational activities; and general daily affairs; and
WHEREAS, A direct support professional is responsible for supporting
the emotional, physical and personal well-being of individuals receiving
support, helping to keep an individual with disabilities connected to
the family and community of the individual; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals enable individuals with disabil-
ities to live self-directed, meaningful and productive lives; they are
the key to allowing an individual with disabilities to live more
successfully in the community; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals respect the human dignity and
uniqueness of the people they support; they advocate with the people
they support, promoting their human rights, their civil rights and
responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body appreciates the contribution of direct
support professionals in supporting the needs of individuals with devel-
opmental disabilities and their families in the State of New York, and
further recognizes them as integral in supporting the long-term support
and services system in this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body finds the successful implementation of
the public policies of the State of New York depends on the dedication
of direct support professionals; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 7-13, 2014,
as Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week in the State of New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.