TO: NDSC Members and Affiliated Parent Groups
FROM: Susan Goodman, Director, Governmental Affairs
DATE: June 12, 2006

Urge House Members to Support H.R. 1264
People with Disabilities Need Quality Support

Background
Most adults with disabilities who have moved out of their parents' homes and into other community living situations need help from others in managing their daily lives. The people who provide this help, are known as "direct support workers." These people enable adults with disabilities to live and work in their communities by assisting them with everyday tasks, depending on their individual needs. However, these important individuals have a high turnover rate each year due to poor wages. Often, fast food workers earn more than these individuals who have a great impact on the quality of life of people with disabilities. This compromises the quality of life and safety of people with disabilities and adds anxiety and uncertainty for these individuals and their families. Furthermore, as the population ages, so does the need for these workers.

House of Representatives members Lee Terry (R-NE) and Lois Capps (D-CA) introduced the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act (H.R. 1264). This bill would "provide funds to States to enable them to increase the wages paid to targeted direct support professionals in providing services to individuals with disabilities." To see a list of co-sponsors, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:HR01264:@@@N.

Action Needed
If your Representative is not on the list of co-sponsors, write or call him or her and ask them join the list of Representatives who are co-sponsoring H.R. 1264, the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act of 2005. Tell them that their commitment is needed to help people with disabilities get the quality support they need to live, work and recreate in their communities. To get the contact information for your Representative, to www.congress.org and type in your zip code.

Update on IDEA 2004 Regulations

Reportedly, the regulations implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 are now being reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. This is the final step in the process towards issuing the regulations.

The regulations are still on track to be released by August, 2006, although this is not a firm date.