COVID-19 Barriers to DSPs

The Intellectual Disability/Autism provider associations across Pennsylvania are partnering to gather data to advocate for COVID-19 relief funding.

To advocate for this funding, it is critical that we gather data on barriers that are preventing Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) from working during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are asking everyone (family members, DSPs, individuals, and provider staff) to take a moment to fill out this survey by Friday, August 21.

Definitions

Direct Support Professional – Direct Support Professionals assist consumers in reaching their goals and achieving greater independence. They provide assistance and direct support in meeting the demands of everyday life, including activities of daily living, socialization, work, and inclusion. Interchangeable job titles may include Residential Counselor, Client Care Worker, Aide, Employment Specialist, etc.

Question Title

* 1. Contact Information (this is for tracking purposes only, individual responses will not be shared)

Name

Organization

Question Title

* 2. I am a:

Family Member or Guardian of someone with a disability

Individual with a disability

Direct Support Professional

Frontline Supervisor

Program Supervisor

Executive/Upper Level Management

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. In your experience, which of the following are barriers preventing Direct Support Professionals from working during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Child Care

Family Caregiving

Transportation

Food insecurity, including limited access to grocery stores

Healthcare, including access, cost, and/or lack of health insurance

Housing Insecurity

Poor health or higher risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19

Family Instability

Work/Life Balance

Wages

Heightened COVID-19 health risk for self or members of household

Homeschooling/Educating children at home

Other (please specify)

COVID-19 Barriers to DSPs

Question Title

* 1. Contact Information (this is for tracking purposes only, individual responses will not be shared)

Question Title

* 2. I am a:

Question Title

* 3. In your experience, which of the following are barriers preventing Direct Support Professionals from working during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Question Title

* 4. Please list any other comments you have about the impact of COVID-19 on the DSP workforce.