February DSP Advocacy Council Meeting
Presentation by Diane Wilush on the upcoming Employee Resource Network for Direct Support
Professionals in Georgia pilot due to launch very soon. This was a good opportunity for the DSPAC
to offer their thoughts, ask questions, and promote the initiative. The ERN pilot will start in the
following counties to begin with: Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Hancock, Houston, Jasper, Jones, Macon,
Monroe, Peach, Putnam, Twiggs, Washington, and Wilkinson Counties. If the ERN pilot is
successful, the goal is for it to expand into other counties. The DSPAC asked for updates regarding
the success once the ERN is launched.
SPADD Conference
Thank you all for supporting the DSPs in attending the conference. We are starting work on the
presentation and hope it will be a good opportunity to promote awareness of the DSPAC advocacy
council and hear from a broader group of DSPs across Georgia.
Legislative Advocacy
The DSPAC has been actively involved in the advocacy efforts around DSP wages. We have sent out
several requests using some very user-friendly tools (shared by GCDD) to their legislators about the
rate study/DSP wages. The advocacy included calls to local legislators, and others sending letters.
A member represented the DSPAC at the Waiver and Wages advocacy day at the Capitol. Reporting
back as being a valued learning experience that empowered her to share “I often feel like I am just
a DSP” after attending the advocacy day, “I feel proud to be representing as a DSP.”
We have continued to provide legislative updates as the rate study has progressed through the
legislative process.
Developmental Disability Advisory Council (DDAC)
We are excited to have a member of the DSPAC represented on the DDAC. The DDAC meets once a
quarter with DBHDD. They discuss and inform on topics and policies that affect people who use
services, families, and the people providing the services. The Chair of the DDAC is thrilled to have a
DSP join the DDAC and values the opportunity to hear perspective and insight directly from a DSP.
Survey
Later this month, we plan to distribute a brief survey to CEO’s/leadership. We would like to gather a
little feedback from leadership as we continue to develop, enhance, and sustain a thriving DSPAC.
Thank you for your support to each of the DSPs on the DSPAC! They are truly doing a wonderful job!
