Matt Mumma

As a former service provider of 20 years, I have seen many ups and downs for service providers within the Developmental Disability Service System. During this period, I can count on one hand the number of rates increases that providers received. While rate increases are greatly appreciated, they do little to attract and retain Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), the valued frontline workers in the system.

Join me in celebrating direct support professionals (DSP) this month. DSPs have been through a lot this past year. Through a global pandemic, natural disasters, social unrest, and personal distress, they have been the heroes keeping those served by the provider community safe.

Did you know that August is National Wellness Month? This observance is the perfect excuse for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and caregivers to focus on healthy routines, stress management, and self-care. Physical activity programs tailored to persons with intellectual disabilities have been shown to improve physical characteristics such as cardiovascular fitness, strength, weight, and balance. Additionally,...