Statistics
- There were 2.2 million direct support workers in the United States in the year 2000
- There is a well-documented staff shortage in the direct support industry
- Difficulties associated with employing individuals in direct support fields include low pay, a lack of training and the demanding nature of the job
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2006) reported that 19,800 nursing assistants, home health aides and personal care/home care aides worked in West Virginia in 2006
- This results in a ratio of approximately one direct support service provider for each 21 persons with disabilities
- There is approximately a 5% vacancy rate in direct support positions
- The U.S. Census Bureau (2005) estimates that by 2030 the traditional care-giving workforce (women between the ages of 20 – 44) is projected to decrease by 28%
Direct Support Workforce Study
The Direct Support Workforce Study will investigate the stability, recruitment, retention and quality of West Virginia’s direct support workforce serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Through two surveys and focus groups, information will be gathered from provider organizations, workers and people with developmental disabilities and their families. The study uses Participatory Action Research (PAR) that ensures that consumers are involved in designing the project, participating in the conduct of the surveys and analyzing the results. People with developmental disabilities will also assist in compiling recommendations for the state based on the results of the study.
A complete report with recommendations will be available after March, 2009.
To participate by suggesting survey measurements or attending focus groups, email Rejoyce Milam at rmilam@hsc.wvu.edu.
If you provide direct support to a person with developmental disabilities and would like to respond to the survey on line, please go to Survey Monkey.
This project is funded by the Developmental Disabilities Council, WV Department of Health and Human Resources.
