A growing staffing crisis—driven by low wages and high turnover—is putting vital services for severely disabled people in jeopardy, both in the Bronx and across New York City, warns Rupert Pearson, executive director of the Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Center (SEBNC).

At the heart of the crisis are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), the frontline caregivers responsible for assisting more than 130,000 New Yorkers with severe disabilities. These workers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, dignity, and quality of life for their clients—yet many of them could earn more working at fast food restaurants.

DSPs perform demanding, hands-on work: helping individuals eat, take medications, change diapers and navigate daily routines. Their care often extends beyond the basics, offering edu

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