THE DIRECT SUPPORT WORKFORCE AND COVID-19: WORK LIFE AND WAGE AUGMENTATION - POLICY RESEARCH BRIEF - Volume 28 Number 2

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Damian

Policy Research Brief examining the direct support workforce (DSPs) serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during COVID-19. Highlights a persistent shortage and low wages, noting that although 97% of DSPs viewed themselves as essential, under one-third reported wage augmentation. Survey data shows work-life quality worsened throughout the pandemic, with pay increases providing a modest improvement. Recommendations stress permanent wage increases, recognition as essential workers, access to childcare and benefits, workforce professionalization, and a standard occupational classification.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Policy Research Brief

Research Issue

Key Findings

Study Background

Policy Forum

Policy Recommendations

Volume 28 Number 2 POLICY RESEARCH BRIEF THE DIRECT SUPPORT WORKFORCE AND COVID-19: WORK LIFE AND WAGE AUGMENTATION Research Issue It is well known that there is a critical shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs) who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in the community. While the work is high-skilled and varied in nature, wages remain low. COVID-19 had unprecedented adverse effects on DSPs, the people they support, organizations, and family systems. In most direct service industries, essential workers received wage augmentation due to pandemic related risks. While 97% of DSPs considered themselves essential, less than a third reported receiving any kind of salary augmentation. Our study showed worsening quality of DSPs’ work life since the beginning of the pandemic; providing a wage augmentation (increasing pay) for them during this period slightly improved their self-reported quality of work life. Key Findings Work life status since pandemic Work life status and wage increase “They have increased our wages and I hope we continue to receive raises because we all deserve it.” Most important thing employer did for support “We did receive two bonus checks of $500 each during this pandemic, but with added expenses of providing our own masks and other supplies, increased gas for more shifts needing covered, and having no employee support system for therapy, the money did not go nearly as far as we needed it to.” Study Background For the vast majority of DSPs, staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic is not an option. The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) and the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration (ICI) wanted to hear directly from DSPs about their experiences in supporting people with disabilities during this period. In response, ICI developed an online survey and collaborated with NADSP to reach DSPs from across the country. Its intent is to inform effective policy and practice decisions about what is needed and to better prepare for potential future waves of this or other pandemics. The initial survey was launched in April 2020 and was completed by 8,914 participants from across the country. A six-month follow-up survey was launched in November 2020 and completed by 8,846 participants. Data sighted in this Brief are from the six-month follow-up survey. A full description of [the study and findings can be found at](the study and findings can be found at z. umn.edu/)[ ](the study and findings can be found at z. umn.edu/)[z. umn.edu/](the study and findings can be found at z. umn.edu/)[ ](the study and findings can be found at z. umn.edu/)[dsp-covid19](dsp-covid19.)[.](dsp-covid19.) A 12-month follow-up survey was fielded in June-July 2021 and focused on vaccinations, return to work, and social inclusion. Results from the 12-month follow-up will be available in early fall of 2021. Policy Forum Join us August 17, 2021 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. CDTon Zoom for the Policy Forum on this issue of Policy Research Brief. Register here: [z. umn.edu/](z. umn.edu/)[ ](z. umn.edu/)policyforumsignup The Policy Forum is a monthly web-based presentation and facilitated discussion exploring research published in the most recent Policy Research Brief. Please visit the website, [z. umn.edu/icipolicyforum](z. umn.edu/icipolicyforum), for details and to view previous forums. Policy Recommendations This data underscores the importance of providing financial compensation for DSPs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although more than half of DSPs reported their work life worsened during the pandemic, having a pay increase did make a difference. Our policy recommendations include— • Design policies to permanently increase DSP wages to reflect the indispensable services they provide. Wage increases will improve quality of DSPs’ work life and could help retain this diminishing workforce by communicating that DSPs are essenti

FAQs

Why is the direct support workforce important during COVID-19?

DSPs support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in the community. The brief emphasizes a critical shortage and the high-skilled, varied nature of the work.

What did the brief find about DSPs’ work-life quality and wages?

Most DSPs reported their work life worsened during the pandemic. Wage augmentation slightly improved their self-reported quality of work life, even though fewer than a third reported any pay increase.

What policy actions does the brief recommend?

The brief calls for permanently increasing DSP wages, officially recognizing DSPs as essential workers with access to childcare and financial benefits, professionalizing the workforce with advanced education and ensuring equitable compensation, and establishing a DSP Standard Occupational Classification.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Damian