Outside the Legislature today, clients, family members, supporters, and Direct Support Professionals gathered over the lunch hour to shine a spotlight on the work of those who provide vital community-based supports to Manitobans living with disabilities.
“This is Direct Support Professionals Week and it’s about time we start talking more publicly about what these folks do, and why it’s so important,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. “These are the people who, day-in and day-out, provide the kind of hands-on support that allows those with disabilities to live as fully and independently as possible.”
In communities throughout the province, the MGEU has hundreds of members who work in the field, where better training opportunities and higher wages remain key issues.
“Those in the field, and family members of clients, understand that people needing support are more likely achieve their best quality of life if they have motivated, consistent, well-trained people at their side,” Gawronsky said. “So a big thank you to the Alliance of Direct Support Professionals of Manitoba for organizing this event. We need to take every opportunity to remind government, and all Manitobans, that a comprehensive Direct Support workforce is key to ensuring Manitobans with disabilities have a chance to fully engage in their communities.”