Pay Fair for My Care
Direct Support Professionals are a lifeline for people living with developmental disabilities. They not only give them a seat at the table but help them to survive and thrive.
Why We Rely on Direct Support Workers
See below stories of individuals and families and their need for quality care through direct support workers. To submit your own photo or story visit our campaign form linked here.
Stories Throughout Florida
Hover over each image and click the icon to read stories of those who rely on direct support workers.
To submit your own photo or story visit our campaign form linked here.
Central Florida
Debra Baker’s Story – Orange City, Florida
Nicole Perez Aponte’s Story – Casselberry, Florida
Elizabeth Yost’s Story – Melbourne, Florida
Paulette Ritchie’s Story – Floral, Florida
Marsha Shappell’s Story – Inverness, Florida
Christine Sale’s Story – Sebastian, Florida
Michael Miller’s Story – Lakeland, Florida
Luis Unda’s Story – Lakeland, Florida
Southeast Florida
Ciara LaVelle’s Story – Pembroke Pines, Florida
Delores Maldonado’s Story – Martin County, Florida
Mary Jo Pirone’s Story – Martin County, Florida
Sarah Knobb’s Story – Martin County, Florida
Stephanie Knobb’s Story – Martin County, Florida
Lisa Smith’s Story – Broward County, Florida
Adriene Fern’s Story – Boca Raton, Florida
Kathleen Dupont’s Story – Davie, Florida
Kevin Licitra’s Story – Loxahatchee, Florida
Stories of Our Dedicated Care Professionals
Karyl Darigan’s Story – St. Cloud, Florida
Dana Ekarintaragun’s Story – St. Lucie, Florida
James Collins’ Story – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Elizabeth Devjne’s Story – Mims, Florida
Walter McDowell’s Story – Jacksonville, Florida
Autumn Giardini’s Story – Spring Hill, Florida
Tamara Foster’s Story – Jacksonville, Florida
Travis Klein’s Story – Jacksonville, Florida
How You Can Get Involved
Individuals with I/DD and their families are asking lawmakers to Pay Fair for My Care!
BE INFORMED
Understand the importance of DSPs and that they are a lifeline for people with developmental disabilities. Read our talking points and use available materials to educate yourself on this issue.
BE VOCAL
Share your story with your community and legislators. Make sure they understand what support services mean to you. Submit your own photo or story to be shared by visiting our campaign form linked here.
BE PRESENT
Schedule a Zoom meeting with your legislator’s office. Prepare an e-mail to your legislator and/or their aide. Use our campaign materials to share the importance of direct support professionals.