Washington, D.C. – Danny Menchel was a little nervous about speaking with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. But by the end of the trip, he was already thinking about who he might bring with him next year.
Danny, who lives in a Bancroft group home, traveled to ANCOR’s Policy Summit & Hill Day on September 15–16 with Arlene Wahrmann, a Bancroft Direct Support Professional of 29 years. Together, they met with lawmakers and their staff to share their experiences and discuss issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the professionals who support them.
The two-day event brought together members of the I/DD community for policy discussions before sending advocates to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers and their staff. Joining Danny and Arlene were Elizabeth “Libby” Vinson, President of NJACP, along with Michelle Habingreither, Bancroft’s Executive Director, Joseph Jacquot, Adult Residential Program Director, Mark Mason, Executive Director, Nicole O’Neal, Senior Vice President of Adult Residential Services, and Acting CEO Brian Hancock.
One of the issues Danny and Arlene discussed was the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act, which would create a distinct Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for DSPs. Currently, DSPs do not have their own federal occupational classification, making it harder to collect accurate nationwide data about the workforce, including wages, turnover and other workforce trends.
For Arlene, the legislation is about making sure DSPs are recognized for the work they do every day.
“The bill would give us a title for DSP’s to be recognized for the work we do instead of lumping us under the general healthcare umbrella. I thanked these representatives for recognizing what we do and what we mean to our population that we support.”, Arlene says.
For Danny, speaking with lawmakers was a new experience, and one he wants to share with others. “I was a little bit nervous but I got used to it.” said Danny. “I feel most proud of myself and going to Washington and I am going to be recruiting more of my friends to go again next year!”.
“When I saw Danny in the first room, I teared up. I was so proud of him, and he was less nervous than I was,” says Arlene. “I felt so empowered to be able to speak to them. I know I make a difference in what I do, but to see their passion for their jobs and people, I loved it.”
Danny and Arlene found time for a little sightseeing, too. Seeing the Capitol and nearly running into Nancy Pelosi were among the highlights of their trip.
For Bancroft, advocacy is part of supporting the people at the heart of our work. That means making space for individuals like Danny to speak about their own lives, and standing alongside DSPs like Arlene as they speak about the work they do every day.
