THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY B. BOYLE, OCTOBER 14, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, OCTOBER 14, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the employees of SPIN, Inc., during "National Direct

Support Professionals Recognition Week" beginning September

11, 2011.

WHEREAS, For more than 40 years, Special People in the

Northeast, Inc., known as SPIN, Inc., has provided programs and

services enabling children and adults to live full, productive

lives as active members of their community, volunteering and

participating in numerous events and activities; and

WHEREAS, SPIN, Inc., believes that each person has unique

strengths and seeks opportunities to share them with others in

pursuit of an inclusive, meaningful life; and

WHEREAS, The employees and volunteers of SPIN, Inc., support

its mission to establish and provide community resources,

services and initiatives in support of people with mental,

physical or sensory impairment, their families as well as others

who provide assistance so that they may exercise responsibly

their choice, preference and right, without limitation, to a

fully integrated life as citizens of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, SPIN, Inc., has been recognized by international,

national and local entities as a world class organization,

renowned for its work in the use of technology, training and

work force development, education, early childhood centers and

other support services; and

WHEREAS, Much of SPIN, Inc.'s, success can be attributed to

the hard work of its direct support professionals whose role is

vital in providing assistance to individuals with disabilities,

enabling them to live in their own communities; and

WHEREAS, It is critical that the direct support professional

build a close, trusted relationship with an individual with

disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Their role is key in helping individuals with their

personal needs on a daily basis as well as providing a broad

range of support to help keep them connected to their families

and living in their communities instead of being housed in

institutions; and

WHEREAS, The vast majority of direct support professionals

work in home and community-based settings, a trend that is

expected to increase over the next decade; and

WHEREAS, There is a critical and growing shortage of direct

support professionals in every community throughout the United

States that, research demonstrates, adversely affects the

quality of support to individuals with disabilities; therefore

be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognize and

honor the work of the direct support professionals of SPIN,

Inc., during "National Direct Support Professionals Recognition

Week" beginning September 11, 2011, for their dedication and

vital role in enhancing the lives of individuals with

disabilities.