CITYOF  OAKDALE  State of Minnesota City of Oakdale  Proclamation  WHEREAS, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the primary providers of communty-Dased long-term support services for tens of thousands ofi individuals with disabilities in Minnesota; and WHEREAS, DSPS are valued fort their work in building respectful and trusted relationships with individuals WHEREAS, DSPS provide essential support to individuals with disabilities to stay connected to family, friends, coworkers, and the community, helping them to define and live a quality life; and, WHEREAS, DSPS provide a broad range of individualized supports, including meal preparation, medication assistance, personal care and life skills training, mobility, work and life enrichment WHEREAS, DSPS support informed choices and person-centered practices that honor and respect the WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, DSPS played an instrumental role in ensuring safety and- WHEREAS, an adequate workforce of high-quality DSPS is necessary for the people of Minnesota to respond to the needs of people with disabilities, and minimize more costly settings such as hospitals or WHEREAS, DSPS are one of the fastest growing positions in Minnesota and demand for their skills is great; and yet low wages and demographic trends are creating a growing shortage of DSPS, leading to WHEREAS, Public officials are key advocates in building awareness and addressing the issues facing this THEREFORE, I, Kevin Zabel, Mayor of Oakdale, Minnesota, hereby proclaim September 10th - 16th as IN WITNESS THEREOF: I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Oakdale to be  to assist them with their most intimate needs; and  opportunities, and other daily tasks; and individuals with disabilities they serve; and  maintaining dedicated support and care fort those they serve; and  institutions; and  increased turnover; and publicly-funded workforce.  "Direct Support Professional Recognition Week" int the City of Oakdale.  affixed on this 12th day of September, 2023.  Kevin  Lgo