Jeanne Marshall’s letter to the editor was recently published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as part of Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week.
The letter highlights the important work of DSPs and the funding that helps make services possible for people with disabilities across Missouri.
Jeanne also points to the FY2027 Missouri budget and the uncertainty that surrounded disability services during the budget process. An initial proposal included an $80.7 million cut to disability services before lawmakers ultimately preserved critical funding in the final budget.
As one of Missouri’s largest providers of disability services, Easterseals Midwest supports more than 23,000 individuals each year and employs more than 1,600 people statewide. Funding for disability services helps people pursue employment, participate in their communities, and work toward their personal goals.
It also supports the workforce behind those outcomes. As Jeanne writes, investment in disability services is critical to sustaining the DSP workforce and helping ensure these professionals can continue supporting people in living independently and thriving in their communities.
The letter is part of Easterseals Midwest’s broader work to elevate the voices of people with disabilities, strengthen advocacy, and build greater awareness of the issues affecting the communities we serve.
