Summary#

ACR 232, Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, is a California concurrent resolution; it does not create or amend a statute. It declared September 13–19, 2026, Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and recognized the work of direct support professionals. Its stated goal is to honor the workforce and highlight its role in supporting Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• The resolution makes the recognition week a legislative declaration, not a new service or benefit.
• It recognizes direct support professionals’ work and says the Legislature is committed to uplifting the workforce.
• It urges Congress to acknowledge the value of skilled supports delivered through home- and community-based services. This is a request, not a requirement for Congress.
• The Assembly Chief Clerk must send copies of the resolution to specified federal officials and California’s members of Congress.
• The resolution refers to the Lanterman Act but does not change it.

What it means for you#

• Direct support professionals: The Legislature formally recognized their work for the named week. The resolution does not provide a pay increase, new benefit, or employment protection.
• Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families: The resolution praises the role of direct support professionals, but it does not change eligibility for services or require new services.
• Congress: The resolution urges Congress to acknowledge the importance of these supports; it does not bind Congress to act.
• General public: The designated week, September 13–19, 2026, has passed. The resolution does not create a new program or require public events.

Money#

No cost estimate is included in the supplied material; it says the resolution had no fiscal committee.

• The resolution does not appropriate money or set up funding.
• The cost, if any, of sending copies or other recognition activities is not stated.

What is unclear#

• The resolution does not specify any ongoing action to support the workforce after the recognition week.
• It does not define “direct support professional” or set requirements for the role.
• It does not say whether any state agency or employer should take further action.

Case for#

• The resolution says direct support professionals help people with disabilities live safely at home, take part in their communities, and pursue lives of their own choosing.
• Public recognition could draw attention to the workforce’s contribution to inclusion and access, goals the resolution identifies.
• Urging Congress to acknowledge home- and community-based supports could raise their profile nationally, though the resolution does not require a federal response.

Case against#

• Recognition does not itself improve pay, working conditions, staffing, or access to services.
• The resolution gives no ongoing plan, funding, or responsible agency for the stated commitment to uplift the workforce.
• It is unclear whether the request to Congress will lead to any action.