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Families, disability advocates press legislature to boost pay for direct‑care workforce

5938520 · October 8, 2025
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Summary

Disability advocates, family members and service organizations told the committee that low wages for direct‑care staff have created staffing shortages that leave people with disabilities waiting for services and relying on unpaid family supports.

BOSTON — A broad coalition of disability advocates, service providers and family members urged the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development on Oct. 14 to support legislation to raise wages and stabilize the direct care workforce that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Witnesses said low pay drives high turnover in a job that requires medical, behavioral and daily‑living supports, and that shortages are delaying placements and services.

Josh Gladstone, disability policy specialist at the Massachusetts Developmental…

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