COVID-19 pandemic impact of the Pennsylvania ID/A Workforce crisis

A mid-pandemic survey of Pennsylvania agencies that provide supports and services to individuals who have intellectual disability revealed that the pandemic was associated with a worsening of the ongoing workforce crisis. Despite increased hourly wages and other financial supplements, Direct Support Professional turnover increased from 32% before the pandemic to over 51% during the pandemic. Vacant Direct Support Professional positions increased from just under 20% to approximately 23%. It is believed that the magnitude of this latter impact was mitigated by the decreased demand for staffing that resulted from the pandemic mandated closure of day programs and the subsequent reassignment of staff.