Independent living & disability rights advocate takes up the case of direct care workers

posted by Leonila Vega on the Direct Care Alliance's blog, February 25, 2010

On a recent trip to Maine, I sat down with Representative Matthew Peterson of District 92 to discuss his work on behalf of direct care workers in the state.  He has worked in direct care for years, and is currently an Independent Living Specialist at Alpha One, a center for independent living. As an elected official, Matthew is able to advocate for change in direct care and believes it is an essential and valuable workforce. It is inspiring and encouraging  – Matthew has linked his personal passion and commitment to independent living  to advocating the need for a well-trained, respected and well-paid direct care workforce. Watch the brief interview I was able to record with Matthew, below. 


Imagine if more disability leaders and independent living advocates joined the Direct Care Alliance  and made their voices heard on the issues that matter.  What if, like Matthew, you could advance change in your community, your state, and eventually, across the country?  Matthew shows that we can be heard. More importantly, Matthew shows that independent living and well trained, respected, well paid direct care workers are essential to autonmy and quality of services and supports for people living with disabilities.  Most of the issues Matthew discussed in the video apply to us all. There are more than 22,000 direct care workers in Maine, and despite the fiscal crisis Matthew has kept issues like livable wage and appropriate titles on the docket. He believes that there is no better advocate than the workers and consumers, and I couldn’t agree more.


Remember – we don’t have to be elected officials to have an impact. By being involved with the Direct Care Alliance and sharing your passion with others, you can advance change.  I hope you’ll continue working with me and with your colleagues across the country to make your voices heard.