The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities and The Arc of North Carolina have released a study, A Report on the Economic Impact of the IDD Community, examining the effects of the limited number of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and how it impacts people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. 

This report examines the economic impact of people with I/DD through examining the importance of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and the impact that they make on North Carolina’s economy.  The study found that for every dollar spent on the DSP workforce in North Carolina, there is an additional $1.17-$1.63 generated in economic output in North Carolina.  The reports highlights the need for higher DSP pay rates, more Innovations Waiver slots to be funded, and the need for more economic impact studies.

Read the findings below.

A Preliminary Report on the Economic Impact of the IDD Community

Click the image to download the study.This report examines the economic impact of North Carolina's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community. This community includes individuals with diverse cognitive and developmental conditions, their families, and the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who support them. Notably, DSPs contribute significantly to the state's economy through their vital role in assisting individuals with IDD.

The report adopts a dual approach. First, a systematic review uncovers a lack of existing research on the economic impact of the IDD community. This knowledge gap underscores the pressing need for funding to gain and explore deeper insights into this important area. Second, a preliminary economic impact analysis assesses the potential outcomes of investing in North Carolina's DSP workforce.

• Download the Report on Economic Impact of I/DD Community (PDF)
• Download the Economic Impact Assessment Executive Summary (PNG)

Similar Studies Across the Country

States such as Nebraska and New York have done similar studies on how raising the wages for the DSP workforce; and employment for people with disabilities can impact the overall economies of their relative states. To read more, download the respective reports below. 

1. Nebraska: Fueling Prosperity: The Positive Economic Ripple Effects of Increasing Wages for Nebraska’s Direct Care Workforce report (PDF)
2. New York: NYSID Economic Impact: Estimation of the Social and Fiscal Return on Investment of New York State Industries for the Disabled on New York State and Its Taxpayers
   (PDF)

This initiative is a partnership between NCCDD and The Arc of North Carolina, and the University of North Carolina Greensboro Department of Economics.