While the Senate debates what should be included in the COVID-19 relief bill, we’re making our message clear: disabled lives are worth living, and worth saving. For many people in our community, that means making sure we can access home- and community-based services (HCBS). Many people with disabilities rely on these services to stay in our homes and out of institutions, where COVID-19 is rampant — but the pandemic has left community-based providers struggling, in dire need of emergency funding. Our week of action is making the case for that funding, so let’s keep up the pressure until our community members’ services are safe!

Here’s how we can finish strong for our week of action:

• Call your two Senators! You can use our script:

Hello! My name is [your full name], and I am from [city]. I’m calling to ask Senator [Name] to make sure the Senate’s COVID relief package includes emergency funding for Medicaid home- and community-based services.

Home and community-based services funded by Medicaid allow people with disabilities like [me/ my family member/ my friends/ my neighbor/ etc.] to continue living safely at home. These services keep people with disabilities out of institutions, where COVID-19 is currently killing thousands. Because of the pandemic, community-based service providers are struggling to stay open, and without emergency funds, some will be forced to close. 

The House has already included emergency funding for Medicaid home- and community-based services in their COVID relief bill. We just need the Senate to include it too. This funding is a life and death issue for disabled [residents of your state]. Can I count on Senator [Name] to stand up for people with disabilities by making sure that funding is in the Senate bill?

• Join our Facebook event here for updates, scripts and tips on how to contact your elected officials.
• Once you’ve called your Senators, keep up the pressure! You can also email or tweet at your Senators and let them know #MedicaidCantWait

Have call anxiety, or wondering what to expect from a call to your elected officials? Check out this guide to making a call to your members of Congress. Unable to speak on a phone call due to a disability? Check out our Proxy Calling System here. Want to help someone else make a call? Consider signing up to be a proxy caller.

There is no excuse for excluding home- and community-based services from COVID-19 relief. People with disabilities, like everyone else, deserve to be protected from this incredibly dangerous virus.  Keep calling, emailing, and telling our elected officials to do their job and protect our community.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035

 

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