The disability community hasn’t been a priority of economic recovery in COVID relief legislation, but we’re about to change that. Join our call-in today to demand the passing of the Better Care, Better Jobs Act!

31 years after the ADA was signed into law, it’s long past time for people with disabilities to have equal opportunities and good support in the community and in everyday life. With every call, you bring us closer to making that a reality. Together, we’ll keep speaking out until all of us have the services we need to live in our communities.

Unable to speak on a phone call due to a disability? Our Proxy Calling system is open for today’s call-in! Want to help someone else make a call? Consider signing up to be a proxy caller.

In case you missed it, here’s more info on the Better Care, Better Jobs Act and how to make your voice heard:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Autistic Self Advocacy Network <[email protected]>
Date: 7/26/2021
Subject: Action Alert: Join our call-in for community living

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the dangers of institutionalization. Expanding home- and community-based services (HCBS) would ensure that disabled people can live in our communities while also getting the services and supports we need to thrive. To expand HCBS, we need funding -- to make more services available, address long waiting lists, and increase the pay and benefits of direct support workers. We can make this happen by calling and emailing our members of Congress and urging them to include the Better Care, Better Jobs Act (BCBJA) in the next COVID relief package.

The BCBJA will provide $400 billion in funding for HCBS, expanding services, wages, and jobs. It’s past time to fulfill the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act, expanding services and supports for disabled people and providing a living wage to those who provide them.

Join our Facebook event for updates, scripts and tips on how to contact your elected officials, and more. Learn more about the BCBJA with a webinar at 6pm Eastern, this Wednesday the 28th.

Then join us for a call-in day on Thursday the 29th.
Contact your Members of Congress in the House and Senate! Urge them to include and prioritize the full $400 billion investment in the infrastructure of Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) as they negotiate the current budget reconciliation package. They must not negotiate away this important investment!
Provide personal stories about how HCBS helps you, your family, and your state.
Dial 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with your member of Congress.
You can use our script:

My name is [your full name], and I am from [city]. I’m [calling/writing] to ask Senator/Representative [Name] to make sure that the Better Care Better Jobs Act becomes law, and is included in the upcoming budget reconciliation. This bill would provide a critical investment in home-and community-based services for people with disabilities and aging adults as well as the workforce that provides those supports. Many people with disabilities and aging adults rely on home- and community-based services to do things like get dressed, take care of our families, work, and participate in our communities. Today, too many people are stuck on waiting lists, relying on unpaid caregivers, or forced to live in institutions, where COVID-19 killed thousands. We need a big investment to make this system work for everyone who needs it. The $400 billion investment in Medicaid proposed in the Better Care Better Jobs Act is long overdue. Can I count on the Senator/Representative’s support?

Once you’ve called your members of Congress, keep up the pressure! You can also email or tweet and let them know you’re watching.

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.

People with disabilities have been told all too often that we are not worth investing in, but we know that all of us deserve to get the support and services we need to live in our community safely. We’ve shown that our voices can make a difference — so join us this week, and let’s keep speaking out together!



Autistic Self Advocacy Network
PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035
United States
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