For months, we’ve been calling on Congress to pass a COVID-19 relief bill that includes robust funding for home- and community-based services (HCBS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, community services are more crucial than ever. Underfunding HCBS can leave people with disabilities on years-long waiting lists for vital services — or force people into institutions. Congress has the power to fund the services our community needs. But now that negotiations on the bill are getting difficult, they are seriously considering cutting funding for HCBS. We can’t let that happen — join our call-in day TODAY to help remind Congress that #CareCantWait! [[link removed]]

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

If you’ve called in and want to do more, you can use our email tool [[link removed]] to send the same message to your members of Congress.

In case you missed it, here’s more info on how to make your voice heard today:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Autistic Self Advocacy Network <[email protected]>
Date: 9/13/2021
Subject: Join our call-in for community services TOMORROW!

This week, the House is finalizing the contents of the next COVID recovery package. Congressional leaders and President Biden have committed to significant funding for home and community-based services — but as negotiations wrap up, there’s a chance the disability community will be left behind. We need a big push RIGHT NOW to let members of Congress know home and community-based services are critical to our community. This is our last chance to get HCBS funding included in the upcoming COVID-19 relief bill.

88% of Americans prefer to receive services in their home rather than a congregate setting. But our country has never funded these services adequately, leaving over 820,000 Americans on long waiting lists for services and forcing others into institutions. Congress has the power to fund the services our community needs. But there is a real danger that they won’t set aside enough money to serve our whole community. They need to hear from you!

Join us TOMORROW to call your members of Congress to make sure that this vital funding is included! [[link removed]] You can use our script:

My name is [your full name] , and I am from [city] . I’m calling to ask Senator/Representative [Name] to make sure that COVID recovery includes full funding for home- and community-based services. This funding would provide a critical investment in 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. Right now, thousands of people can’t get the support they need. We need a big investment to make community services work for everyone who needs them. Can I count on the Senator/Representative’s support?

When you’re done, check in with us on Facebook to let us know how it went. [[link removed]]

Wondering what to expect from a call to your elected officials? Check out this guide to making a call to your members of Congress. [[link removed]]

There is no excuse for excluding home- and community-based services from COVID-19 recovery. Make sure to tell your members of Congress that #CareCantWait [[link removed]]!


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