Home- and community-based services (HCBS) are key for so many disabled people to live in the community — but Congress is on the urge of abandoning this critical disability community priority. We need our members of Congress to step up and prioritize at least $250 billion for HCBS in the next COVID recovery package. Will you make a call to make this happen? [[link removed]]

Some members of Congress have said they don’t want to make the investments our community needs to thrive. 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 and let’s keep speaking out together! [[link removed]]

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.

For scripts and tips you can use to call, check out our email below:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Autistic Self Advocacy Network <[email protected]>
Date: 9/28/21
Subject: ACTION ALERT: Can we count on you to call for HCBS?

The COVID-19 pandemic made it all too clear how dangerous institutions are for people with disabilities. 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. We can make it happen by calling and emailing our members of Congress [[link removed]] and urging them to include at least $250 billion for HCBS in the next COVID recovery package.

Robust funding for home- and community-based services could make waiting lists a thing of the past — but negotiations on the bill are falling apart. It’s looking more and more likely that Congress might not pass a bill at all, or that they might pass a smaller bill, without funding for the things the disability community needs. We need a big push RIGHT NOW to let members of Congress know home and community-based services are critical to our community. [[link removed]]

Take action by calling your members of Congress! Urge them to make sure that COVID recovery includes at least $250 billion for Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS). Call 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 to ask Senator/Representative [Name] to make sure that COVID recovery includes at least $250 billion 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?

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

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]] Find phone calls difficult or impossible? Check out our Proxy Calling System here [[link removed]] . Want to help someone else make a call? Consider signing up [[link removed]] to be a proxy caller.

Now is the time to let Congress know how vital home and community-based services are for our community. Disabled people have the right to live in our communities, not in dangerous congregate settings. Congress has the power to fund the services our community needs; make sure they know #CareCantWait!


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