Many people with disabilities rely on vital home- and community-based services (HCBS) for everyday activities like working, getting around the community, dressing, bathing, taking medication, and much more—but there isn’t enough money to support everyone, resulting in years-long waiting lists. Congress has the power to change this! The reconciliation bill, part of the budget process that makes it easier for bills to get passed, can include funding for home- and community-based services, so people with disabilities can get the care they need.

It’s past time for Congress to pass the reconciliation bill, so all of us can access the care and services we need.

If you’ve been thinking about contacting your Senators, don’t wait any longer! Congress needs to feel the urgency: lives are on the line. Check out our explanation below on how to make your voice heard.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Autistic Self Advocacy Network <[email protected]>
Date: 4/12/2022
Subject: Action Alert: Try a Virtual Hill Meeting

Our new guide walks you through meeting with your Senators’ staff one-on-one even if you can’t visit their office. A virtual hill meeting is the most effective way to get your voice heard! Urge your Senators to invest in this critical funding for people with disabilities across the country. Be sure to provide personal stories about how HCBS helps you, your family, and your state.

Home- and community-based services (HCBS) allow disabled people to make our own choices about how we spend our lives. These services are drastically underfunded. Waiting lists for services we need to live our daily lives are often years long. Last month, President Biden confirmed his support for the largest federal investment yet to expand home- and community-based services. We must make sure that the Senate takes the next step and approves this urgent funding for HCBS.

You can also call your Senators using 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 includes at least $150 billion for Medicaid home- and community-based services in the reconciliation package.

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. The House has already included this funding. 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 getting the Senate bill over the finish line quickly?

You can also use our email tool to send an email.

Have call anxiety or unable to speak on a phone call due to a disability? Check out our Proxy Calling System here. Wondering what to expect from a call to your elected officials? Check out this guide to making a call to your members of Congress.

Disabled people deserve to have our needs met in our own homes. Every dollar we can put towards HCBS brings us closer to making that possible for more of our community members. Let’s take it to the Hill - tell your Senators that they must invest in HCBS funding.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035

 

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