In 2 months, the Olmstead ruling will turn 21 - and we still haven’t met the promise of that ruling for so many. Olmstead, short for Olmstead v. L.C. , states that disabled people have a legal right to live in the community. Over two decades later, we still have people with disabilities living in institutions, denied the freedom to make their own choices about their lives. In March, President Biden pledged his support for additional funding for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), the programs that let disabled people live in our own homes and communities. The Senate must take the next step to fund this critical investment for people with disabilities across the country.

Here’s how you can take action:

* Try a virtual Hill visit! Our new guide [[link removed]] walks you through meeting with your Senators’ staff one-on-one even if you can’t visit their office.

* Contact your Senators! Urge them to invest in this critical funding for people with disabilities across the country

* Provide personal stories about how HCBS helps you, your family, and your state

* Dial 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with your 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 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 send an email here. [[link removed]]

Have call anxiety or unable to speak on a phone call due to a disability? Check out our Proxy Calling System here [[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]]

The matter of whether disabled people have a legal right to exist in our communities was settled decades ago - but our leaders must use their power to make sure that promise is fulfilled. Demand action - tell your Senators to fund HCBS!


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