On March 23 and 24, we joined over 900 self-advocates, family members, and professionals in Washington, DC for the Disability Policy Seminar.
Right now, federal decisions feel uncertain, so these conversations are very important. A key part of the seminar was meeting with elected officials on Capitol Hill. The Values into Action team met with members of Congress to explain why home and community-based services matter. Recent funding cuts could harm people who rely on support in their communities.
The first day focused on learning. There were several panel discussions about disability issues. The day began with self-advocates sharing their personal stories and how they work to create change. Later, government staff explained programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security. One of the last sessions talked about current risks.
There are efforts to cut disability funding, but events like this seminar push to protect these services.
We met with Senator Fetterman, Senator McCormick, and Congresswoman Scanlon. We asked them to remove certain Medicaid changes in H.R. 1, restore funding through the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act of 2025, and make Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) a required Medicaid service. These changes would help people keep their care and stay in their communities.
Federal disability programs help people live more independently. They support access to school, jobs, housing, and family support. They also protect basic human rights.
We also talked about education. We stressed the need to fully fund IDEA so schools can support students with disabilities. We supported laws to end harmful practices like restraint and seclusion. We also called for colleges to provide clear and accessible support for students with disabilities.
photo description: Tina Wilberforce, Associate Director of Finance & Administration with Values Into Action; Shawn Aleong, Civil and Disability Rights Advocate and Student at Temple University; Marian Frattarola-Saulino, Executive Director of Values Into Action.