Policy in Action

  • A picture of a large dining table with people behind it and a drawn heart on top.

    Together We Stand: Supporting ACL and Our Communities

    The dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) was announced last week. It is unfortunately not a surprise given other recent policy changes.  People with disabilities and elderly people are particularly vulnerable in our society. Thanks to the ACL, there have been innovations and improvements to community-based services. This has enabled so many disabled […]

  • A photo of a group of people on the capital steps in 1990.

    Honoring the Anniversary of the Capital Crawl

    As we celebrate 20 years of Values Into Action, we are reflecting on the pivotal events that came before us. Also, the opportunities to inform policy that are ahead. The Capitol Crawl: A Tribute to Disability Rights Activists On March 12, 1990, a pivotal moment in the fight for disability rights unfolded on the steps […]

  • Values Into Action logo over black background with gold lines

    Reflections on Values: Person-Centered Leadership

    We are asking people inside and outside our organization to help us celebrate 20 years of Values Into Action. When thinking about who to ask, Val Bradley came to mind right away. Val Bradley is a leader in disability services and supports. Without her and her team’s work in research, analysis, and policy, the Home […]

  • Picture of the PA State Capital dome from outside on the side of the building, color popped with pink and gold.

    Collaborating for Change: Insights from the State Capitol

    While our federal government is being reimagined, at the very least, and reinvented as we speak, I had the opportunity to participate in positive and transparent change in Harrisburg. As the Executive Director of Values Into Action, I was invited to a PA Housing Action Plan Roundtable Meeting in the Governor’s Reception Room at the […]

  • The word VOTE is repeated in black on a white background. Over it in yellow with pink highlight is "Use your vote"

    Make a Plan to Vote on November 5th!

    The next general/presidential election is Tuesday, November 5th 2024…do you have a plan to vote? The right to vote is one of the most powerful tools we have as citizens of the United States of America. Creating a plan for voting helps ensure that your voice is heard. By planning ahead, you can be sure […]

  • Pink background with graphic representation of a stack of coins with a dollar side next to a circle with the percent sign with an arrow going around it.

    Unlocking the Mystery of Rate Setting

    Rate setting is the process that Medicaid systems use to create reimbursement rates for services provided. Many factors are taken into consideration during the development of rates. It’s meant to standardize the many costs associated with service delivery. Providers are asked to stay reasonably within those standards.   The Process Involves 3 Major Components:  Rate […]

  • Cartoon disabled and non disabled people lined in from of a government building.

    Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act

    S.762 – Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act Introduced by Senator Bob Casey 3/09/2023. Why is HCBS Access Act Important? There are many older adults and people with disabilities living in America who need help with daily activities. Many are eligible for Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) to support their everyday needs. […]

  • Ending Subminimum Wages

    Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA) H.R. 1263 introduced February 28, 2023 by Representative Bobby Scott (VA – Democrat) And S.B. 533 introduced February 27, 2023 by Senator Casey (PA – Democrat) Background Many Americans still work in places where there are only people with disabilities, and they earn less than minimum wage. This […]

  • Students RISE to Higher Education

    Purpose of Proposed Legislature: Providing students with disabilities better access to accommodations in Higher Education. Background: There is concern about how accessible universities are to students with disabilities. Universities and colleges need current documentation of disabilities for students to receive accommodations. They do not accept IEP and 504 plans from K-12 education. S.2550, the RISE […]