“REPOSTED WITH PERMISSION. ORIGINALLY APPEARED AT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF AGING” Arlington, VA, May 2, 2024—With the U.S. facing a dire shortage of professionals to provide home- and community-based services (HCBS) to a rapidly growing population of older adults and people with disabilities, the Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center, led by the National Council…
Washington, DC (April 30, 2024) — The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) commends the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS OCR) for improving regulations implementing the Health Care Rights Law, also known as Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. Section 1557 prohibits discrimination…
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) extends its support for the recent ruling by the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This ruling represents a significant step forward in ensuring equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including those with developmental disabilities, across…
As we celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Awareness Month, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) commemorates the rich diversity and invaluable contributions of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community. This month serves as an opportunity to recognize and honor the unique cultural heritage, resilience, and achievements of individuals with disabilities within the…
By Abigail Lewis, NACDD Spring 2024 Policy Intern In our ongoing commitment to spotlight impactful programs that drive positive change for individuals with developmental disabilities, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is proud to showcase the remarkable achievements of the Guardianship Advocacy Project (GAP) in Nevada. Through its dedicated efforts, GAP…
Washington, DC Washington (April 25, 2024) – The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) commends the Department of Health and Human Services for its bold actions in the final rule for the “Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services” (Access Rule). The comprehensive scope and meaningful solutions in this rule offer a roadmap for better…
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) acknowledges the multifaceted challenge surrounding the recruitment, retention, and activation of direct support professionals (DSPs) and Direct Care Workers (DCWs) across the expanse of the United States and its territories. Over the years, the inadequacy of a robust DSP/DCW workforce has been a persistent concern; however,…
Originally published as a news release on HHS.gov Washington, D.C. – Senior leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the following statements today marking the one-year anniversary of President Biden’s Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers: Statement from Secretary Xavier Becerra “No one will go…
By Erin Prangley, Director of Public Policy, NACDD As director of public policy for the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), I am acutely aware of the relationship between state and federal policy and day-to-day community living. In fact, when legislation is drafted and implemented with people with disabilities in mind, access…
By Nicholas Mastrella, NACDD Spring 2024 Policy Intern Hi, I’m Nick Mastrella. As a Policy Intern at NACDD during my last semester of my undergraduate education, I embarked on a journey that has been incredibly special and truly life changing. This internship experience is not just my first step into the world of politics;…