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;…
“REPOSTED WITH PERMISSION. ORIGINALLY APPEARED AT THE POLICY IMPACT PROJECT. AUTHORED BY ANNE ROUX AT www.policyimpact.org Renewing Autism CARES: Addressing Critical Needs for Autistic Individuals and Families The federal Autism CARES Act, which has existed for the past 17 years, is due for renewal by September 30, 2024. This law authorizes funding and guidance for…
By Nicole LeBlanc, Chairperson for the 2024 Capitol Hill Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair Hello Everyone , My name is Nicole LeBlanc. I’m on the autism spectrum and a survivor of Low Expectation Syndrome. I’ve worked in the disability field for over 16 years. This year, the theme of Developmental Disability Awareness Month (DDAM)…
As we shift from Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to National Autism Acceptance Month in April, The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) remains committed to promoting acceptance of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with autism. Throughout April, we join individuals, families, and communities in celebrating the value, contribution, and strengths…
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) supports legislative efforts to update Supplemental Security Income (SSI) requirements that limit the amount of savings and ownership a person with disabilities can have without losing critical Medicaid services. The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act both improve the…