NACDD Applauds HHS Office of Civil Rights’ Final Regulation to Protect People with Disabilities from Discrimination in Health Care

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…

NACDD Support the Recent Ruling by the Department of Justice Regarding Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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…

NACDD Celebrates Asian Pacific Islander Awareness Month

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…

Spotlight on Success: The Guardianship Advocacy Project (GAP) in Nevada

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…

NACDD Commends the Department of Health and Human Services for Improvements to HCBS Services Finalized in the “Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services” (Access Rule)

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…

NACDD Releases Direct Care Workforce Survey Results

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,…

HHS Leadership Marks One-Year Anniversary of President Biden’s Care Executive Order

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…

The Power of Support: My Journey with Autism

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;…