By Abigail Lewis, NACDD Spring 2024 Policy Intern The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their “Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics Summary” data, highlighting a promising trend: disabled employment in the United States has reached a record high. However, beneath this positive headline lies a sobering reality: people with disabilities are…
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…
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,…
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)…
By Catherine Citta, JPKF Public Policy Fellow Jon Meyers, Executive Director for the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, participated in an interview with Catherine Citta, 2023 Public Policy Fellow with the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, to discuss Arizona’s successful policy change for child and adolescent family caregivers. Arizona received a temporary extension in…
By Catherine Citta, JPKF Public Policy Fellow The Biden-Harris Administration hosts state, local, Tribal and community leaders to the White House “Communities in Action” events to demonstrate how the administration is delivering results for the American people. In November 2023, Julianne Horntvedt, Executive Director for the North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities was…