ANCOR Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. Recap With Board Member Susie Parker

Hello Emmaus Friends!

I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about my trip to the ANCOR Policy Summit and Hill Day with Christina and Michelle. This annual event from ANCOR brings together leading advocates from the national I/DD community to amplify awareness about what is new, now, and next for community disability services.

On day one I was impressed by so many great speakers. We heard from the CMS Director Daniel Tsai as well as several key Congressional Staff from the US Senate Finance Committee and the US House Energy and Commerce Committee. My favorite moment of the day was meeting the keynote speaker, David Wasserman and having breakfast with him. He spoke to us during the session about the ins and outs of the political races across the country.

On day two we went to Capitol Hill and visited with our Missouri Senators and Reps. I have been to the capitol building for advocacy work in Jefferson City many times, but this was my very first visit to DC and the Hill. It was truly the most amazing and life-changing experience! We had a photoshoot with Senator Eric Schmitt, and he even agreed to a selfie! I also had the opportunity to mingle with Barbara Merrill, the CEO of ANCOR, as well as many other important ANCOR staff. I look forward to any future opportunities that might arise with ANCOR to serve on various committees and become more involved nationwide. We were told that our Emmaus team was the best advocacy group they had seen all day. Maybe they say that to all the teams, but I would agree, it is true!

If you have not gotten involved already in the Emmaus advocacy efforts, I highly encourage you to please consider doing so. We would love more client and DSP involvement, so keep an eye out for Christina’s Coffee for Change sessions and information on taking part in Disability Right’s Legislative Day (DRLD) on February 26, 2025, in Jefferson City.

“One person can make a difference, and everyone should try” John F. Kennedy

Sincerely,

Susie Parker, Self-Advocate and Emmaus Board Member