Photo: Missouri advocates from Emmaus, St. Louis Arc, and Easterseals Midwest with Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer
On October 13th-14th, Emmaus team members joined almost 200 other service providers from around the country in Washington DC for this year’s ANCOR Policy Summit and Hill Day.
This two-day conference offers an in-depth briefing of federal legislative issues that impact people with disabilities and organizations who provide services to people with disabilities. Additionally, groups from each state met with their respective Congressmen, Congresswomen, and Senators to advocate for policies that will improve the lives of Americans with disabilities.
Attendees heard from elected officials, agency directors, legislative staff, and disability rights activists who are advancing public policy that promotes high-quality disability services. A strong, diverse network of voters and political leaders are working on legislation that ensures people with disabilities are fully-included members of society who are empowered and supported to live and work in the community of their choice.
One of ANCOR’s legislative priorities is solving the Direct Support Professional workforce crisis, and it is clear that more and more people on both sides of the aisle are beginning to understand the urgency of this concern. At this year’s Hill Day, ANCOR advocates promoted three bills which will reinforce the work that DSPs do each day and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
It was a powerful gathering of advocates committed to creating a world where people with disabilities are free to lead meaningful, self-directed lives and where DSPs receive the pay and respect they deserve. Emmaus will continue to leverage our national, state, and local partnerships to make this happen. If you want to get involved, join our grassroots advocacy team today!