We co-hosted a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C. on community living and economic growth with the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD). The CCD is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration, and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities.
The briefing featured speakers with lived experience, economic researchers, service providers, and family caregivers as they discussed the importance of the Lois Curtis v. Olmstead decision and how community living benefits the economy.
Institutionalization places high costs on state and federal programs, while community-based supports and services make better use of public dollars, supporting independence, family stability, and aging in place.
We must keep advocating and reminding our leaders that people with disabilities belong in our communities, and we’re grateful to be part of a movement leading efforts to make integrated, inclusive communities the norm.