ANCOR American Network of Community Options and Resources

The ANCOR Foundation, through programs like its Leadership Academy, is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future.

We’re so close to meeting our $5,000 goal that will be matched dollar-for-dollar by an anonymous donor! Can you contribute to the ANCOR Foundation today to support the development of exceptional leaders through programs like the Leadership Academy?

Your tax-deductible charitable contribution to the ANCOR Foundation enables us to offer financial support to Leadership Academy participants, recruit a robust bench of peer mentors, deliver leading-edge training, and so much more.

Donate to the ANCOR Foundation here: https://nf.ancor.org/eWeb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=QuickGift&action=add&ObjectKeyFrom=F41B6E06-299B-4022-BE6F-0641BA87DE59&gft_src_key=943432fe-8fa9-4e66-b298-99c2b5e03dcc&gft_frt_key=578f7517-22ea-4cda-adf6-bf15842f7884&fbclid=IwY2xjawFG79xleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWMrk8Ra6Y06U8DB0lZq2FFOPaNzeGF9a63-X2zlIrSWl4ZzeNi_UvwcvQ_aem_9gmP-eQjX5CqkcC6fPAsQQ

The ANCOR Foundation's Leadership Academy creates a pathway for emerging leaders in the I/DD services field. Erica Smith Buchanan is one of those community-changing leaders.

A member of the Leadership Academy’s class of 2022, Erica has gone on to lead well beyond the organization she heads. In 2023, she joined the ANCOR Foundation Board of Directors, and in 2024, she was appointed to the ANCOR Board of Directors. Erica has also served as a mentor for other Leadership Academy participants.

With the help of an anonymous donor who will match gifts up to $5,000 this month, the ANCOR Foundation is investing in the next generation of leaders in our field. Make your gift today and help us lay the groundwork for a more inclusive future: https://nf.ancor.org/eWeb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=QuickGift&action=add&ObjectKeyFrom=F41B6E06-299B-4022-BE6F-0641BA87DE59&gft_src_key=943432fe-8fa9-4e66-b298-99c2b5e03dcc&gft_frt_key=578f7517-22ea-4cda-adf6-bf15842f7884

'“With 60% of community-based providers already considering additional program closures and 77% of providers turning away new referrals before the overtime rule went into effect, we are extremely concerned about impacts to access as providers unable to shoulder additional unfunded expenses close programs and shutter services,” said Lydia Dawson, vice president of government relations at ANCOR.'

Overtime Mandate Has Disability Providers Considering Service Cuts, Advocates Say Millions more workers will soon qualify for overtime pay and advocates are warning that the changes are likely to further erode the availability of developmental disability services.

'Lydia Dawson, vice president of government relations at ANCOR...said that an act of Congress is not necessary for a code to be added, but it “sends a message to OMB on the importance of addressing the absence of a classification for DSPs.”'

Amid Shortage Of DSPs, Disability Advocates Push For Nationwide Head Count The federal government is weighing whether to start tracking the number of DSPs, a move advocates call a critical first step in easing the nation's dire shortage of workers caring for people with IDD.

🎧LISTEN🎧

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hsJdwv8kv9VLsKwOsITAR?si=_oD5HwA1TVORt6fhPJ5ujg
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-path-to-disability-pride-w-olivia-fadul/id1706851026?i=1000662544476

In this episode we're celebrating ! First, Alli and André review its history and importance, then we welcome Olivia Fadul, who shares her personal journey of navigating her disability identity.

ANCOR joins with the disability community in calling on Congress to strengthen the direct support workforce. We urge Committee on Education & the Workforce to vote for HR 2941, ensuring these critical workers receive the recognition they deserve!

CCD Letter of Support H.R. 2941, the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act | ANCOR Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Task Force sent a letter on July 9th, 2024 ahead of a Committee markup in support of H.R. 2941.

'Since these landmark human rights victories, we have made significant progress. But a quarter-century later, a lack of investment in home- and community-based services and the low wages that result threaten to turn back the clock due to a severe national shortage of direct support professionals, or DSPs, who are the backbone of the disability service delivery system.'

- by Barbara Merrill & Doug Simmonsen

25 Years After Olmstead v. L.C., Its Promise of Equality for People with Disabilities Remains in Limbo Lack of resources for disability service providers threatens to reverse the gains made from the landmark Supreme Court case.

Do you want to exchange ideas and resources with other service provider organizations that support people with intellectual & developmental disabilities?

Join our Community Life Engagement (CLE) In Action Community of Practice! In this year-long virtual group, you can gain support and coaching from a community of like-minded peers.

Sign up by Monday, July 15!

Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

Today is the 25th anniversary of the Olmstead Decision! The latest episode of the ANCOR Links Podcast is dedicated to the decision, what it is, and its history.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/olmstead-at-25-a-history-and-examination-of/id1706851026?i=1000659892118
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Fo8O6EjsYzrEIa00A5D8R?si=DHZdrtOnSxS7lp580hU4Fw

We spoke with Lydia Dawson about the legislation and how it's still relevant today, and Ira Burnim, a lawyer from The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law who worked on the case ahead of the decision, about the journey toward securing the decision.

2024 ANCOR Policy Summit & Hill Day
September 23-24 | Washington, DC

Save your seat: https://www.ancor.org/event/2024-policy-summit-hill-day/?_zs=9fk2m1&_zl=lAKg9

ANCOR invites members and friends of the ANCOR community to Washington, DC, at a pivotal time. The upcoming general election, ever-evolving regulations, and an unprecedented set of challenges confronting the service delivery system make this an important moment for us to connect and advocate.

“It’s funny because a lot of times, things that are made as ADA accommodations for maybe one individual, it’s really not about one individual. It’s about making it accessible for everyone,” Langevin said, referring to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

New ADA Drop-Off Zones Are Coming To The Capitol, But Barriers Remain Arriving at Capitol Hill has long been a source of stress for visitors with disabilities, but the situation may soon get easier with the addition of new drop-off and pick-up zones.

ANCOR Links Podcast is back!

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/addressing-burnout-compassion-fatigue-head-on-w-dr/id1706851026?i=1000657958971
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/39nEa3F7NrytlIhwDGKuDK?si=pF8WdHzVSWarNAVp58MWxw

Our first episode of season 2 is about burnout and compassion fatigue. We feature voicemails from members who discussed how they define and combat each, and reviewed them with Dr. Hassan Abdulhaqq of AABR!

'This law is no longer lifting people out of poverty, but trapping them there with a steep benefit cliff and provisions that penalize marriage and the ability to have a family. If they begin to earn more money, increase their personal savings or get married to someone who either has assets or a job, they risk being completely cut off from their safety net.'

Americans with disabilities are at a breaking point. Are politicians listening? The disability community has never had the same opportunity to succeed afforded to the rest of Americans.

FDA needs to hear from you on the urgent need to issue a ban on the use of electric skin shock devices for behavior. Take our action by May 28th to tell the FDA to .

Tell the FDA to #StopTheShock! | ANCOR The FDA is accepting comments to issue a ban on the use of electric skin shock devices for behavior modification by May 28th 2024!

Join the movement to ! Electric skin shock devices have no place in behavior modification. Let's prioritize the safety and dignity of individuals with disabilities.

Support the proposed ban on electric stimulation devices (ESDs) now!

Tell the FDA to #StopTheShock! | ANCOR The FDA is accepting comments to issue a ban on the use of electric skin shock devices for behavior modification by May 28th 2024!

This is a lovely story which features our 2024 Direct Support Professional of the Year for Hawai‘i, Vince Zamora!

“None of us get into this for recognition,” he told those present. “We’re here because there’s a need.”

Business Monday: Big Island-grown agency celebrating 24 years of empowering people with developmental disabilities | Big Island Now Full Life has more than 100 staff members and direct support providers who help clients build relationships, understand their community and offer one-on-one support so they can not only physically access their community but develop valued roles.

“Though rightfully focused on shoring up our nation’s workforce, DOL has unfortunately and dangerously overlooked the impact this increased overtime salary threshold will have on Medicaid-funded disability service providers.”

-Barbara Merrill, CEO, ANCOR

Overtime Mandate May Threaten Access To Disability Services Services for people with developmental disabilities across the nation could soon face additional cuts, an unintended consequence of a requirement that millions more workers qualify for overtime pay.

Briefing: State of Medicaid-Funded Disability Services, and The Case for Inclusion 2024

Monday, April 29, 2-3pm ET
385 Russell Senate Office Building
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHI_sSKoEoydlFVSHKMV_3a46RoDYueP_ch709ViiLLF41FQ/viewform

Join us for a discussion of policy experts and individuals with lived experiences to highlight the report’s key data points and discuss how we can work toward policy changes to ensure state and federal lawmakers can transform promising signs of progress into long-term sustainability in community-based services.

Case for Inclusion Congressional Briefing 4/29 ANCOR and United Cerebral Palsy will host a briefing highlighting the findings from their report, The Case for Inclusion 2024: Transforming Temporary Progress into Long-Term Sustainability. Please join us: Monday, April 29th 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET 385 Russell Senate Office Building

'Gwen Hamer, a direct support professional/parent educator at St. Louis, has been named recipient of the 2024 Missouri DSP of the Year Award by ANCOR, a leading voice in Washington for community-based disability services providers.'

Gianna Francis earns Congressional Award Gold Medal Gianna Francis, a senior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School recently earned the highest achievement for youth given by the United States Congress, the Congressional Award Gold Medal.

“It makes me know that I’m doing my job and I’m helping the community in a way I’m supposed to and I’m there doing what I’m supposed to for my client and making his life better. If you want to make a difference in the community and make people’s lives better, come work for ResCare.”

Local woman wins ResCare Award A local direct support professional (DSP) won an award for going above and beyond for her patients.

🚨TAKE ACTION

The HCBS Relief Act of 2023 is vital for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In particular, it extends much-needed support for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services program authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Advocate for the HCBS Relief Act: Strengthen Community Services | ANCOR The HCBS Relief Act of 2023 is vital for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In particular, it extends much-needed support for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services program authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Use our advocacy tool to tell your members of Congress today to support the bipartisan “Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act”, which requires the Office of Management and Budget to consider a separate category within the Standard Occupational Classification system for DSPs.

Call on Your Representative to Recognize Direct Support Professionals | ANCOR Use our advocacy tool to tell your members of Congress that direct support professionals need a standard occupational classification!

'The data provided by an SOC would be particularly helpful in “strengthening and professionalizing the DSP workforce,” according to ANCOR, an organization that advocates for long-term services and supports providers helping individuals with disabilities.'
https://www.mcknightshomecare.com/home-care-providers-hail-bill-establishing-standard-classification-for-direct-support-workers/

'The data provided by an SOC would be particularly helpful in “strengthening and professionalizing the DSP workforce,” according to ANCOR, an organization that advocates for long-term services and supports providers helping individuals with disabilities.'

Home care providers hail bill establishing standard classification for direct support workers The Senate passed legislation that would address the dire shortage of direct support workers with the establishment of a new classification.