For Immediate Release: 08/18/2021
Contact: Rachita Singh, rsingh@aapd.com
Washington, D.C. – More than 800,000 Americans are currently on waiting lists for home and community based services (HCBS). Additionally, 48 million Americans currently serve as caregivers for their family members, meaning they are not accessing, or are underserved by, HCBS. If Congress is to truly represent its constituents — one in five of whom have a disability — they must prioritize the disability community in the final budget reconciliation process.
Our nation’s infrastructure must include access to HCBS and other supports in one’s community. During recent infrastructure negotiations, Congress deprioritized the $400 billion that was initially pledged for HCBS. Meanwhile, more than 8 million people in the U.S. need assistance with daily care tasks; a number that is growing under the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People with disabilities deserve to have full control and autonomy over their lives and their care decisions. That means having multiple, high-quality options for care from which they can make the best decision for themselves and their families. To make that a reality, we must see the Better Care Better Jobs Act be included, prioritized, and fully funded in the budget reconciliation process” said the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)’s President and CEO Maria Town.
We wish to make it clear to Congress: Disabled people cannot afford to wait any longer to get the care they need. AAPD urges Congress to commit the full HCBS investment of $400 billion that was promised in the American Jobs Plan. The disability community must have the full investment in order to carry out safe, independent, and fulfilling lives.
###
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the over 61 million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation. To learn more, visit the AAPD website: www.aapd.com.