Leading with Purpose

Federal legislation plays a pivotal role in shaping the services and supports available to individuals with a  disability. 

Laws like the Medicaid Act and Medicare Act govern the allocation of federal funding for healthcare and long-term care services. Medicaid, in particular, serves as a lifeline, offering critical support through federal and state partnerships. These partnerships enable states to distribute funds via waiver programs, providing flexibility to deliver specialized services, including in-home support, employment assistance, and community integration.

Federal-level decisions have a direct and profound impact on the resources states can allocate to support individuals with a disability. This funding ensures access to programs that empower individuals to live with dignity, independence, and opportunity.

Each link provides valuable insight into how federal and state funding is allocated, managed, and distributed to ensure individuals with a disability have access to the critical care and programs they need.

Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Overview: Learn about how Medicare and Medicaid programs work at the federal level, including their role in funding healthcare for individuals with disabilities.
https://www.cms.gov

Medicaid Waiver Programs: This link offers a comprehensive guide to Medicaid waiver programs by state and explains how states allocate federal funds for specialized disability services.
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/index.html

National Council on Disability (NCD): This organization provides policy recommendations and information on disability rights and the impact of federal laws on disability services.
https://ncd.gov

The Arc – Understanding Medicaid Waivers: The Arc provides valuable information about Medicaid waivers and how they benefit individuals with a disability, including resources by state.
https://thearc.org/learn-about/medicaid-waivers/

Always You is honored to partner with former Congressman Tony Coelho, the visionary author of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), H.R. 2273, signed into law on July 26, 1990.

Together, we are steadfast in our commitment to expanding rights and opportunities for individuals with a disability ensuring the ADA’s enduring legacy continues to break down barriers, foster integration, and enhance the quality of life for all.

This partnership reinforces Always You’s mission to create a world where every individual is empowered to live with dignity, independence, and success, driving transformative change and building lasting legacies.

Individuals with a disability must champion policies that directly impact their access to quality services and support. By amplifying their voices, they ensure that policymakers prioritize their needs, paving the way for greater independence, expanded employment opportunities, and full integration into society.

Advocacy is essential to holding the government accountable, driving programs to adapt and evolve with the community's needs. This effort not only transforms individual lives but also uplifts families, creating a ripple effect of positive change. When you advocate for better policies, you lay the groundwork for a legacy of empowerment, self-determination, and progress.

Empower yourself as a disability rights advocate with these impactful resources:

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD):
This site provides resources, advocacy programs, and tools for engaging in disability rights advocacy.
https://www.aapd.com/advocacy/

National Council on Independent Living (NCIL):
NCIL offers various ways to get involved in disability advocacy and provides resources for learning how to advocate for policy changes.
https://ncil.org/advocacy/

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF):
This site has resources on how to become an effective advocate for disability rights.
https://dredf.org/