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Speaking out for People with
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Legislative Voice

VOR Comments on HHS Discrimination in Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Nov 10, 2023 | Legislative Voice

The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a proposed rule "Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities", intended to update, clarify, and strengthen the implementing regulation for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. VOR…

VOR's Second Legislative Initiative - October, 2023

Oct 11, 2023 | Legislative Voice

VOR has recently started our second Legislative Initiative, sending documents outlining our families' concerns for the ongoing critical shortage of Direct Support Professionals and voicing our opposition to the movement to eliminate Section 14(c) employment opportunities.

VOR's Legislative Considerations - Summer, 2022

Jul 29, 2022 | Legislative Voice

August is a great time to reach out to your Members of Congress in while they are visiting their districts and traveling around the state. Use this opportunity to schedule an appointment with your representative, attend a meet-and-greet with your senator, or bring your issues to their campaign at a…

VOR Reply to Congressional Letter to the ACL

Jul 28, 2018 | Legislative Voice

On July 11th, Mary Lazare, Principal Deputy Administrator and Acting Commissioner on Disabilities at the Administration for Community Living (ACL) spoke at the Autism Society's 2018 Convention in Washington, D.C. During her keynote speech, Ms. Lazare expressed recognition for Intermediate…

P&A Class Action Litigation

Jun 5, 2018 | Legislative Voice

Class action lawsuits have closed many ICFs/IID and reduced options for those who need fulltime care Federally-funded attorney groups have pursued at least 30 class action lawsuits against ICFs/IID, driven primarily by a bias against ICF/IID care. In fact, since 1996, every federally-funded…

Federal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Final Rule: Background, Overview and Observations

Jan 30, 2014 | Legislative Voice

On January 10, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a long-waited final rule (regulation) about home and community-based services (HCBS) provided through Medicaid’s 1915(c) HCBS Waiver program, 1915(i) HCBS State Plan Option, and 1915(k) Community First…

Beyond VOR Advocacy Day: How to Keep Your Legislators Engaged Year-Round

Jul 19, 2011 | Legislative Voice

One of the most essential components of effective advocacy is the follow-up. Whether you participated in VOR’s 2011 Annual Conference and Initiative or not, check out this this webinar to learn how to continue your advocacy efforts from home and create long-term relationships with your Members of…

ICFs as Inclusive Communities

Mar 10, 2011 | Legislative Voice

For the family members, friends and guardians of ICF residents, the consistent provision of highly specialized supports – assured by annual federal oversight surveys – is the highest priority. Beyond care, however, these residents also have a life. They are integral members of…

Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Reauthorization

Jul 27, 2009 | Legislative Voice

Reform and Reauthorization of the Developmental Disabilities Act Urgently Needed It has been 13 years since Congress reauthorized the Developmental Disabilities Assistance Act (DD Act). Authorizations for DD Act appropriations expired in 2007, although Congress has continued to fund these…

Medicaid

May 4, 2009 | Legislative Voice

The federal Medicaid program provides medical and other program benefits to eligible groups of low-income people who are also categorically eligible, such as people with intellectual disabilities (formerly, "mental retardation") and developmental disabilities. Although the Federal government…

Olmstead v. L.C.

Apr 23, 2009 | Legislative Voice

The Supreme Court Supports Residential Choice! The Supreme Court, in its landmark Olmstead v. L.C. ruling, recognized the need for a range of services which respond to the varied and unique needs of the entire disability community: “We emphasize that nothing in the ADA or its implementing…

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