The Senate and House on Friday afternoon easily advanced a three-week funding bill to fully reopen the federal government after President Trump agreed to end the shutdown without securing money for a border wall. During the three weeks, a bipartisan Congressional committee will negotiate around the issue of border security.
Action Step:
Let your Congressional delegation know your thoughts on border security and the risk of another shutdown on February 15th.
National Resource Center on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AUCD has been working with member centers, advocates and partners from around the country on the ongoing challenge that too many individuals with disabilities are exiting school and living as adults without access to an effective communication system, which is a direct barrier to employment and meaningful careers. Growing interest and energy is focused on the need for a National Resource Center on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Action Step:
Organizations are invited to sign on in support of a National Resource Center on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Sign on to this initiative simply means that your organization supports the need for a national resource center on augmentative and alternative communication. Please see the Fact Sheet, where supporters will be listed, and add your organization to the Google form HERE. State/local organizations are also welcome to sign! Please share this opportunity widely with other interested groups.
Policy Forum for Emerging Leaders
On Sunday evening immediately before the Disability Policy Seminar, AUCD is hosting a special Policy Forum for Emerging Leaders in disability. Attendees will have exclusive access to Hill staffers and former trainees now working in policy, and to learn from the experts how best to craft your message for Wednesday's Hill visits. An evening reception will provide a comfortable background for Emerging Leaders to meet and network with over 200 peers from around the country.
The following notable candidates have filed to run for president with the Federal Election Commission or announced exploratory committees.
Pete Buttigieg (D), Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, announced on January 23, 1019
Kamala Harris (D), U.S. Senator from California, announced on January 21, 2019
Kirsten Gillibrand (D), U.S. Senator from New York, announced on January 15, 2019
Julian Castro (D), former U.S. Secretary of HUD, announced on January 12, 2019.
Tulsi Gabbard (D), U.S. Representative from Hawaii, announced on January 11, 2019.
Elizabeth Warren (D), U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, announced on December 31, 2018.
John Delaney (D), former U.S. Representative from Maryland, filed on August 10, 2017.
This week included the first end of a campaign, with Richard Ojeda (D), the state senator from West Virginia, who had filed to run on November 11, 2018, dropping out on Friday, January 25th.
Action Steps:
All candidates need to hear from you about the importance of including disability as a primary policy consideration.If you are in a state where a candidate is from consider engaging with them and the campaign around disability policy.If you are in state that is receiving visits from candidates, attend events and raise critical issues around disability policy
Check out the campaign website of each candidate, links above, use the sites to ask questions about disability policy.
Tuesdays with Liz: Disability Policy for All
Susanna Miller-Raines sits down with Liz to talk about Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSIDs). Susanna gives an overview of what TPSIDs are, how you can find out what TPSID programs are available in your state, and some key acronyms in inclusive higher education.
A network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.
