AUCD Legislative Priorities: 113th Congress

April 13, 2013

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AUCD envisions a nation whose high expectations for our citizens with disabilities make possible their active engagement in civic life and full inclusion in society, including the fulfillment of academic potential, health, and productive employment in the community. The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1999 Olmstead decision affirmed the right of people with disabilities to a life in the community. For decades, Congress has been taking important steps to secure that right and achieve that vision. Now-even under daunting fiscal constraints-is not the time to halt that forward movement. This vision is not only just, but in a real sense it is affordable. People with disabilities would rather work and pay taxes than spend their lives in expensive segregated, facility-based settings or day programs. Most people prefer to live in their own homes with the help of personal attendants than in a nursing home or institution. Children with mental health issues would rather stay in school and with their families than end up in the juvenile justice system for want of timely referral to services. We can accomplish these goals.

AUCD calls upon Congress to work in a bipartisan fashion to address the pressing needs of our citizens with disabilities. Gridlock has serious consequences for these individuals.

AUCD members are working hard with state and local partners to redirect taxpayer dollars to re-design innovative, efficient systems and policies to achieve the outcomes all Americans want: dignity, meaningful choice, and the opportunity to contribute and to succeed. We want to partner with Congress to achieve these goals.

AUCD Legislative Priorities for the 113th Session of Congress, 2013