Insights from the Disability Policy Seminar 2024

Attending the Disability Policy Seminar this year was an eye-opening and deeply impactful experience. I had the privilege of engaging with dedicated advocates, policy experts, and legislators committed to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. The seminar provided a wealth of knowledge and insights and reinforced our shared mission of fostering inclusive and supportive communities all while offering an opportunity to get a pretty good glimpse of the solar eclipse from outside our conference venue in Washington D.C.!

Here, I want to share some of the key takeaways from the seminar, focusing on Community Living, Disability Funding, and Social Security, which all impact the people we serve at Magnify in significant ways.

Community Living: Advancing Independence and Inclusion

One of the central themes of the seminar was the importance of community living. The discussions highlighted the need for policies that support individuals with disabilities to live independently and be fully included in their communities. This involves ensuring access to affordable, accessible housing, transportation, and community-based services. At Magnify, many of our services are predominantly funded by Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), which provide essential support for individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes like Bishop Grady Villas and other settings and to participate in their communities rather than in institutional settings.

Potential Legislation:

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act:

This proposed legislation aims to increase funding and support for HCBS, reducing waiting lists and improving service quality.

• Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act:

This bill seeks to expand affordable housing options for individuals with disabilities by enhancing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.

Disability Funding: Ensuring Sustainable Support

Funding for disability programs was another major focus at the seminar. Speakers addressed the challenges of securing adequate and sustainable funding for programs that support individuals with disabilities. This includes not only federal programs but also state and local initiatives.

Potential Legislation:

• Medicaid Improvement and State Flexibility Act:

This proposed legislation aims to enhance Medicaid funding and provide states with more flexibility to meet the needs of their residents with disabilities.

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Full Funding Act:

This bill seeks to increase federal funding to fulfill the promise of IDEA, ensuring all students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education.

Social Security: Protecting Financial Stability

Social Security is a critical safety net for individuals with disabilities, providing financial support and stability. The seminar highlighted the importance of protecting and strengthening Social Security programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Potential Legislation:

• SSI Restoration Act:

This proposed legislation aims to update and improve SSI by increasing asset limits, raising income disregards, eliminating the marriage penalty, and simplifying the application process.

• Social Security 2100 Act:

This bill seeks to enhance Social Security benefits and ensure the long-term solvency of the program.

Legislative Focus: Impact on the Disability Community

During the seminar, several legislators discussed their focus areas that could impact the disability community. These include efforts to:

• Increase funding for HCBS and Medicaid to ensure more individuals receive the services they need.

• Protect and enhance Social Security programs to provide greater financial security.

• Promote policies that support inclusive education and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

These legislative priorities align closely with the mission of Magnify of Central Florida, and we remain committed to advocating for policies that enhance the quality of life for the people we serve.

Conclusion

The Disability Policy Seminar provided invaluable insights and reaffirmed the importance of our advocacy work at Magnify of Central Florida. The discussions highlighted the ongoing need for policies that support and empower individuals with disabilities. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to working with legislators, partners, and the community to advance these critical issues.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience at the seminar. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.