The Association of University Centers for Excellence on Disabilities is calling on persons and families with disabilities to write to Congress as the next bill responding to the needs of Americans in this crisis is prepared.
“In order for the needs of people with disabilities and their families to be addressed in the next bill, members need to hear about the real impacts,” an AUCD press release said. “Often, a short personal story is helpful for them. Below are tips and tools to share your story.”
It is important to include:
- How services and supports have been impacted by social distancing and how this impacts you
- Examples:
- Not being able to go to school, work, community activities, day program
- Not being able to have in-home or community support (direct support professionals, aides, personal assistants, nurses)
- Medical and other appointments being canceled
- Examples:
What to send in a story:
- A picture of you at home; members of Congress need to SEE all of us
The AUCD suggests using this story template:
My name is (your name), and I am (a person with disability, family member, friend ). I am from (town and state). The COVID-19 emergency has (stopped services – explain which). I am worried about (explain what the impact is). I know you are working on the fourth relief package for COVID-19. I want to learn more about how you are going to help people with disabilities in this package. Thank you very much for your time.
I need information about COVID-19 to be in plain language as it’s hard for me to understand and feel safe during these hard times if information is not accessible. Thank you very much for your time.
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Dakota Ray-Price |
Local self-advocate Dakota Ray-Price agreed to share his example with the MMI community.
“My name is Dakota Ray-Price, and I am a person with an intellectual and developmental disability. I am from Omaha, NE. The COVID-19 emergency has me stuck at home. I am worried about staying healthy and getting help from staff coming into my home while my day services are closed.
“I need information about COVID-19 to be in plain language as it’s hard for me to understand and feel safe during these hard times if information is not accessible. I know you are working on the fourth relief package for COVID-19. I want to learn more about how you are going to help people with disabilities in this package. Thank you very much for your time.”
How to send a story:
- AUCD is happy to compile stories and send them to your members of Congress and to Congressional leaders. If you want us to send your story simply email it to rrodgers@aucd.org.
- If you want to send your story directly to your members of Congress, the best way right now is via email. If you need help locating the right email addresses for your members please email rrodgers@aucd.org
“It is important for members of the intellectual and developmental disability to make their voices heard,” said Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D., director of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at MMI. “Please share your stories with AUCD and your member of Congress.”