Kirsten Gillibrand on Empowering Disabled Americans and Older Adults in Policy Decisions

The Importance of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

• 🏠 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are crucial for enabling older adults and people with disabilities to live in their communities, which is their overwhelming preference over institutional care.
• 💰 HCBS are primarily funded through Medicaid, and their availability is directly tied to federal funding.
• 📝 Over 600 statements from individuals, families, and organizations highlighting the impact of HCBS for these populations will be entered into the congressional record.

The Strategic Plan for Aging Act

• 🏛️ Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is reintroducing the Strategic Plan for Aging Act to help states develop multisectoral plans for aging.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 This act emphasizes ensuring the needs, preferences, and views of the people directly impacted are prioritized in the development and implementation of these plans.
• 🌍 The bill specifically includes those aging with a disability, ensuring their voices are heard.

Inclusion and Representation

• 📢 It is essential that disabled Americans and older adults have a legislative voice and are included in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives, health, and well-being.
• 🗓️ This initiative is particularly significant as it is being reintroduced on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
• ✅ The goal is to help create inclusive and effective state plans that truly represent the communities they serve.