COVID-19

The voices of constituents from every state are needed to ensure critical actions are taken.

July 17, 2020

Congress is expected to move an additional COVID-19 relief package forward during the work period from July 20-August 7. There is a real risk that human needs, including those of people with disabilities, will not be included in this package!

Take Action Today!

Contact Your Senators in the next two weeks

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 (voice) or (202) 224-3091 (tty) and ask to be connected to your member.
You can use this easy tool to find your Senators, including local office numbers.
Tip: Most Hill offices now have some or all of their staff working from home. If you can email the staff member that handles disability or health policy directly you can have the greatest impact. If you need assistance finding that email, please send a request for help to [email protected]
Tip: It is fine to contact members more than once - calling or emailing once a day keeps the pressure on.

What to Say

Thank members for their work to date. Share your experience about what is still needed. Use the following format in your calls or emails:

I am [calling/writing] [Senator's or Representative's Name] to thank you for your efforts to respond to the COVID-19 emergency. The next COVID-19 response package needs to address the ongoing emergency needs of people with disabilities, who are especially impacted by this crisis. Future legislation must include:

Medicaid funding for home- and community-based services for people with disabilities.

Why? People with disabilities rely on a network of services to remain in their homes and communities, rather than high-risk congregant settings. Remaining home during the pandemic can cut off access to community organizations that serve them. Investment is needed in systems for direct support workers to safely provide care and support.

Special Education funding to meet the emergency needs of students and young children with disabilities and their families, and the schools and service providers that support them.

Why? The educational services mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are critical for the continued learning and future success of children with disabilities. The disruption to education and childcare services caused by COVID-19 disproportionately impacts students with disabilities, who rely upon individualized educational and developmental services from school and community providers. Additional funds for IDEA are critical to ensure that children with disabilities can continue to access necessary services in a safe and equitable manner.

Social Media

Option 1: Thank you [@Senator] for including the needs of #PWD in your negotiations. #WhatWeNeed continues! Please #ListenToUs as the #disabled are impacted by #Coronavirus.

Option 2: [@MemberofCongress] we need you! Include the needs of #PWD in the next #COVID-19 legislation. #WhatWeNeed Please #ListenToUs as the #disabled are impacted by #Coronavirus.

A small group of voices can make a big difference.
Reach out and ask others to join you in calling and emailing!