Legislative Work
In the News: August 27, 2018.
Disability Integration Act
The Disability Integration Act (DIA) (H.R. 2472/S.910) is a significant civil rights bill that aims to prevent institutionalization by requiring governments and insurers to cover home- and community-based support services. The bill has bipartisan support and was introduced in the Senate by Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and in the House by Representative James Sensenbrenner (R-WI-5). Its passage would be an enormous step forward for people with disabilities. A robust set of resources and tailored messages of support can be found at http://www.disabilityintegrationact.org/.
August 31, 2018
AUCD's Senior Advocacy Specialist Liz Weintraub, a graduate of the Georgia LEND and longtime leader in the IDD community, will be testifying next week at Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings at the invitation of Ranking Member Feinstein. Liz will talk about the importance of self determination and express her concerns about a 2007 ruling in the Doe v. DC case where Judge Kavanaugh wrote an opinion telling the District that they did not need to consult with residents with intellectual disabilities when they were making decisions about elective surgery for them because the residents were "by definition incompetent." Liz will have an opportunity to explain how and why it is important for adults with intellectual disabilities to have a say in what happens to their bodies. She will be making history next week!
Advocacy
The Council is federally mandated under the Developmental Assistance and Bill of Rights to advocate for public policy change and community acceptance of all people with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Council provides advocacy information to self-advocates, family members and organizations throughout the year. This hands-on learning experience is an opportunity for elected officials to meet children and adults with disabilities, family members and personnel working in the field of developmental disabilities. Please contact our offices for more information: 307-777-7230.
Voting
In a democracy, citizens have the opportunity to vote on important issues and elect politicians and representatives. ... When more people vote, they increase the chance that the issues that are important to them are taken seriously. If a minority votes, there is a risk that their preferences do not represent the majority. This is an especially significant point for people in the disability community because you have the right to many different accommodations, and it is important to have your voice heard!
Take a look at this handy information page on voting! Voting Handout
WGCDD Legislative Briefing 2019
The Council's 2019 Legislative Briefing is a way we inform policymakers on activities and issues affecting the developmental disability community at the national, state and local levels during the legislative session each year. If you would like a copy, please email a request to our Policy Analyst at: aleyta.zimmerman@wyo.gov
WGCDD Legislative Update 2019
During the legislative Session the council provides a state legislative update on issues that may have an impact on the disability community. Please see the bills below. This document is updated daily throughout the Legislative Session. The 2019 legislative session starts January 08, 2019.
Legislation to Watch 2019
Issues of importance:
2019 Legislative Bills in progress (1).xlsx