Our Polititians are Making Disability Decisions Without Disabled People, WTH!
In this episode of Nick Speaks, Nicolas Comstock and Nicole Jorwic discuss the importance of centering disabled individuals in decision-making and funding. Nicole, inspired by her brother Chris, shares her advocacy journey and compares disability services across states like Illinois. They explore presuming competence in IEPs, differences between private and public special education, and the impact of Medicaid cuts. Nicole highlights the need for bipartisan support and public funds for community-based services, encourages local advocacy, and addresses Medicaid fraud. The episode ends with a call to action for listener engagement.
Key Points
- The lack of federal mandate for home and community-based services (HCBS) under Medicaid results in long waiting lists and inadequate funding for these essential services.
- State-run institutions for people with disabilities consume significantly more resources than home and community-based care, highlighting the need for reallocation of funds to support community living.
- Bipartisan support is crucial for advancing disability rights and ensuring that Medicaid cuts do not disproportionately impact services for people with disabilities.
Nicole Jorwic is an experienced policy professional supporting advancements in disability, aging and direct care workforce policy and mobilization. Nicole is the Chief Program Officer for Caring Across Generations. Prior to her current roles, Nicole was Senior Director of Public Policy and Senior Executive Officer of State Advocacy at The Arc of the United States. Before coming to DC to work on Federal Advocacy, Nicole served as Senior Policy Advisor and Manager of the Employment First Initiative in Illinois. Prior to that appointment, Nicole was the CEO/President of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities. Nicole is also an accomplished special education attorney.
Nicole leads and supports many coalitions to advance the priorities of the care movement, including strengthening and expanding access to Medicaid, home and community-based care and better pay for direct care workers. Nicole is a member of the President's Committee on People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Nicole is most importantly a sibling to her brother Chris who is 35 and has autism, a former direct care worker, and on the care team for her three grandparents in their 90s.
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Transcript
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