VOR Initiatives

2010 VOR Annual Conference and Washington Initiative

Registration is now open for the 2010 VOR Annual Conference and Washington Initiative, to be held June 4 - 9, 2010 in Washington, D.C.

This year participants will hear presentations from Tom York, an attorney specializing in disability litigation; a representative from the Administration (pending); Paul Heckt, an estate planning attorney; and a representative from Capitol Hill who will provide an update on federal disability policy. Conference registration fees begin at $40 for members who register early. Registration fees include a continental breakfast and plated lunch. Register online today and join us to enjoy great networking and presentations specifically geared to enhance effective CHOICE advocacy.

Immediately following the VOR also hosts a Washington Initiative during the week following the conference. During this time, VOR volunteers canvass Congress with materials relating to our legislative priorities. There is no separate registration fee for the Washington Initiative.

Other events include a State Reports Forum and a Membership Form. Complete conference details, including hotel and transportation information, and a printer friendly registration form are available here, or you can register online.

For more information, please contact Tamie Hopp at 877-399-4VOR (4867) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for any questions.

Sponsorship and Exhibit or Conference Program Recognition opportunities are available to individuals, organizations and businesses that would like to support this event. For details visit VOR's Sponsor page.

VOR Submits Federal Comments on Medicaid and Community

On August 17, 2009, VOR submitted its comments in response to the federal Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which oversees Medicaid programs. The ANPRM asked for comments relating to allowing states to combine home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers for people with different disabilties who have similar functional needs. CMS also sought input on how to define "community."

In its comment, VOR expressed significant concern that current state budget woes and administrative conveniences would prove too great of temptations to States, leading to dangerous comingling of people with incompatable disability-types, leading to tragic consequences. Many real life examples were cited to reinforce VOR's stated concerns. With regard to defining community, VOR pointed out that both facilities and smaller settings can be "integrated." Our comments reinforce the need for choice, and Olmstead's support for choice.

Sign VOR's CHOICE Petition

VOR has launched a Petition which calls for “Support for a Full Array of Residential and Support Options for People with Developmental Disabilities.” VOR seeks thousands of signatures in support of the Petition, which will be presented to Congress.

To review the complete Petition and SIGN THE PETITION go to: http://www.petitiononline.com/DDchoice/petition.html

VOR supports at common sense approach to public policy on behalf of persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities (MR/DD).