Speaking out for People with
 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

VOR's 2023 Legislative Initiative

Improving the Safety for People with I/DD and Autism byCapitol
* Preventing and Reporting Incidents of Abuse and Neglect
* Promoting the Use of Cameras in Common Areas
* Holding Protection and Advocacy Agencies Accountable
* Supporting our Direct Support Professionals
 

VOR's Legislative Initiative Advocates are meeting with Congressional Staff during the month of May

Please click here to download the 2023 Legislative Materials to share with your elected officials and their staff.

VOR Letter to DOL Supporting Sheltered Workshops & 14(c)

In May, a collaborative of self-advocates, disability "rights" organizations, the National Disabilty Rights Network, and others  wrote a letter to the Department of Labor calling for the elimination of 14(c) programs and sheltered workshops for people with I/DD and autism. The people who submitted the all appear to work in competitive employment, professional- or university-based advocacy organizations, or are senior management at agencies that receive federal funding. None were among the cohort of individuals who work in, and benefit from, the opportunities offered by sheltered workshops.
In response, VOR submitted a letter in support of these  programs, asking that the DOL clear up the misrepresentations about them and actively support funding them and increasing the number of 14(c) certificates it issues.

Response to Senate Committee on Aging "Celebrating Olmstead" Panel

By Carole Sherman
On June 20, 2023, the Senate Special Committee on Aging, chaired by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) convened a panel to "Celebrate Olmstead". The panel clearly misrepresented the Olmstead Decision, and joyfully celebrated their own re-interpretation of the decision.
In response, long-time member of VOR and Arkansas advocate Carole Sherman sent a letter reprimanding the Senate Special Committee for putting on such a presentation that disregards the needs of so many people they are responsible for protecting.