VOR Networking Meeting - Why ICFs Matter!
Thank you to all who attended our Septemeber 21st Networking Meeting!
A video of the event is available on our YouTube page at
The Autism Surge: Lies, Conspiracies, and My Own Kids
By Jill Escher, July 20, 2023
Rates of autism are skyrocketing. The question isn’t just why—but what we need to do about it right now, and what’s holding us back.
VOR's 2023 Legislative Initiative
Improving the Safety for People with I/DD and Autism by
* 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
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.
A Personal Comment on PCPID Meeting, May 1, 2023
VOR's Dawn Kovacovich shared her thoughts on the May 1, 2023 Meeting of the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
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.
