Advocacy Tool Kit
Pennsylvania Resources
ID/A Associations Request Restoration of Funds & Continued Investment
The ID/A Associations across Pennsylvania submitted a letter requesting Governor Shapiro restore funding lost in final budget negotiations. (09/25/24)
2024 ID/A Workforce Survey Infographic & Report
In collaboration with our ID/A association partners across Pennsylvania, the 2024 ID/A Workforce Study Report & Infographics are now available. (01/17/25)
PG Editorial: Gov. Shapiro fulfills a promise, but there is more to do.
Gov. Shapiro delivered more results for this often-forgotten community than any other state executive in recent history but there is more work to do. (08/09/24)
Federal Resources
Federal Budget Reconciliation Education Webinar for 2025
Webinar Recording where ANCOR breaks down the federal budget reconciliation process and the key provisions impacting disability services in 2025.
Medicaid Resource Center for Advocacy to Protect Medicaid
Visit the ANCOR Mediaid Resource Center for additional advocacy tools to help us protect and enhance Medicaid-funded community-based services.
Fact Sheet: Cuts to Medicaid Harm Disability Services
This one-page fact sheet provides information on how the proposed Medicaid Funding Cuts will jeopardize essential community-based services.
Additional Resources
Contacting Members of Congress: What you need to Know
ANCOR’s guide on contacting Members of Congress offers strategies for effective outreach & organizing in-district meetings to discuss essential ID/A service funding.
ANCOR's Advocacy 101 Toolkit, including critical fact sheets
This toolkit provides practical guidance for engaging with lawmakers, including tips on connecting with elected officials & communicating advocacy priorities.
Act Now: Preserve ID/A Services - Tell Congress to Protect Medicaid
Visit the ANCOR Action Center and tell your Congressional members to reject Medicaid cuts and protect services for people with disabilities.
News & Media Center
Lawmakers, family detail $354 million in new funding for intellectual disability/autism
PITTSBURGH, August 9, 2024 – After years of advocacy, on Friday local lawmakers, families and service providers gathered at a local group home to highlight life-changing investments for the intellectual disability and autism (ID/A) communities ...
Shapiro-ordered study of Pa. Capitol’s accessibility for visitors with disabilities gets underway
The study will assess the state Capitol building’s accessibility to visitors with disabilities — answering years-long calls for change from disability advocacy groups.
Barber Center leaders call for sustained relief for chronically underfunded ID/A services
The recent passage of the state budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 is an important step by lawmakers for the ID/A community. But it is just that — a step.
Rep. Dan Miller, Sen. Jay Costa talk historic funding for intellectual disability/autism services
State Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, and Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, held a press conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh to talk about the historic funding for intellectual disability and autism services that was included in the recently en...
Editorial: In disability care, Shapiro fulfills a promise. But there's more work to do
This year’s budget negotiations resulted in significant — and long overdue — progress for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A). While there’s still more work to do, Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered more r...
How a Lancaster mother convinced Gov. Josh Shapiro to increase funding for adults with disabilities
The State System offers home and community-based services and has a 13,000-person waiting list, leaving many families unable to work or take breaks from caregiving.
‘Shining star’ one of many who need support
Chet Stofman has cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and a seizure disorder. But he feels at home, here in Western Pennsylvania. This is his community, and I am his primary source of care, love, and devotion. He is a shining star to all who know hi...
Pennsylvania to begin new fiscal year without budget, as Shapiro, lawmakers express optimism
Work by Pennsylvania lawmakers to complete a new budget was on track to blow into the new fiscal year, with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and top lawmakers still expressing optimism Thursday that closed-door talks are yielding progress, despite the mi...
Editorial: Shapiro, legislature can provide long-term stability for disability care system
Adults with intellectual disabilities may wait years for services. Shapiro's budget would help.
This story first appeared in How We Care, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring original reporting and perspectives on how we care for one another at all stages of life. Sign up for free here.