The DSA of Delaware works in various capacities to promote awareness and advocate for federal, state, and local policies that positively impact people with Down syndrome. The DSA of Delaware accomplishes this by:
- Advocating with State and Federal agencies to develop and improve laws, regulations and other policies that support people with Down syndrome
- Training and educating parents, self-advocates and others to advocate on the local, state and national levels to positively impact the lives of people with Down syndrome
- Participating in coalitions that support and help advance the Down syndrome legislative agenda
- Communicating when DSA of Delaware membership support is needed to ensure legislators hear our concerns
Key legislative events/activities
- Disability Day in Legislative Hall
- Government testimony supporting state and national priorities
- Meetings with local, state, and national legislators
Opportunities for legislative participation and education
- Join the DSA of DE Government Affairs Committee
- Partners in Policymaking
- Junior Partners in Policymaking for Young Adults Aged 15 – 22
- Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC)
- Developmental Disability Council (DDC)
ABLE Act – Achieving a Better Life Experience Act
- The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act gives individuals with disabilities and their families the ability to save for their child’s future just like every other American family, and help people with disabilities live full, productive lives in their communities without losing benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the supplemental security income program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources.
- The bill is led by a bipartisan, bicameral set of Congressional champions, including Senator Robert Casey, Jr., (D-PA), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).
- An ABLE account could fund a variety of essential expenses for individuals, including medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation.
- The ABLE Act provides individuals with disabilities the same types of flexible savings tools that all other Americans have through college savings accounts, health savings accounts, and individual retirement accounts.
- It will eliminate barriers to work and saving by preventing dollars saved through ABLE accounts from counting against an individual’s eligibility for any federal benefits program.
Questions? Contact info@dsadelaware.org.