[Senate Hearing 118-557]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 118-557
EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
TO LIVE, WORK, LEARN, AND THRIVE
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HEARING
BEFORE THE
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
__________
WASHINGTON, DC
__________
DECEMBER 12, 2024
__________
Serial No. 118-24
Printed for the use of the Special Committee on Aging
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
58-574 PDF WASHINGTON : 2025
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SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING
ROBERT P. CASEY, JR., Pennsylvania, Chairman
KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York MIKE BRAUN, Indiana
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut TIM SCOTT, South Carolina
ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts MARCO RUBIO, Florida
MARK KELLY, Arizona RICK SCOTT, Florida
RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia J.D. VANCE, Ohio
JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania PETE RICKETTS, Nebraska
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Elizabeth Letter, Majority Staff Director
Matthew Sommer, Minority Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
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Page
Opening Statement of Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr., Chairman...... 1
Opening Statement of Senator Mike Braun, Ranking Member.......... 3
PANEL OF WITNESSES
Brent Orrell, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute,
Washington, DC................................................. 5
Erin Willman, Founder and CEO, White Cane Coffee Company, Warren,
Pennsylvania................................................... 6
Lydia Brown, Director of Policy, National Disability Institute,
Washington, DC................................................. 8
Mayor Neil McDevitt, Mayor of North Wales, North Wales,
Pennsylvania................................................... 10
Ai-jen Poo, President, National Domestic Workers Alliance,
Executive Director, Caring Across Generations, Chicago,
Illinois....................................................... 12
APPENDIX
Prepared Witness Statements
Brent Orrell, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute,
Washington, DC................................................. 32
Erin Willman, Founder and CEO, White Cane Coffee Company, Warren,
Pennsylvania................................................... 34
Lydia Brown, Director of Policy, National Disability Institute,
Washington, DC................................................. 36
Mayor Neil McDevitt, Mayor of North Wales, North Wales,
Pennsylvania................................................... 39
Ai-jen Poo, President, National Domestic Workers Alliance,
Executive Director, Caring Across Generations, Chicago,
Illinois....................................................... 41
Statements for the Record
The American Network of Community Options and Resources Testimony 49
Dr. Amy Houtrow Testimony........................................ 51
Anna Corbin Testimony............................................ 52
Community Legal Services of Pennsylvania Testimony............... 53
Dr. Dennis B. Downey Testimony................................... 54
Cindy Duch Testimony............................................. 55
Gary Blumenthal Testimony........................................ 56
Eugenia Bond Testimony........................................... 57
Jacquelyn M. White Testimony..................................... 58
Jonathan Cunningham Testimony.................................... 59
Jule Ann Lieberman Testimony..................................... 60
Julia Barol Testimony............................................ 61
Kate Dempsey Jones Testimony..................................... 62
Kathy Brill Testimony............................................ 63
Liberty Resources, Inc. Testimony................................ 64
Linda Carmona-Bell Testimony..................................... 65
Lisa Lightner Testimony.......................................... 66
Mark Friedman Testimony.......................................... 67
Matt Aaron Testimony............................................. 68
Maureen Cronin Testimony......................................... 69
Meghann Luczkowski Testimony..................................... 70
Nancy Murray Testimony........................................... 71
Nancy Thaler Testimony........................................... 72
James W. Conroy and Karen Ann Hayes Testimony.................... 73
C O N T E N T S
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Statements for the Record (cont'd)
Page
Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SIL)
Testimony...................................................... 74
Pennsylvania Advocates and Resources for Autism and Intellectual
Disabilities (PAR) Testimony................................... 75
Pennsylvania Autism Society of America Testimony................. 76
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Testimony.............. 77
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies Testimony...... 78
Stacey Jarett Levitan Testimony.................................. 79
Institute on Disabilities at Temple University Testimony......... 80
Sherri Landis Testimony.......................................... 81
Katy Neas Testimony.............................................. 82
Dr. Tina Paone Testimony......................................... 83
Tom Carasiti Testimony........................................... 84
Vision for Equity Testimony...................................... 85
EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
TO LIVE, WORK, LEARN, AND THRIVE
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Thursday, December 12, 2024
U.S. Senate
Special Committee on Aging
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10 a.m., Room
106, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Robert P. Casey, Jr.,
Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senator Casey, Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Warren,
Kelly, Warnock, Braun, and Rick Scott.
OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR
ROBERT P. CASEY, JR., CHAIRMAN
The Chairman. Good morning, everyone. The Senate Special
Committee on Aging will come to order. We want to welcome you
to the final hearing of the Aging Committee's final hearing of
this Congress, the 118th Congress. The name of this hearing is;
Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and
Thrive.
This is my last hearing as the Chair of the Committee, and
I've been honored to serve as chair and as a longtime member.
I've served as a member of the Committee for these 18 years,
four of those as ranking member and four as chair, and I'm
proud of the work that this Committee has done. We've
accomplished much under my tenure, and I'm sure years before
that.
I'm thankful for the support of my colleagues on both sides
of the dais, and it's been a pleasure to work with Ranking
Member Braun, and we wish him the best of luck as he starts his
new work as the Governor of Indiana in January.
For more than 60 years, this Committee has championed
issues facing older adults, including protecting against frauds
and scams, ensuring nursing homes provide safe, quality care,
and advocating for older workers. Many of these efforts have
been bipartisan.
In the last eight years, the Committee has expanded its
reach to champion the rights of people with disabilities.
People with disabilities deserve the opportunities that all
Americans have and access the same access that's available to
each and every American. This means the opportunity for a
person with a disability to secure a quality education, to
receive comprehensive healthcare, to earn a living wage, and to
save for the future. We've seen great progress in these efforts
with the leadership of strong advocates, many of whom are here
today and their families. Today's hearing will focus on that
work and opportunities that still lie ahead of us.
Let's start with home and community-based services known by
that acronym, HCBS. Americans with disabilities and older
adults continue to need access to reliable long-term care
services and supports. There are more than 700,000 people on
waiting lists for Medicaid home care services, and they have to
wait for over four years on average to begin those services, to
have the benefit of those services.
The workers who provide long-term care services in all
settings earn approximately $15 an hour, and nearly 50 percent
of these workers rely on programs such as the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program for support. We should not have
seniors and people with disabilities waiting for years, years
to access supports to live in their own homes and be active
members of their own communities, and we should value the
workers who provide care and support for people with
disabilities and older adults. Direct care workers should be
earning a livable wage and not relying upon public assistance
to survive.
I'm grateful for the work of the Biden Administration to
make home and community-based services a priority, as did I,
and a number of members of both the House and the Senate.
There's still much work to be done in the years ahead. Today's
hearing will focus on people with disabilities in the work, in
the workplace. While the number of people with disabilities who
work as increased in the past 10 years, their participation in
the labor force is still over just half of that of the general
population.
During the pandemic, thousands of people with disabilities
continue to work in grocery stores, warehouses, and hospitals,
providing essential services for all Americans while they put
their own health, and often their lives, at risk. We need to
ensure that people with disabilities have the resources,
accessibility, and accommodations they need to be successful
workers. Likewise, we need to ensure that government services
at all levels of government are accessible to people with
disabilities.
Several years ago, I learned about Ron Biglin, a veteran
from Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, my home county, Lackawanna
County. Ron was unable to access his health benefits at the VA,
the Department of Veterans Affairs at their website because
that website was not accessible to Ron Biglin and many others.
Through my oversight efforts, we learned that in 2019, only
eight percent of the information on the VA's website was
accessible. No longer. Those numbers have gone way up.
In the intervening years, the remainder of the Federal
Government websites and other technology were no more
accessible than the VA. In that year, 2019, we took a close
look at it, so we're making progress, but we have a long way to
go. Much more work to be done on improving access.
Whether it's improving access, or eliminating
discrimination, or providing accommodations to make it possible
for people with disabilities to be full participants in our
society, this is the work that must continue. It also, when we
work on these issues, it also makes our society a better place
for all of us people with disabilities or not.
During my time in the Senate, people with disabilities and
their families have shown me and demonstrated to me in more
ways than one the power of advocacy, determined advocacy.
They've championed the rights of people with disabilities to
serve in the workforce and to save for their futures. They've
fought for people with disabilities to be able to live in their
homes and to be active members of their communities, and
they've successfully defended against cuts to Medicaid and
Social Security and other programs. Our witnesses today have
been central to that advocacy work. I look forward to hearing
from them about some of the achievements of the disability
community and the goals ahead.
Now, just as, as part of this hearing, but even, even
beyond the scope of today's hearing, I'm issuing five issue
briefs. I'll just hold them up in summary fashion. I won't read
through all of them, but these issue briefs will deal with a
number of topics. Two of the topics we'll cover here today;
access to home and community-based services, and government
accessibility. The other briefs will address or do address
lowering prescription drug costs, ensuring economic security
for older adults and improving nursing home care.
This Committee, the Aging Committee, has a legacy of
providing resources to our Senate colleagues and to others
throughout the Nation about issues facing people with
disabilities and of course, older adults. Many of these
resources are available both in English and in Spanish. I hope
that these issue briefs will be similarly valuable to the
future work of the Senate. We all need to continue the work to
support people with disabilities and older adults so they can
thrive in their communities, and I look forward to hearing from
our witnesses about the work that lies ahead.
I'll turn to Ranking Member Braun for his opening remarks.
OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR
MIKE BRAUN, RANKING MEMBER
Senator Braun. Thank you, Chairman Casey, and for all the
witnesses being here today. People with disabilities have the
same hopes, dreams, and expectations of respect and dignity as
all of us. One shared reality is the importance of a strong
economy.
In recent years, people with disabilities have achieved
record gains in jobs, in labor force participation. A good
economy accomplishes more for people with disabilities, and I
think any federal program ever could, but federal spending has
been excessive and it has jeopardized these gains. Trillions in
unnecessary spending still has inflation too high up over three
percent again from last year. We've had 10 years of inflation
crammed into the last three years.
Correspondingly, high interest rates have pushed mortgage
rates over seven percent and cooled the job market. The
employment rate fell again last month, the second straight
decline, the most vulnerable that are hit the hardest by this
economic term turmoil, and that means seniors and people with
disabilities. They feel the pinch at the grocery store when
they look for a new home and when they need a job.
I am confident that the new administration will turn the
economy around. The last thing older Americans and Americans
with disabilities need is a tax hike, but the debt problem
causing our economic challenges has been bipartisan. We've
generated that from both sides of the aisle. National debt at
the end of Fiscal Year 2024 was 99 percent of GDP, the highest
since World War II. By 2030, forecasted to be nearly 140
percent of GDP.
We now spend more on interest payments than we do on the
entirety of national defense. Last month, the national debt
rose to over 36 trillion, and in 10 years, its forecast to be
56 trillion. Thirty-six trillion is over $100,000 for every
person in the United States. Think about what that means for
benefits and services. Its seniors and vulnerable generations
need right now.
If we do not grapple with the national debt, the numbers
never relent. They just don't go away, and that means it'll be
even harder and harder to deal with it down the road. We'll
have slower growth, you'll end up probably having more
inflation and even higher interest rates. It's very easy. It
just takes a little self-discipline. All other parts of our
economy have to live within that framework, local and State
governments. Seniors will struggle, people with disabilities
will suffer, and every generation will be worse off.
I look forward to hearing about economic trends affecting
seniors and Americans with disabilities, and I hope we keep our
reckless spending problem front of mind in this discussion here
today.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
The Chairman. Thank you, Ranking Member Braun. Now we'll
turn to our witness introductions, and I'll turn first to
Ranking Member Braun for the first witness introduction.
Senator Braun. Brent Orrell is a senior fellow at the
American Enterprise Institute. Mr. Orrell specializes in job
training and workforce development with a special focus on
disadvantaged populations. He is also an expert on the impact
of technological change in the workforce, which is rampant here
in this day and age. Mr. Orrell previously held multiple roles
in government, including at the Department of Labor, and Health
and Human Services. Thank you for testifying here today. Thank
you.
The Chairman. Thank you, Ranking Member Braun. I'll now
turn to the remainder of our witnesses. Our first witness is
Erin Willman. Erin is the founder and CEO of the White Cane
Coffee Company in Warren, Pennsylvania. And I've been there.
It's a great coffee company in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Erin started White Cane Coffee Company in 2019 to provide
self-sustaining jobs for people with disabilities living in
rural communities, including for herself and her brothers, so,
Erin, we're grateful you're here. Grateful you made the trip.
Coming from Warren County's quite a ride, so we're grateful
you're took time to be with us.
Our third witness is Lydia Brown. Lydia Brown is the
director of policy at the National Disability Institute and an
adjunct professor of disability studies at American University
and Georgetown University. Counselor Brown's Research focuses
on economic security and wealth building for individuals with
disabilities. Counselor Brown, we're grateful you're here
today, and thanks for sharing your expertise with us.
Our fourth witness is Mayor Neil McDevitt. Mayor McDevitt
is the Mayor of North Wales, Pennsylvania in Montgomery County
in the southeastern corner of our State, so, we have
representation from the northwest and the southeast all in one
hearing. Mayor McDevitt was elected as mayor, I guess, elected
in 1921 and started serving in 1922, and is believed to be the
first deaf mayor elected to a municipality in the United States
of America, so, Mayor, thank you for being with us today and
sharing your expertise and insight.
Our fifth witness is someone I've known a long time, a
great advocate. Ai-Jen Poo is the president of the National
Domestic Workers Alliance. She is also co-founder and director
of Caring Across Generations, a coalition of organizations
working to strengthen the caregiving infrastructure for
America's families. Ai-Jen is a recognized expert in family and
elder care, and has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of
the 100 most influential people in the world. Ai-Jen, we're
grateful you're here today, and really have enjoyed working
with you. And thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
We'll start with our first witness Mr. Orrell for his
testimony, and then we'll go right down the line from there.
STATEMENT OF BRENT ORRELL, SENIOR FELLOW,
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE, WASHINGTON, DC
Mr. Orrell. Chairman Casey, Ranking Member Braun, other
members of the Committee, thank you so much for the opportunity
to discuss the critical issues facing aging and disabled
workers in America. I will focus on two dimensions; the
practical demands of the economy and the moral responsibilities
of our society.
The largest factors shaping America's economic future is
demographics. Our population's aging rapidly, with fertility
rate falling, and the median age rising from 29.5 years to 38.9
years since 1960, from 2000 to 2005, our workforce grew by 12
million workers Between 2017 and 2022, that figure was just 1.7
million.
Demographics drive growth, older populations work and
consume less, reducing economic dynamism. While we cannot
quickly reverse population trends, we can engage marginalized
groups, older workers, people with disability, people with
criminal records, and others. To help sustain growth in a time
of worker shortages, no individual's contributions can be
overlooked or minimized.
Second dimension, that of the moral responsibility, is that
being American means believing in the dignity of every person.
Work provides a vital way to express that dignity, aligning
skills and interests with the needs of the economy and our
fellow citizens. For older and disabled Americans, this is no
less important. If we neglect to uphold and support their
participation in the workforce, we will not only hurt our
economy, but fail to uphold the core value that every human
being is entitled to equality and dignity.
The participation of older workers in the workforce has
been rising steadily, with 19.2 percent of Americans age 65 or
older now working or seeking work. In 2000, 25 percent of post-
retirement age seniors were employed compared to 32 percent
today. By 2032, older workers will make up 8.6 percent of the
labor force compared to 6.6 in 2022. Similarly, the employment
rate for individuals with disabilities reached 22.5 percent in
2023, and that's the highest since data collection began in
2008.
However, this is still just one-third of the rate for
workers without disabilities, and the employment rate for those
with disabilities is twice as high as the general population.
Many disabled workers face additional barriers such as limited
access to full-time jobs with benefits, and roughly half of
disabled Americans are also over the age of 65, which compounds
their difficulties in the labor market.
Advances in artificial intelligence, automation, assistive
technologies, all offer opportunities to remove barriers and
expand employment for individuals with disabilities. Screen
readers, voice recognition software, and AI-powered
communication tools enable individuals to perform tasks once
inaccessible for older workers.
AI tools can simplify complex tasks, and telework platforms
can allow them to remain at home and work from there. However,
the benefits of technology will only be realized if we have an
intentional design and policy support behind it. Policy makers
should be looking at ways to make these technologies accessible
and affordable.
In terms of recommendations, we need to be promoting
inclusive employment practices in the workplace. We need to
invest in education and training to expand access to learning
across the lifespan to help older adults and people with
disabilities gain new skills, and we need to leverage
technology for inclusion. I think this is an area that is ripe
for public and private investment to adapt these new
technologies to the needs of the elderly or older workers and
people with disabilities.
The challenges posed by our demographic shifts and gaps
between work and older and disabled job seekers are formidable,
but they are not insurmountable. By fostering workforce
inclusion for older and disabled Americans, we can strengthen
both our economy and our social commitment to dignity and
equality. And together, we can build a labor market that
reflects both our values and maximizes the potential of every
person.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to offer testimony.
The Chairman. Mr. Orrell, thank you for your testimony.
I'll turn next to Erin Willman. Erin?
STATEMENT OF ERIN WILLMAN, FOUNDER AND CEO, WHITE
CANE COFFEE COMPANY, WARREN, PENNSYLVANIA
Ms. Erin. Hello, I'm Erin Willman. I am the founder and CEO
of White Cane Coffee, and I would like to thank Senator Casey,
and Senator Braun, along with the rest of the members of the
Aging Committee for inviting me to speak on subjects that both
I and many in the disabled community face.
A lot has happened since I was here in February. I have
received an incredible number of calls and emails from disabled
persons and organizations that assist the blind and disabled.
The common theme of those messages is that things are actually
changing. We are not yet where we need to be when it comes to
disability access and acceptance, but we are getting there. It
brings me great joy when I hear of disabled people in my
community getting good, paying jobs, and not being relegated to
sheltered workshops for less than minimum wage.
A few weeks ago, an engineer from a large manufacturer in
our county visited our coffee factory to see how we adapted our
workspaces and machinery to accommodate our employees. He
honestly wants his company to be inclusive. I consider this a
huge step forward.
On a side note, I had the honor to run for PA's and State
representative for District 65. Even though I lost my election,
I found the majority of people that I met were accepting of me
as a viable candidate. The best part of the experience was
having younger people come up to me and tell me that because of
my running for office, they too feel that they can also create
change in their community in both large and small ways.
Today, I would like to talk about accessible education and
how it can be bettered with the RISE Act. People ask me all the
time if I went to college. The answer, I am sorry to say, is
no. Despite the fact that I graduated high school at the age of
15, I felt wholly unprepared for the challenges my disability
would bring me in a college setting.
However, my hope is that others in the disabled community
won't feel that trepidation when they seek out higher
education, but I recognize that there are things that need to
be changed for that to happen. At this time, people with
disabilities who wish to go into college and need
accommodations to be successful have to prove that they are
disabled through costly testing, even if they were born with a
disability or have previous documentation from when they were
in high school.
I remember how nerve wracking it was for those in my life
who were heading off to college. I can't imagine putting more
stress on a person with a disability because they have to prove
their disability to get the support they need to thrive. If a
person already has documentation that they're disabled, that
should be sufficient. I don't believe that there are any
prospective students who somehow became able-bodied would want
to ask for the same assistance they had before when they were
disabled.
While proving that a person has a disability is
disheartening enough, there's also the issue that many schools
make it difficult to find out what sort of assistance and
accommodations are available to disabled students. When looking
into a college a student wants to attend, they have to comb
through websites and visit the campus, and even in some cases,
contact the administration personally just to find out if the
school has the accommodations that they would need to access
the education offered by the college.
If one school does not have the accommodations a particular
student needs, the student will have to repeat this search
process as many times as needed until they can find a school
that is suitable. Not only can that process be stressful, it
can be so disheartening as to possibly turn them away from the
idea of going to college at all.
It doesn't have to be this way though. If schools were
upfront and transparent on what accommodations are available,
the stress of finding the right school would be lessened
significantly, making the transition to higher your education
easier.
Now I believe it is time to give the spotlight to our
educators. We all have had at one point in our lives a teacher
on who has inspired and helped us become--and helped us find
our path in life, so, I believe that they should have help to
continue that work on a wider scale.
It's an unfortunate truth that many teachers do not have
the training that they need to accommodate a student with a
disability. However, under the RISE Act, this is a problem with
an easy solution. The RISE Act would allocate funds to college
administration so that the faculty has the tools and know-how
to be able to teach all of their students so that they are able
to thrive in their classroom. By educating our educators, our
colleges can be a place where everyone can succeed no matter
what.
I have always been extremely passionate about education. I
believe that it can open doors and build bridges. It can lead
to good jobs and a better life. Education expands a person's
opportunities in life. It's why I work with so many schools for
the disabled so that those students can create a brighter, more
inclusive future.
America is known as the land of opportunity. By
implementing the RISE Act, many disabled people across the
Nation will have the opportunity to seek out higher education
without the worry, they will not belong. Something as simple as
that would change their lives. If you change one life, you
change the world. It is time to change the world. Thank you.
The Chairman. Ms. Willman, thank you for your testimony.
Counselor Brown, you may begin.
STATEMENT OF LYDIA BROWN, DIRECTOR OF POLICY,
NATIONAL DISABILITY INSTITUTE, WASHINGTON, DC
Ms. Brown. Good morning. My name is Lydia Brown, I am
director of public policy at National Disability Institute, as
well as a proudly disabled advocate. Thank you for the
opportunity to provide testimony before the Committee today.
Disabled people represent at least 20 percent of the U.S.
population or more than 65 million people, although the real
number is likely higher than current surveys indicate including
people who have newly acquired disabilities due to long-Covid.
Our community faces deep economic disparities with poverty and
unemployment rates for people with disabilities, about twice
those of non-disabled people, along with higher rates of
homelessness and food insecurity.
According to NDIS research, disabled people are more than
twice as likely to be financially vulnerable as non-disabled
people, only 51 percent of working age disabled adults are
confident they can pay their bills on time, and 46 percent of
disabled adults carry more debt than they can manage.
Fewer women with disabilities, disabled people of color,
and LGBTQ people with disabilities are financially healthy than
people with disabilities who are men, White, or non-LGBTQ. Over
30 percent of disabled households have an income below $15,000,
a rate 5.6 times higher than for households without a
disability, and those numbers are substantially higher for
Latinx and Black households with disabilities.
These economic disparities in earnings savings, banking,
and wealth building are exacerbated for the many people with
disabilities who rely on means-tested public benefits to
survive. Many disabled people rely on Medicaid as the sole
provider of long-term supports and services; help with eating,
taking meds, getting dressed, even positioning their bodies.
These services that can keep people in their own homes instead
of nursing homes and institutions, as well as enable people to
enter and remain in the mainstream workforce.
Eligibility for Medicaid, however, is tied to eligibility
for supplemental security income, SSI. A beneficiary is
prohibited from having more than $2,000 in countable assets if
single, and $3,000 between both spouses if married, asset
limits that were last updated in 1989.
A person with a disability who wants to work and is able to
work for any amount of hours is precluded from seeking the same
array of opportunities as a non-disabled person if that
disabled person relies on Medicaid funded support to live at
home or get to work.
Some disabled people turn down promotions, hours increases,
and raises, in order to maintain eligibility for Medicaid,
because accepting the increased wages would not cover the gap
if they lost their benefits. These asset limits can force
people to choose between going without necessary medication, or
paying their light bills, or buying enough food, or making
rent. An emergency bill of $2,100, a modest amount for some
hospital stays, could leave a disabled person on SSI with no
savings at all and snowballing consequences of carrying the
debt.
Ten years ago, Senator Casey's leadership in introducing
and passing the ABLE Act changed the game. People whose
disabilities began before age 26 can now access a savings
vehicle that can conserve up to $100,000 total without their
savings counting against them and determining eligibility for
SSI and for Medicaid.
Money in an ABLE account can be used for a wide range of
qualified disability expenses, including otherwise unaffordable
assistive technology and healthcare, as well as educational and
employment-related costs. For many disabled people on Medicaid,
an ABLE account is also their only available means to save for
retirement.
In recent years, NDI also championed Senator Casey's
leadership in passing multiple improvements to ABLE, including
the ABLE Age-Adjustment Act, which widened ABLE eligibility to
people whose disabilities began by the age of 46. A provision
that comes into effect a year from now and will ensure
eligibility for more than 6.2 million additional people with
disabilities, including one million veterans.
As we look forward to the future of the ABLE Program, we
know there are many opportunities for further growth and
improvement, especially to benefit the most impoverished people
with disabilities who may not be able to make contributions to
an ABLE account, and disabled people who are working and
earning enough to make contributions in excess of the current
$18,000 annual limit.
Members of the Senate are currently considering a range of
improvements for the ABLE Program, all of which would greatly
increase financial capability for people with disabilities. The
ABLE Direct Deposit Act and the ABLE Employment Flexibility Act
would codify common-sense improvements like allowing direct
deposits and employer retirement contributions into enable
account.
The ABLE Awareness Act, the ABLE Tomorrow Act, and the
ENABLE Act, would collectively support engagement and education
efforts around ABLE to increase enrollment for eligible
beneficiaries, protect against Medicaid claw backs after a
beneficiary's death, and allow one-time lump sum contributions
over the annual limit.
Language in these bills would also permanently adopt
provisions, allowing additional contributions to ABLE accounts
for working people with disabilities, a savers credit for ABLE
contributions and rollovers from 529 Education savings accounts
to ABLE accounts.
Opportunities remain for increasing economic opportunity
and participation for people with disabilities who deserve to
have the full range of financial choices and freedom as people
without disabilities. Future legislative efforts can expand
eligibility to more people with disabilities, protect rights of
youth in the foster system and adults under guardianship, and
increase disabled people's ability to save for retirement on
par with non-disabled people.
NDI believes in a future where all people, both disabled
and non-disabled, can be assured of basic economic security and
opportunity. This includes a future in which disabled workers
can save for retirement on par with non-disabled workers, and
disabled people have no ceiling on the amount of income they
can earn and savings they can build just like everyone else.
Senator Casey, please know that you have made a difference.
Thank you, again, today, for the opportunity to speak before
this Committee. I urge you to continue championing policies
that advance equity, financial inclusion, and economic
opportunity for people with disabilities. Together we can
create a society where all people have the resources and
opportunities to achieve financial stability and economic
security.
The Chairman. Counselor Brown, thank you very much, and
thanks to the work of NDI. Mayor McDevitt.
STATEMENT OF MAYOR NEIL MCDEVITT, MAYOR OF
NORTH WALES, NORTH WALES, PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. McDevitt. Good afternoon. As a resident of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I'm heartened to sit before
Senators Casey and Fetterman on this special day, Ranking
Member Braun, and other members of the Committee. Thank you for
welcoming me today.
I sit before you today as the mayor of North Wales Borough,
an amazing community of 3,400 residents in Montgomery County
just outside of Philadelphia. That may not be remarkable in
itself. There are, after all, over 519,000 elected officials in
the United States today. I am unique in that I am, as far as
we're able to tell, the first deaf person to be elected to the
Office of Mayor who uses American Sign Language as their
primary means of communication. I'm also a proud alum of
Gallaudet University right here in Washington, DC.
As an elected official who uses American Sign Language, and
the first one in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I found out
very quickly where the barriers are. In a tiny community like
North Wales, I'm blessed that the borough council and borough
manager wisely had funds set aside in their budgets long before
I was elected to ensure accommodations for people with
disabilities.
I know that this is fairly unique to small communities
across the United States. The sad truth is that I don't have
enough funds available to cover all of my interpreting needs,
and I need to pick and choose where I spend those funds.
Senator Casey, I shared the challenges I had with you and your
staff in your research. You also found another barrier that
exists for people with disabilities who want to get involved in
politics.
That is, if a person with a disability simply runs for any
office, be it paid, barely paid, or unpaid, they can lose their
Supplemental Security Income, SSI, or Social Security
Disability Insurance Income SSDI, even if they don't raise any
money or they lose their election.
In two separate congressional sessions, Senator Casey
presented two bills. The Removing Access Barriers to Running
for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act would
address the discriminatory language in the Social Security Act
that penalized people with disabilities for running for office.
The second was the Aid Accessibility and Inclusion to
Diversity Local Government Leadership Act of 2024 to address my
challenge, that is, for small communities like North Wales
Borough. It would establish a grant to re reimburse those
municipalities for accommodation expenses they incur for any
elected and appointed officials with disabilities.
These bills are a critical step toward addressing a glaring
gap in the demographics of our elected officials. Out of the
over 519,000 elected officials across the country, I am
personally aware of only five who use American Sign Language,
nationally, today. If our elected officials truly represented
our populations, we'd have over 1,550 elected officials today
using American Sign Language. Extending that further, current
estimates say that 10 percent of all elected officials have a
disability of some type, but 28.7 percent of the population has
a disability.
The unfortunate conclusion is that our elected officials
are not representative of the people whom they serve. The
reality is that the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, is
the last great civil rights bill that was passed with true
bipartisan support. As I said during my remarks at the White
House's Disability Pride event a few months ago, "I woke up one
morning with rights I did not go to bed with." The ADA made
millions of Americans first class citizens in our own
communities overnight.
In the 34 years since the ADA was passed, our political
will toward safeguarding these vital human and civil rights
have weakened significantly. I call on congressional leadership
and Senators from both parties to recommit to protecting these
vital rights and services for millions of Americans. I ask you
to look beyond the rhetoric of soundbite politics, and listen
carefully to the people who would actually be affected by the
policies that have been suggested or proposed by members of the
incoming administration.
The next Congress can take positive and proactive steps
toward ensuring the civil and human rights of people with
disabilities. First, the passage of Senator Casey's bills
referenced earlier would be an excellent first step toward
ensuring that our elected officials are truly representative of
the communities whom they serve.
Congress must also ensure that all United States citizens
are able to freely participate in every American experience.
This requires full funding and dedication of the U.S.
Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, to work closely
with municipalities and counties to ensure that all Americans
have full access to vote and to take part in their communities.
Senator Casey, you have been a steadfast ally of North
Wales Borough, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and millions
of disabled and deaf Americans. We owe you a debt that can
never be repaid. Thank you.
The Chairman. Thank you, Mayor. Thanks very much. I really
appreciate you being here with us. Ai-Jen Poo. Thank you, Ai-
Jen.
STATEMENT OF AI-JEN POO, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL
DOMESTIC WORKERS ALLIANCE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
CARING ACROSS GENERATIONS, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Ms. Poo. Chairman Casey, Ranking Member Braun, and members
of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify this
morning. My name is Ai-Jen Poo, and I'm the president of the
National Domestic Workers Alliance, and executive director of
Caring Across Generations. We are proud members of Care Can't
Wait; a national coalition working to create good care jobs and
guarantee affordable care for all who need it. I represent the
family caregivers and the care workers who are struggling
within an anemic patchwork system to provide essential support
to disabled people and older adults.
In the United States, Federal Medicaid dollars, not
Medicare, Medicaid pay for the vast majority of long-term care,
including wages for direct care workers, but Medicaid long-term
care programs suffer from persistent gross underinvestment. As
a result, over 710,000 people remain on waiting lists for
Medicaid, home, and community-based services, or HCVS.
Unpaid family caregivers and underpaid care workers are
left to fill the gaps. Unpaid caregiving is worth more than $1
trillion per year. Direct care workers, who are majority women
of color and immigrants, earn an average of just $25,000 per
year. Nearly half rely on public assistance to make ends meet,
and the workers, therefore, that we are counting on to care for
us, cannot care for themselves or their own families on the
wages they earn. Many are forced to leave these jobs for fast
food or retail jobs where they can earn more, increasing
training and turnover costs for employers impacting the quality
of care for families and feeding a workforce crisis that exists
in states across the Nation.
Thankfully, there are solutions. The American Rescue Plan
Act resulted in over $36 billion in investments toward
Medicaid, home-and community-based services, and higher wages
for direct care workers. All 50 states took this funding
because of the urgent need for care in every State, but this
funding is short-term set to expire in March 2025, leaving the
system vulnerable at precisely the time when we need more
access to services, not less.
Every day in America, 10,000 of us turn 65, and we're
living longer than ever before. The number of adults over the
age of 85 is expected to double by the year 2040. We will need
a thriving direct care workforce to help meet the demand care
jobs already consistently rank among the largest and fastest
growing occupations in the entire economy because of the
overwhelming need.
Here, again, we have solutions we can invest in raising
wages and supporting workers' rights to join a union and
negotiate collectively for better wages and benefits. We know
this works, and there's enormous return on this investment, not
only in the dignity for the workers and the people who rely on
their services, but the economic opportunity they enable, both
for disabled people and working family caregivers who need care
in order to work. Or in Senator Casey's words, "Some of us need
a bridge or a tunnel to get to work and others need care."
This is all out of reach without increasing federal funding
for Medicaid. It is shocking that the discussion has returned
once again to cutting Medicaid at the exact moment when we
should be investing in it. Reductions in Medicaid funding will
heighten the workforce crisis, the care crisis, push higher
costs onto states that can't afford it. States will be forced
to cut services and limit eligibility, which will literally put
millions of lives at risk.
Instead of cuts, we should be passing policies like the
HCBS Access Act, the Better Care Better Jobs Act, the Long-Term
Care Workforce Support Act, the HCBS Relief Act to support
freedom, dignity, and security of disabled people, and really
of all of us. These bills all share one sponsor, Senator Bob
Casey.
In closing, I want to thank you, Senator Casey. You are a
generational leader on these generational challenges that we
face as a Nation. Millions of lives have been improved because
of your leadership and hard work, this arena of policy and the
advocates who work on them who have filled this hearing room
this morning are exponentially stronger because of you.
While it is daunting to face the challenges ahead without
you at the helm, we are determined to carry the torch forward
truly. Truly, thank you, Senator.
The Chairman. Ai-Jen, thank you so much for those words,
and for your leadership, and your ever-determined and effective
advocacy, and we'll get to our questions now. Senator
Gillibrand, I've been instructed to yield to you, if you want
to start.
Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Chairman, I hope no one instructed
you to do anything, but I really think this hearing is such a
testament to who you are and what service you've provided for
this community your whole public career, and I have personally
admired having you as my chairman, and watching you and seeing
how you've led this Committee on such important issues. It is a
true honor and privilege to get to serve with you, and I think
I speak for the entire community that benefits from this
Committee and your work that we are eternally grateful.
I am very excited that we have this panel of witnesses
today. Each of you contribute so much to the conversation that
we're having and so much to the solutions that this Committee
is trying to put forward. I've been very proud to work on and
lead the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act with my colleague,
Senator Casey. It ensures that workers caring for our families
are respected, are protected, and our compensated fairly for
the vital work that they do every day for our families and our
communities.
Ms. Poo, what should we know about how the Domestic Workers
Bill of Rights strengthens the paid care workforce and help
support family caregivers? What change and improvement for
people with disabilities could we expect to see if it was
actually enacted?
Ms. Poo. Thank you so much for your leadership and for this
question, Senator Gillibrand. It's nice to see you. The
Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act will ensure the care
workforce is treated like other workers in our economy with
access to a safe workplace, sick leave, overtime pay, and
protection from discrimination and harassment.
A standards board will allow employers, enforcement
agencies, and workers, to work together to improve conditions,
which will help secure the workforce that then supports
disabled people and family caregivers, people who need the
supports and the services. Family caregivers also support this
bill because they recognize that a protected care workforce is
really the backbone of the economy, and that care work is the
work that makes all other work possible. We must ensure that
these jobs are quality jobs and many domestic workers are also
disabled, so this is about opportunity and security for all of
us.
Senator Gillibrand. Thank you so much. Working age adults
with disabilities remain employed at less than half the rate of
people without disabilities, and are twice as likely to live in
poverty. We have to do much more to support employers and
workplaces that have made employment truly accessible and
inclusive for people with disabilities. Ms. Willman, what are
the biggest obstacles you faced founding the White Cane Coffee
Company, and what about operating it now?
Ms. Willman. I think some of the hardest things that we
faced when we first opened up White Cane Coffee is sort of
getting the word out. Having people take us seriously as a
company. Many people saw us as the cute little coffee shop run
by a blind girl. I am a serious business woman, and I want to
make that clear. I don't want to be just the best blind
business owner. I just want to be the best.
We strive for that every day. I have won international
awards, and I am very proud of that, and even more so, I am
proud of my work staff for helping me achieve these goals.
Senator Gillibrand. How could we help entrepreneurs who
want to start businesses like yours, Ms. Willman?
Ms. Willman. I think what we need to do is, again, treat
them like people and support them in every way we can, and with
having the RISE Act implemented, it will have people be more
educated to be able to start their own businesses, and also, if
we--you know I've lost the word. If we implement
apprenticeships more often, more students will be able to have
firsthand work so that whenever they go to start their own job,
they can feel a sense of confidence. Thank you.
Senator Gillibrand. Mr. Orrell, this is something we
obviously want to work on a bipartisan basis, and I know that
there could be also some tax policies that could help
businesses like the White Cane Coffee Company to be able to
empower their employees with disabilities to live full
independent lives.
I also have met many people with disabilities who had
sponsors to help them do their jobs in the workplace, and to be
an advocate within the workplace for them to make sure that
they can work at their fullest capabilities, so, Mr. Orrell,
what do you think on those topics?
Mr. Orell. Thank you for the question. I think that we need
to focus on the incentive side of the equation which is how can
we support businesses in making this transition? Whether it's
redesigning jobs, redesigning workplaces, or some other kinds
of investments in bringing more disabled people into the
workforce. I think that's far more effective than trying to
impose a mandate on employers.
I think that actually is counterproductive. It builds
resistance. What we need to do is to show business people that
with a combination of the talent that disabled people have, and
the support that they can get through tax incentives and other
incentives that it's a good business decision for them.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, we'll turn
next to Senator Scott.
Senator Rick Scott. Thank you, Chairman. First, I want to
thank everybody for being here. First, Chairman Casey and
Ranking Member Braun, thank you for your service. Chairman
Casey, it's been great to work with you over the past six years
as you highlight the needs of older Americans. I want to thank
you for your hard work over the last couple years in these
Committee meetings. I know it's a lot of work, and you've done
a great job.
Ranking Member Braun, I'm proud to have the opportunity to
call you a friend and a partner on so many things to help
make--work for the American people. We came up at the same
time. You're going to be a great Governor. You're going to do a
great job. I'll do everything I can to help you become the
number one Governor in the country.
We're top co-sponsors of each other's legislation. Over the
past six years, the time we've both been up here, I've joined
71 pieces of legislation from your office, and you've joined 67
for mine. For both of you, I look forward to watching what you
do with your post-Senate careers. I know what Senator Braun's
going to do, and Senator Casey, I wish you the best of luck.
Everyone in the United States, regardless of disability,
deserves to have a chance at the American Dream.
Overregulation, outdated laws inhibiting this need to be
reviewed, cut, and rewritten. For example, as of today,
individuals who are in the supplemental security income program
can only have $2,000 in assets, with couples only allowed
$3,000, jointly. This law hasn't been updated in decades and is
hurting everyday Americans. It's time for a change.
I'm proud to join my colleagues in supporting the SSI
Savings Penalty Elimination Act to encourage financial
stability for individuals in the SSI program. Individuals with
disabilities shouldn't be held back from receiving their
federal benefits due to the government not being compliant with
federal accessibility laws.
In 2022, The Washington Post issued an alarming report that
blind and disabled veterans can't properly access via websites.
That's wrong. Last year, Chairman Casey and I, introduced the
Veterans Accessibility Act to address this issue. I'm happy to
continue this fight in the next Congress to make some
meaningful reforms and help our veterans with disabilities.
Mr. Orrell, how can we ensure that reforms to SSI encourage
work and independence rather than perpetuating dependency?
Mr. Orell. Well, I think the good news is that we are
seeing in the economy, given how robust it has been,
significant improvements in workforce participation. Some of
those people probably in the past might have wound up on
disability payments, so, and this is something that Senator
Braun addressed in his opening statement, which is the most
important factor in keeping people from becoming dependent is a
robust economy that pulls people into the workforce.
I do think that there's a need to address the incentives
within these disability programs so that the first thing that
we're thinking about is employment, and then we think about
whether that person can benefit from access to Social Security
Disability Income, SSI, and other programs, veterans benefits
and so on, so that we have all of the arrows kind of pointed in
the right direction.
Work should be the default and access to benefit programs
should be the exception. I don't want to see anybody who needs
benefits denied, but I do think that we have had a history in
the last several years, or decades really, of using these
disability programs to warehouse people, and I think that's
wrong. It's bad for the economy, it's bad for the people, and
it's something that we really need to revisit across the board
in disability programs.
Senator Rick Scott. What would be your number one market-
based solution to help people that have disabilities?
Mr. Rick Orell. I think that we have to recognize that
mandating higher wages, mandating inclusion policies that
require certain numbers of people with disabilities have the
effect of making access to jobs more difficult for people with
disabilities, so, I think we need to--in some ways, it's things
that we should try to avoid doing if we can avoid the
disincentives toward work.
Senator Rick Scott. Ms. Willman, I look forward to coming
to your coffee shop someday. How would raising the SSI asset
limit impact the ability of individuals with disabilities to
start and grow with their businesses?
Ms. Willman. I believe that they would be less afraid to
make the steps that they need to make, and it takes a lot to
start the business and to have enough assets. Assets will
likely exceed the SSI cap, so, if that has changed, more people
with disabilities would be able to start their own businesses.
Senator Rick Scott. Thank you. Thank you, Chairman. Thank
you, Ranking Member.
The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Scott. As many of those
who attend our hearings know, Senators are in and out. Some
coming to ask questions, some, some here for a period of time
and have to leave for other Committee hearings, other
commitments on a Thursday, so, we'll have some Senators who
will be here for questions and some who won't. I know earlier
we had both Senator Blumenthal and Senator Kelly here, and
we're expecting more Senators in just a little while. I'll
start my questions, and then I'll turn to Ranking Member Braun,
and we'll see where we are with other Senators coming in and
out.
I wanted to direct this question to both Ai-Jen Poo, and
Counselor Brown. As the panel noted, people with disabilities
represent at least 20 percent of the U.S. population, or more
than 65 million people. I think most experts believe that
number might be an under count, but that's roughly the number
that that most people point to.
It's been 34 years since we passed the so-called ADA, the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Yet every day, people with
disabilities continue to face barriers. We hear about this all
the time. Barriers in making a living wage, barriers to
building wealth, barriers to accessing higher education, as
Erin Willman outlined, and of course, barriers to securing
home-and community-based services.
It's those barriers that continue to be the subject of a
lot of our work, and will continue to be part of the challenges
ahead of us, and ahead of the next Senate, the next
administration, and I'm sure many after that.
Despite the many advances that have been made to secure
equal opportunity for people with disabilities, there's still
so much more that we have to do, and I wanted to ask both
Counselor Brown and Ai-Jen Poo with an eye toward the next
Congress and the next administration, what disability policy do
you think is the most important to address? And I know you
might have a list, and that's okay, but if you could just
itemize and maybe prioritize.
Ms. Brown. This is Lydia speaking. Most importantly, for
many people with disabilities, we need to continue to have
access to and increase support for home and community-based
services. These are services that are available and funded
through Medicaid.
I am echoing some of what Ai-Jen shared a few minutes ago
during her testimony. People with disabilities rely upon those
services in order to access employment, to enter the workforce,
to stay in the workforce, to grow their earnings, and
ultimately to grow their savings and to maintain participation
in the mainstream economy. Over the last year, we know that
employment for disabled people, we've calculated, is up 30
percent. That is a dramatic and important increase for people
with disabilities.
With the right supports in place, people with disabilities
are able to work in ways that support their bodies and minds.
We are able to participate in the workplace. We want to
participate in the workplace in ways that work for us, and
ensuring that continued funding and increasing levels
appropriately for Medicaid will guarantee that that can
continue to happen.
We also know that now the ABLE program, which has allowed
many more people with disabilities to continue benefiting from
Medicaid, has resulted in $2 billion--that's billion with a B,
just to clarify, billion with a B - $2 billion saved through
ABLE. There are 187,000 able accounts currently open. That's an
average of $11,000 per account right now. Obviously, individual
accounts might have greater or fewer assets in them.
However, we do know that these provisions allow people with
disabilities to get jobs, to keep those jobs, to save money,
build their wealth for the future, and have a financial future.
Ms. Poo. I will just simply build on Counselor Brown's
thoughts here and say, I would like for Congress to prioritize
your legislation, the Better Care Better Jobs Act. A
breakthrough in that legislation is the knitting together of
investments in services and the workforce, which are truly
interdependent investments. You cannot have more access to
services without a strong workforce in place, and without a
strong workforce there is no foundation for home-and community-
based services.
We were so grateful to have this legislation introduced,
and the momentum that it has gained in the last few years is
extraordinary, and I really hope that Congress will take this
up, and in any case, we should not be entertaining cuts to
Medicaid. 80 million people rely on Medicaid for healthcare and
essential services.
Millions of families rely on Medicaid, home-and community-
based services. If there are threats to Medicaid, lives will be
at stake, and we cannot afford that in this country. It is not
acceptable, and we just hope that this next Congress will
protect Medicaid, and strengthen Medicaid, and invest in
Medicaid home-and community-based services.
The Chairman. Well, Ai-Jen, I wanted to emphasize what you
just said; both the importance of advancing home-and community-
based services legislation, the Better Care Better Jobs Act.
It's better that you said it first than I said it for the next
Congress, the next administration.
I thought it was also noteworthy and significant as well as
you emphasize not cutting Medicaid, which it would be in a
word, catastrophic, for the country and really beyond
catastrophic for the most vulnerable.
You also said on page two of your testimony, the American
Rescue Plan Act resulted in over $36 billion to expand access
to Medicaid home-and community-based services and raise wages
for direct care workers, and then you put in bold, all caps,
all 50 states took this funding because of the extensive need
for care across the country.
I emphasize those words from your testimony because this is
no longer in the realm of theory. We have data now that every
State has embraced this, at least to begin to erect a kind of
foundation for home-and community-based services that does not
exist in the United States of America.
This great country that we are doesn't allow the choice for
an individual, either a senior or a person with a disability to
make the choice to say; I want to have care in my home. I have
a disability. I want to be able to stay in the community. I
don't want to be consigned only to an institutional setting. A
lot of great nursing homes out there, most do a really good
job, but an American ought to have a choice about where they
get their care, where they live. It's basic to our dignity and
our sense of who we are.
I think it was noteworthy that the American Rescue Plan,
which was not bipartisan, but when the dollars were available,
all 50 states embraced it not because they had nothing else to
do, or had some philosophical agreement with those of us who
are advancing this idea, they embraced the dollars because
their constituents, Democrats, Republicans, Independents,
people they represent in these states are telling them, we want
this. This is what we deserve as Americans.
I think any public official who just throws up their hands
and says, "Oh, well, we can't do that. It's too complicated,"
is going to find out that there are going to be people coming
through their front door to demand this, and they should demand
it, and we should, at the federal level, be instrumental in
helping them. I went a little longer there. It's the last
hearing, so.
Senator Braun.
Senator Braun. You are entitled to that, I think. Thank
you. Mr. Orrell, when we put all the resources to significant
issues like this, and in my opening statement talked about the
general economy, which, you know, we've had record inflation
over the last three to four years. The Federal Government has
grown to like 25 percent of our GDP. It's never been 20 percent
before, resources, all of them borrowed to kind of put us into
those stats there, I'm curious, have more disabled individuals
come into employment so we can see what's happened there. What
can you tell us about--has it worked or have the negative
consequences of higher inflation, higher debt--some would say a
robust economy through government, but not in the real economy.
What can we see with real stats there? Has it worked?
Mr. Orell. I would say that it's very important in this to
look across the entire federal budget. The resources going into
disability programs can be very significant. Maybe $450 billion
between SSI, SSDI, VA, Medicare, and Medicaid. It's a lot of
money. We are spending about $4 trillion on regular Medicare,
Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act programs.
It gives us some sense of the proportions that need to be
addressed. I don't think there's a one measure solution to the
budget deficit. I think we've got a big problem across the
federal budget, and there are certainly bigger targets than
disability that we need to address, but disability needs to be
part of the mix.
I would say for the long-term well-being of disabled people
and the economy--or disabled people what they need most is a
strong economy. This isn't an option. Like, it would be nice to
have--it's important to have the programs, and it'd be nice to
have a strong economy.
A strong economy is the most important protective factor
for people with disabilities, because it creates the revenues
that makes it possible to provide the services that people with
disabilities need, and it pulls them into the workforce. It
enhances their dignity as individuals to be able to access
employment. A hot economy does that, it does that better than
anything else we can do.
Senator Braun. Better than what government would be able to
do through directing resources, even particularly at the
problem?
Mr. Orell. Let me say this, I have a son with autism who
has benefited greatly from public services in our school system
in Northern Virginia. He's now enrolled in a vocational
training course run by the State of Virginia. I had a
granddaughter, she passed away, who was severely disabled, and
we needed round the clock nursing coverage for her. I do not
diminish the importance of these programs at all. They do make
a big contribution to the well-being of our citizens.
The question is, do we have people on these benefit
programs that would be better off with accommodations and
supports that would allow them to work? We need their work.
This isn't strictly altruism. We have an extremely tight labor
market. We need to get more out of that labor market.
Senator Braun. Then, has there been a measurement over the
last four years? Have more disabled people come into the
workforce significantly? Has it been flat or has it gone the
other way?
Mr. Orell. I would say, over the last decade, we've seen
significant improvement in people working and disabled people
moving into the workforce.
Senator Braun. Any observation over the last four years
where we've had dramatic inflation and economy has been
government-driven as opposed to private sector-driven?
Mr. Orell. I would say the evidence is mixed. We have seen
a reduction in the number of people on disability that was
driven by some regulatory changes about how we assess
disability. Some of that reduction was due to people aging out
of disability programs, so, it's not exactly clear the answer
to the question, but we do know wage inequality has declined
because of very strong employment market.
We've got more people with disabilities in the workforce,
and I think what that says to me is that a strong economy is
the single most important aspect of what we need to be doing
for people with disabilities.
Senator Braun. One other question. In terms of the
responsibility between the Federal Government and states--I'm
going back to set the agenda, run a State. Generally, they work
with balanced budgets. What's your opinion of how much of the
responsibility should be done here versus there, and which
would be more effective and use the resources more efficiently?
Mr. Orell. I'm a big believer across federal programming
that we need to devolve as much responsibility and authority
over these programs out of Washington into the states. The
states have a much better handle on the needs of their
communities, the needs of the individuals living in those
communities. I think that they need to be in charge as much as
possible in the administration of these programs. The Federal
Government's main role here, I think is providing a baseline
set of resources that is administered by the states, and so,
across the board, this isn't just disability. I think in
workforce programs, it's the same challenge. States, Governors,
local business communities, they know what's needed, and they
need to be empowered to make those decisions.
Senator Braun. Thank you.
The Chairman. Thank you, Ranking Member Braun. I turn next
to Senator Warren.
Senator Warren. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Senator Casey has
been a tireless champion for American families. As Chair of the
Aging Committee, he has been right at the center of fights for
rights for Americans with disabilities lowering the cost of
childcare and elder care, and raising wages for workers.
Megan Lukowski, a caregiver and disability advocate from
Philadelphia, put it this way, "Senator Bob Casey opened his
eyes to our families and saw the needs of our children. He
opened his ears and listened to our lived experience. He opened
his heart and genuinely cared about improving our children's
situation, and as Senator of Pennsylvania time and time again,
he opened his mouth to fight for our kids' access to care and
to their community.
It will always be scary sending a disabled child out into
the world, but with Senator Casey representing us, we could
rest assured, knowing that they had a champion in Washington."
I ask that the statement regarding the chairman's work be
entered in its entirety into the record.
The Chairman. Without objection.
Senator Warren. Thank you. American families need Congress
to continue building on Senator Casey's legacy, but instead,
the big-ticket agenda item for Republicans next year is a $4.5
trillion extension of the Trump tax cuts, mostly for
billionaires and billionaire corporations.
Now, what could $4.5 trillion buy us instead? Well, we
could restore the expanded child tax credit and the child and
dependent care tax credit that Senator Casey helped pass in the
American Rescue Plan to put more money into the pockets of
working families. We could make home care for seniors and
people with disabilities more affordable, as Senator Casey has
championed. We could pass paid leave for every worker so that
no one has to choose between a paycheck or caring for a loved
one who needs help, and we could guarantee affordable childcare
for every family in America.
Now, I listened as Senator Braun and Mr. Orrell talk about
how to build a strong economy, so, I want to pose that same
question. I just want to do it slightly differently. Ms. Poo,
you are president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.
That means that you represent two and a half million domestic
workers. If we're going to spend $4.5 trillion dollars, I just
want to know which is the better investment in our economy
overall. This is not about for individuals, it's just what's
going to make the economy work better? Is it lowering cost for
families and raising wages for care workers on the one hand, or
another tax giveaway largely sucked up by millionaires,
billionaires, and giant corporations? Which is going to promote
our economy more?
Ms. Poo. Senator Warren, thank you so much for that
question. I should hope that if we are going to spend $4.5
trillion, that we're going to spend it on the needs of everyday
American families. The cost of care in this country is
astronomical. Childcare for two children costs more than rent
in every State In America, the lack of paid leave costs
Americans $22 billion annually, and the cost of aging and
disability care at home costs between $62,000 and $280,000 per
year.
Instead of more handouts to billionaires and corporations,
we can afford to ensure every child has access to high quality
early childhood education, every worker in the U.S. has paid
leave. As you said, we can raise wages for hardworking American
families. That seems like the better return on investment.
Senator Warren. I very much appreciate your underscoring
this point. You know, the reminder that when we raise wages for
caregivers, that means there are more caregivers available.
More people will go in, more people will stay in. More people
will make this a part of their careers, and what does that
mean? There are more people who have other jobs that will be
able to go to those jobs?
You know, I think of this as the double investment.
Ms. Poo. Yes.
Senator Warren. The investment that is the right investment
for those who need the care and the families that are
struggling to give it, but also the investment if we want more
workers in our economy, one of the ways we get more workers in
our economy is to have care for those who need care at home.
President Trump and Republicans in Congress have been clear
that their plans to pay for the next tax giveaway to
billionaires and billionaire corporations is to slash
investments that actually grow our economy and support these
good jobs. They plan to cut programs like Social Security.
They're planning higher taxes on everyday items that families
buy like groceries and cash. Next year's tax fight will be an
opportunity to show the American people whose side they are on;
the side of billionaires who are clamoring for more handouts,
or on the side of hardworking Americans.
Chairman Casey, I know which side you are on. I just want
to say thank you for your leadership, for your determination,
and for everything that you have done for American families. It
is an honor to fight alongside you.
The Chairman. Senator Warren, thanks so much for your
comments, and also for the great advocacy that you undertake
every day on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, and the American people, and especially American
families. I'm so grateful for your work, and we will miss
working with you.
Senator Warren. Thank you.
The Chairman. Senator Warnock.
Senator Warnock. Thank you so very much, Chair Casey. I
just want to echo the sentiments of Senator Warren and so many
others, and take this opportunity to thank you so very much for
your fine leadership in the Senate and on this Committee.
Certainly, on behalf of Pennsylvanians, but also on behalf of
Georgians, on behalf of the American people you have been a
dedicated public servant in the tradition of your family
centering the most marginalized members of the human family,
the disabled, the elderly, the poor.
Just the four-years that I've served on this Committee,
you've improved access to healthcare, you've strengthened
protections for seniors, you've centered people with
disabilities so that all Americans can survive can thrive, and
we can have an economy that, that serves the whole country, so,
thank you so much, and I look forward to continuing the great
work on this Committee.
Nearly 15 years after the passage of the Affordable Care
Act, 10 states, including sadly my State of Georgia, have not
fully expanded Medicaid. Georgia has the dubious distinction in
fact of being the only State in the country that currently
requires low-income folks to jump through bureaucratic
paperwork hoops in order to satisfy work requirements to access
Medicaid.
Let me underscore that. That they want you to jump through
these bureaucratic hoops to get healthcare, rather than
recognizing that a baseline of healthcare is necessary to have
a strong workforce. It's been a drag on the Georgia economy to
be sure. Ms. Poo, how do Medicaid work requirements, in your
view, affect people with disabilities?
Ms. Poo. Senator Warnock, Medicaid work requirements, in
general, quite simply do not work. The vast majority of
Medicaid enrollees are working.
Senator Warnock. Right.
Ms. Poo. Period. The remaining enrollees are family
caregivers, students, disabled people, who may not be working
for very legitimate reasons, including lack of access to
caregiving services.
Work requirements are also administratively so burdensome,
as you referred to states spend millions of dollars to set up
systems to manage work requirements. Meanwhile, disabled people
are particularly harmed by Medicaid work requirements because
of the lack of accessible formats for work reporting in State
systems, barriers to receiving reasonable and accommodations in
order to work employment discrimination, and the high burden of
proof to qualify as disabled.
Instituting work requirements means disabled people, family
caregivers, direct care workers who provide critical care,
disabled people, and older adults caught in red tape, lose
their health insurance, and suffer, all while costing State
budgets millions in administrative costs that should simply
just be going toward making sure people have healthcare.
Senator Warnock. I appreciate your clarifying the
consequences of these political talking points that folks make,
because that's what it is. It's not reality. It is talking
points.
I'll give you another example from Georgia. There was a
young woman whom I had the honor of meeting. Her name is
Heather. Heather is a traveling nurse from Dalton, Georgia, and
she falls in the Medicaid coverage gap that unfortunately we
still have in Georgia. I brought her with me as my guest for
the State of the Union address, and I've been dealing with
addressing this Medicaid gap since long before I came to the
Senate.
After experiencing a series of small strokes that left her
unable to work full-time, Heather started the very lengthy
process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance,
SSI, which will allow her to automatically qualify for
Medicaid. While she waits for a decision on whether she meets
the strict requirements of SSI, Heather, who is a nurse who
dedicated her life to caring for patients, ironically, can't
afford to pay for her own medical care out-of-pocket because
she doesn't have enough to qualify subsidy for subsidies to buy
private insurance.
That's a tragic irony. It's a woman who spent her life
attending to other people's healthcare needs, and she's stuck
in the healthcare gap in Georgia. Ms. Poo, should we be making
it easier or harder for folks with disabilities for like
Heather to access affordable healthcare, and why?
Ms. Poo. Senator, we should always be making it easier for
people to access healthcare. For millions of disabled people
with high health needs, Medicaid is a critical lifeline to care
that prevents unnecessary hospitalizations, improves health
outcomes, and helps bring people who can work into the
workforce.
People with disabilities cannot afford cuts to Medicaid,
and let me be clear, that work requirements equate to massive
cuts to the program that would lead to less services for
healthcare and care in the home. In Georgia alone, more than
7,000 people are already on waiting lists for Medicaid, home-
and community-based services. Services they depend on for their
very basic needs. We have the opportunity to invest in Medicaid
and ensure that more people can have access to healthcare, and
the aging and disability care in the community they deserve.
Senator Warnock. Just so it's clear to the folks who are
listening, non-elderly adult caregivers, who make under 100
percent of the federal poverty level, are they eligible for
Medicaid in Georgia?
Ms. Poo. No, they're not.
Senator Warnock. Caregiving is not a qualifying activity
for the work requirement. Is that correct?
Ms. Poo. That is correct.
Senator Warnock. Thank you for your advocacy. Again,
Senator Casey, thank you for your incredible work on this and
so many other issues. I could say so much about Bob Casey, but
it's better said really by his own constituents, and if he
would just give me a moment as chair, the following testimonial
is from Anna, a mother and an advocate from Hanover,
Pennsylvania.
She said, "I brought my children to meet Senator Casey in
his office in DC in the summer of 2017. I wanted him to hear
our story. I wanted him to understand what Medicaid had done
for our family, how it lifted us out of poverty and saved us
from losing our home." She said, "I quickly learned that
Senator Casey already had a deep understanding of the positive
impacts of Medicaid. He listened intently to our story, and
that day he became connected to our family. When speaking of
Senator Casey, I always tell people," she said, "he's the real
deal. He truly cares about his constituents. He remembers their
names, he remembers their stories."
Please know that your absence in the Senate will be mourned
by both the disabled and able-bodied people, not only of
Pennsylvania, but of Georgia people all across the country.
Thank you for representing us so well. Thank you for your
service to all of us.
I ask that this statement regarding the chairman's work be
entered, if the Chairman does not object----in its entirety,
into the record.
The Chairman. Without objection. Thank you, Senator
Warnock, for referencing a constituent of mine, so many of them
that you've worked with and I've worked with in our states take
on these battles, to be advocates, and sometimes against long
odds, and to stop the kind of cuts that were presented in those
days, but will be likely part of the dialog next year, so, I
know you'll be in that fight. Thank you, Senator.
Senator Warnock. Thank you, sir.
The Chairman. Appreciate it. I just have a couple more
questions. I wanted to get to a question earlier to Erin
Willman about subminimum wage. Erin, you shared in your
testimony how you started the White Cane Coffee Company because
of lack of job opportunities that you and your brothers faced
as people with disabilities. You made it a priority to pay your
employees a fair wage and to provide high quality jobs.
Unfortunately, that's not the case for all employers. The
Department of Labor has recently announced a proposed rule to
phaseout subminimum wages to workers with disabilities, but we
all know that more work needs to be done to make this goal a
reality. I have bipartisan legislation to do that, and we're
working even these last number of days of the year and of my
time in the Senate to pass that.
Erin, I wanted to ask you, what advice would you give to
employers, because you are one, and to people with disabilities
about how to ensure full equitable access to both fair wages
and high-quality jobs?
Ms. Willman. Thank you, Senator Casey. I think that
employers should really do their research to see what benefits
they can find to be able to pay their employees a proper for
wage. It is difficult out here for us, and so we are doing our
best, and for the employees, they should know their worth, and
know that what they put into the job, they will get out of it,
especially if you find the job that does pay a livable wage.
The Chairman. Well, your testimony is especially
significant and compelling because you see these issues from
the perspective of someone who lives with a disability and also
someone who has been an employer, and a successful employer,
and an employer of people with disabilities, so, we're grateful
for that perspective.
Mayor McDevitt, I wanted to ask you a question about the
issues you raised about running for elected office which, which
I have done not with the challenges and barriers that you
faced, and I wanted to thank you for sharing your story. You've
shared with me and with our colleagues the challenges you faced
as a person with disabilities running for elected office, and
the lack of funding for reasonable accommodations for elected
officials with disabilities to perform their duties once
they're elected.
You are the inspiration for a bill that I introduced called
the Accessibility and Inclusion to Diversity Local Government
Leadership Act, which you made reference to. However, there is
a lot more work to do to ensure that people with disabilities
are represented in all levels of office.
Mr. Mayor, as we look to the future, what can we do to help
reduce barriers for people with disabilities to run for and
serve in public office?
Mr. McDevitt. Thank you, Senator Casey. As I mentioned the
bill that you introduced, the AID Act, the Accessibility and
Inclusion for Diversity Local Governance Leadership Act, would
be a huge step in the right direction because it would remove
the cost of accommodations for anyone who wishes to run or
campaign today.
Now, for example, it feels like open season. Any issue can
become politicized, so, by removing the cost of accommodations
from the discussion, we can focus on the person's abilities,
their ability to represent people in their community. One
wonderful example of this in the past with Senator Fetterman's
election, people questioned his ability to represent the State,
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, because the accommodations
became an issue that should not have been an issue. It should
not have been for discussion. Local governments are probably
the most accessible place for people to start in terms of the
political field, so, your Act would ensure that all politicians
of both parties would be welcome to the table, and that would
be a key first step.
The Chairman. Thank you very much, and thanks for being
both an advocate and a model for those who would seek to run
for public office with a disability. We're grateful for that,
and, of course, that inspiration has spread, I think, at least
across our State, and I'm sure well beyond. Because, of course,
Erin ran for State representative and we're grateful that she
took on that challenge, and Erin, if I know anything about
politics, you can run again, so, don't let that be your last
election after you make a lot of money in that coffee company.
I wanted to close. Ai-Jen, I wanted to see if there's
anything else you wanted to add to the record, or anyone else
for that matter. If you have anything else you wanted, you can
certainly add written statements to the record that would
amplify or, or, or add to your testimony.
Ms. Poo. Mr. Chairman, before I end my time, I would like
to take a moment to read a message from one of your
Pennsylvania constituents. It's a statement from Dr. Amy
Houtrow, physician and disability advocate from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, the city where I was born, actually.
"In the disability justice movement, you often hear the
rallying cry, nothing about us without us. Senator Casey has
taken this to heart, and brings people with disabilities to the
table. Make sure they have a seat at that table, and a voice
that is heard and respected. In a world where people with
disabilities are marginalized, disregarded, dehumanized, and
discarded, Senator Casey has used his authority, time, and
efforts to elevate issues faced by disabled people."
Pennsylvanians, especially disabled Pennsylvanians, and all
disabled Americans, have a champion in Senator Casey. I know
that even after his Senate term ends, we still will.
I ask that the statement regarding the chairman's work be
entered in its entirety into the record.
The Chairman. Without objection.
Again, Ai-Jen, thank you for reading that into the record
in this last hearing. I'm reminded, I was sitting here in an
Aging Committee hearing back about, gosh, it must be a decade
ago now. More than a decade, 12 years ago. The chairman of the
Aging Committee then was Herb Kohl from Wisconsin, and Herb was
a pretty low-key person, and apparently before the hearing, he
instructed everyone not to make statements that would be
laudatory of the chairman, and they did it anyway.
I know now I know what Herb was feeling, what he was
thinking at that moment, but I'm so grateful for those
statements about my service, and in particular, the service of
those who have served with me, and my staff, and for purposes
of today, especially the aging Committee staff, which I'll make
reference to in a moment, but because of time, we do have to
wrap up, and I will there may be more questions for the record
that we will submit for our witnesses, but I do want to start
by thanking our witnesses for their, their testimony and the,
the unique expertise that they bring to a hearing like this.
Both expertise that has its origin in their academic work, as
advocates, or researchers, or experts in the field, but also
that they bring to bear their own personal experience when they
come to testify at this hearing and hearings like that we've
had in the Aging Committee, so, we're grateful for that. We're
grateful for their testimony.
We know that based upon what we've heard today, there's a
lot more work that must be done to protect the lives of and the
rights of individuals with disabilities. Whether it's living
wages or wealth building access to higher education, accessible
technology, home-and community-based services, and
accessibility to ensure civic participation, these are just a
few, not an exhaustive list of the many issues that people with
disabilities face every day.
As Ai-Jen Poo just made reference to, there's a constant
refrain over the years from the disability community; Nothing
about us, without us. My job as chairman of this Committee has
never been to speak on behalf of seniors, or on behalf of
people with disabilities, or the disability community. My job
has been instead to be an advocate, as best I could do it, to
be an advocate and to work as chairman to raise up the voices
of both older Americans and people with disabilities.
As I said in my opening statement, and we've heard from our
witnesses, this work is not done. There's a lot more work to
do, and we all have an obligation to do that work. Elected
officials play a role. Advocates play a role. The business
community plays a role. Every segment of society, every sector
of our economy has a role to play in lifting up and affirming
the rights of and the dignity of, and the contributions of
people with disabilities, so we've got to continue to advance
disability policy that makes it possible for people with
disabilities to be fully engaged Americans to lead full lives,
to enjoy the full measure of American freedom.
I want to express my gratitude, in particular, for the work
we've done, to the Aging Committee staff, led by our staff
director, Lizzie Letter, who's over my left shoulder, and
Michael Gamal McCormick, who's right over my right, and your
left with that cool green tie on. Michael, and Lizzie, and
their team have been extraordinary advocates in their own
right, as well as Aging Committee staffers; working on
hearings, working on research and investigations, and other
work on behalf of seniors and on behalf of people with
disabilities.
I will, without objection, enter into the record a list of
Aging Committee staff members who are members of the staff as
of December 2024, as we conclude this 118th Congress.
I also note for the record that we have a former Aging
Committee Staff Director, Kate Mevis, who's in the audience
sitting next to our incomparable Chief of Staff, Kristen
Gentile, for their work. Kristen, presently, and for over many
years, and Kate, when she was a member of the Aging Committee
staff and leading that staff in those years, and without
objection ranking member Braun's closing State will be made
part of the hearing record.
Again, I've enjoyed working with Ranking Member Braun, and
wish him well in his next assignment in public service, and
once again, I want to thank the witnesses, and frankly, by
extension, all the witnesses who have appeared before our
Committee over the years for their contributions.
I have 35 statements for the record, some of which we heard
today from Pennsylvania constituents that I'll enter into the
record without objection.
If any Senators have additional questions for the witnesses
or statements to be added, the hearing record will be kept open
until next Wednesday, December the 18th.
Let me conclude with just a couple of thoughts about
disability policy. We know, as I made reference to earlier, the
Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990, set four goals
for people with disabilities. Number one, economic security.
Number two, full participation. Number three, independent
living, and number four, equal opportunity.
We've made great strides on all four, but the full
realization of those four goals still lies ahead of us. Not
just ahead of us, for those who will be serving in Congress,
but lies ahead of us as Americans. We all play a role in
advancing those goals.
I leave my chairmanship of this Committee with a charge for
everyone to continue to build on that progress and to
ultimately achieve those goals. It's been an honor
to serve as chair of this Special Committee on Aging. It's
been an honor to serve in the Senate these 18 years.
I want to thank you-all for participating today. This
concludes our hearing. Thank you.
[Whereupon, at 11:47 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
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APPENDIX
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Prepared Witness Statements
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U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Prepared Witness Statement
Brent Orrell
Chairman Casey, Ranking Member Braun and members of the
committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify on the
critical issues facing aging and disabled members of the
American workforce. I'd like to frame my remarks on this topic
in two different but interrelated dimensions of concern: the
practical demands of the American economy and the moral
requirements of American society.
The largest single factor shaping the nation's economic
future is demographics. Like all developed countries, America's
population growth is slowing and, as a result, it is also
aging. In 1960, the fertility rate in the U.S. was 3.6 children
per woman. Today that figure has fallen to 1.6 children per
woman. Over the same period, the median age has risen from 29.5
years to 38.9 years. Between 2000 and 2005, our working-age
population grew by 12 million workers; that is in stark
contrast to the more recent period between 2017 and 2022, in
which our workforce grew by just 1.7 million.
Demographics are the chief driver of economic growth and
living standards. Demographically older countries work less,
buy less, consume fewer non-health related services, and are
generally less economically dynamic. Our own country is not
exempt from these realities. While we cannot quickly produce
more people, we can do more to engage economically and socially
marginalized populations-older workers, individuals with
physical and cognitive disabilities, people with criminal
records, and others-to help sustain and maximize economic
growth. From the standpoints of worker shortages and economic
dynamism, we literally do not have a single person to waste.
This brings us to the moral dimension. Being an American
means believing in the intrinsic dignity and worth of each
individual. Work is one of the most important ways we have to
express and develop that dignity. Free markets allow us to
align our interests, knowledge and skills to the needs of the
broader economy and our fellow citizens. This need for
recognition, connection, and community, and the satisfactions
of contributing to the larger whole, is just as essential to
older and disabled Americans as it is to anyone else.
If we fail to recognize, understand, and support the
dignity-reciprocity dynamic that work enables, we are not just
hobbling ourselves economically, we are failing to honor the
nation's most important idea: that every human being is
entitled to equality and dignity. To do well economically, we
must also do good morally, paying special attention to those
like older and disabled workers, who might otherwise find
themselves left behind in the race of life.
Workforce Inclusion: Dignity and Opportunity for All
How are we doing in honoring our commitments to older and
disabled workers?
The percentage of Americans aged 65 and older who are
working or actively seeking work is steadily rising, with 19.2
percent now participating in the labor force. While this may
seem modest, it reflects a significant shift: in 2000, only 25
percent of post-retirement-age seniors had jobs, compared to 32
percent today. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by
2032, 8.6 percent of the U.S. labor force will be composed of
older workers, up from 6.6 percent in 2022. For the reasons I
outlined, we will need their contributions. Better health and
longer lives are making that higher level of participation
possible.
The labor market participation of individuals with
disabilities has also seen notable improvements, although
significant disparities remain. In 2023, 22.5 percent of people
with disabilities were employed-the highest rate since
comparable data collection began in 2008. By comparison,
however, this rate is still about one-third that of workers
without disabilities. Similarly, the unemployment rate for
individuals with disabilities -people who have lost jobs and
are actively seeking work -is double that for the general
population.
These data underscore the barriers that many workers with
disabilities face in accessing employment opportunities. These
can include physical limitations or systemic disadvantages like
bias or lack of accommodations that would make it possible for
them to work. Even among workers with disabilities who do have
jobs, many are unable to find full-time jobs that provide
benefits like health insurance and retirement. About half of
all people with disabilities are also over age 65 further
magnifying the barriers they face in seeking and finding work.
Technology's Role in Workforce Inclusion
Technology has added considerably to the "tool-box" that
enables employment for workers with disabilities. Advances in
artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and assistive
technologies are opening new pathways for individuals
traditionally excluded from the workforce.
Technologies such as screen readers, voice recognition
software, and AI-powered communication tools can remove
barriers to employment. These innovations enable individuals to
perform tasks that were once inaccessible, leveling the playing
field and expanding opportunities. Similarly, the growing
sophistication of technologies like robotic exoskeletons and
other assistive devices can enhance mobility for those with
physical disabilities, allowing them to engage in previously
out of reach occupations.
For older adults, technology offers opportunities to remain
active in the workforce by mitigating physical or cognitive
limitations. AI-driven tools like large language models and
automation systems can simplify complex tasks, while telework
platforms and collaboration software allow older workers to
contribute to the economy without leaving their homes.
Moreover, technologies that facilitate lifelong learning-such
as online education platforms and virtual reality training
simulations-can help older workers acquire new skills and adapt
to evolving job demands.
The promise of technology will not be realized without
intentional design and implementation. Policymakers must ensure
that new technologies are accessible and affordable for all
workers. One way of achieving this is to increase tax
incentives to businesses that undertake redesign of their
workplaces and job requirements to make them friendlier to
those facing limitations. A similar approach could be used to
encourage business investment in employee training for those
with and without disabilities. Partnerships between government,
industry, and educational institutions can help develop
inclusive technologies while equipping workers with the skills
needed to use them effectively.
At AEI, our scholars are engaged in a variety of research
efforts looking at the impact of AI and other emerging
technologies on education, training, and work as we seek ways
to fulfill our mission of promoting opportunity for those at
the periphery of American society. This research will
undoubtedly reveal other ways public policy can help older and
disabled Americans make their invaluable contributions to our
society and economy.
The Path Forward
To build a more inclusive and dynamic workforce, we must
take a holistic approach that combines policy innovation,
technological advancement, and cultural change. I offer three
recommendations for your consideration:
1. Promote Inclusive Employment Practices: Encourage
businesses to adopt flexible work arrangements, provide
reasonable accommodations, and foster inclusive workplace
cultures. Public recognition programs and tax incentives can
reward employers who lead in this area.
2. Invest in Education and Training: Expand access to
lifelong learning programs that enable older adults and people
with disabilities to gain new skills. Targeted funding for
community colleges, workforce development initiatives, and
vocational rehabilitation programs can help bridge skill and
training gaps.
3. Leverage Technology for Inclusion: Support
research and development of assistive technologies and ensure
that federal job training programs prioritize inclusive tech
solutions for the workforce. Expanding access to broadband and
other digital tools are key to improving access to work for
disadvantaged groups.
In closing, the issues we face-a dynamic economy that needs
workers and demographic changes that are limiting the number of
new workers available-are formidable, but not insurmountable.
By fostering workforce inclusion for older and disabled
Americans, we not only address economic challenges but also
reaffirm our commitment to the dignity and potential of every
American. Together, we can build a labor market that reflects
our values and strengthens our economy.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to answering
your questions.
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Prepared Witness Statement
Erin Willman
Hello, I am Erin Willman. I am the founder and CEO of White
Cane Coffee, and I would like to thank Chairman Casey and
Ranking Member Braun, along with the rest of the members of the
Aging Committee for inviting me to speak on subjects that both
I and many in the disabled community face.
A lot has happened since I was here in February. I have
received an incredible number of calls and emails from disabled
persons and organizations that assist the blind and disabled.
The common theme of those messages is that things are actually
changing. We are not yet where we need to be when it comes to
disability access and acceptance, but we are getting there. It
brings me great joy when I hear of disabled people in my
community getting good paying jobs and not being relegated to
sheltered workshops for less than minimum wage.
A few weeks ago, an engineer from a large manufacturer in
our county, visited our coffee factory to see how we adapted
our workspaces and machinery to accommodate our employees. He
honestly wants his company to be inclusive. I consider this as
a huge step forward. On a side note, I had the honor to run for
PA State Representative for District 65. Even though I lost the
election, I found that the majority of people I met were
accepting of me as a viable candidate. The best part of the
experience was having younger people come up to me and tell me
that because of my running for office, they too now feel that
they can also create change in their community in both large
and small ways.
Today I would like to talk about accessible education and
how it can be bettered with the RISE Act. People ask me all the
time if I went to college. The answer I am sorry to say is
"No." Despite the fact that I graduated high school at the age
of 15, I felt wholly unprepared for the challenges that my
disability would bring me in a college setting. However, my
hope is that others in the disabled community won't feel that
trepidation when they seek out higher education, but I
recognize that there are things that need to be changed for
that to happen.
At this time, people with disabilities who wish to go to
college and need accommodations to be successful have to prove
that they are disabled through costly testing, even if they
were born with a disability or have previous documentation from
when they were in high school.
I remember how nerve-wracking it was for those in my life
who were heading off to college. I can't imagine putting more
stress on a person with a disability because they must prove
their disability to get the support they need to thrive. If a
person already has documentation that they are disabled that
should be sufficient. I don't believe that any prospective
student who somehow miraculously became able bodied would try
to ask for the same assistance they had before when they were
disabled.
While proving that a person has a disability is
disheartening enough, there is also the issue that many schools
make it difficult to find out what sort of assistance and
accommodations are available to disabled students. When looking
into what college a student wants to attend, they have to comb
through websites, visit the campus, and even, in some cases,
contact the administration personally just to find out if the
school has the accommodations that they would need to access
the education offered by the college. If one school does not
have the accommodations a particular student needs, the student
will have to repeat the search process as many times as needed
until they can find a school that is suitable. Not only can
this process be stressful, it can also be so disheartening as
to possibly turn them away from the idea of going to college at
all. It doesn't have to be this way though. If schools were
upfront and transparent about what accommodations are available
the stress of finding the right school would be lessened
significantly, making the transition into higher education
easier.
Now I believe it is time to give the spotlight to our
educators. We have all, at one point in our lives, had a
teacher who has inspired and helped us find our path in life,
so, I believe that they should have help to continue that work
on a wider scale. It is an unfortunate truth that many teachers
do not have the training that they need to accommodate a
student with a disability. However, under the RISE Act this is
a problem with an easy solution. The RISE Act would allocate
funds to college administrations so that their faculty has the
tools and know how to be able to teach all of their students,
so they are able to thrive in their classroom. By educating our
educators, our colleges can be a place where everyone can
succeed no matter what.
I have always been extremely passionate about education. I
believe that it can open doors and build bridges. It can lead
to good jobs and a better life. Education expands a person's
opportunities in life. It's why I work so closely with many
schools for the disabled, so those students can create a
brighter, more inclusive future. America is known as the land
of opportunity. By implementing the RISE Act many disabled
people across the nation will have the opportunity to seek out
higher education without the worry that they would not belong.
Something as simple as that would change their lives. If you
change one life you change the world. It is time to change the
world.
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Prepared Witness Statement
Lydia Brown
My name is Lydia Xinzhen Zhangsun Brown and I am the
director of public policy at National Disability Institute as
well as a proudly disabled advocate. Thank you for the
opportunity to provide testimony before the Committee today.
Disabled people represent at least 20 percent of the U.S.
population or more than 65 million people, although the real
number is likely higher than current surveys indicate,
including people who have newly acquired disabilities due to
long COVID.\1\ Our community faces deep economic disparities
with poverty\2\ and unemployment\3\ rates for people with
disabilities about twice those of nondisabled people along with
higher rates of homelessness\4\ and food insecurity.\5\
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\1\ See Bonnielin K. Swenor, "A Need For Disability Data Justice,"
Health Affairs, Aug. 22, 2022, https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/
forefront/need-disability-data-justice?ref=disabilitydebrief.org;
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Disability and Health Data
System, "Disability Impacts All of Us," Jul. 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/
ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html
(estimating close to 28%). But see U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 American
Community Survey (ACS) Content Test report for Disability, Nov. 13,
2023, https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/working-papers/
2023/acs/2023--Steinweg--01.pdf (noting current Census estimates at
only 13.9% of the population and estimating drop to 8.1% if the Census
altered its measurement of disability).
\2\ Office of Disability Employment Policy, Spotlight on Women with
Disabilities, U.S. Department of Labor, Mar. 2021, https://www.dol.gov/
sites/dolgov/files/ODEP/pdf/Spotlight-on-Women-with-Disabilities-March-
2021.pdf, based on 2019 data by gender, disability status, and using
the official poverty measure for means-tested program eligibility and
2020 data from the Current Population Survey. 2020 Annual Social and
Economic Supplement, U.S. Census Bureau, https://www.dol.gov/sites/
dolgov/files/ODEP/pdf/Spotlight-on-Women-with-Disabilities-March-
2021.pdf (as analyzed by NDI with Asset Funders Network)
\3\ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Persons
with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics-2022, Press Release,
Feb. 23, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/disabl.pdf.
\4\ Jaboa Lake, Valerie Novack, & Mia Ives-Rublee, "Recognizing and
Addressing Housing Insecurity for Disabled Renters," Center for
American Progress, May 27, 2021, https://www.americanprogress.org/
article/recognizing-addressing-housing-insecurity-disabled-renters;
Pooja Paode (2020), "Housing for Adults with Autism And/or Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities: Shortcomings of Federal Programs,"
Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Center for Public Policy. https://
www.researchgate.net/profile/Pooja-Paode/publication/346041472--
Housing--for--Adults--with--Autism--andor--Intellectual--and--
Developmental--Disabili ties--Shortcomings--of--Federal--Programs/
links/5fb8202c92851c933f47f1eb/Housing-for-Adults-with-Autism-and-or-
Intellectual-and-Developmental-Disabilities-Shortcomings-of-Federal-
Programs.pdf.
\5\ Coleman-Jensen, A. & Nord, N. (2013). Disability is an
Important Risk Factor for Food Insecurity, United States Department of
Agriculture, Economic Research Service. http://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-
waves/2013-may/disability-is-an-important-risk-factor-for-food-
insecurity.aspx#.Vt3GrPkrKUk.
According to our research with the Financial Health
Network, disabled people are more than twice as likely to be
financially vulnerable as nondisabled people.\6\
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\6\ Andrew Warren, Wanjira Chege, Meghan Greene, & Lisa Berdie
(August 2023), RESEARCH PAPER: THE FINANCIAL HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES: KEY OBSTACLES AND OPPORTUNITIES, Financial Health
Network, National Disability Institute, The Harkin Institute, &
Principal Foundation, https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/wp-
content/uploads/2023/09/the-financial-health-of-people-with-
disabilities-report-final-0923.pdf at 15.
Only 51% of working-age disabled adults are confident
they can pay their bills on time and 46% of disabled adults
carry more debt than they can manage.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ Id. at 6.
Fewer women with disabilities, disabled people of
color, and LGBTQ+ people with disabilities are financially
healthy than people with disabilities who are men, white, or
non-LGBTQ+.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ Id. See generally also, Nanette Goodman, Michael Morris, Kelvin
Boston, National Disability Institute, FINANCIAL INEQUALITY:
DISABILITY, RACE AND POVERTY IN AMERICA, https://
www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/
disability-race-poverty-in-america.pdf.
Over 30% of disabled households have an income below
$15,000 - a rate 5.6 times higher than for households without a
disability - and those numbers are substantially higher for
Latinx and Black households with disabilities.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ Ramonia Rochester, Elizabeth Jennings, Joe Antolin, & Christi
Baker (June 2023), ADVANCING ECONOMIC JUSTICE FOR PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES, National Disability Institute & Asset Funders Network,
https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/
afn--2023--persons-with-disabilities--brief.pdf at 14.
These economic disparities in earnings, savings, banking,
and wealth building are exacerbated for the many people with
disabilities who rely on means-tested public benefits to
survive. Many disabled people rely on Medicaid as the sole
provider of long-term supports and services - help with eating,
taking meds, getting dressed, and even positioning their bodies
- that can keep people in their own homes instead of nursing
homes and institutions, as well as enable people to enter and
remain in the mainstream workforce. Eligibility for Medicaid,
however, is tied to eligibility for Supplemental Security
Income or SSI. A beneficiary is prohibited from having more
than $2,000 in countable assets if single and $3,000 between
both spouses if married - asset limits that were last updated
in 1989.
A person with a disability who wants to work and is able to
work for any amount of hours is precluded from seeking the same
array of opportunities as a nondisabled person if that disabled
person relies on Medicaid-funded support to live at home or get
to work. Some disabled people turn down promotions, hours
increases and raises in order to maintain eligibility for
Medicaid because accepting the increased wages would not cover
the gap if they lost their benefits. These asset limits can
force people to choose between going without necessary
medication or paying their light bills, or buying enough food,
or making rent. An emergency bill of $2,100 - a modest amount
for some hospital stays - could leave a disabled person on SSI
with no savings at all and snowballing consequences of carrying
the debt.
Ten years ago, Senator Casey's leadership in introducing
and passing The ABLE Act changed the game. People whose
disabilities began before age 26 can now access a savings
vehicle that can conserve up to $100,000 total without their
savings counting against them in determining eligibility for
SSI and Medicaid. Money in an ABLE account can be used for a
wide range of qualified disability expenses, including
otherwise unaffordable assistive technology and health care, as
well as educational and employment related costs. For many
disabled people on Medicaid, an ABLE account is also their only
available means to save for retirement.
In recent years, NDI also championed Senator Casey's
leadership in passing multiple improvements to ABLE, including
the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, which widened ABLE eligibility to
people whose disabilities began by the age of 46, a provision
that comes into effect a year from now and will ensure
eligibility for more than 6.2 million additional people with
disabilities including one million veterans.
As we look forward to the future of the ABLE program, we
know there are many opportunities for further growth and
improvement, especially to benefit the most impoverished people
with disabilities, who may not be able to make contributions to
an ABLE account, and disabled people who are working and
earning enough to make contributions in excess of the current
$18,000 annual limit.
Members of the Senate are currently considering a range of
improvements for the ABLE program, all of which would greatly
increase financial capability for people with disabilities. The
ABLE Direct Deposit Act and The ABLE Employment Flexibility Act
would codify common-sense improvements like allowing direct
deposits and employer retirement contributions into an ABLE
account. The ABLE Awareness Act, The ABLE Tomorrow Act, and The
ENABLE Act would collectively support engagement and education
efforts around ABLE to increase enrollment for eligible
beneficiaries, protect against Medicaid clawbacks after a
beneficiary's death, and allow one-time lump sum contributions
over the annual limit. Language in these bills would also
permanently adopt provisions allowing additional contributions
to ABLE accounts for working people with disabilities, a
saver's credit for ABLE contributions, and rollovers from 529
education savings accounts to ABLE accounts.
Opportunities remain for increasing economic opportunity
and participation for people with disabilities, who deserve to
have the full range of financial choices and freedom as people
without disabilities. Future legislative efforts can expand
eligibility to more people with disabilities, protect rights of
youth in the foster system and adults under guardianship, and
increase disabled people's ability to save for retirement on
par with nondisabled people. I believe in a future where all
people - both disabled and nondisabled - can be assured of
basic economic security and opportunity. This includes a future
in which disabled workers can save for retirement on par with
nondisabled workers and disabled people have no ceiling on the
amount of income they can earn and savings they can build -
just like everyone else.
Thank you again for the opportunity to speak before this
Committee today. I urge you to continue championing policies
that advance equity, financial inclusion, and economic
opportunity for people with disabilities. Together, we can
create a society where all people have the resources and
opportunities to achieve financial stability and economic
security.
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Prepared Witness Statement
Mayor Neil McDevitt
As a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I'm
heartened to sit before Senators Casey and Fetterman on this
special day. Ranking Member Braun and other members of the
Committee, thank you for welcoming me today.
I sit before you today as the Mayor of North Wales Borough,
an amazing community of 3,400 residents in Montgomery County
just outside of Philadelphia. That may not be remarkable in
itself - there are, after all, over 519,000 elected officials
in the United States today.\1\ I am unique in that I am, as far
as we're able to tell, the first Deaf person to be elected to
the office of Mayor that uses American Sign Language as their
primary means of communication.
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\1\ https://poliengine.com/blog/how-many-politicians-are-there-in-
the-us
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Concurrently with my role as Mayor, I am also the Executive
Director of the Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, a regional
nonprofit organization providing critical services to the Deaf,
hard of hearing, and DeafBlind community members in the
Philadelphia region. I previously served with the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in their Office of
Disability Integration and Coordination. I also worked at
Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inc. (TDI)
managing their emergency management grants. I also served my
community as a volunteer firefighter for eight years, as one of
the few disabled individuals nationally certified to do
interior firefighting. I am also a proud alum of Gallaudet
University right here in Washington, DC.
As an elected official who uses American Sign Language and
the first one in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - we find out
very quickly what barriers exist for us in doing our jobs
effectively.
Deaf individuals like myself represent a unique aspect of
the disabled community, in that the accommodations that make
our jobs possible are operational costs. For most disability
accommodations, the cost to retrofit a building or provide a
device to make it accessible to individuals with disabilities
is a capital cost that can be amortized over the lifetime of
the facility/device.
For me, the cost of an interpreter is essentially a direct
charge against the profit/loss ledger, or in the parlance of
local government, represents a cost that taxpayer dollars
cover.
In a tiny community like North Wales, I'm blessed that the
Borough Council and Borough Manager wisely had funds set aside
in their budgets long before I was elected to ensure
accommodations for people with disabilities. I know that this
is fairly unique to small communities across the United States.
The sad truth is that I don't have enough funds available to
cover all of my interpreting needs and I need to pick and
choose where I spend those funds.
Senator Casey, I shared the challenges I had with you and
your colleagues. In your research, you also found another
barrier that exists for people with disabilities that want to
get involved in politics. That is, if a person with a
disability simply runs for any office (paid, barely paid, or
unpaid) - they can lose their Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) income,
even if they don't raise any money or they lose their election.
In two separate Congressional sessions, Senator Casey
introduced two bills. The "Removing Access Barriers to Running
for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act" would
address the discriminatory language in the Social Security Act
that penalized people with disabilities for running for office
(S.3747/HR.7351).\2\
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\2\ https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/removing--access--
barriers--to--elected--office--one--pager.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The second was "The AID (Accessibility and Inclusion to
Diversify) Local Government Leadership Act of 2024" to address
my challenge, that is, for small communities like North Wales
Borough, it would establish a grant to reimburse those
municipalities for accommodation expenses they incur for any
elected and appointed officials with disabilities (S.3749/
HR.7350).\3\
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\3\ https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/aid--local--
government--leadership--one--pager.pdf
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These bills are a critical step towards addressing a
glaring gap in the demographics of our elected officials. Out
of the 519,000+ elected officials across the country, I am
personally aware of only five who use American Sign Language
nationally today. If we extrapolated the total number of users
of American Sign Language\4\ nationally today and applied that
to total elected officials, we should have over 1,550 elected
officials using American Sign Language.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ https://gallaudet.edu/wp-content/uploads/gcloud/gal-media/
Documents/Research-Support-and-International-Affairs/ASL--Users.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extending that further - current estimates say that 10% of
all elected officials have a disability of some type,\5\ but
28.7% of the population has a disability.\6\ The unfortunate
conclusion is that our elected officials are not representative
of the people they serve.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ https://disnetwork.org/the-lack-of-politicians-with-
disabilities-is-a-systemic-issue/
\6\ https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-
disability-impacts-all.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the recent Presidential campaign, the Democratic
candidate spent over $35,000 on American Sign Language
interpreting expenses while the Republican candidate spent
nothing.\7\ In fact, during President-elect Trump's first term,
the National Association of the Deaf had to bring lawsuits to
require the administration to provide ASL interpreters.\8\
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\7\ https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/october-
23-2024?selection=6bc53a2b-9a8e-45c4-a89b-ca4e1015bfb8&utm--
campaign=post-share-selection&utm--medium=web
\8\ https://www.nad.org/2020/09/23/historic-win-white-house-
ordered-to-provide-sign-language-interpreters-for-covid-19-briefings/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The reality is that the Americans with Disabilities Act is
the last great civil rights bill that was passed with true
bipartisan support. As I said during my remarks at the White
House's Disability Pride event a few months ago - "I woke up
one morning with rights I did not go to bed with. The ADA made
millions of Americans first-class citizens in our own
communities overnight."\9\
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\9\ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbNDDVxMgME
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the 34 years since the passage of the ADA, our political
will toward safeguarding these vital human and civil rights
have weakened significantly. I call on leadership and Senators
from both parties to recommit to protecting these vital rights
and services for millions of Americans. I ask you to look
beyond the rhetoric of soundbite politics, and listen carefully
to the people who would actually be affected by the policies
that have been suggested or proposed by members of the incoming
administration.
The next Congress can take positive and proactive steps
toward ensuring the civil and human rights of people with
disabilities stand fast. First - the passage of Senator Casey's
bills, "Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office
for People with Disabilities Act" and "AID (Accessibility and
Inclusion to Diversify) Local Government Leadership Act" would
be an excellent first step toward ensuring that our elected
officials are truly representative of the communities they
serve.
Recognizing that when we remove all barriers to
participation, people with disabilities are able to fully
engage with the communities they live in. This means making it
easier for people to vote, making it easier for them to run for
elected office, and to volunteer for their small-town boards
and commissions.
Congress must also ensure that the United States Department
of Justice continues to work closely with counties and
municipalities to ensure they are in compliance with civil
rights statutes. That often means paying close attention to the
accessibility of polling sites. The incoming administration's
record in turning back the Department's civil rights focus and
defunding their work is significant cause for concern.
Senator Casey, you have been a steadfast ally of North
Wales Borough, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and millions
of disabled and Deaf Americans. We owe you a debt that can
never be repaid. Thank you.
[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
=======================================================================
Statements for the Record
=======================================================================
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
The American Network of Community Options and Resources Testimony
The American Network of Community Options and Resources
(ANCOR) appreciates the opportunity to provide a statement for
the record in response to this Committee's hearing, Empowering
People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive.
Founded more than 50 years ago, ANCOR is a national,
nonprofit association representing 2,600 private community
providers of long-term supports and services to people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), as well as
62 state provider associations. Combined, our members support
more than one million individuals with I/DD across their
lifespan, and are funded almost exclusively by Medicaid. Our
mission is to advance the ability of our members to support
people with I/DD to fully participate in their communities.
Chair Casey's Leadership to Support People with Disabilities
ANCOR strives to empower its members to better serve their
communities by strengthening the infrastructure of Medicaid-
funded I/DD services. In that work, we rely on the leadership
of members of Congress to push forward legislative solutions to
the barriers and challenges our members face in delivering
community-based supports and services to people with
disabilities. Chair Casey has been that leader.
Throughout Senator Casey's tenure on this Committee, he has
consistently centered the Committee's work on pushing forward
policies to uphold the dignity and equality of all people,
while focusing on strengthening the supports for both older
adults and people with disabilities. Chair Casey's steadfast
support for legislation that empowers people with disabilities
is evidenced through his leadership in passage of the ABLE Act,
a seminal piece of legislation to allow people with
disabilities to save without jeopardizing access to services,
and advocacy for the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act,
the critical relief funding that has sustained home and
community-based services (HCBS) in the wake of the pandemic-to
name just a few of his accomplishments.
He has also continued to push forward important legislation
to strengthen Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
through the introduction of several bills including the Better
Care Better Jobs Act, HCBS Access Act, and HCBS Relief Act, as
well as legislation to uphold the rights and protections for
people with disabilities, such as the Transformation to
Competitive Integrated Employment Act and the Ensuring Access
to Medicaid Buy-In Programs Act. Chair Casey's commitment to
ensuring Medicaid services can continue to carry out the
promises of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has left
an indelible mark on this Congress and on our communities-
making them more inclusive for all Americans.
Empowering People with Disabilities in their Communities
As this Committee has acknowledged, the goal of community
inclusion is fulfilled through the Medicaid HCBS program and
through community providers, who offer a broad range of
supports to help people with I/DD live full and independent
lives in the community. However, the direct support workforce
that enables the supports and services provided through the
HCBS program is in crisis. In fact, results from ANCOR's 2024
The State of America's Direct Support Workforce Crisis survey
found that 90 percent of community providers experienced
moderate or severe staffing challenges in the past year. Due to
the significant workforce shortages, our survey found that:
64% of community providers are delaying the launch of
new programs;
39% of community providers have discontinued programs
and services;
57% of case managers are struggling to connect people
with services; and
57% of community providers deliver services in an area
where few or no other options for community-based services
exist.
As providers continue to grapple with high turnover and
vacancy rates in the direct support workforce and inability to
continue the provision of many programs and services, people
with I/DD are experiencing diminishing access to community-
based services and increased risk of hospitalization or
institutionalization.
Congressional Action Is Necessary to Sustain I/DD Services
Given the mounting challenges community providers face in
ensuring people with I/DD can continue to access critical
community-based services, it is essential that Congress not
neglect its role in supporting Medicaid services and
strengthening the direct support workforce. We are grateful to
the work of this Committee under the leadership from Chair
Casey and urge the Committee to continue the important work it
has begun to highlight the need for a better long-term care
infrastructure, both for older adults and for people with
disabilities.
We thank Chair Casey for shining a light on the importance
of investing in the Medicaid HCBS program and addressing the
ongoing workforce crisis. We urge this Committee to support
legislation to strengthen and expand the Medicaid HCBS program
through investing in the direct support workforce.
Sincerely,
Barbara Merrill
Chief Executive Officer
ANCOR
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Dr. Amy Houtrow Testimony
It is a great honor to be invited to offer a few words
regarding the importance of Chairman Casey's disability policy
work. In the disability justice movement, you often hear the
rallying cry, "nothing about us without us!" Senator Casey has
taken this to heart and brings people with disabilities to the
table, makes sure they have a seat at that table, and a voice
that is heard and respected. From my perspective, inclusion and
belonging are the center pieces of his disability policy work.
He talks the talk and walks the walk with us, regardless of how
we may communicate or how we get around. I am personally
grateful for how deliberate he is; how intentionally he
listens. I have watched him, in both public and private
settings, listen, take notes, ask follow-up questions and
summarize what he has heard and what he has learned. It is
remarkable to have a Senator do this. In a world where people
with disabilities are marginalized, disregarded, dehumanized
and discarded, Senator Casey has used his authority, time and
efforts to elevate the issues faced by disabled people.
In my envisioned future, people with disabilities would
have the opportunity and autonomy to live their lives as they
desire without the oppressive barriers society places in front
of them. Thankfully, some of these barriers are amenable to
policy change. I am grateful for the various policy strategies
Senator Casey has employed to pave the path toward my
envisioned future. Pennsylvanians, especially disabled
Pennsylvanians, and all disabled Americans have a champion in
Senator Casey. I know that even after his Senate term ends, we
still will.
Amy Houtrow, MD, Ph.D, MPH
(pronounced HOW-TROW, rhymes with how now brown cow, ciao
for now)
Disabled pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician and
disability equity researcher Pittsburgh, PA
December 6, 2024.
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Anna Corbin Testimony
I was asked to submit a statement to be read at Senator
Casey's final hearing as Chair of the Aging Committee. I find
it difficult to see my laptop screen through the tears that are
forming as I typed out that sentence. I want it to be noted
that I am not a policy expert or a health care professional. I
can only tell you what I know about Senator Casey from my place
as a working class disabled mother of disabled children in the
state of Pennsylvania.
I brought my children to meet Senator Casey in his office
in Washington, DC in the summer of 2017. I had never sat down
and spoken to a US Senator before. I wanted him to hear our
story. I wanted him to understand what Medicaid had done for
our family, how it had lifted us out of poverty and saved us
from losing our home. I wanted him to understand how important
Medicaid is to families like mine. I quickly learned that
Senator Casey already had a deep understanding of the positive
impacts of Medicaid. He listened intently to our story, and
that day he became connected to our family. When speaking of
Senator Casey, I always tell people, "He is the real deal,"
because he is. He does not fight for legislation or sponsor
bills for the accolades or recognition. He truly cares about
his constituents. He remembers their names and stories. His
compassion for others knows no bounds and it is reflected in
his work, and anyone who has ever met him knows it. I witnessed
once, with my own eyes, an example of how remarkable Senator
Casey is as a representative of the American people. I was his
guest at the 2018 State of the Union address, and there was a
dinner prior to the speech for all Senators and guests. While
we stood in line for food, a second line had formed to our left
of people - guests of other Senators - who wanted to meet
Senator Bob Casey.
Senator Casey stepped out of line and met with each and
every person who wanted to shake his hand. Senator Casey, you
have been a beacon of light for my family in dark times. You
are an inspiration to me, my husband, and our children. We will
never fully be able to express how grateful we are to have had
you as our Senator, and how much of a difference you have made
in our lives. Please know that your absence in the Senate will
be mourned by both disabled and abled-bodied people - not only
in Pennsylvania, but across the entire county. Thank you for
representing us so well and thank you for your service to all
of us. You will be profoundly missed.
Anna Corbin, mom to Jackson and Henry Hanover, Pennsylvania
December 6, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Community Legal Services of Pennsylvania Testimony
Senator Casey has tirelessly advocated for Pennsylvanians
with disabilities and the elderly for almost two decades. He
has a track record of championing smart legislation aimed at
addressing real problems faced by the community. For example,
he played a pivotal role in the passage of the ABLE Act, which
provides an important avenue for individuals with disabilities
to save money without jeopardizing their eligibility for
crucial government benefits. Many Community Legal Services
(CLS) clients have been able to save money while remaining on
SSI because of this helpful policy. As Chair of the Senate
Aging Committee, Senator Casey has also been a stalwart and
energetic leader in pushing for expanding access to quality
long-term services and supports, improving due process
protections in guardianship systems and protecting Medicaid,
Medicare and Social Security. Among his most recent
accomplishments is a comprehensive report and call to action
concerning the threats posed to older adults' health and safety
by hoarding behaviors.
His advocacy extends far beyond legislation. In recent
years, he led efforts to highlight SSA's failure to provide
benefits to children with disabilities. Senator Casey's office
has played a critical role in defending against benefit cuts
which would have been catastrophic. CLS has been fortunate to
have such a strong partner in Senator Casey. We are grateful
that Senator Casey's efforts have created tangible improvements
in the lives of countless individuals with disabilities and
older adults, and he is leaving Pennsylvania in far better
shape than he found it.
Debby Freedman, Executive Director of Community Legal
Services
Jennifer Burdick, Pam Walz, Jonathan Stein, and Richard
Weishaupt, Attorneys
December 6, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Dr. Dennis B. Downey Testimony
Senator Bob Casey is the most consequential U.S. senator
representing Pennsylvania in the past half century. He
continues in the tradition of Tom Harkin and Ted Kennedy,
working tirelessly to safeguard the welfare of individuals with
disabilities and to assure their equal rights as citizens of
the United States. Few of Casey's colleagues can approach his
consistent and compassionate advocacy on behalf of laborers,
the elderly, and children who experience some form of
cognitive, behavioral, and physical disability. A leader who is
modest in manner yet a force for decency and conviction, Sen.
Casey has served the citizens of the Commonwealth exceptionally
well. As the parent of a child (now 34 years old) with multiple
disabilities, and as a scholar-advocate, I speak from
experience in celebrating Sen. Bob Casey and his contribution
to the common good. His efforts on behalf of families who
struggle with the emotional, financial, and social challenges
of living with a disability have been lifesaving. Thank you,
Senator Casey.
Dennis B. Downey, Ph.D
Professor of History Emeritus, Millersville University
Past Chair, Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia,
Disability Policy Circle
Parent and Advocate
December 1, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Cindy Duch Testimony
When Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA, ret) retired, folks knew
that senior citizens and people with disabilities would
continue to be represented by Senator Casey as a champion for
all. Senator Casey's unwavering commitment to causes that had
long been ignored or passed over were in the spotlight and we
were represented by someone who felt the passion that
disability advocates also felt. He understood. He took the time
to understand, he listened and he acted.
For our family, and especially for my son Andrew, Senator
Casey's passing of the ABLE Act has ensured that Andrew's
future is the future he wants. Andrew was able to save money to
buy a car. It was a huge achievement when Andrew got his
driver's license. Of course, after that came the car! And
Andrew was ready. When Senator Casey was working to pass the
ABLE Age Adjustment Act, Andrew was tapped to present on a
panel that spoke to the positive outcomes from having an ABLE
account. Andrew wanted nothing more than to support Senator
Casey in passing this Act because of the impact the ABLE Act
and having an ABLE Account has had on Andrew's life and will
continue to have.
I know that Senator Casey will continue to champion those
he worked so very hard for. Andrew's family wishes the absolute
best to one of the most sincere and hardworking representatives
for the Commonwealth of PA. Godspeed Senator Casey.
Cindy Duch
The Family of Andrew Duch
December 2, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Gary Blumenthal Testimony
For 18 remarkable years, Senator Bob Casey has been a
steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania, championing
the rights and well-being of our most vulnerable citizens. His
dedication to children, the elderly, and people with
disabilities reflects a deep compassion and understanding of
the challenges faced by those who rely on public officials with
unwavering empathy and commitment. Senator Casey's pivotal role
in safeguarding Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act stands as
a testament to his courage and determination to protect
essential lifelines for millions of Americans. His leadership
has not only served as a shield against threats to these vital
programs but has also inspired hope and trust among countless
individuals and families across the Commonwealth and the
nation.
Senator Casey's legacy places him among the great "Lions of
the Senate," alongside figures such as Ted Kennedy, Tom Harkin,
Robert Dole, and Orrin Hatch, who fought tirelessly for equity
and justice. His extraordinary ability to prevent the repeal of
the Affordable Care Act and resist misguided attempts to
convert Medicaid into a block grant underscores his
effectiveness and resolve. As someone who witnessed his work up
close, I can attest to his genuine collaboration with
constituents and advocates, amplifying the voices of those too
often unheard. Senator Bob Casey will be remembered as a beacon
of hope and a true protector of the vulnerable, leaving an
indelible mark on Pennsylvania and the nation.
Gary Blumenthal
Vice President, Governmental Relations and Advocacy,
InVision Human Services
Former Member, The National Council on Disability
December 6, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Eugenia Bond Testimony
My name is Eugenia Bond the CEO of Penn-York Opportunities,
Inc. in Bradford County, PA. We have been proudly serving
people for nearly 60 years. We serve and have served those
whose lives are impacted by a variety of factors including
disability, poverty, endangered children, people who are facing
homelessness, food insecurity, employment challenges and many
other things. We assist people in their daily lives for health
and safety, social immersion in the community as well as
employment support. We are proud that we have two small
businesses that were developed specifically to employ those
with disabilities. For a small community we are heavily
involved and intertwined to make where we live a better place.
Senator Casey, your work with the Bipartisan Bill ABLE
directly impacted those we serve by helping them to achieve
even more independence and thrive in a world filled with
challenges. This is just one of many examples of your
dedication and hard work for underserved Pennsylvanians. We
value and respect all that you and your team has done for those
with disabilities. Further, we are grateful that your staff
came in person to meet with us all the way up here in rural
NEPA to be introduced to our programs and explore opportunities
and solutions to access additional resources. Your boots on the
ground approach have made a difference and your staff continues
to support us with helping to bridge the gap of transition to a
new administration. You and your team do exactly what I would
think everyone would want from leaders in our government. You
are informed, involved, active and present for those that need
it the most. Thank you again for all that you have done and for
your service.
Best Regards -
Eugenia Bond, BSW, MOL
Chief Executive Officer
Penn York Opportunities
December 5, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Jacquelyn M. White Testimony
As a mother of three kids with disabilities and special
health care needs, complex needs that I would need a book to
adequately explain here, I want to reiterate the importance of
the work that Senator Casey has conducted regarding this
community. No other senator in congress has people devoted to
policy work for the disabled/aging population in such a
paramount way. Even with the current programs in place I
genuinely fear the future for my children and other people with
disabilities if we don't continue to focus on pivotal supports,
programming, and policy to support people with disabilities-
which remains the largest minority group in the United States.
I live, work, and play in Pennsylvania, in addition to
being a mom, I work in the field of disability advocacy. We
have so far to go, so far, but so much has been improved
because of the tireless efforts of the Casey team and
colleagues. As a mom, I ask that we don't let the work done
here be in vain. Disability rights should not be partisan, they
should be human. I think we all can resonate with human. I
can't thank Senator Casey and his team enough for all the work
they have done in Pennsylvania, and beyond. Gratitude and grit
abound.
Thank you,
Jacquelyn M. White (Mom and Advocate)
December 3, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Jonathan Cunningham Testimony
Senator Bob Casey and his team have been absolute champions
for our organization and those we serve here in rural
Pennsylvania. Of the many efforts they have made for us,
perhaps the most meaningful is that they have actually taken
the time to listen. Quite often, the needs and struggles of
rural citizens get overlooked, especially those living with
disabilities. Senator Casey, and the key staff under his
leadership, have taken the time to meet with those we serve,
listened as they described the real world obstacles they must
navigate, and have gone to bat for us as we've needed
additional funding to move our mission further. We will forever
be grateful for your commitment and friendship Bob, and for all
that you've done for this country's most vulnerable citizens.
Jonathan Cunningham, President/CEO
NuVisions Center
Lewistown, PA
December 6, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Jule Ann Lieberman Testimony
I am an older blind woman living in Pennsylvania who uses
assistive technology software to access information and
services on the Internet. Senator Casey has led the way to
illustrate the failure of many federal websites to meet
accessibility guidelines. He has referenced the "Digital Front
Door" and how many of us with blindness and low vision are
locked out. This results in limited or no access to critical
national information or application to vital federal services
most notably to our disabled veterans. Senator Casey recognizes
the need for all to have access to information and services
with privacy and independence regardless of disability. I will
be forever grateful to Senator Casey for his efforts to remove
the lock from the "Digital Front door" and hope his efforts
will continue beyond his work in the US Senate.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jule Ann Lieberman, MS CLVT/CATIS
Advocate for Accessibility for Blind and Low Vision
TechOWL, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
December 5, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Julia Barol Testimony
Dear Senator Casey,
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your
ongoing commitment to advocating for individuals with
disabilities. Your leadership and dedication to ensuring
inclusivity and equal opportunities have made a profound impact
on the lives of countless people across our nation.
Your efforts to strengthen the Americans with Disabilities
Act, champion inclusive education, and support disability
employment initiatives are truly commendable. These actions
demonstrate your unwavering belief in the inherent value and
dignity of every individual, regardless of ability.
As someone deeply connected to the disability community, I
have witnessed firsthand how your work has brought hope,
opportunity, and a sense of belonging to many who have faced
systemic barriers for far too long. I know firsthand how
critical it is to have leaders like you who understand the
importance of inclusion and stand up for the rights of all
individuals.
Thank you for standing as a tireless ally for those who
often go unheard. Please know that your work has been greatly
appreciated and inspires many of us to continue striving for a
more inclusive and equitable society.
With deepest appreciation,
Julia Barol, MEd, CESP
President and CEO
Bala Cynwyd, PA
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Kate Dempsey Jones Testimony
It is difficult to summarize the many ways Senator Casey
has supported Scranton and the surrounding community during the
last 17 years. A steady and impassioned voice for
underrepresented citizens; a champion for economic development,
housing, income equity, healthcare, and disability rights;
Senator Casey embraced the belief that our community is
stronger, built with the values of diversity, equity,
inclusion, and access to a life of dignity and purpose for all
citizens.
As a leader in the US Senate, representing all
Pennsylvanians, Senator Casey has always demonstrated respect,
compassion, and kindness to all he served. Goodwill Industries
of Northeastern PA was engaged in a 20+ year struggle to
restore the abandoned North Scranton Junior High School, a
cherished community landmark, and create affordable senior
housing. The project finally came to fruition because Senator
Casey recognized both the community need and economic impact of
such a project. Thanks to Senator Casey, Goodwill Industries of
Northeastern Pennsylvania proudly provides affordable senior
living in 58 beautifully restored apartments in a building
equipped with many amenities including an 800-seat community
arts theater.
We are forever grateful to Senator Bob Casey for his many
years of dedicated service, and we are honored to have been
represented by a man who is the embodiment of honesty,
integrity and character.
Sincerely,
Kate Dempsey Jones, CEO
December 9, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Kathy Brill Testimony
Dear Senator Casey,
On a personal note, I can't thank you enough for the focus
you have placed over the last 18 years on disability issues! My
now adult daughter, who has a disability, has benefitted
tremendously from your term as Senator. She has an ABLE
account, lives in a home of her own with the supports of
Medicaid and SSI, and is employed part-time. It is our hope
that as she ages, the disability policy work you've done will
continue to brighten her path through life. Our entire family
is deeply saddened to lose your strong leadership. Please know
that we will continue to have incredible respect, admiration,
and support for you.
PennTASH, a disability advocacy organization to which I
belong, would also like to extend its deepest gratitude to you
for the work you've done over the years. "We would like to
commend your insurmountable hard work advocating for the needed
supports to create better lives for those with disabilities and
aging. You will be sorely missed by not only all of us, but the
entire nation."
Respectfully,
Kathy Brill
Parent, Advocate, and PennTASH Board Member
December 5, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Liberty Resources, Inc. Testimony
Accessible, affordable, integrated housing, guardianship
reform, independent living, public transportation, HCBS & DCW/
Caregiver equity and ending the institutional bias in long-term
care. These are just a few of many strategic systems
improvements that Senator Bob Casey led and advanced for our
disabled communities in Pennsylvania and across our great
Nation.
Liberty Resources and our many Consumers recognize you as
our champion of our civil rights in the U.S. Senate. We thank
you for your 18 years of service and appreciate everything you
did for us to make sure that people with disabilities are a
truly integrated part of the American dream.
Thomas Earle, CEO
Liberty Resources, Inc. (the CIL for the Philly/SE Pa area)
December 5, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Linda Carmona-Bell Testimony
I heard Senator Casey speak in 2007. He shared his passion,
plans, and commitment to addressing the needs of children and
families. Fast forward to today, he has delivered on his
commitments! He has made a difference in my 24-year-old adult
daughter's life and those of many others. With his leadership
in passing the ABLE Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the
Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, he has changed lives!
Thank you, Senator Casey, for being true to your faith by
ensuring all children are valued and safe. May our Lord
continue to bless you this Christmas season and always in all
you do!
Sincerely,
Linda Carmona-Bell
President
Pennsylvania Education for All Coalition, Inc.
December 6, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Lisa Lightner Testimony
Senator Casey's was first elected just a mere couple of
months after my disabled child was born. At the time, I was so
busy doing all the "new mom" stuff that I certainly didn't
realize then what an impact he'd have on our lives. Over the
past 18 years, his steadfast advocacy has amplified the voices
of families who are often silenced. From championing accessible
healthcare to protecting the rights of our children under IDEA,
his work has been a shield against a system that can feel
unrelenting.
For my son Kevin and me, Senator Casey's dedication became
deeply personal during the turbulent ACA repeal attempts of
2017 and 2018. When healthcare-and with it, Kevin's future-was
on the line, his office became our ally. They didn't just hear
us; they fought alongside us. Bob Casey's tenure in the Senate
has been a lifeline for the disability community, a reminder
that genuine leadership makes a difference. Families like mine
don't forget that kind of support and you will be missed
terribly.
Lisa Lightner
Mom and Special Education Advocate
Avondale, PA
December 5, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Mark Friedman Testimony
Senator Casey's long commitment to advancing disability and
aging policies has helped thousands of people with disabilities
and their families. His leadership in promoting home- and
community-based services and governmental policies has made a
huge difference in the lives of so many people.
Senator Casey's work has shown how government can help the
most vulnerable people.
I first started working in the field to free people living
at Pennhurst 40 years ago. I have seen momentous changes over
the decades. I am deeply grateful for Senator Casey's work to
make this happen.
Sincerely,
Mark Friedman, CEO, Blue Fire, Inc. Ardsley, PA
December 5, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Matt Aaron Testimony
Senator Casey has been a steadfast champion for individuals
with intellectual disabilities all over the Commonwealth.
Thanks to his tireless efforts over so many years, Special
Olympics PA (SOPA) has been able to provide more than 15,000
Healthy Athlete screenings in seven different disciplines to
help address the significant health disparities our athletes
face, and, later this school year, we will surpass 500 schools
participating in our Unified Champion Schools program.
Senator Casey's support was particularly helpful after the
COVID pandemic, which decimated SOPA's membership rolls. With
his help, SOPA was able to deliver a combination of activities
that included health screenings and sport clinics. These
activities incorporated innovative elements, such as Athlete
Performance Training and Unified Fitness, designed to help
athletes improve their overall health and fitness. As a result,
SOPA has been able to recapture more than half of the athletes
lost during the pandemic.
On behalf of more than 15,000 Special Olympics PA athletes,
thank you Senator Casey for always being there to support
individuals with disabilities!
Matt Aaron
CEO and President
December 6, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Maureen Cronin Testimony
I write to honor the most courageous Senator Casey. He is
the best example of the perfect legislator, truly knowing all
of Pennsylvania and his constituency. There is not a part of
Pennsylvania that he did not personally visit. He visited so
many Chapters of The Arc across Pennsylvania. When visiting our
Chapters, he listened and learned. When advocates, particularly
self-advocates, shared their experiences, they were
respectfully listened to, and their words were taken to heart
and then acted on. Many important disability related pieces of
legislation were enacted thanks to Senator Casey.
This humble, soft-spoken statesman is a well-loved, fierce
advocate for people with disabilities and their families. He
was the first leader to speak of the "sandwich generation,"
especially as it relates to those caring for elder parents
while caring for adult sons and daughters with disabilities.
Senator Casey also had the wisdom and forethought to hire a
Disability Policy Director, Michael Gamel-McCormick, to advise
him and yet be a strong disability leader and connector across
Pennsylvania.
I look forward (after a well deserved rest) to seeing the
next chapter of the Senator's work and wish him the very best.
Maureen Cronin
Former Executive Director, The Arc of Pennsylvania
December 4, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Meghann Luczkowski Testimony
The opportunity to give a statement about Senator Casey for
his final meeting as Chair of the Aging Committee was just
shared with me, and I wanted to send something over. I give
permission to read this statement at the hearing and enter it
into the Congressional record:
Parents of disabled children know the world was not built
for our kids. Systems of care and education were not initially
designed with disability and complex medical needs in mind.
Providing extraordinary levels of care for our children while
constantly battling for their individual wellbeing often means
we don't have the time or energy left to advocate on a bigger
scale, and the systemic changes needed continue to go
unnoticed.
Senator Bob Casey opened his eyes to our families and saw
the needs of our children. He opened his ears and listened to
our lived experience. He opened his heart and genuinely cared
about improving our children's situations, and as Senator of
Pennsylvania, time and again, he opened his mouth to fight for
our kids' access to care and to their community. It will always
be scary sending our disabled children out into the world, but
with Senator Casey representing us, we could rest assured
knowing they had a champion in Washington.
Meghann Luczkowski
Caregiver and Disability Advocate
Philadelphia, PA
December 6, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Nancy Murray Testimony
People with disabilities and their families, in
Pennsylvania and throughout the United States, owe Senator
Casey a debt of gratitude for his advocacy on our behalf.
Senator Casey has long been considered one of the United States
Senate's leading champions on disability policy and with good
reason. Senator Casey has been a leading voice defending the
Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. Over the course of his
political career, Senator Casey has introduced dozens of bills
to advance the civil rights and quality of life for people with
disabilities. The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, or
ABLE Act, is perhaps his signature achievement. However, he
also passed subsequent bipartisan legislation, the ABLE Age
Adjustment Act; and most recently, he introcued the Ensuring
Nationwide Access to a Better Life Experience Act that would
further expand what ABLE accounts can do for disabled people
and family caregivers.
What I will forever remember about Senator Casey however is
his kindness, his genuine interest in people with disabilities,
and his willingness to spend time listening to us. Every year
during the Arc of the United States Disability Seminar we would
schedule time to meet with Senator Casey and he never
disappointed us. Some years, he would leave the Senate Chamber
and meet us at his office. When our group was too large to fit
in his office, he would meet with all of us in the hallway
outside his office so that we all could spend time with him.
Thank you Senator Casey for those memories and for your
advocacy on our behalf. You will never be fogotten.
Nancy Murray
Parent advocate of three adult children with disabilities
Retired VP of Achieva and President of The Arc of Greater
Pittsburgh
December 1, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Nancy Thaler Testimony
There are many achievements in Senator Casey's decades of
service to the citizens of Pennsylvania, as the state's Auditor
General, as the State Treasurer and for the past 18 years, as
Senator. Sometimes, it is difficult for people to name
something an elected official did that made a difference in
their life, but in regard to Senator Casey, there are thousands
of people whose lives have been greatly improved through the
ABLE Act - and they know exactly who made it possible. My son
Aaron is one of those people. His ABLE account allows him to
save his earnings without fear of losing his home and
community-based services. He is extremely proud to have a
savings account and to know that if an expense comes up that
Medicaid does not cover, he can take care of it. He feels
empowered and is proud.
Nancy Thaler,
A constituent and Aaron's mom
December 5, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
James W. Conroy and Karen Ann Hayes Testimony
Thank You to Bob Casey for Disability Advocacy December 11,
2024. A little group of disability advocates in Pennsylvania
today offers its praise affection and gratitude to our friend
and ally senator Bob Casey. Bob comes from a state that is one
of the epicenters of the disability rights movement in America.
The Right to Education, the Right to Treatment, and the Right
to Community Living, were three of the milestone legal and
civil rights attainments that took place in our Commonwealth.
Bob knows this history well, and always supported our efforts
above and beyond the call of duty.
Bob, you represented and led with respect and dignity, and
did so with tremendous courage, integrity, and honor. You
always encouraged our work, and we know that in whatever roles
you adopt in the future you will continue to enjoy supporting
our goal of a national place of learning and memory about the
disability rights movement in America, so Thank You from the
Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance.
Sincerely,
James W. Conroy and Karen Ann Hayes, Co-Presidents
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SILC) Testimony
We are the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living
Council (PA SILC). Our work focuses on support for the PA 16
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and other disability
organizations in performing systems advocacy on various issues,
such as support for CILs, accessible and affordable housing and
transportation, community employment, improving community
accessibility, and other disability needs (voting, emergency
preparedness, etc.).
Our organization would like to thank Senator Casey and his
staff, particularly Michael-Gamel McCormick, for their efforts
over the years for people with disabilities on budget and
policy matters since 2007. While there are a number of
disability or related areas where efforts could be noted during
his 18-year tenure in the US Senate, we highlight several areas
of accomplishment. First, is the passing of both ABLE Accounts
(2014) and ABLE Age Adjustment Act (2022) which created the
disability savings accounts (up to age 26) and expanded the age
availability up to age 46. Senator Casey has worked to overturn
the institutional bias in Medicare and Medicaid toward nursing
facilities and other institutional care in funding and policy.
While there is still work to be done, because of him,
disability employment is now more focused on community
opportunities instead of sheltered workshops and subminimum
wage settings. The Senator and staff have been instrumental in
helping CILs, other disability partner organizations, and our
state government to obtain federal funding through the budget
process for non-profit organizations and accessible /
affordable housing (811 program). We appreciate his efforts on
Guardianship reforms with a key stakeholder hearing and
legislation -we look forward to future efforts by Congress
based on his hearing in 2023 and the outreach done on this
issue. During the Covid-19 period, his support was vital in
providing necessary resources.
During our annual visits to the National Council on
Independent Living (NCIL) Conference, the Senator and his staff
have been helpful in coordinating our visits and helping with
navigating the capital. The Senator has been a frequent speaker
at the annual NCIL Conference and rallies during the annual
march. Both Senator Casey and his staff visited and listened to
CILs in urban, suburban, and rural settings during time in his
Pennsylvania district. His district staff has been helpful,
attending local gatherings, and assisting with casework by
providing resources. While some members of Congress show up and
offer to help, he and his staff have done that and more. We
thank both Senator Casey and his staff in both Washington DC
and the district for their efforts. Best wishes for a bright
future. You are missed already.
You have our permission to read this during the US Senate
Aging Committee hearing in mid-December.
Susan Tomasic,
PA SILC Board Chair
Matthew Seeley, Esquire
PA SILC Executive Director
December 3, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Pennsylvania Advocates and Resources for Autism and Intellectual
Disabilities (PAR) Testimony
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony today. I
am Mark Davis, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Advocates
and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR).
We are saddened by the loss of disability champion, Senator Bob
Casey. We will miss his long-tenured and diligent work to
support people with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/
A). Senator Casey's tireless efforts resulted in numerous
improvements to supports for seniors and people with
disabilities. A few examples in Pennsylvania are:
According to the Center for Disability Information (CDI)
without the support of ARPA for our system, almost 12,000 more
individuals with ID/A would have been infected with COVID-19,
and over 500 more people with ID/A would have died in
Pennsylvania alone
Increasing access to home and community-based services
Improving staff recruiting and retention
Providing necessary supplies to safely facilitate
services
Supporting the DSP workforce with additional trainings
and learning opportunities
Supporting families caring for their loved one
Improving functional capabilities of people with
disabilities
Enhancing transitional supports
Building capacity for much-needed home and community-
based services.
Sen. Casey recently chaired a committee hearing on the
direct support professional (DSP) workforce, shedding light on
the DSP crisis and the impact on people with intellectual
disabilities and autism. Sen. Casey has left a legacy through
his senatorial service that will benefit Pennsylvanians and
other Americans with ID/A for years to come. I look forward to
watching the chairman's next chapter unfold. I am confident
he's not done helping people with disabilities. Godspeed
Senator Casey.
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Pennsylvania Autism Society of America Testimony
On behalf of the Autism Society of America and its
Pennsylvania affiliates including Autism Society Berks County,
Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area, Autism Society Greater
Philadelphia, Autism Society Lehigh Valley, Autism Society
Northeastern Pennsylvania, Autism Society Northwestern
Pennsylvania, and Autism Society Westmoreland, we extend our
deepest gratitude to Senator Bob Casey for his unwavering
commitment to improving the lives of individuals with autism
and other developmental disabilities. Throughout his
distinguished career in the Senate, Senator Casey has been a
tireless advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and equity,
ensuring that individuals with disabilities and their families
are not left behind. His leadership on critical legislation,
such as the ABLE Act and extraordinary efforts to expand
Medicaid home and community-based services and supports, has
made an indelible impact on countless lives across Pennsylvania
and the nation.
We celebrate his legacy of compassion, dedication, and
action. Senator Casey's voice has been a powerful force for
progress, and his work has set a strong foundation for future
champions of disability rights. The Autism Society thanks him
for his partnership and advocacy and looks forward to
continuing the work to build a more inclusive society.
The Seven Pennsylvania Autism Society Chapter
December 3, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Testimony
For the length of his tenure in Congress, Senator Casey has
been the vanguard for federal policy on disability rights and
services which has resulted in transformative change for this
community across the United States and in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. The depth and breadth of his understanding of the
issues facing individuals with disabilities and their families,
as well as disability service systems, paired with his
corresponding commitment to advancing solutions, is unmatched.
Of particular note from a state perspective, Senator Casey was
a key voice in ensuring that Medicaid-funded home and
community-based services were funded during and post-pandemic.
COVID-19 was especially devastating for people with
disabilities and the service systems on which they rely.
Senator Casey championed significant funding through both the
CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), providing
states with the essential resources to shore up and then
improve service delivery.
Though Senator Casey is well known for the ABLE Act, he
should also be recognized for a deceptively small provision he
championed through passage, the Medicaid coverage for home and
community-based services in acute hospital settings. The prior
prohibition on home and community-based service delivery while
someone was hospitalized meant that, for decades, individuals
with intellectual and developmental disabilities without a
family caregiver who were hospitalized and needed support with
communication or decision-making could not fully participate in
their own diagnosis and treatment. This often led to traumatic
hospital stays, poor care, and unnecessary suffering. Though
this issue potentially impacts less than 2% of Americans he saw
the illogic of this policy and the pain it caused. Senator
Casey provided a remedy.
On behalf of Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services,
we honor and celebrate Senator Casey s immensely impactful and
enduring contributions to this critical area of public service.
Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH
Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Kristin Ahrens
Deputy Secretary, Office of Developmental Programs,
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Juliet Marsala
Deputy Secretary, Office of Long Term Living, Pennsylvania
Department of Human Services
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies Testimony
Thank you Senator Casey for being an outstanding senator
and a stalwart champion for disabled people. You introduced the
Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion for
Disasters Act (REAADI) as well as the Disaster Relief Medicaid
Act (DRMA) the past couple of sessions. REAADI would have, and
we still hope will, provide research, training and technical
assistance in efforts to increase the survivability of people
with disabilities and older adults throughout disasters. DRMA,
if enacted, would make Medicaid portable for disabled disaster
survivors. Both laws would save lives. Lives of disabled people
who are two to four times more likely to be injured or die in a
disaster than nondisabled people. By introducing them you
shined a light on the ableism and discrimination encountered by
disabled people and older adults in disasters. You supported
disabled people when others denied the inequity we confront in
every disaster. You supported us when others refused to
prioritize equity for disabled people in disasters, and you
didn t let resistance stop you from reintroducing both pieces
of legislation twice. You trusted the Disability Community when
we presented solutions to meet our needs. On behalf of disabled
people who have survived disasters and the disproportionate
numbers of those of us who have not survived, we thank you.
Shaylin Sluzalis (SHAY-lin SLU-zah-lis)
And
Germ n Parodi (Her-MAHN Pa-RO-dee (with a rolled "r" for
Germ n, if possible)
Co-Executive Directors of The Partnership for Inclusive
Disaster Strategies
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Stacy Jarett Levitan Testimony
Senator Casey's disability policy work has been life-
changing for people with disabilities, not only in
Pennsylvania, but in the United States. He truly understands
the potential that people with disabilities have to contribute
meaningfully to our communities and has been committed to
removing barriers preventing opportunities.
Senator Casey's actions throughout his career have
thoughtfully enabled people with disabilities to live where
they want and work in rewarding jobs where they are paid a
competitive wage. He has centered people with disabilities in
his work so that people with disabilities make the decisions
about their own lives and indeed, decide what governmental
policy will be regarding issues that matter to them. All his
work has enhanced the nation's understanding of how much better
our country will be when people with disabilities live lives of
self-determination and are able to use their talents to better
our communities.
Stacy Jarett Levitan
Executive Director, Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving
Independence (JCHAI)
December 5, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Institute on Disabilities at Temple University Testimony
Today, the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
joins others in the disability community in recognizing the
dedication and tireless work of Pennsylvania's Senior Senator
Robert P. Casey.
Learning and working alongside people with disabilities and
their families is essential to our work. Over the past
seventeen plus years, we have enjoyed the privilege of watching
Senator Casey learn from and work alongside Pennsylvanians with
disabilities and their families. While his contributions to the
disability community are too numerous to mention, one piece of
legislation that stands out is the ABLE Act. True to its name,
the Achieving a Better Life Experience Program or ABLE,
recognizes that people with disabilities need not live in
poverty in order qualify for essential Home and Community-Based
Services. ABLE created a path to saving for a better future for
many of the Pennsylvanians with disabilities we serve because
Senator Casey listened to the needs of the community, and then
introduced and advocated for passage of this impactful
legislation.
Senator Casey, we are proud to call you an Ally and humbled
to call you a friend. Thank you for your service.
Respectfully,
Sally Gould-Taylor PhD, Executive Director, Institute on
Disabilities at Temple University
Jamie Ray-Leonetti, JD, Associate Director of Policy,
Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
December 4, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Sherri Landis Testimony
Senator Casey has devoted his three terms in the U.S.
Senate to being an unwavering advocate for people with
disabilities. He was instrumental in the creation of the ABLE
Act and recently spearheaded the passage of the ENABLE Act,
which permanently enshrines the ABLE Act's provisions into law,
ensuring that individuals with disabilities can benefit from
tax-advantaged savings accounts. Throughout his tenure, he has
consistently championed efforts to improve Medicaid home and
community services. Every piece of legislation Senator Casey
introduced that impacted the disability community reflected his
deep belief that people with disabilities deserve the resources
and support necessary to live and work in their communities.
During the pandemic, Senator Casey reinforced his
commitment by regularly meeting with Pennsylvania self-
advocates and disability stakeholders, gaining firsthand
insight into the challenges they faced. The Arc of Pennsylvania
has always recognized Senator Casey as a trusted ally in
Washington, prioritizing the needs of people with disabilities.
His advocacy extended beyond his role as a Senator-he truly
understood and valued the potential of individuals with
disabilities, creating a deep sense of trust and understanding
within the disability community. He spoke our language,
understood our needs, and remained a steadfast champion for the
rights of people with disabilities across Pennsylvania and the
nation. On behalf of The Arc of Pennsylvania Board of Directors
and staff, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Casey.
Your dedication and hard work will always be remembered and
deeply appreciated.
Sherri Landis, Executive Director
The Arc of Pennsylvania
December 3, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Katy Neas Testimony
On behalf of The Arc of the United States, I wish to
express my deep gratitude to Senator Casey for his decades of
service and unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of
people with disabilities. Throughout his tenure, Senator
Casey's leadership has been instrumental to advancing policies
that promote inclusion, self-determination, and dignity for
all. People often show who they truly are in times of crisis.
From the many battles to protect and strengthen Medicaid, to
the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Casey showed
himself to be not just an ally but a champion for the
disability community. As chair of the Senate Aging Committee,
he took on critical threats to the lives of people with
disabilities-strengthening Home and Community Based Services
and addressing the Disability Support Professional workforce
crisis.
He also fought to ensure that people with disabilities have
the resources and opportunities they need not just to survive,
but to thrive. We commend Senator Casey for his many
legislative achievements, including but limited to his
leadership of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life
Experience Act, or ABLE Act. This landmark legislation has
empowered people with disabilities to save money for future
needs with the peace of mind that they can maintain access to
lifeline benefits. We thank Senator Casey for his dedication,
his vision, his leadership, and for being a steadfast advocate
for people with disabilities. His work will continue to make a
lasting difference in the lives of people with disabilities,
their loved ones, and our Nation.
Katy Neas, Chief Executive Officer, The Arc of the United
States
December 6, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Dr. Tina Paone Testimony
Senator Bob Casey's work to prevent elder abuse, neglect,
and exploitation, including financial exploitation of seniors,
has had an impact on thousands of elderly Pennsylvanians.
Selected to share my mother's story of financial exploitation
at the Guardianship and Alternatives: Protection and
Empowerment, provided me with a platform to share the concerns
of so many aging Pennsylvanians tangled in the guardianship
system. As a result of being provided with this national
platform, local officials heard the call to action. Within
months of my testimony, we were made aware that the court-
appointed guardian we had removed also resigned as guardian
from the hundreds of other cases in which they were involved.
This would not have been possible without the support of
Senator Casey.
During this same hearing, the introduction of the
Guardianship Bill of Rights, was presented. It is the hope that
bill will move forward with the new administration of the
Special Senate Committee on Aging. It will not only benefit
Pennsylvanians, but the elderly population nationwide.
Dr. Tina Paone
Professor & Licensed Professional Counselor
Monmouth University
December 6, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Tom Carasiti Testimony
Senator Casey will be missed by the individuals and
families of the Pennsylvania disability community. As a parent
and advocate for the developmentally disabled, it was truly
comforting to know Senator Casey and his staff had our backs
when it came to championing the policies and needs of our
families. All good causes need representation in Washington.
It's difficult to imagine anyone else representing us to the
level he provided. Senator Casey and his team were always
accessible to hear and address our concerns. His mere presence
in Washington, just that alone, gave us comfort knowing he
would always guide legislation to improve our lives. We thank
him immensely for his work, and wish him the very best in his
next endeavors.
Sincerely,
Tom Carasiti Pennsylvania Waiting List Campaign
Philadelphia, PA December 6, 2024
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
"Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive"
December 12, 2024
Statements for the Record
Vision for Equality Testimony
Senator Casey's unwavering commitment to advancing
disability policy has had a profound and lasting impact on the
lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities across Pennsylvania and beyond. Your leadership as
Chair of the Aging Committee and your steadfast advocacy for
inclusive policies have given a voice to those who are often
unheard, creating opportunities for independence, dignity, and
belonging. From strengthening access to essential supports and
services to championing the rights of individuals with
disabilities, your work has touched countless lives and
empowered families to thrive.
You will be deeply missed by the disability community, not
only for your accomplishments but also for your genuine
compassion and dedication to ensuring that all people,
regardless of ability, can lead fulfilling lives. As we
celebrate your legacy, Vision for Equality extends our
heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for the next chapter of
your journey.
Thank you, Senator Casey, for being a true advocate and
ally,
Audrey Coccia and Maureen Devaney, Co-Executive Directors
Vision for Equality
Philadelphia, PA
December 6, 2024
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