Host Christina Brookman reads "First They Came," by Paster Martin Niemoller and discusses how the recent executive orders effect the disability community. She also shares information about the Protect Medicaid Movement.

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PLEASE ACT ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025!

A national call-in day for the Protect Medicaid movement is taking place this Thursday, February 6. This event is organized by a coalition with a broad focus. Call-in days aim to flood Capitol Hill switchboards with advocates calling at the same time to draw attention to the issue. Self-advocates and parent/family-advocates are encouraged to share their unique perspective and to reach out to our members of Congress in order to educate them on how potential Medicaid cuts would affect individuals with disabilities and state budgets.What: National Call-In Day to Protect Medicaid When: Thursday, February 6, at 1 PM (ideal) or anytime How: Call the “Hands Off Medicaid Hotline” at 866-426-2631. (Options are available in English and Spanish.) Follow the prompts when asked for your zip code. Your call will be automatically directed to your representative. You may either speak with a staff member or be directed to voicemail. If you reach voicemail, please leave a message with your name and zip code! To prepare your remarks, please use the NACDD fact sheet (linked below), which contains important information about the potential impact of these cuts, along with state specific data that congressional offices will find useful. Tailor your message to your representative’s district and incorporate relevant state data. If you find it useful, you can use the following sample script: “Good [morning/afternoon]. My name is [Your Full Name], and I’m a constituent from [City/Town, State]. I’m reaching out today because I’m deeply concerned about potential cuts to Medicaid, particularly the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) that support people [like me/my loved one] who live with disabilities. [I/my loved one] live with [briefly describe disability/condition] and rely on Medicaid to access critical services that allow [me/my loved one] to live independently in [my/their] community. For [me/my loved one], and for so many others, HCBS are not just a convenience—they are fundamental to the ability to live with dignity and be part of society. Without these services, [I/my loved one] would risk being forced into an institution, away from [my/their] family, [my/their] job, and the life [I’ve/they’ve] worked hard to build. I would like a response from Representative [Name of Representative]. Thank you.” Optional Follow-up for Social Media: Today, I told [hashtag for your representative] that disabled people will be harmed by potential cuts to Medicaid, especially the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) that support individuals [like me/my loved one] who live with disabilities. You can too! Just call 866-426-2631 and follow the prompts to contact your member of Congress’s office! #HandsOffMedicaid