About the Case for Inclusion
Since 2006, the Case for Inclusion has been a leading source for data and policy recommendations regarding the effectiveness of state Medicaid programs in serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. The most comprehensive report of its kind, the Case for Inclusion gives lawmakers, advocates and other disability champions a sense of the scope of the challenges we face—a necessary first step to creating a roadmap for how to drive progress in the states to ensure that people with IDD can live, work and thrive in the community.
About United Cerebral Palsy
The mission of United Cerebral Palsy is to be the indispensable resource for people with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Founded in 1949, UCP has 56 affiliates (54 in the US and two in Canada) that provide a wide range of services annually to more than 150,000 children and adults, including resources and referrals, advocacy, research, educational instruction, early intervention, physical therapy, job training, integrated employment, home and community-based services, recreational opportunities and housing assistance. UCP also advocates for direct support professionals and other direct care workers. We believe all people with disabilities should be treated as equal members of an inclusive society so they can “live life without limits.” Learn more at UCP.org.
About ANCOR & the ANCOR Foundation
For more than 50 years, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) has been a leading advocate for the critical role service providers play in enriching the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the 501(c)3 charitable arm of ANCOR, the ANCOR Foundation exists to expand the commitment and capacity of providers and communities dedicated to improving quality of life for people with disabilities.
Acknowledgments
UCP, ANCOR and the ANCOR Foundation are deeply grateful for the many contributions of Lydia Dawson, the lead author of this report, as well as for the substantial contributions by James Garcia, Rhonda Neuhaus and Sean Luechtefeld. Meaningful contributions were also made by additional members of the UCP and ANCOR teams, including Armando Contreras and Anita Porco from UCP, as well as Elise Aguilar, Shannon McCracken and Barbara Merrill from ANCOR.
We extend our deep gratitude to members of the Case for Inclusion 2023 Steering Committee, including Ann Coffey, UCP of Oregon; Colleen Crispino, UCP of Long Island; Angela Easter, UCP of Georgia; Jennifer Luebke, Pride Industries; Lori Opiela, UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago; Linda Timmons, Mosaic; and Dawn Warden, KenCrest. We also deeply appreciate the thought leadership of our external reviewers, many of whom represent organizations that furnish the data that make the Case for Inclusion a powerful tool: Dorothy Hiersteiner and Laura Vegas, National Core Indicators; Emily Shea Tanis, The State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; and John Butterworth and Jean Winsor, Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston.
Last but not least, we appreciate the creativity and expertise of several consultants who contributed to this report and its accompanying resources: Karyn Baskette of Yondee Designs created this beautiful report; Michael Walker and Jason Melancon of Data Made Useful developed many of the helpful tools found at caseforinclusion.org; and Erin Dennis, Jadel Munguia, Zoe PiSierra and Ella Snyder helped shape the public relations strategy used to garner visibility for the report.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the Case for Inclusion, including inquiries about the report, this website and/or the data included herein, please contact Lydia Dawson via email.