The 2023 Case for Inclusion Launches Nationwide

Today, ANCOR and the ANCOR Foundation joined forces with United Cerebral Palsy to unveil The Case for Inclusion 2023: Making Good on Our Nation’s Promise of Community Inclusion for All. This annual report provides an extensive overview of how state programs are supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to be included in their community. The latest edition of the report reveals that the ongoing direct support workforce crisis is obstructing access to the community, primarily due to the lack of investment in community I/DD services. The report delivers disconcerting data insights with policy implications, such as:  

• There are 481,601 people with IDD on states’ waiting lists for home- and community-based services. 
• After five consecutive years of decreases, the number of states participating in Money Follows the Person stands at just 36. 
• Among individuals with IDD accepting any type of employment or day service, only 22% were working in integrated employment, meaning they were working alongside non-disabled workers. 

The Case for Inclusion 2023 highlights numerous concerning discoveries, presenting a thorough policy blueprint for supporters and legislators who want to stabilize the direct support workforce and improve community access for individuals with I/DD. The report provides concrete policy actions, including suggestions for the Biden administration, the 118th Congress, and state governments. Find the Case for Inclusion and related resources here.