2025 Policy Summit & Hill Day

ANCOR’s 2025 Policy Summit & Hill Day will bring together leading advocates from the national I/DD community to amplify awareness about what’s new, now and next for community disability services.

  • About
  • Latest News
  • Agenda
  • Registration
  • Hotel & Travel
  • Scholarships
  • The Fine Print

The 2025 Policy Summit & Hill Day invites members and friends of the ANCOR community to Washington, DC, at a pivotal time. Recent threats to Medicaid, as well as other unprecedented challenges confronting people with disabilities and the service delivery system, make this an important moment for us to connect and advocate. 

Anchored by our commitment to advocating on behalf of the community providers who make inclusion a reality each and every day, ANCOR’s 2025 Policy Summit & Hill Day will bring together leading advocates from the national I/DD community to amplify awareness about what’s new, now and next for community disability services. 

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

logo for Elevance Health

iCareManager logo

logo for Jazz Pharmaceuticals

logo for Kibu

logo for Statewise

Tony Coelho, Architect of ADA, to Deliver Closing Keynote Address

A still image of Tony Coelho wearing a blue shirt and sitting in front of his fireplace speaking to the camera

On the heels of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), our closing keynote address will be delivered by The Honorable Tony Coelho. Coelho, who served in Congress from 1979-1989, was the primary sponsor of the ADA legislation in the House and is widely credited as the chief architect of the landmark disability rights legislation.

Given recent fights to protect federal Medicaid funding and the timeliness of this year’s DSP Recognition Week campaign, Coelho’s keynote will reflect on the legacy of the ADA and the work that still remains for advocates seeking to bring to fruition the promise of full community inclusion for people with disabilities.

Jonathan Martin to Headline 2025 Policy Summit

Headshot of Jonathan Martin, Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist, POLITICOJonathan Martin is a distinguished political journalist renowned for his incisive coverage that spans from the corridors of power in Washington, DC, to the campaign trails across America. As POLITICO’s bureau chief and senior political columnist, he is celebrated for delivering the inside scoop on White House dynamics, Capitol Hill maneuvering, and national elections.

Martin’s reporting is underpinned by deep-rooted connections to key political figures and insiders on both sides of the aisle, offering unparalleled insights into American politics at the highest levels.

A seasoned CNN analyst and contributor to leading publications such as The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, Martin’s work is distinguished by its depth and integrity. He continues to be a driving force in political journalism, exploring the evolving dynamics of governance and policy with unmatched expertise and enthusiasm. 

This agenda is tentative and subject to change. All events take place at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill unless otherwise noted.

Monday, September 8

Registration (7-9 am)
Breakfast (8-9 am)
Policy Summit Kickoff (9-9:30 am)

The 2025 Policy Summit & Hill Day takes place at a pivotal moment—following the passage of reconciliation legislation, including cuts of nearly $1T to Medicaid funding. As we remain anchored in our advocacy on behalf of community-based disability services, ANCOR’s commitment to bipartisanship remains a key ingredient to our success. Join us as we reflect on our collective advocacy over the past year and preview the key issues that still lie ahead.

Opening Keynote with Jonathan Martin (9:30-10:30 am)

A highly respected political journalist, Jonathan Martin provides sought-after coverage and regularly drives the news by delivering the inside story from the White House and Capitol Hill to the campaign trail well beyond the beltway. As bureau chief and senior political columnist for POLITICO, Martin is among the most trusted reporters in the country with deep connections to the political leaders, power players, and movers and shakers in Washington, DC, and across the country.  

Break (10:30-10:45 am)
Federal Policy Impacts on State Budgets: A Panel Discussion with State Policy Experts (10:45-11:45 am)

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law, drastically reducing the amount of federal Medicaid funding that will be available to states.  Even when federal Medicaid funding reductions don’t specifically target community-based disability services, the resulting pressure on state budgets creates an elevated risk of cuts to services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

How states respond to federal funding reductions will be critically important to ensuring the continued viability of community-based disability supports. For this reason, we have assembled a panel of policy experts who can help us better understand the current and future state budgetary landscape and provide insight and strategies to equip us to effectively advocate for the preservation, protection, and strengthening of Medicaid-funded community-based services for the individuals we support.

  • Neda Jasemi, National Association of Medicaid Directors
  • Lauren Kallins, National Conference of State Legislatures
  • Shelby Kerns, National Association of State Budget Officers
  • Brittney Roy-Morales, National Governors Association
Lunch (11:45 am-1 pm)
Recognitions & Presentation of the 2025 Excellence in Public Policy Awards (1-1:30 pm)

Past Summit participants tell us that among all the things they love about this event, two are among the fan favorites: networking and celebrating! To give the people what they want, we’ll spend some time honoring the inspiring recipients of ANCOR’s 2025 Excellence in Public Policy Awards. You’ll walk away having enjoyed some inspiring stories and made a few new contacts, too.

What's Next for Disability Policy in the 119th Congress (1:30 pm-2:15 pm)

This dynamic panel discussion will bring together Congressional staff and our lobbyist team to discuss the future of disability policy in the 119th Congress. This conversation will focus on upcoming health care priorities and how ANCOR can effectively advocate for policies that will help support and strengthen disability services.

  • Debbie Curtis, McDermott+
  • Seth Gold, U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee (invited)
  • Gayle Mauser, U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee
  • Rodney Whitlock, McDermott+
Break (2:15-2:30 pm)
Preparing for Hill Day Meetings (2:30-3:30 pm)

Our advocacy is stronger when our voices come together, which is why we are partnering with Soapbox Consulting to schedule our Hill meetings again this year. In this orientation session, you’ll meet with Soapbox staff to confirm your schedule and meet the other members of your Hill team. 

You’ll also get a preview of the agenda for this year’s Hill Day and access to all the tools you need for successful advocacy visits on Capitol Hill, including an introduction to the materials we’ll be using, key talking points for engaging with legislators, and answers to any questions you may have as you get comfortable with communicating our message to lawmakers.

Break (3:30-3:45 pm)
Closing Keynote with the Honorable Tony Coelho (3:45-4:30 pm)
Networking Reception (4:30-5:30 pm)
ANCOR DC PAC Reception (5:30-7:30 pm)

To receive information about this event, you must opt into communications from the ANCOR DC PAC. Opt in by completing this form or emailing Elise Aguilar for more information.

Tuesday, September 9

Hill Day Kickoff (7:30-8:30 am)

Rayburn House Office Building Room 2075  

Join us on the Hill to kick off our day of advocacy! We will be joined by Members of Congress to inspire your advocacy and we will also be covering logistics and answering questions. 

Capitol Hill Visits (8:30 am-5 pm)
The 2025 ANCOR Policy Summit & Hill Day is sold out!

Sold Out!

Thank you for your interest in attending this event but due to high demand this event has sold out.

Registration
Registration Type Cost
Member Early Bird (on or before July 1) $729
Member Standard (on or after July 2) $829
**Non-Member Early Bird (on or before July 1) $929
**Non-Member Standard (on or after July 2) $1,199

**Not a member but interested in joining the ANCOR community? Contact Lauren Middleberg by email.

Questions?

We’re here to help! Send us an email.

Summit Venue

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.737.1234

ANCOR is back in the heart of Capitol Hill for this year’s Policy Summit & Hill Day. The venue for this year’s Summit is the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, which is only a few blocks away from the Capitol and the offices of your elected officials.

ANCOR has secured a discounted room rate for participants in the 2025 Policy Summit of $365/night plus applicable taxes and fees for single- and double-occupancy rates. Access the ANCOR Room Block and secure your stay today! The ANCOR Room Block ends August 11, 2025.

Getting to Washington, DC

The closest airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and we recommend flying into DCA as it’s only five miles from the Summit venue and accessible by taxi, rideshare service (e.g., Lyft or Uber) or public transit (i.e., Metrorail Blue and Red Lines).

Other area airports include Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), which is about 30 miles from the Summit venue, and Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI), which is about 35 miles from the Summit venue.

For those located in East Coast cities served by Amtrak, you may find traveling by train to be the most efficient and affordable option. Amtrak serves Washington’s Union Station, which is a seven-minute walk from the Summit venue.

Getting Around Washington, DC

If you fly into DCA, taxis are available, as are rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. The cost of these options depends on level of service and time of day.

Metrorail, the D.C. area’s subway system, is also a convenient option for travelers flying into Washington National Airport.

From the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Station, you can either take the Blue Line in the direction of Downtown Largo or the Yellow Line in the direction of Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street/Convention Center. For either option, transfer to the Red Line at Metro Center Station and board a Red Line train in the direction of Glenmont. Get off at Union Station. From there, the Summit venue is a 0.4-mile walk along E Street NW.

As any Washingtonian will tell you, you should check Metro’s operating status before deciding to use this option. The system tends to be efficient and reliable, but track work or other delays can make for a long trip.

The ANCOR Foundation works to support self-advocates by giving them chances to learn, grow, and take part in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community. The Self-Advocate Scholarship Program helps self-advocates by offering money and resources so they can attend ANCOR events, like the Policy Summit, meet others, and connect with leaders and decision-makers.
Apply Today!
The goals of the Self-Advocate Scholarship program are to:
  • Make sure self-advocates are actively involved and well-represented at ANCOR events.
  • Help self-advocates grow as leaders and learn new skills.
  • Give all ANCOR members the chance to become better leaders by hearing new ideas and making meetings more welcoming and accessible for everyone.
  • Build stronger connections in the self-advocate community by creating opportunities for networking and mentorship that support and learn from each other.
  • Help self-advocates grow their advocacy skills to promote inclusion and equity in the I/DD community. By including self-advocates at our events, we also help non-disabled ANCOR members learn about inclusive meetings and practices. This benefits everyone and strengthens the entire field.
Are you a self-advocate who wants to attend ANCOR’s Policy Summit? Or do you know of a self-advocate who would like to apply? Learn more about who’s eligible and apply online today!

Apply for the Scholarship

Cancellations

Registrations canceled on or before August 8, 2025, will be fully refunded, less an administrative fee of $199. Cancellation requests must be made in writing via email to [email protected] no later than 11:59 PDT on August 8, 2025. No refunds will be issued on or after August 9, 2025.

Substitutions

All registrants are entitled to one no-cost substitution provided that (1) the substitution request is submitted in writing via email to [email protected] no later than 11:59 pm PDT on August 8, 2025, and (2) the registration is transferred to another employee of the original registrant’s organization. Registrants are not permitted to substitute someone from a different organization in their place. Subsequent substitutions after the first, as well as substitutions requested on or after August 9, 2025, will incur a $99 administrative fee.

Questions?

We’re here to help! Please email [email protected] with questions.