AUCD Statement on Release of President's Budget Request
From: AUCD
May 28, 2017
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2017 0524 pres budget stmt.pdf (313KB)[download] |
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is greatly disappointed by the priorities reflected in the President's Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request recently transmitted to Congress.
Current federal investments do not come close to meeting the needs of a growing and aging population of Americans with disabilities. Instead of investing to address this gap, the proposed budget represents an aggressive retreat from a decades-long, bipartisan commitment to supporting the health and independence of people with disabilities.
"There is no budget crisis requiring this level of fiscal austerity," said Andrew Imparato, executive director of AUCD. "Record numbers of people with disabilities are now employed and thriving in the community. By eliminating some programs and dramatically reducing others, this proposal puts the entire national support system for our community at risk."
A core principle of disability policy is the importance of including people with disabilities and our families in the policymaking process. This has made laws like the Developmental Disabilities Act and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act stronger. This budget -- proposing radical changes to programs under both laws -- was developed without our input.
People with disabilities, especially those with severe disabilities, often rely on a complex array of supports across many areas of public policy to lead successful and productive lives in the community. Significant cuts include:
The Federal Budget is a statement of the nation's priorities. Many other proposed cuts not highlighted here are also greatly concerning. AUCD will work with Congress, our partners within the disability community and others fighting for civil rights, to ensure that our nation's historic and bipartisan commitment to the independence and inclusion of people with developmental and other disabilities is honored.
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), located in Silver Spring, MD, promotes and supports a national network of interdisciplinary centers on disabilities. The members of AUCD represent every U.S. state and territory. AUCD and its members work to advance policy and practice through research, education, leadership, and services for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities. For more information, visit AUCD's website, www.aucd.org.