Message from the Executive Director

Spring has arrived and with the rising temperatures comes increased advocacy activity in Washington, DC, which is normal for us in the nation’s Capital at this time of year. What isn’t normal is the onslaught of Executive Orders, massive cuts and the upheaval and uncertainty at numerous Departments and Agencies across the Federal Government. On top of that, many in Congress have signaled support for draconian cuts to vital programs and services that impact people with disabilities, in particular Medicaid. It can seem overwhelming, and sometimes it is.

However, we won’t give in to despair: that’s a luxury none of us can afford. Instead we advocate: by educating lawmakers in Congress and policymakers in the Administration about how and why Medicaid matters, the critical importance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to students with disabilities, their families and communities, why a functioning Social Services Administration is so critical, and in support of other programs and policies that benefit people with disabilities, family members, direct support workers and communities across our country.

The most recent news about the reorganization and cuts at the US Department of Health and Human Services is deeply concerning. TASH along with many other organizations has and will continue to voice our concerns and implore Congress to do its job and protect, not gut, programs that support and protect the health and well-being of people with disabilities. You can read our most recent Statement on Proposed Changes to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

TASH is proud to be a partner on the Disability Policy Seminar (April 7-9) in solidarity with our allies as we all advocate for smart, effective and needed policies and programs, and against draconian cuts in funding, services and supports that could harm millions of Americans. Together, we can affect outcomes in positive ways.

With gratitude,

Michael Brogioli

TASH News

TASH is now accepting presentation proposals for the 2025 TASH Conference! To access the proposal application forms, visit our Conference website. Scroll down to the “Call for Proposals” section to access information about the Research format, General format or Research Colloquium. The submission deadline is Monday, May 12, 2025. All proposals will undergo a de-identified peer review; results will be shared at the beginning of July.

Legislative Advocacy 101:
Understanding Public Policy and How to Interact with Legislators
2:00-3:00 PM Eastern, Thursday, April 3, 2025

Presented by Francisco Valenzuela, the Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations for the San Andreas Regional Center, this webinar will help attendees understand the importance of communicating effectively with stakeholders in the community in order to have public policy discussions with elected officials and their staff. This is the first of TASH’s 10-episode 2025 Webinar Series.

TASH Policy Advocacy

March has been a very busy month opposing policies that will harm people with disabilities and communicating with our members about what they can do:

• Read our March issue of Washington Update
• TASH put out a call to action Opposing the Administration’s Efforts to Dismantle the Department of Education
• TASH released a Statement on Proposed Changes to the US Department of Health and Human Services
• TASH has a roundup of statements by fellow disability rights organizations on proposed cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services
• TASH signed on to the Disability and Aging Collaborative’s letter to Dept. of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy.

Visit our Advocacy Tools & Resources page for more.

Disability Policy Seminar

Disability Policy Seminar is April 7 – 9, 2025. Online registration is now closed, but you can still register to attend onsite.

The New England TASH Chapter hosted a webinar, “Preparing for Possible Cuts to Medicaid Home and Community-based Waiver Services” on March 26. Especially important was part three of the webinar: “What can YOU do to advocate that Medicaid funding continues?” If you missed it, you can watch it as a recording.

Ohio TASH Opposes Ohio Senate Bill 113

The Ohio TASH Chapter has put out a statement opposing Ohio Senate Bill 113. Among other changes to education, the bill would reduce protections for students with disabilities in public school settings.

On February 28, TASH’s President- Elect Dr. Debbie Taub and Executive Director Michael Brogioli met with Dr. Hssrul Bin Hosshan in Washington DC to discuss our work and how we might collaborate in the future. Dr. Bin Hosshan is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Inclusive Research on Community and Disability at the Sultan Idris Education University in Malaysia.

Membership Tuesday

Are you a new member looking for an orientation to TASH? Are you not a member, but are considering it and want to learn more? Do you need help finding something on the website, or do you need technical support renewing your membership? Do you have some feedback you want to communicate to the TASH staff? Or do you just want to put faces to the e-mails? Join us 2:00 PM Eastern, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 for Membership Tuesday, a brief virtual meetup where you can ask us your questions. Registration is not required: just click the Zoom link to join.

Seeking a Values-Based Employee or Employer?
Post Your Job or Resume on TASH’s New Career Center

TASH has expanded our career offerings with our new full-blown Career Center. When you post your resume as a TASH member, you will be listed higher in search results and e-mails to employers. Job postings start at $199 for a 30-day advertisement for TASH members and $249 for non-members. Join TASH today to make your next career move.

Spotlight on Research

Interested in Improving Expectations for Individuals with IDD?
Take George Mason University’s Brief Survey

George Mason University College of Education is conducting a survey of Individuals with IDD and family members about factors that impact expectations
for individuals with IDD to live fulfilling lives in a place of their choice. Download the survey flier for more information. Contact Grace Francis at gfranci4@gmu.edu with any questions.

Community News

For #WorldDownSyndromeDay (March 21, 2025), National Down Syndrome Society and other international Down syndrome organizations released their video, No Decisions Without Us. Learn more about World Down Syndrome Day and how you can get involved here.

Upcoming Events

Thank You to Our Donors!

We would like to thank everyone who donated to TASH in March 2025. We are grateful to all of our supporters who help us achieve equity, opportunity, and inclusion for people with disabilities. Thank you!

TASH advances equity, opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities, with a focus on those with the most significant support needs, in the areas of education, employment and community living through advocacy, research and practice. More information about TASH can be found at www.tash.org.

TASH
1201 15^th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005 | (202) 808-8148 | info@tash.org

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