Lumibility Advocates on Capitol Hill!
This year, the Lumibility team had the privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C., to meet with Connecticut’s federal lawmakers and advocate for the more than 2,200 children, adults, and families who rely on our services each year.
Hosted by ANCOR, the Policy Summit, held from September 8 to 9, brings together agencies and advocates from across the country with a shared purpose: to protect and strengthen Medicaid funding, improve the Home and Community-Based Services waiver system that supports long-term care, and push for Direct Support Professionals to be formally recognized as a standard occupational classification by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Voices from Our Team
Amber DeFelice, Lumibility’s Deputy Program Officer, Adult Services, summed things up by sharing: “Traveling to Washington, D.C. to advocate on behalf of Lumibility, the individuals we support, our dedicated staff, and nonprofits across Connecticut was an incredible honor. Alongside my colleagues, I spoke directly with congressional offices about the urgent need to preserve our already limited reimbursement rates and address the growing DSP workforce crisis. We shared the real challenges we face daily, especially in securing livable wages and meaningful benefits for our direct support professionals, who are the backbone of our services.”
George Reid-Perry, Lumibility’s Chief Operating Officer, shared his thoughts, particularly to families in our Kidsteps Birth to Three Program: “Sharing the stories of families who receive support from our Clinicians at Lumibility not only personalizes the impact but shows how vital these services are to the families who receive them. For many families, without the supports from our Birth to Three team, their children would not have the opportunity to thrive and live the full lives they know they are capable of each day.”
Jen Kostek, Lumibility’s Outreach and Intake Specialist, echoed the importance of ensuring federal leaders hear directly from providers: “Speaking to our respective Senators and Representatives about the importance of keeping Medicaid whole for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ensured that our message was heard loud and clear! Our services are far too important to risk being reduced or eliminated due to Medicaid cuts. I was grateful for this opportunity to speak up.”
In summary, Denise Daviau, Lumibility’s CEO, shared, “Lumibility is committed to advocating for funding at both the state and federal levels so our dedicated staff can earn the wages they deserve for their incredible work with children, families, and adults. I am proud and thankful to work alongside a team that is passionate about advocacy and speaks powerfully to the need to fund services, protect Medicaid, and emphasize the importance of our mission. This advocacy is critical for all individuals with differing abilities nationwide.”
Moving Forward
Lumibility’s participation in the Policy Summit and Hill Day underscores our commitment to protecting and strengthening the services that make independence, inclusion, and opportunity possible for all individuals with differing abilities. Together with our national and state partners, we will continue to advocate for everyone to live full and meaningful lives.
