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Groups advocating for Iowans with disabilities say 2022 is a crucial year to lay groundwork for individuals to gain more independence and live stronger lives, and they hope state policymakers hear the message. Advocates say the caregiver crisis remains a top concern, with an ongoing shortage of direct support professionals. Brooke Lovelace, executive director of the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, said many industries are having a hard time attracting workers, and this area should not be overlooked. ...

Advocates say Utah has a shortage of qualified workers to deliver home and community-based services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels are debating measures to increase funding for both public and private care providers, but no action has been taken. Utah lawmakers heard a report last week from state health officials, showing they have almost 1,000 unfilled positions for disability-care providers. ...

People with disabilities often are left out of conversations about disaster preparedness, and the recent Marshall Fire put Colorado's emergency managers to the test. Curtis Garrett, disaster preparedness coordinator for Atlantis Community, said the Disability and Disaster Hotline played a key role connecting people with emergency services, in part because state leaders included the disability community in their planning efforts. "The state of Colorado as a whole is really moving forward, and is considered a leader in disaster preparedness and disaster services for individuals with d...

In a few weeks, Iowa lawmakers return for the 2022 legislative session. Disability advocates say there are ways to rise above the divisive nature of politics and successfully connect with policymakers. In Estherville, Brittney Funston is the mother of Joscelyn, a 10-year-old girl living with cerebral palsy, autism, and intellectual disabilities. ...