The past two years have brought significant challenges and uncertainty for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism, their families, providers, and caregivers. From cuts to Medicaid and SNAP to concerns about Social Security and SSI, education funding and protections, voting access, immigration policies, and the future of Home and Community-Based Services, there has been a lot at stake for our community.
The results of the 2026 midterm elections have offered a moment for optimism and hope.
The results of the federal elections create opportunities to build partnerships, strengthen protections, and advance policies that support people with disabilities and their families.
Several longtime advocates for disability rights and essential services secured important election victories. Among them, Ohio’s Sherrod Brown will return to the Senate, and Paralympian Josh Turek was elected in Iowa. Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, a longstanding champion of the disability community, will also return to the Senate. Additionally, candidates who emphasized protecting Medicaid, including Dr. Amy Acton in Ohio and Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, were elected governor.
While this moment brings hope, there is still important work to be done. Key elections also took place at the state level, and we will continue to work alongside our partners in the Governor’s administration and the legislature to advance our legislative and budget priorities here in Massachusetts.
We remain committed to working with state and federal policymakers across the political spectrum to protect disability rights, preserve essential services, and promote meaningful inclusion. We will continue to advocate on the issues that affect every part of our community and ensure that the voices and experiences of people with IDD and their families are heard at both the state and federal levels.
