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Advocating Today for a Better Tomorrow
As a nonpartisan organization, EPI is committed to advocating for the needs of our community. Whether it’s ensuring access to vital supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or access to quality child care for families, we work hard to provide timely, accurate information that impacts the lives of Iowans.
There is Strength in Numbers
Advocacy is a team effort. Whether you're contacting legislators, sharing personal stories, or simply raising awareness, every action makes a difference. Together, we can create a more inclusive world — one where opportunity, independence, and the ability to thrive is available to all.
Quick Summary of What We’re Advocating For
EPI advocates at both the federal and state levels to strengthen disability services, support the direct care workforce, improve access to mental health services, and ensure families have the child care they need. Our priorities include improving funding for home- and community-based services (HCBS), advancing national recognition for direct support professionals (DSPs), expanding health care access for people with I/DD, and supporting key Iowa legislative initiatives that stabilize services across the state.
Keep reading for more details on each priority and how you can take action.
Current Federal Advocacy Priorities
Tell Congress to Support DSPs
Direct support professionals are vital to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live and thrive in their communities. But ongoing shortages make access to support unstable.
Congress can help by creating a standard occupational classification (SOC) for DSPs—an important step toward collecting accurate workforce data and improving policies, rates, and wages.
- The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (H.R. 6137) was introduced on November 19, 2025, but has not advanced beyond committee. Your advocacy is key to moving it forward
>>> Urge your members of Congress to cosponsor and advance the bipartisan Recognizing the Role of DSPs Act by clicking here.
Advocate for the HCBS Relief Act
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act would provide urgently needed funding to stabilize and strengthen community-based services for people with disabilities, helping address staffing shortages and ensuring individuals can live independently.
- The bill (S. 2076) was introduced June 12, 2025 and remains at the introduction stage in the Senate Finance Committee. Continued advocacy is needed to help it progress.
>>> Take action by clicking here.
Support the HEADs UP Act
The Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally Disabled and Underserved Population (HEADs UP) Act of 2025 recognizes individuals with I/DD as a medically underserved population—opening doors to better access to care, improved health outcomes, and more inclusive public health strategies.
- The bill (H.R. 3409) was introduced May 14, 2025 and has not moved beyond committee. It remains bipartisan with 14 cosponsors. Your support keeps momentum strong.
>>> Support the bipartisan act by clicking here.
Iowa State-Level Advocacy Priorities
In addition to federal efforts, EPI follows key state policy issues that directly impact disability services, workforce capacity, mental health supports, and child care access in Iowa. These priorities align with the 2026 agenda of the Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP).
HCBS & Habilitation Services
- A 3% across-the-board rate investment to sustain quality HCBS and Habilitation services.
- Regular, scheduled rate reviews to ensure reimbursement keeps pace with service needs and provider capacity.
Mental Health Services
- Ensure community mental health prescriber and safety net management information system rates match Medicaid rates (“same service, same rate”).
- Direct 70% of CMHC block grant funds straight to community mental health providers.
Systems & Administrative Improvements
- Require 30-day advance notice before Medicaid funding ends for any member to prevent sudden coverage gaps and unrecoverable provider costs.
- Recognize Relias as a state-supported learning management system to streamline credentialing, training, and compliance.
Ways to Stay Involved
We’ll continue monitoring key advocacy issues and will share updates as new developments emerge. Challenges may arise, but our commitment to the people we support—and to each of you—remains unwavering. Together, we’ll move forward with purpose and resilience.
Resources for All:
I/DD Specific Resources:
- Advocacy Toolkit: Offers tools and guidance from our national trade association, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), for effective I/DD advocacy.
- Policy Priorities Learn more about the latest policy priorities we support from our state trade association Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP)
- Iowa APSE - Visit the Iowa Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) to explore efforts focused on advancing inclusive employment opportunities
Child Care Specific Resources: