Advocacy in Action

KenCrest is committed to advancing public policy that promotes authentic inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As a nonpartisan organization, we focus on policies that support quality education, care, and support for children to grow up healthy and strong. We are equally committed to advocating for policies that support and sustain our workforce, including Direct Support Professionals and early learning educators.

Learn more about our advocacy initiatives and how to get involved:

Advocacy in Action

KenCrest actively advocates for policy issues that affect children, families, and individuals with disabilities. We raise awareness for these issues and educate legislators, stakeholders, and community members through meetings, program tours, and advocacy events.

Our advocacy priorities are:

• Disabilities:
  • End the waiting list for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Learn more about HCBS funding here.
  • Advocate for competitive and inclusive employment.
  • Support policies that fund and develop assistive and enabling technology to increase independence, deliver quality services, and support the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce.
• Children:
  • Invest in high-quality early learning and childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
  • Fully fund early intervention services for the Birth-to-3 program so that children grow up healthy and strong.
• Workforce & Families:
  • Support policies that elevate and sustain the direct care workforce, including DSPs, nurses, and early learning professionals. Advocate for family-sustaining wages and benefits, like student loan forgiveness, so these positions are attractive, successful, and long-term professions.
  • Advocate for a paid family and medical leave benefit so all workers can access paid leave.