Booker Introduces Bill to Improve Access to Support and Emergency Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation to expand and improve access to critical support services for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities. The EASE with 211 Act (Enhancing Access to Support and Emergency Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities through 211) would establish a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help states expand the capacity of 211 services to better support individuals with developmental disabilities.

The 211 system is a nationwide network of community service programs providing free and confidential information and referrals to callers on where to obtain assistance from local and national social service programs, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The 211 network can be an incredibly valuable tool to aid vulnerable populations in accessing essential services for their health and survival.

The majority of the requests that 211 service lines receive are for essential needs like resources to reduce housing and food insecurity and ways to access basic utilities. For individuals with developmental disabilities, the 211 system can serve as an essential bridge to accessing specialized care, resources, and community support. By leveraging 211's existing infrastructure, the EASE with 211 Act will ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities can more easily find the help they need.

"Navigating the complex world of health care, social services, and education should not be a challenge, especially for those who are already facing the obstacles that come with having a developmental disability," said Senator Booker. "Improving and increasing the capacity of 211 services to serve individuals with developmental disabilities will help reduce the burden that so many individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and caregivers face when trying to find the resources that they need."

"United Way brings communities together to find strength and share hope," said Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. "The 211 network, supported by United Way Worldwide, is a lifeline for people and communities in need. The 211 system provides hope and support at moments when people feel most alone and unable to meet their basic needs. We are proud to support the EASE with 211 Act, which would establish a grant program to facilitate nationwide accessibility and coordination of 211 services for individuals with developmental disabilities so that they can access critical resources."

"The Autism Society of America proudly supports the 'Enhancing Access to Support and Emergency Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities through 211' or the 'EASE with 211 Act.' This vital legislation will provide grants to states to enhance their 211 information systems, enabling better support for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities, as well as their families. Families often share how challenging it is to navigate the complex web of services and resources. By improving training, outreach, and system navigation, this bill will significantly reduce those challenges, providing much-needed relief. Additionally, the inclusion of data collection measures will offer valuable insights to inform future policies that better support family caregivers," said Kim Musheno, Vice President of Public Policy at the Autism Society of America.

"We are excited to see the introduction of the EASE Act and the inclusion of the navigator services pilot. This is a great first step in ensuring our community can access the services they are entitled to," said John Poulos, Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Title is Policy Analyst.

Specifically, the EASE with 211 Act will:

• Establish a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services to assist eligible entities in expanding capacity of 211 services to support individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Grants can be used for the following:
• • Improving the 211 databases for developmental disability resources.
  • Hiring and training specialists to assist individuals
  • Upgrading technology and conducting outreach to increase awareness of available resources.
• Award grants to entities to provide peer or family navigators to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families access relevant services and resources.

The Ease with 211 Act is endorsed by the following organizations: Autism Speaks, Autism Society, Autism NJ, The Arc of NJ, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, NJ211, United Way Worldwide

To read the full text of the bill, click here.