Speaking Up for What Matters: Defending Medicaid for People with Disabilities
Mission Project Participant Amelia
At The Mission Project, we know how essential community support and services are in empowering adults with developmental disabilities to live independently, pursue meaningful work, and thrive. That’s why we’re proud of our participant Amelia, who recently used her voice to stand up for something deeply important—not just to her, but to millions of Americans.
On April 24, 2025, Amelia joined a panel of local leaders and advocates at a Medicaid town hall hosted by the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, held at the Johnson County Public Library in Shawnee. The event was one of several held across the state in response to Congressional proposals that would drastically reduce Medicaid funding.
Amelia was one of 13 speakers who addressed the real-life impact these cuts would have. She shared how Medicaid provides a critical lifeline for individuals with developmental disabilities, helping cover the cost of essential services like supported housing, job coaching, transportation, and health care—services that make independent living possible.
The audience at a Community Conversation about Medicaid in Shawnee. Photo credit Andrew Gaug.
Other speakers included Johnson County Sheriff Byron Roberson, County Commissioner Becky Fast, and several passionate family members and caregivers of individuals with disabilities. The message was unified and clear: reducing Medicaid funding puts lives, futures, and communities at risk.
Read more about the event here.
How You Can Help
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that includes significant cuts to Medicaid. The bill is now in the Senate—and there is still time to act.
We urge everyone in our community to raise their voices alongside Amelia’s. By contacting your Senators today, you can make a difference in the fight to protect vital Medicaid support for people with disabilities.
👉 Click here to send a message to your Senators now
Thank you, Amelia, for being a voice for your peers and for helping lead the way toward a more inclusive, supportive future for all.
