###This is the first installment of a new series at The Arc Blog called #HandsOff. Each month, we will feature a story from individuals and families across The Arc’s network about their experiences with some of today’s key policy issues impacting people with disabilities. ###

The author, Melinda, and her brother-in-law, Jake

My name is Melinda and I live in Monroe, North Carolina. I am terrified that the tax plan that Congress is pushing through will lead to cuts for critical programs that people with disabilities rely on. My brother-in-law, Jake, is 36-years-old and my reason for speaking out.

In 2005, my husband and I invited his 24-year-old brother, Jake, from Alabama to live with us in North Carolina in our home. Jake has an intellectual disability as well as some additional mental health issues. While he has significant challenges in daily living as well as academic skills, Jake has incredible working memory, is completely mobile, and articulates every want and need he has; he strives for full independence in the world.

Though we had just had our second child that year, my husband and I made a conscious decision to take on the role as the support system for Jake rather than continue to expand our family. We wanted to do whatever we could to help him lead an independent, meaningful life, something that did not always happen when he was living in his mother’s basement in Alabama. To accomplish this goal, which is ongoing and cyclical, we have spent the last twelve years learning the process of getting supports and services.

I knew nothing about Medicaid or how it could change the life of someone like Jake until we got him a coveted waiver spot for short-term support. Because of these supports, Jake is able to live by himself in a small apartment directly across the street from our house. He has full access to the community and the supports that he needs. My husband and I help to manage the people that work with Jake, but he is the one that drives his own services. He works every day on the goals he decided would help him towards independence: preparing his own meals, advocating his needs to his landlord and others, spending money within a budget, and maintaining his own living-space. Jake has also made meaningful connections with people in our broader community- people other than his family and support staff who look out for him and value his friendship and contributions.

My family structure is in balance because of Medicaid; without it, Jake’s world looks very different, and frankly, so does mine. My husband can continue working as a high school principal. I can continue working at my job as a clinical social worker and full-time advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our two teenaged daughters have the space they need to grow without always having to share time and attention with their uncle. Most importantly, Jake has the life he never thought was possible.

Clearly, our entire family would be greatly impacted if Jake lost his Medicaid services. The tax plans moving through Congress dramatically reduce the revenue that the federal government uses to pay for critical programs such as Medicaid. Act now by calling your Members of Congress to ask them to oppose this dangerous bill.

Kevin, Melinda, Jake, Georgia, and Juliet Plue