Making a Difference in DC: Jacob’s Ladder’s Advocacy Journey
How is JL working to reduce the 7,900-family waitlist for critical disability services in Georgia? Find out how our Director of Academic Programming and Outreach, Megan Finnegan, recently brought our mission directly to Capitol Hill, connecting with key lawmakers and advocating for the families we serve. Your support enables us to amplify the voices that need to be heard at the highest levels of government. Feature story written by Megan Finnegan.
Last week, I was honored to represent The Jacob’s Ladder Group on Capitol Hill to engage with members of Congress and their staff about the critical issues facing individuals with neurobiological challenges and their families. The Disability Policy Seminar, a three-day event hosted by The ARC of the United States, brings together nonprofits, advocates, self-advocates, legislators, and government officials from across the United States to learn and strategize on legislation that impacts our community.
Following two days of informative sessions led by nonprofit leaders, committee advisors, and government agency experts, I met with Georgia senators, representatives, and their staff in partnership with fellow constituents. Central to our discussions was the challenge of balancing the federal budget and the impacts that monetary cuts could have on Medicaid. Many fear that these cuts could jeopardize programs vital for individuals with disabilities who rely on them for essential therapeutic and community-based services. As of April 10, the budget resolution was passed by both the House and the Senate, and the framework has been sent to their respective committees. Now comes the real work, where those appropriations committees draft the legislation to allocate funds for the fiscal year and beyond.
“When you embody soul love and meet the individual exactly where they are, in their pain, confusion, and suffering —that’s where impact and change can occur.”
– Amy O’Dell, Founder & CEO, The Jacob’s Ladder Group
Capitol Hill inspires awe with its grand marble staircases, majestic murals, and soaring ceilings. It’s easy to get caught up in political rhetoric and partisan attitudes, but Jacob’s Ladder operates differently. Whether you’re a provider sitting with a child facing intense dysregulation, a Client Care Team member meeting with a family in crisis, or an advocate meeting with a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the soul of the individual you engage with is what truly matters. Our life experiences shape our values, and while our beliefs may differ, we can connect through our shared humanity. The Jacob’s Ladder Group Founder and CEO, Amy O’Dell, says the following point of influence: “When you embody soul love and meet the individual exactly where they are, in their pain, confusion, and suffering —that’s where impact and change can occur.” By telling our stories, we refocus these discussions on the human impact of policy. Every decision has its repercussions, and for many, the prospect of those repercussions brings fear and frustration – especially when they affect vital services for loved ones.
This trip marks just the beginning of Jacob’s Ladder’s journey into the hearts of our leaders. Our country needs our voice now more than ever, and we accept our mission in connecting the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™). We do this the way Jacob’s Ladder always does: by prioritizing relationships, building trust, gaining momentum, and leading that charge with hope, truth, and love. Through our five entities – AHAVA, Ascend Training Institute, Pillar Research Institute, Jacob’s Ladder School, and Jacob’s Ladder Network – we will establish our Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™) as the global standard for therapeutic and educational care, fostering a lasting movement and changing the conversation for generations to come.
