Amputee Coalition Statement on Restructuring of Department of Health and Human Services and Administration for Community Living
HHS’s announcement to eliminate the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and redistribute programming supporting people who have disabilities and their caregivers, raises continuity and effectiveness concerns. The National Limb Loss Resource Center (NLLRC) has been instrumental in improving health, independence, and quality of life for the 5.6 million people living with limb loss and limb difference and must be kept intact to prevent disruptions to both service and progress.
The Amputee Coalition partners with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to operate the NLLRC, which has received bipartisan support and funding since 1996, and has operated as good stewards of taxpayer dollars in providing the much-needed support and services that would not otherwise be available to those who experience amputations or are born with limb differences, their families, and caregivers.
“The NLLRC is part of an efficient and effective network of programs and organizations that have been combined in the ACL to ensure collaboration and collective support. We are concerned that dismantling the pieces of the ACL and placing them in other areas may cost more over time and will almost surely create gaps and potential redundancy simply by siloing out complimentary and supportive programs.” Cass Isidro, CEO and President of Amputee Coalition
Life-saving and cost-effective services currently at ACL:
- National Limb Loss Resource Center (NLLRC)
- National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC)
- National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
- Community-based services and meal programs
- Developmental Disability councils, University Centers on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and Protection and Advocacy networks
- Centers for Independent Living and Area Agencies on Aging
Secretary Kennedy said: “no American will be left behind” and this must include the mothers, fathers, children, grandparents and Veterans who are amputees, were born with congenital limb difference, and will experience an amputation who seek to thrive living with limb loss and limb difference. Older adults will be among those who are most impacted by the restructuring due to the possibility of community-based services becoming dismantled. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with HHS, Congress, elected leaders, and the American people who we serve across all political affiliations to preserve the bipartisan policies and programs making American lives better.
The National Limb Loss Resource Center (NLLRC) is a lifeline for those living with limb loss and limb difference and the only national center of its kind serving this population. The NLLRC provides answers and lifechanging support through critical programs including peer visits, information and referral services, support groups and gathering events for everyone including Veterans, military retirees, civilian adults, and youth across the country. The NLLRC programs are available regardless of locality from cities to rural areas. The NLLRC has been supported through a competitive, cooperative grant since 1996, currently administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s Administration for Community Living (ACL).
“Every day the NLLRC has direct impact and supports people whose lives have been forever changed by circumstances beyond their control. After my amputation, a peer with a similar amputation visited me in the hospital and that conversation allowed me to have a vision and know what was possible, moving my motivation beyond all that was lost.” -Bill Perno, Amputee Coalition Board Chair and amputee