1. PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA 2012 NCCAA Annual Conference “Face to Face With Poverty: Real People, Real Solutions”. May 10, 2012 Presenter: Michael Morris, JD Executive Director National Disability Institute mmorris@ndi-inc.org 1

2. Public Policy Agenda  Achieving A Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act HR 3423 and S 1872  AFI Reauthorization HR 1623  SSI Savers Act HR 2103 1956 - $2000 Limit  VITA Matching Grant Program HR 2151 and S 816 2

3. Public Policy Agenda  Fund WIPA Grantees  Fund DEI  Focus PROMISE on Advancing Self-Sufficiency  MFP should link community participation to advancing economic self-sufficiency

4. Americans with Disabilities Act The Nation’s proper goals regarding individuals with disabilities are to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self- sufficiency for individuals with disabilities. 42 U.S.C. §1201(a)(8)(2005)

5. Washington Insider  www.realeconomicimpact.org www.realeconomicimpact.org  Go to “Resources”  Sign Up

6. Focus for the Future  Access  Information and Education  Incentives  Policy Alignment  Relationship Building  Communication and Collaboration 6

7. www.reitour.org/Resources/Virtual-Toolkit.aspx Includes online tools that will assist in building your disability initiative. REI Tour Listserv Virtual REI Tour Workgroup Meetings Virtual VITA Pilot E-learning courses on disability awareness for VITA Volunteers, Public Benefits, and Financial Education for Persons with Disabilities DeafTax procedure manual, toolkit, and Basic VITA training video from Gallaudet Virtual REI Tour Toolkit

8. Bottom Line “My American Dream seems simple: to live on my own and be self-sufficient, to live with dignity and independence. I struggle with my finances right now, but I am an optimist – I believe that I can make progress with my job, move forward and become part of the mainstream economy and achieve my goals.” Cynthia Battles 2008 REI Tour Adult Blogging Contest Winner Rutland, VT 8

9. For More Information CONTACT: Michael Morris, Executive Director 1667 K Street, NW, Suite 640 Washington, DC 20006 mmorris@ndi-inc.org 202-296-2046