ANCOR American Network of Community Options and Resources

10/09/2026

This is a beautiful video from Community Provider Network of Rhode Island that encapsulates the important and varied roles that Direct Support Professionals play in the lives of people with disabilities.

We strongly encourage taking time to watch this today!

Thank you to The Autism Project, The Fogarty Center, Living Innovat...

10/07/2026

In highlighting the findings in The State of America's Direct Support Workforce Crisis, ANCOR CEO Barbara Merrill and Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs Tom Rice share why underinvestment in disability services and the impact of pending Medicaid cuts are fueling the direct support workforce crisis in the latest from McKnight's Home Care.

Eighty-five percent of providers of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) services experienced moderate to severe staffing shortage in the past year, and providers fear the situation could get worse with looming Medicaid cuts and increased government regulatory scrutiny of the industry,...

10/05/2026

Thank you Rep. Debbie Dingell, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Rep. Mike Lawler, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, and Congressman Tom Kean for introducing a resolution recognizing the landmark Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. Lois Curtis and reaffirming the right of people with disabilities to live in their homes and communities.

ANCOR is proud to endorse this resolution and continue to honor our nation’s commitment to the civil rights of people with disabilities.

10/01/2026

In the latest from Disability Scoop, ANCOR CEO Barbara Merrill and Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs Tom Rice share why services for people with disabilities may appear to exist on paper, but will become impossible to access in practice if we don't implement solutions to combat the direct support workforce crisis.

Disability service providers across the nation are turning away new referrals and scaling back programs. And, with massive funding cuts on the horizon, they see no relief in sight.

09/30/2026

Today, ANCOR released our seventh annual survey of disability service providers, continuing our effort to better understand how providers navigate long-term shortages of direct support professionals (DSPs).

“The most troubling finding in this year’s report is how little has changed,” shared Barbara Merrill, ANCOR CEO. “Year after year, providers are telling us that they cannot find enough workers, that they are turning people away, and that they are eliminating or delaying services because they do not have enough staff to deliver those services. A crisis does not become less serious simply because it becomes familiar.”

Read the full report at the link below.

The State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis explores challenges and highlights the resulting impacts upon the direct support workforce and the continued ability of people with I/DD to access the services they require to live and thrive within their homes and communities.

09/25/2026

NEXT WEEK! 🗓️ Sept. 29 | 2-3 pm EDT

Fragmented systems impact provider operations, staffing capacity, data quality, and financial performance—ultimately affecting individuals receiving services.

Join Diamond Partner Giv for a free webinar that will provide a practical roadmap for I/DD leaders looking to reduce administrative burden, strengthen operational visibility, and build systems that support—not complicate—the work of DSPs and the goals of the people they serve.

You’ll learn:

— The real cost of disconnected systems and the impact on your workforce
— Where and how data gaps arise
— How operational gaps affect billing, payroll, service delivery, and financial performance
— Practical steps to reduce complexity and better support staff and the people you serve

Register for free:

This webinar will explore how fragmented systems impact provider operations, staffing capacity, data quality, and financial performance, ultimately affecting individuals receiving services.

09/24/2026

“The administration’s continued reliance on its wholly unfounded interpretation of federal law is a dereliction of its duty to uphold the rights of all Americans," said Barbara Merrill, ANCOR CEO, following the issuing of a final order in the Texas v. Kennedy case.

Click below to read her full statement condeming the actions of the DOJ and HHS as they step back from their role as enforcer of the integration mandate.

09/22/2026

StoryCorps, in partnership with The Library of Congress, invited two DSPs from Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI), Kimberly Bumgardner Bergman and Danielle Knavel, to share their COVID-19 experiences as part of the COVID-19 American History Project.

Kimberly Bumgardner Bergman (48) speaks with colleague Danielle Knavel (42) about their work as Direct Support Professionals (DSP). Kimberly recalls the period she decided to move in with a group to provide care for two weeks while they were infected with COVID-19.

09/22/2026

09/17/2026

Yesterday we went to Capitol Hill with ANCOR members, self-advocates and DSP Ambassadors for over 300 congressional meetings!

In meetings with members of Congress across the country—from Maine to Alaska—we educated them about, and advocated for, home and community-based services.

Your story matters. Your voice makes a difference. Our collective advocacy is powerful. Thank you!