Tomorrow, we commemorate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A landmark piece of civil rights legislation that transformed our country’s landscape for people with disabilities. Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA promised a future where every American, regardless of ability, could live, work, and participate fully in their communities.

For those of us in the home care, hospice, and home medical equipment (HME) fields, this anniversary is more than a date, it’s a reminder of our shared mission to carry that promise forward. Every day, our members provide critical services that empower people with disabilities to live independently and with dignity, in the place they call home.

Whether it’s a home health aide supporting someone recovering from a traumatic brain injury, a hospice nurse ensuring compassionate care for an individual with advanced ALS, or a HME provider outfitting a home with essential equipment for accessibility, our providers are at the front lines of supporting quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

At the Michigan HomeCare & Hospice Association (MHHA), we see firsthand the challenges our providers face every day. From navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape and dealing with payment delays and rate reductions, to working to retain a dedicated but often under-resourced workforce and bridging critical gaps in services for individuals with multiple chronic conditions or developmental disabilities. These are uncertain times marked by shifting policies, rising costs, and deep workforce shortages. MHHA is stepping up to advocate and act.

Here’s how:

Advocacy with Purpose

We’re working with lawmakers, regulators, and payers to ensure that individuals with disabilities continue to have access to timely, appropriate care at home. We are vocal in opposing funding cuts that threaten these services and are pushing for more sustainable payment models that reflect the complexity of the patients we serve.

Education and Support

MHHA continues to offer training, tools, and technical assistance to help providers deliver high-quality, person-centered care. Our upcoming educational programs include sessions on caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recognizing abuse and neglect, and adapting services for better accessibility.

Building Stronger Systems

We’re strengthening Michigan’s care-at-home infrastructure by listening to the needs of providers and patients alike. MHHA is helping shape a system that is more responsive, sustainable, and person-centered. We are also investing in education and leadership development to ensure our care teams are prepared to meet the evolving needs of individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.

As we reflect on the progress sparked by the ADA, we know there is still much work to do. Real accessibility means more than ramps and curb cuts. It means equitable access to care, to support, and to opportunity.

MHHA remains committed to ensuring that care at home is not only possible, but thriving. For every person, every ability, every day.

Want to join us in this mission? Become a member, support our advocacy efforts, or share your story about care at home for individuals with disabilities. Together, we will keep moving the promise of the ADA forward.