From UVS Executive Director, Gloria Quinn

TO: Entire Upper Valley Services Community

FROM: Gloria Quinn

DATE: 05/14/2025

RE: System Overview Update

During the past several months, there has been tremendous focus at the federal level on significant policy and budget changes. For example, Medicaid and Social Security have been among the many identified targets for harrowing cuts. Our leaders at UVS continue to advocate at both the state and federal level so that people in our care retain the needed funding and services to ensure that their lives remain stable and they continue to thrive.

At the same time, leaders such as Secretary Kennedy, make statements that create divisiveness and confusion at a very public level. On April 16, Secretary Kennedy held a press conference at which time he made inaccurate statements about people with autism. In his speech he maintained that many people with autism “will never pay taxes, hold a job, go on a date” as well as other disparaging comments. His remarks are deeply troubling and perpetuate harmful stereotypes that devalue the abilities and contributions of American citizens on the autism spectrum. People with autism are valued and contributing members of their families and communities, are employed, maintain meaningful relationships, contribute to their communities, pay taxes and also vote. It is imperative that our state and federal leaders remember this and demonstrate the inherent value and respect that they are due.

Upper Valley Services stands for the truth, value and integrity of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with autism, and also those who otherwise qualify for long-term care services that we are privileged to serve. We stand together and call on our state and federal leaders to seek clear understanding of people’s many gifts, capacities and contributions as well as the true need for services and the horrific impacts that significant cuts to Medicaid would result in. We urge our leaders to demonstrate the true value of inclusivity and the essential value that all people are created equal and have a right to seek and fulfill their own destiny.

Our UVS Board of Directors and leaders will continue to advocate and act on behalf of all those we are here to serve as well as our UVS community. We call on our UVS Community to stand together as we call on our state and federal leaders to abide by these values.

Sincerely,

Gloria Quinn