Robyn Linscott

Director of Education and Family Policy, The Arc of the United States

The Arc of the United States

As the nation’s largest community-based organization advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), The Arc works to ensure that individuals and families have the resources, rights, and support needed for full inclusion in all areas of community life.

Robyn Linscott, Director of Education and Family Policy, will share national-level policy insights and updates relevant to children, families, and the broader disability community. Her presentation will focus on federal initiatives and advocacy efforts impacting educational access, family supports, and long-term service planning for people with IDD.

Patricia Neitman

Phil Kurdunowicz

Alicia Cosgrove

Belinda Hawks

Lyndia Deromedi

Adult Home & Community Based Services, Specialty Behavioral Health Services, Health Services, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

This division supports adults receiving Medicaid behavioral health services, with an emphasis on federal compliance, person-centered planning, and ensuring services are integrated in the community.

Belinda Hawks, Division Director, will share updates from MDHHS on efforts to ensure conflict-free access and planning.

Lyndia Deromedi, Manager of the Federal Compliance Section, will provide an overview of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Rule implementation, oversight of the Habilitation Supports Waiver and 1915(i) SPA services, and progress on Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) compliance.

Kim Musheno

The Arc of the United States

The Arc of the United States advocates nationally to protect and expand the rights and services of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including ensuring equitable access to healthcare, home and community-based services (HCBS), and long-term supports.

Kim Musheno, Senior Director of Medicaid Policy, will provide a national policy update on Medicaid and HCBS. Her presentation will highlight current federal priorities, emerging threats and opportunities in Medicaid policy, and implications for people with IDD and their families across the country.

Emily Henderson

McCall Hamilton Advocacy & Public Affairs

With decades of experience in Michigan’s legislative and regulatory landscape, McCall Hamilton is a bipartisan government relations firm dedicated to advancing policies that improve access to care, promote equity, and strengthen communities. Their team works across sectors to turn complex policy challenges into actionable change.

Emily Henderson, Government Affairs Consultant, brings a strong commitment to health equity and public service to her advocacy work. With experience in Medicaid policy, behavioral health, and substance use services, Emily partners with stakeholders to amplify their voices at the Capitol. She will share a policy landscape update from the Michigan Legislature and Administration, focusing on current advocacy efforts relevant to the disability and health care communities.