Disability employment awareness series: Jenny Babcock, Senior Vice President for Medicaid Policy, Association for Community Affiliated Plans – McDermott+

Report on Disability Advocacy and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A recent policy discussion highlighted the significant contributions of disability advocates to societal progress, with a specific focus on the life and work of the late Jill Babcock. The discussion, featuring Jenny Babcock of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) and Kayla Holgash, underscored how targeted advocacy in housing and economic development directly supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Figures in Discussion

• Jenny Babcock: Senior Vice President for Medicaid Policy, Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP)
• Kayla Holgash: McDermott+Consulting

Analysis of Advocacy Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

The career of Jill Babcock serves as a case study in advancing disability rights in alignment with global development objectives. Her professional accomplishments demonstrate a direct correlation with the following SDGs:

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   As Director of Fair Housing for the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department, Ms. Babcock’s work was instrumental in promoting inclusive and accessible urban living. This directly supports Target 11.1, which aims to ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   Ms. Babcock’s role as a fierce advocate for individuals with disabilities was foundational to reducing inequalities. Her efforts to enforce and consult on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) align with Target 10.2, which calls for the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of disability.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   By establishing a consulting firm that guided organizations on the intersection of economic development and the ADA, Ms. Babcock championed inclusive economic growth. This work contributes to Target 8.5, which seeks to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including for persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Detailed Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.” The article highlights Jill Babcock’s work as a “fierce advocate for those with disabilities” and her efforts to help organizations navigate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which directly supports the social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities.
   • Target 10.3: “Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.” Jill Babcock’s role as Director of Fair Housing and her work with the ADA are direct actions aimed at eliminating discriminatory practices and ensuring equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: “By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services…” Jill Babcock’s position as “Director of Fair Housing for the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department” directly connects to this target, as her work would have focused on ensuring equitable access to housing for all, including vulnerable populations like people with disabilities.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.” The article mentions Jill Babcock’s consulting firm, which “helped organizations navigate the intersection of economic development and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).” This work directly supports creating inclusive economic opportunities and ensuring that development projects provide decent work for persons with disabilities.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: “Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services…” The article introduces Jenny Babcock as the “Senior Vice President for Medicaid Policy.” Medicaid is a critical program in the U.S. that provides health coverage to millions, including many people with disabilities. Her policy work is therefore directly related to ensuring access to essential healthcare services for this population.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
   • Implied Indicator: The existence and enforcement of non-discrimination legislation. The article’s repeated mention of the “Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)” implies that the implementation and compliance with such laws are key measures of progress in reducing inequality for people with disabilities.
2. For SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
   • Implied Indicator: Implementation of fair housing policies. Jill Babcock’s role as “Director of Fair Housing” implies that a key metric for progress is the development and enforcement of policies that prevent discrimination in housing, thereby increasing access for all.
3. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Implied Indicator: The number of businesses and development projects compliant with disability inclusion standards. The work of the consulting firm, which helped organizations navigate the ADA in the context of “economic development,” suggests that a measure of success is the degree to which new economic activities are accessible and provide opportunities for people with disabilities.
4. For SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):
   • Implied Indicator: The proportion of the population with disabilities covered by health insurance. The mention of “Medicaid Policy” points to health insurance coverage as a crucial indicator. Progress can be measured by tracking the number of people with disabilities who have access to essential health services through programs like Medicaid.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mcdermottplus.com