What’s Happening Federally?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 ensures that individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against in schools, workplaces, and federally funded programs. However, proposed changes under the current administration aim to reduce enforcement and weaken protections.
Updates to the regulations may impact how public institutions and businesses comply with accessibility standards, potentially leading to gaps in services for those who rely on these protections.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides life-saving healthcare and home/community-based services for over 80 million low-income individuals, including many with disabilities. Proposed cuts to Medicaid funding could reduce benefits and limit access to crucial services.
The introduction of work requirements and potential block grants could shift costs to states, threatening the stability of this essential program and leaving many vulnerable individuals at risk of losing access to care and support.
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Reduction of Civil Rights Enforcement in Education
The Department of Education has laid off a significant portion of its staff, including 243 employees from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and closed seven of its 12 regional offices. These actions could impair the enforcement of civil rights protections, including those under IDEA, for students with disabilities.
Closure of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
Recent layoffs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have resulted in the elimination of the leadership team at the NCBDDD, which conducts research on developmental disabilities and birth defects. These cuts may hinder efforts to advance the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
Elimination of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)
The Trump administration’s restructuring plans include the elimination of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which supports services for older adults and people with disabilities. This move could lead to reduced oversight and increased risk of institutionalization for individuals who rely on community-based services.
Proposed Autism Registry and Research Concerns
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to create a national autism database using private health data to support research. This initiative has faced significant opposition from autism advocates and researchers, who express concerns about privacy, consent, and the potential misuse of sensitive information. In response to public outcry, HHS clarified that it will not create a registry to track individuals without consent. Click here to see the CBS News Report featuring our Co-Founder Tara Cunningham and Yes! Access volunteer Julia Armet.
Potential Threats to Special Education Services
Proposed actions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education could undermine the enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), jeopardizing special education services for approximately 7.5 million students. An executive order signed by President Trump in March 2025 aims to eliminate the Department of Education, raising concerns about the future of special education programs and funding.
Disability Programs at USAID
Disability programs at USAID, which help improve lives for disabled individuals globally, are being dismantled. We cannot afford to lose these critical programs that provide support and resources to disabled people around the world. Please advocate for the preservation and expansion of these programs.