Advocacy Radar: Changes in Washington Threaten Disability Rights and Programs
It's been a busy — and deeply alarming — few weeks in Washington. Three major actions this month directly target hard-won disability rights and protections: health coverage, the right to live in the community, and access to special education and civil rights protections.
It's a lot to take in at once — so here's the short version of each, with links to the full story. Scroll to the end to see how you can join us in pushing back.
ACT NOW
All But the Most Disabled Threatened by Medicaid Work Requirements
Threat: New federal work requirements could cause people with disabilities in the Medicaid expansion population to lose health coverage — even when they should qualify for an exemption.
Why it matters: The disability exemption isn't automatic — it requires proving both that you're "medically frail" and that your condition prevents you from meeting the work requirements. That two-part burden of proof could cause eligible people to lose coverage anyway. CMS's own estimates project millions could lose Medicaid. Public comments on the rule are due July 31, 2026.
More: Read the full breakdown and how to submit a public comment → #ProtectMedicaid
HEADS UP
DOJ Memo Threatens the Right to Live in the Community
Threat: A new DOJ memo argues that federal disability rights laws don't actually require states to serve people in the most integrated setting — directly challenging the 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. ruling.
Why it matters: The memo isn't law, but federal agencies and states could use it as cover to cut home and community-based services (HCBS) — putting people at risk of unnecessary institutionalization even when they want to, and can, live in the community.
More: Read the full story on what Olmstead protects and what's at stake → #Olmstead
HEADS UP
Divide to Conquer? Education and Civil Rights Being Split Apart
Threat: New interagency agreements would shift key special education and civil rights enforcement functions out of the Department of Education and into HHS and DOJ.
Why it matters: Families already navigating IEPs may not know where to turn for help, and advocates worry the move reframes disability as a medical problem to be treated rather than a natural part of who students are. More than 600 organizations have called on Congress to block the transfers.
More: Read the full story → #ProtectIDEA
What You Can Do
Taken together, these changes threaten health coverage, community living, and educational rights — three pillars of independent living and disability justice. This is a lot to take in, and it's not slowing down. That's exactly why we're taking action together, not alone.
ECNV will be participating in Hill Day on Wednesday, July 22nd, during NCIL's annual conference, bringing these issues directly to our representatives in Washington. If you're interested in joining us, please email Laura Kim, Policy & Advocacy Coordinator, at LauraK@ecnv.org by July 15th.
We're stronger when we advocate together!
#InfoAndAction #ECNVAdvocacy