New Report Warns of Threats to Independence for People with Disabilities
House Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA) has released a report, "Living Independently, Participating Fully: Defending Against the Trump Administration's Attacks on People with Disabilities."
The report details how proposals from the Trump Administration—such as eliminating the Administration for Community Living (ACL), making major Medicaid cuts, and weakening equity protections—would endanger the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of the ACL and the significant progress made over the past 50 years, highlighting its numerous accomplishments.
The ACL has implemented over 15 key programs addressing aging and disability. Seven programs directly affect the disability community. They include: Americans with Disabilities Act National Network, the ten regional centers that provide ADA implementation support; Assistive Technology which assists states, individual services providers and others; Centers for Independent Living (CILs); Protection and Advocacy Systems; State Councils on Developmental Disabilities; University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs); and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
The report also warns that the number of children identified as having autism is increasing and that the supports currently provided are essential to their well-being.