Beyond Federal Safety Nets: How State DD Councils Are Building Unshakeable Pathways for Community Living

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by Erin Prangley NACDD Public Policy Director For decades, the disability advocacy movement operated under a foundational belief that federal law, bolstered by federal courts and federal executive oversight, served as a permanent, ironclad shield protecting disabled individuals from unnecessary institutionalization. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the…

DCIC Applauds Bipartisan House Resolution Supporting Community Living

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DCIC Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan House Resolution H.R. 1586 This week, a bipartisan House resolution was introduced in Congress affirming the right of disabled people to live in their homes and communities, not segregated in institutions. The Defend Community Integration Coalition (DCIC) applauds this introduction. We thank Bipartisan Disability Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Debbie Dingell (D) and Brian…

DCIC Texas V Kennedy Statement

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Defend Community Integration CoalitionDefend Community Integration Coalition Statement on Texas v. Kennedy Proposed Joint Resolution The Defend Community Integration Coalition (DCIC) strongly condemns the recent proposed joint resolution filed August 31 in the ongoing case Texas v. Kennedy. The proposed resolution aims to strike down the 2024 community integration regulations under Section 504 of the…

Protecting Access to Home Care and Community Living

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Protecting Access to Home Care and Community Living  NACDD’s Response to the Department of Justice Opinion on Olmstead  The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is deeply concerned about a new legal opinion issued by the U.S. Department of Justice on June 18, 2026.  For many years, people with developmental disabilities have fought for the right…

NACDD Opposition to Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities

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Dear Chairman Walberg and Ranking Member Scott, On behalf of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), I am writing urging opposition to legislation scheduled for markup before the House Education and Workforce Committee of the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act on Thursday, May 21st. NACDD opposes the Restoration…

Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Statement on CDC’s Vaccines and Autism

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As national organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being of autistic individuals and partners across the disability and public health sectors, we are deeply disappointed by the latest update to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website on autism and vaccines. The website now states: “‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based…

State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Express Concern over Recent Layoffs U.S. Department of Education and SAMHSA

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The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and the undersigned State Councils on Developmental Disabilities are deeply concerned about the recent layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These cuts affect key offices that make sure people with disabilities get the education, mental health…

Department of Education Condemned for Ending Support for Students with Disabilities

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Broad Coalition of Disability, Civil Rights, and Education Organizations Call for Reversal of Layoffs at Department of Education Washington, D.C. – A broad coalition of national, state, and local disability, civil rights, and education organizations is sounding the alarm over sweeping layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education. These cuts have gutted key offices—including the…

Policy Insight: DOL Withdraws Proposed Rule to Phase Out 14(c) Certificates

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On July 7th, the Department of Labor withdrew its proposed rule to phase out 14(c) certificates. This rule had previously completed the public comment process, with disability advocates across the country supporting this decision. With its withdrawal, there is widespread disappointment. What are 14(c) certificates? 14(c) certificates allow employers to pay people with disabilities below…