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 to live in their communities, make choices about their own lives, and receive services close to family and friends. These rights have been supported by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision.
The new opinion says that federal disability laws may not require states to provide services in community settings instead of institutions. While this opinion does not change the law by itself, it could affect how the federal government protects the rights of people with disabilities in the future.
NACDD is worried that this opinion could make it harder for people with developmental disabilities to:
- Live in their own homes or communities.
- Get the services they need close to family and friends.
- Have choices about where and how they live.
- Be fully included in community life.
- Avoid unnecessary placement in institutions or other segregated settings.
These issues affect people in every part of the country, from large metropolitan areas to small towns and rural communities. They also affect more than just people with developmental disabilities. Older Americans, people with physical disabilities, people with mental health disabilities, family caregivers, and the broader disability community all rely on home health care services and supports to live independently and remain connected to their communities.
Whether someone lives in a major city, a suburban neighborhood, a farming community, or a remote rural area, they deserve access to services and supports that allow them to live with dignity, make choices about their lives, and participate fully in community life.
According to recent research, strong home health care services not only improve quality of life but also save taxpayer dollars and strengthen local economies. Home care services generally cost significantly less than institutional care, reduce avoidable hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and help people remain active in their communities.
More than 63 million family caregivers provide support to older adults and people with disabilities, contributing to an estimated economic value of more than $1 trillion each year. 1
Changes that weaken support for community living can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, service providers, and communities across the nation.
When community supports are weakened, more people may be forced into costly institutional settings, increasing costs for states and taxpayers while placing additional strain on families, caregivers, healthcare systems, and local communities. Investments in community-based services support jobs, strengthen the direct care workforce, help families remain employed, and create healthier, more inclusive communities in both urban and rural areas.
For decades, people with developmental disabilities, family members, and advocates have worked to create more opportunities for community living. We believe everyone deserves the chance to belong, participate, and make decisions about their own lives.
NACDD remains committed to protecting the rights of people with developmental disabilities and promoting inclusion, independence, self-determination, and community living.
What You Can Do
Contact Your City Council & County Boards
Living in your own community, with the right services and supports, allows you to participate in it fully. Show up to your local council meetings, county board meetings to share that this decision will impact jobs
Contact Your State Lawmakers
This opinion will impact how your state manages services and supports the disability community. State lawmakers make important decisions about disability services and funding. Reach out to your state senator and state representative. Let them know that people with developmental disabilities need strong community-based services and supports.
Talk to Your Neighbors and Community
Many people do not know about disability rights or the importance of community living. Share your experiences with neighbors, friends, faith communities, and local organizations. Personal stories help people understand why inclusion matters.
Stay Involved
Join local advocacy groups, self-advocacy organizations, Developmental Disabilities Councils, and disability rights groups.
Attend community meetings, advocacy events, and public hearings when possible.
Every voice matters.
Together, we can continue working toward communities where people with developmental disabilities are valued, included, and able to live the lives they choose.
