Washington, DC – The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is shocked and deeply disappointed by the proposed reorganization of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) based on today’s news from the Department of Health and Human Services.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services press release, the restructuring will eliminate thousands of employees including those with leading expertise on disability and aging. It also creates additional bureaucracy by spreading these programs among several other agencies including Administration for Children and Families (ACF), ASPE, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
“As a former commissioner of Administration on Disabilities, as a person with a disability myself, and a mother of people with disabilities, I’ve seen firsthand just how transformative ACL’s programs are for people with disabilities and their families,” said Jill Jacobs, Executive Director for the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and former Commissioner of the Administration on Disabilities under the US Administration for Community Living (ACL).
“These programs have not only empowered individuals with disabilities to fully participate in society, but they ensure that communities have the benefit of hearing the valuable voices and all-important perspectives of people with disabilities.”
People need to know ACL’s history of efficiencies and effectiveness that have greatly improved health outcomes and independence for older Americans and people with disabilities by supporting aging in place and alternatives to institutionalization for people with disabilities.
“ACL has consistently demonstrated that it is both effective and efficient in supporting older adults and people with disabilities. Dismantling or disrupting this structure would undermine more than a decade of progress for older Americans and people with disabilities who want to live and thrive in their own homes and communities.”
Since its creation in 2012—through the unification of the Administration on Aging (AoA), the Office on Disability (OD), and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD)—ACL has delivered real results.
By consolidating programs and services, ACL cut unnecessary bureaucracy, improved coordination, and directed more resources toward what matters most: services and support for people with disabilities and their families.
This means ACL keeps families together, fosters independence, strives to increase integrated employment opportunities with competitive wages for people with disabilities, and encourages economic independence and prosperity for individuals and communities.
This streamlined approach has reduced administrative overhead and improved access for individuals and families who rely on these programs.
ACL has also advanced a holistic, lifespan approach to community living—recognizing that people with disabilities and older adults benefit from policies that support freedom and independence in their community and encourage keeping people with disabilities and older Americans healthy, active, and engaged.
“Community living is not just a preference; it is a health imperative. Research clearly shows that people thrive—physically, mentally, and socially—when they live in their own homes and communities, rather than in institutional settings,” said Jacobs.
Over the past 13 short years, we have seen a reduction in institutionalization and greater awareness of the importance of aging in place and living in the community because of ACL’s tireless efforts.
As Secretary Kennedy works to implement these plans, NACDD asks him and his staff to address the following:
- ACL has been a central body for addressing both aging and disability needs across the lifespan, how will HHS guarantee that these populations—older adults and people with disabilities—continue to receive integrated services that allow them to live independently and participate fully in society, especially given the changes to program administration?
- The Trump administration prioritizes values like family, freedom, and opportunity. How will these principles be reflected in the new structure and ensure that individuals with disabilities and older Americans continue to have the choice to live independently, work, and engage in their communities?
- Given that community-based services and supports have been a hallmark of ACL’s work, how will HHS ensure these services remain coordinated and effective for people with disabilities and older adults, particularly when moving across different HHS agencies that may have differing priorities or resources?
- How will the voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) continue to be actively heard and prioritized during and after this restructuring? What steps will you take to ensure that individuals with IDD and their families are engaged in decision-making processes, both now and in the future?
NACDD, on behalf of the 56 Governor-appointed Development Disability Councils across this country, and individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, needs Secretary Kennedy’s assurance that their services and supports will in no way be disrupted.
ACL’s programs are at the heart of creating opportunities for independence, achieving success, and building collaborative communities where everyone can thrive.
“The work of ACL is not just important—it is invaluable to the millions of Americans whose lives are touched by its services every day. We will not go back.”
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About the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD):
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is the national voice for the 56 State and Territorial Councils on Developmental Disabilities. NACDD provides leadership, education, and visibility on key issues and policies impacting people with developmental disabilities. The organization advocates before Congress and federal agencies to advance a public policy agenda that protects the rights and improves the lives of people with developmental disabilities. NACDD also works to secure strong federal funding for State Councils through the appropriations process and offers technical assistance to ensure Council staff have the tools and guidance needed to fulfill their mission effectively. www.nacdd.org
