IDD Advocacy and Civil Rights
Advocacy new 06/15/2026:
IDD Civil rights are under direct attack by the Federal Government now. The US Justice Department has come out with a ruling stating States can ignore the Olmstead decision or the ADA. This is not law or legal federal regulations so it can be challenged in Federal Court. This seems to be an attempt to scare the disabled community so they will accept the Medicaid cuts that are coming under the Big Beautiful Bill. This administration is openly hostile toward people with IDD and their goals seem to be to force many people who are on Medicaid, in the community, into institutions like ICE detention centers. They do not care how much it will cost because they control the private corporations who will be paid to "care" for the people with IDD.
Advocacy news 02/24/2022:
The "Build Back Better Bill" die in the US Congress and with it any chance to increase funding for Medicaid Waiver Home and Community Services new slots, HCS,.
The HCS Medicaid Waiver wait list in Texas is still over 100,000 and growing. Texas is still in violation of the ADA and the Olmstead decision as it relates to this wait list.
The Texas new voter bill which has increased restriction for those helping disabled voters vote in now being challenged in Federal Court. I was able to receive an ADA accommodation, under the new law, to allow me to help my son vote without swearing out the new, more restrictive, assistance oath or being bound new increased restrictions.
New Self-Advocacy Program Coming!
IDD Voter Suppression Bill February 2026: The offending text of the Texas SB1 voter suppression bill was struck down by the lower Federal court in 2025. This lower court decision is being now reviewed by the Federal review court. Sadly even if the lower court decision stands the US Supreme court will let it stand.