Trump administration reverses stance on integration of people with disabilities

What happened

The federal government, led by the Justice Department, has changed its position on the integration of people with disabilities, agreeing with states in a lawsuit to strip out mentions of "integration" from federal regulations tied to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. A federal judge has agreed to remove the integration mandate rules under Section 504. The Justice Department has also stopped relying on its own longstanding guidance explaining how it enforces the integration mandate.

Why it matters

The reversal of the federal government's stance on integration has raised concerns that people with disabilities may face reduced protections and increased segregation. The change could lead to states cutting spending on community-based services, potentially harming individuals who rely on these programs. The impact of the reversal is uncertain, but it has sparked a rally behind proposed legislation and state-level efforts to strengthen protections for community integration.

Key facts

• The federal government has agreed to strip out mentions of "integration" from federal regulations tied to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• A federal judge has agreed to remove the integration mandate rules under Section 504.
• The Justice Department has stopped relying on its own longstanding guidance explaining how it enforces the integration mandate.
• The disability rights community is rallying behind proposed legislation and state-level efforts to strengthen protections for community integration.

Topics

Also reported by

• news.wfsu.orgSource
• northernpublicradio.orgSource
• wkms.orgSource
• news.wjct.orgSource
• apr.orgSource
• wvasfm.orgSource

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