This week, the federal crisis facing people with disabilities deepened considerably. First, in addition to the closure of more than forty Social Security field offices nationwide, the Social Security Administration announced it will phase out identity verification by phone. Since many people cannot travel well or have a hard time using the internet to verify their identity, this places many Social Security recipients at risk of losing their benefits. 

Second, the Department of Justice withdrew eleven pieces of guidance on disability rights, which will particularly harm accessibility in places of public business. Everyone can be a customer, and businesses often want guidance on how to ensure they are accessible to all customers in compliance with the ADA. Withdrawal will result in more confusion and expose businesses to litigation that could have been avoided. 

Third, President Trump is expected to sign an Executive Order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This will hurt students with disabilities, period.  The Department’s Office for Civil Rights serves as an essential enforcement mechanism to preserve the rights of students with disabilities at school. Plus, federal loans and grants, as well as vocational rehabilitation services, are critical for college students with disabilities, and people with disabilities who want to work. 

Right now, we need your help in letting your members of Congress know that these actions are not okay. Things will only get worse if they do not take action. We need them to speak out and help us defend our ability to live our lives and be part of our communities to the fullest. Please use our action form to send a letter to your members of Congress.