Advocates Made a Difference!
This week Congress passed and the President signed an appropriations package that funds a number of federal agencies through Fiscal Year 2026, including the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. Disability advocates made a huge difference in ensuring that Congress rejected, on a bipartisan basis, the President’s recommendations to cut or eliminate important programs for individuals with disabilities. As noted in this article, NDSC Policy & Advocacy Co-Director, Stephanie Smith Lee, said, “Congress listened to families and advocates and refused to ‘block grant’ IDEA programs and clearly stated that no authorities exist for the department to transfer fundamental responsibilities...While the protections in the package are much appreciated, it remains to be seen what the administration will do in response.” In addition to protecting education programs and funding, other important programs saved from the chopping block include University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) and the Administration for Community Living, both in HHS.
Thank you to everyone who wrote, called, and met with their Members of Congress and their staff! #AdvocacyWorks!
