Disability Action Network NC

06/26/2026

You may have heard about the recent DOJ memo that argues that seniors and people with disabilities DO NOT have the right to live in the most integrated setting in the community (typically, this means living in your own home). The right to avoid institutionalization and be provided access to supports to thrive at home was previously enshrined in Section 504 of the Rehab Act and the US Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision.

Much like the horrible Texas v Kennedy litigation, if this memo were to be implemented, it would force seniors and people with disabilities into institutions and strip them of their right to community based services, the same services that help them stay in their own home. This would be horrible for seniors, people with disabilities, and taxpayers alike (as institutional beds are dramatically more expensive than in-home supports).

This info graphic from another national group helps explain the threat this DOJ memo poses.

06/24/2026

“At its heart, the integration mandate is not merely a legal doctrine. It is a recognition that isolation harms human beings and that community strengthens them.”

What happened: On June 18, 2026, the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion attacking the legal foundation of the integration mandate — the requirement that people with disabilities receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

06/22/2026

Today marks the 27th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C., which affirmed that the unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ruling reinforced the right of people with disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities rather than in institutions. Twenty-seven years later, Olmstead remains one of the most important disability rights decisions in our nation’s history and continues to advance inclusion, independence, and equal opportunity.

This anniversary comes just days after the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo challenging longstanding interpretations of the integration mandate and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision. ACB is deeply troubled by the memo’s conclusions and its potential implications for the rights of people with disabilities to live in their communities without fear of unnecessary institutionalization.

Despite this recent challenge, we remain committed to defending the rights and freedoms recognized in the Olmstead ruling, and will continue to advocate for policies that promote full participation, independence, and social and economic opportunity for all people with disabilities.

06/21/2026

Email from Exceptional Children's Assistance Center Read some DADadvice from father's across North Carolina This Father’s Day, we’re proud to spotlight the voices of dads from across the state who are

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

Oh no.
“Let us be absolutely clear: this is not a court ruling. It does not overturn Olmstead. It does not change the law today. The regulations remain in force. People can still bring Olmstead claims. What the opinion does is hand the executive branch a legal pretext — its own lawyers’ permission slip — to rescind those regulations, pull back the guidance, and abandon enforcement. The opinion itself concedes that its reading runs against how nearly every federal appeals court has understood Olmstead, and that any formal rollback would still have to survive public rulemaking and the courts.

In other words, this is the opening move, not the final judgment. And an opening move is something you can fight.”

06/17/2026

🗳️ Our voice. Our vote. Our power.

Elections shape every decision that affects the disability community — from Medicaid and Innovations Waiver slots to the supports that let people live and thrive in their own communities. So how do we make sure the people serving in office actually fight for us?

Join the Disability Action Network of NC (DAN NC) for a FREE webinar:
"Our Voice, Our Vote: Electing Disability-Friendly Leaders That Fight for Us!"

📅 Monday, June 30
🕖 7:00 – 8:15 PM
💻 Online — register free!

We're featuring Mike Kondratick, Co-Founder of Relate Advocacy, for a powerful conversation on "How We Motivate Legislators to Make Life-Changing Decisions." If you've ever wondered how advocacy actually moves the people in power, this is the place for you!

This is for the WHOLE disability community and our allies — self-advocates, families, DSPs, providers, and anyone ready to turn frustration into ACTION!

👉 Register free here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Hoa_uq_KQdWBwnrrs9cjbg

Bring a friend!

06/12/2026

On June 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that details all the policies around new Medicaid work requirements.

These work requirements, approved by Congress in 2025, will lead to disabled people losing their life-saving benefits. Work requirements threaten the health, safety, and independence of the millions of people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid to pay for essential health care, Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and other supports and services.

While the work requirements don't go into effect until January 1, 2027, AAPD is working hard to educate our community about what these requirements mean and how you can prepare for them.

We will have many resources for you, starting with our new FAQ! Check it out for our answers to common questions and concerns about these new requirements: aapd.com/medicaid-work-requirements-faq

Comments on the IFR remain open until July 31, 2026. Watch this space to join an upcoming action alert, when AAPD will provide a template for you to submit a comment.

ID: A graphic announcing a new resource says "Medicaid Work Requirements FAQ"