Statewide Independent Living Council of Alaska

06/19/2026

This week, the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel released a new legal opinion stating that states are not actually required by law to provide community-based or home-based care for people with mental, physical, and intellectual disabilities .

This reinterprets Olmstead v. L.C., the landmark 1999 Supreme Court case that established the right of people with disabilities to receive services in their communities rather than being unnecessarily placed in institutions. Civil rights experts say this finding runs counter to long-standing legal precedent and could lead to greater rates of institutionalization for people with disabilities.

The Olmstead decision has long been considered foundational to disability rights, allowing people to be part of their families, attend school, and remain active in their communities. While this new opinion does not change existing law or set legal precedent, it could significantly shift how the DOJ and the Department of Health and Human Services enforce discrimination complaints from people receiving state-funded care going forward.

At the SILC, we remain committed to the principle that all Alaskans with disabilities deserve the right to live, work, and participate fully in their own communities. We will continue to monitor this development and its implications for independent living across the country.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/doj-disability-opinion-community-care/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSiRxlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEee-9LEKilOJRLeiafg4PzclcIyA3GTSNnBSOJCtoHDuvtdJfGZQlQvQiBDl4_aem_R9XDf_TtDgt66byjV8rYaQ

The Office of Legal Counsel opinion released Thursday said states aren't required by law to integrate mentally disabled patients with their peers by providing community or home-based care.

06/19/2026

The federal government has proposed big changes to programs that support students with disabilities.

This is not a niche issue. Disability affects communities across the US: 1 in 6 children, or 17% of the population, has a disability of some kind. This decision will impact your friends, neighbors, and the future of our nation.

The federal government’s plan would move special education programs and civil rights enforcement out of the Department of Education and into different agencies.

NDRN, and disability advocates across the US, are concerned because these systems are supposed to work together to support individuals with disabilities.

When these programs are split across agencies, it can:
- Make it harder for families to get help
- Slow down responses to discrimination cases
- Create confusion about where to go for support

Advocates also warn this decision moves us away from treating disability as a civil rights issue, and back toward seeing it as a medical issue.

Federal law has required a coordinated approach to education and disability rights. For nearly half a century, Congress has intentionally aligned educational access, transition services, workforce preparation, vocational rehabilitation, and civil rights enforcement within a single agency, recognizing that educational achievement and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities are deeply interconnected.

Students with disabilities have the right to learn, belong, and succeed in school. Without strong, coordinated protections, these rights are at risk.

06/19/2026

City 'anticipates operating under emergency declarations until the threat to life, safety, and property is mitigated.'

06/19/2026

A reminder that we're open for the summer. Friday presentations begin today! Learn more on our website: https://www.kenaitze.org/kbeq-cultural-site/

06/19/2026

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06/19/2026

Attention Bethel area residents: Join Disability Law Center of Alaska staff in person on June 24 from 1:00-5:00 to discuss services available to individuals with disabilities through the Client Assistance Program (CAP). CAP advocates for individuals with disabilities who are receiving or applying to receive vocational rehabilitation services from the state or tribal organizations. Join us to learn more!

Poster Description:

Event Date and Time: June 24, 2026. 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation - AVCP, Tugkar Conference Room, 570 3rd Avenue, Bethel, AK 99559

Event Description:

Join us in-person and get the tools you need to find and succeed in employment. Learn about the CAP program and other topics, including:

Understanding your rights as an employee
Connecting and working with both the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Developing and amending your Individualized Plan of Employment
Exploring work and education opportunities
How working will affect your Social Security Disability Benefits
How to successfully transition from school to work

Who should attend:
High school students with disabilities
Parents & guardians
Adults with disabilities
Educators & transition specialists

06/12/2026

Looks like a great time for the Anchorage area, and it's still going strong!!!!