Advocacy is Critical

Current Action Items

PROTECT IDEA AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The U.S. Department of Education is facing serious threats that could impact all students, especially those with disabilities. Proposed Executive Orders, actions by Elon Musk and his DOGE team, and legislation in Congress could lead to the dismantling of the Department, which would have devastating consequences for our education system.

WHAT’S AT RISK

  • Support for students with disabilities
    • IEPs and 504 Plans
    • Assistive Technology
    • Behavioral Supports
    • Speech, OT & PT Services
    • Specialized Transportation
    • Training for Staff
  • Civil rights protections
  • Billions in special education funding
The Department of Education plays a critical role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) and that their civil rights are protected. We cannot afford to lose these protections.
Urge your U.S. Senators and Representatives and urge them to oppose all efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

PROTECT MEDICAID – URGE CONGRESS TO OPPOSE DEVASTATING CUTS!

Proposals to make drastic cuts to Medicaid funding are gaining momentum in Congress, threatening the health and well-being of millions of Americans, including children, seniors, and individuals with Autism and other disabilities.


WHAT’S AT RISK

  • Medical Care, Personal Care Assistance and Respite Care
  • Waivers to Live Independently
  • Job Training and Placement Assistance
  • Supported Employment Services
  • School Based Services like Therapies
Urge them to stand against Medicaid cuts and changes such as work requirements, and prioritize funding that protects individuals with Autism, disabilities, and low-income families. Share your personal story to make an impact.

TEXAS v. BECERRA – STOP THE ATTACK ON SECTION 504

We’re facing an urgent fight for Section 504 — the law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in schools, hospitals, workplaces, and more. 17 states are suing to get rid of it in a lawsuit called Texas v. Becerra. If they win, we lose essential civil rights.

What Do the 17 States Want?

17 states sued the United States government. They asked the court to get rid of Section 504. The states disagree with a few things in the updated Section 504 rules. But the lawsuit asks the court to get rid of all the updated rules – and to get rid of Section 504 itself, not just the rules they disagree with. The lawsuit says that Section 504 goes against the United States Constitution. The lawsuit says that no one should have to follow any part of Section 504. If the 17 states win, this would be a disaster for people with disabilities.

Update on the Lawsuit
February 21, 2025: Update on the Texas v. Becerra Lawsuit

Summary of the Lawsuit
Texas v. Becerra: What it is and How You Can Help Stop the Attack on Section 504 – DREDF

SECTION 504 of the REHABILITATION ACT Fact Sheet
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Part 84 Final Rule: Fact Sheet | HHS.gov

Disability Community Briefing: What You Can Do to Stop the Attack on Section 504
View Webinar

HELP STOP THE FUNDING THREAT

The current administration tried to stop funding on a broad swath of federal programs, the loss of which would directly and indirectly threaten our Autism community. While this particular effort by the administration has been rescinded for the moment, there is every reason to believe more attempts to defund critical support programs will be made quickly.

At an organizational level, this and future efforts by the administration in Washington directly threaten the support ASGA receives from the Department of Justice through the Kevin and Avonte grant. This funding is the foundation for ASGA’s Safety on the Spectrum training initiative which educates local police, fire, EMT and other first responders on how best to support the Autism community in crises. The Department of Justice, in awarding ASGA this grant, looks to our organization “to reduce the number of deaths and injuries of individuals with developmental disabilities, such as Autism, who, due to their condition, wander from safe environments”.

On a broader level, these efforts threaten the foundations of every system of support currently in place to help our community. ASGA is imploring you to join us in advocating for a permanent halt to these threats. The most effective pathway is advocating with our federal and state elected officials. We must do everything we can to compel them to exercise their legal and moral mandates to represent our values. This nonpartisan advocacy is also needed to preserve other programs and nonprofits under threat that support additional critical areas of need for our community, including special education.

The message to send them is clear and simple:

You must stop these dangerous, unnecessary, and unacceptable threats to the Autism community. Now.

The threat is real. It will not stop without our stand against it. Please add your voice to our efforts. Today.

Your voice is important!

NOW is the time to contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives and urge them to take action on these issues that seriously impact the Autism community.  Call, email, and contact them on social media.

USE 5 CALLS APP

5 Calls is a platform designed to help U.S. constituents make a political impact by calling their elected officials about important issues. It provides scripts and contact information for representatives based on your location and the issues you care about.

  1. Choose an Issue: Start by selecting an issue you care about from the list provided on the platform.
  2. Enter Your Location: Input your location to find the contact information for your representatives.
  3. Make Your Calls: The platform will provide you with a script and the contact details of your representatives. Follow the script or personalize it with your own story for more impact.