
NADSP Policy Update: Direct Support Professionals and allies Must Speak Out – HHS Decision Threatens Disability and Aging Supports
Today, the Trump Administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced a major reorganization that will dismantle the Administration for Community Living (ACL) — a vital agency that has coordinated and protected programs for people with disabilities and older adults for over a decade.
Instead of strengthening support, this plan scatters ACL’s programs across multiple agencies, potentially creating confusion, reducing visibility, and undermining funding. It’s a devastating blow to the communities we care for and serve.
What’s at Risk:
- Community Living Supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism
- In-Home Supports that help individuals age in place with dignity
- Meals and nutrition programs for older adults
- Hospital and nursing home transitions that keep people out of institutions
- Protection and Advocacy Programs protecting the individual rights of people with disabilities in each state and territory
- State Developmental Disability Councils promoting collaboration at the state and regional level
- University Centers of Excellence centers educating disability professionals, conducting critical research in quality and innovation
ACL was created to make sure these services were coordinated, effective, and accountable. It’s done that — with lean staffing and incredible results. This reorganization isn’t about efficiency. It’s about cutting and weakening the federal commitment to disabled people and elders.
This comes on top of other alarming actions: cuts to the Social Security Administration, proposed Medicaid and SNAP reductions, and even calls to eliminate the Department of Education. The social safety net is unraveling.
We Need Your Voice
As a direct support professional, you see the impact of these programs every day. You know what happens when support is lost.
Contact Your Elected Officials
- Contact your Members of Congress and urge them to oppose the dismantling of ACL.
- Share how these services support the people you care for — your stories matter.
- Stand with the disability and aging communities. Our advocacy is more important than ever.
Use The Arc’s Action Center to connect with your local officials.
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