Do you have a disability? You're probably going to want to read this one.
Especially if you live in Texas, Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, or West Virginia.
An update, American Sign Language (ASL) versions and a Plain Language Explainer regarding the lawsuit described in this post, can be found at the bottom of the webpage.
A community near and dear to my heart is the Deaf community. I am Deaf* as well as my partner. Our primary language at home along with our two children is American Sign Language (ASL). I’ve been thinking, it’s too bad not everyone signs!
Because not everyone knows sign language, I’d like to share about a few ways I’ve received alternative access throughout my life.
When I was a kid, a trained professional would accompany me in the classroom as well as provide some extra assistance at a designated time outside of the classroom. This was my right as an elementary school student at a public school.
When I was a teenager, I had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) which outlines the needs and goals of a disabled student in order to ensure their access to success in education. My particular IEP required all my teachers to face the classroom whenever speaking, write all assignments on the board so it is visual, identify another student to provide a copy of their notes with me, identify a quiet, separate space for conducting group projects, share a few minutes with me after each class so I can ask any clarifying questions on anything I may have missed, and prioritize best seating for me. This was my right as a high school student at a public high school.
When I was a young adult, I learned ASL. Because I learned the language, I requested and was granted a team of ASL interpreters for all of my higher education courses the next six years (including graduate school). This was my right as a college and graduate student at two respective higher education institutions.
As an employed adult, I use a video phone which connects me to an ASL interpreter whenever I pick up a call or conduct a call. Because of access to a video phone, I can do my job. This is my right as an employee of the federal government.
As a parent, I have an ASL interpreter present whenever I take my children to their doctor’s appointments, urgent care, or emergency room. With an ASL interpreter present, I can make responsibly sound and informed decisions regarding my kids’ health. This is my right as a parent seeking care at a healthcare facility.
I am able to be an independent, responsible, and contributing member of society largely because of one thing: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 is a legislative protection of numerous critical provisions for deaf and disabled people alike.
Today, my rights amongst all disabled people’s rights in the United States are at risk. In fact, it’s alarming. Let me share with you what’s going on.
Currently, there is a lawsuit threatening essential protections under Section 504. The Texas v. Becerra lawsuit includes 17 Republican-led states suing the U.S. government to remove Section 504 which is a legal bedrock for disability civil rights.
Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs and activities that receive federal funding. It was one of the first major laws protecting the rights of disabled people in the United States. If this law is weakened or repealed, millions could lose essential protections in education, healthcare, housing, and employment.
We must do something about it.
If you live in any of the following states identified in red on the map below, please call your State Attorney General’s Office to tell them to drop the lawsuit. Tell them how this will impact the disability community and/or you. To find your State Attorney General’s contact info for any of these states, scroll down to How to Contact Your State Attorney General.
If you do not live in one of the states that is bringing the case, you can still take action! You also can contact your State Attorney General and ask them to submit an amicus brief on the importance of Section 504 for disabled people.
Section 504 ensures access to education services, employment protections, telecommunications access, healthcare access, vocational rehabilitation services, housing protections, community & emergency services, and legal & advocacy protections.
Always remember, any one of us may become disabled. What I’m trying to say is, if you’re not disabled today, you might be tomorrow. You need Section 504 to protect you too.
Have at it.
-s.g.
*A capitalized D in ‘Deaf’ generally signifies a cultural and social identity, encompassing a community that shares a common language (usually sign language), experiences, and social norms. A lowercase ‘deaf’ typically refers to the medical condition of hearing loss, focusing on the audiological aspect.
Plain Language Explainer, Texas v. Becerra Lawsuit
ASL Version:
Update: February 21, 2025, Texas v. Becerra Lawsuit
ASL Version:
No one edits my writing. I’m no expert in language use and word order. I ask for your grace if you stumble across any errors or mistakes in my written pieces. The same goes for my voice recording as I may mispronounce some words. On both counts, consider it part of my art; an imperfect expression plucked from my heart and placed onto your screen. Consensual hugs.
I breaks my heart they we have elected people so heartless who only appreciate human life If it’s an embryo-
Removing protections for disabilities, vaccines and basic human rights doesn’t make us a great country
Having $$ doesn’t make us great either
Excellent article! As a retired Early Childhood educator I know first hand the difference that an IEP can make in children’s lives. I have already contacted my congresspersons about this but will make another call to each office today.