The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is the only federal agency solely focused on advancing community living, independence, health, and well-being for people with disabilities and older adults. But that mission is now under serious threat.
In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) first proposed a sweeping “reorganization” that would dismantle ACL’s unified structure—scattering its programs across multiple offices, eliminating its dedicated leadership, and disrupting the services and protections millions rely on to live independently in the community. But what’s framed as a “reorganization” is really the dismantling of ACL, the only federal agency created to support both the aging and disability communities under one roof.
The plan was developed without public input and lacks transparency or assurances that ACL will remain compliant with its legal mandates under its authorizing statutes, including the Older Americans Act, Developmental Disabilities Act, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
This comes at the same time as troubling reports of staffing reductions, significant budget cuts, and other internal changes that could further weaken ACL’s ability to fulfill its mission.
Programs you may know—including Meals on Wheels, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, assistive technology initiatives, home and community-based services, and independent living supports for people with disabilities—could all be at risk.
What’s at Stake?
ACL is a cornerstone of the federal commitment to community living for people with disabilities and older adults. Its programs and protections are designed to uphold dignity, independence, and the right to live in the community—not in institutions.
Through its unified structure and statutory authority, ACL coordinates and administers essential programs that millions rely on every day, including:
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) that provide individualized supports to help people remain in their homes and communities rather than institutions
- Meals on Wheels and other critical nutrition programs that address hunger, isolation, and health needs
- Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Developmental Disabilities Councils which deliver peer support, systems advocacy, and vital services
- Assistive technology programs that promote access to communication, mobility, and daily living tools
- Family and caregiver support, including respite care and training
- The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which protects the rights of people in nursing homes and other care settings
- Civil rights enforcement, including protections under the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Olmstead decision
- Protections against abuse and neglect, safeguarding safety, autonomy, and dignity
- Research and innovation, ensuring that services and policies are informed by lived experience and evidence
These programs are most effective when guided by dedicated staffing and implemented through a single agency with the authority and oversight to uphold rights, prevent fragmentation, and promote equity. Dismantling ACL’s structure puts all of that at risk.
Why the Reorganization Is Dangerous
The proposed restructuring would eliminate ACL’s status as a standalone agency and scatter its programs across multiple offices within HHS. This would:
- Eliminate ACL as a standalone agency, removing its dedicated staffing/leadership and sidelining its voice within HHS
- Scatter programs and staff, weakening coordination, expertise, and program effectiveness
- Increase the risk of institutionalization for disabled people and older adults by undermining supports that help people remain in their homes and communities
- Weaken civil rights enforcement and accountability, including protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Olmstead decision which ensures disabled people can live in their communities
- Violate the intent of core federal laws, including the Older Americans Act (OAA), the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act), the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Assistive Technology Act, and the Help America Vote Act
Despite the sweeping nature of the reorganization proposal, HHS has not provided the public with a clear plan, timeline, or rationale that demonstrates how the reorganization would protect programs or improve outcomes. Instead, recent reports point to internal staffing reductions, budget cuts, and a lack of transparency—raising deep concerns about the agency’s capacity to continue fulfilling its obligations.
ACL’s structure is not accidental—it reflects decades of bipartisan policymaking, cross-disability leadership, and community-driven reform. Dismantling it would reverse hard-won progress and harm the very people it was created to serve.
How Can You Help?
We need your voice to stop this harmful restructuring and ensure ACL continues to meet its legal obligations, remains fully funded, and retains the staffing and leadership needed to protect our communities.
Use Your Voice
Contact your Members of Congress and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and tell them to:
- Halt the dismantling of the ACL and stop the reorganization from moving forward
- Ensure ACL retains the capacity to fulfill its statutory obligations under OAA, DD Act, WIOA, and other laws
- Fully fund ACL and its programs in the federal budget including those that support Meals on Wheels, HCBS, caregiver support, independent living, and disability rights
Let’s make it clear: dismantling ACL is a threat to our rights, our programs, and our future. We’re watching—and we’re mobilizing.
Take Action Now!
Use the tools provided below to:
- Contact HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s office
- Call and email your U.S. Senators and Member of the House of Representatives
To contact HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., visit hhs.gov or call the Toll-Free Call Center at 1-877-696-6775.
You can use these templates when you contact HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr:
- Download letter to The Honorable Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
- Download call script for contacting Honorable Robert F. Kennedy, Jr’s office
Contacting your U.S. Senators and Member of the House of Representatives
You can call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be connected to your two Senators and Member of the House of Representatives, or you can use the links below to find their contact information.
- Find the name and contact information for your Member of the House of Representatives
- Find the name and contact information for your two U.S. Senators
Sample Call Scripts and Email Templates
For your Member of the House of Representatives:
For your Senators:
Share Your Story
Personal stories can be powerful. Share how ACL programs have impacted your life or the lives of your loved ones.
Encourage others to do the same on social media and through community networks.
Spread the Word
Encourage your friends, family, and social networks to take action as well. Share this alert and ask others to contact their legislators and Secretary Kennedy in defense of ACL and its crucial programs for disabled individuals. The more voices we have, the stronger our message.
