The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is currently working to quietly rollback two regulations that help implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These regulations guarantee individuals with disabilities the right to access buildings constructed or modified with federal funding, as well as require existing facilities to have a plan to remove access barriers over time. If this change is implemented, builders would no longer be required to meet established accessibility standards, such as providing elevators, ramps, accessible bathrooms, as well as the placement of accessories, such as changing tables, grab bars, towel dispensers, etc. These changes would represent a significant setback for disability rights and could undermine years of progress toward ensuring access for all.
Public comments are due by June 15th. The DOE needs to hear from you, so submit a comment opposing this change today.
On behalf of Disability Belongs™, a diverse, nonpartisan, disability-led nonprofit that drives cultural and policy change, we express deep concern about proposed federal budget cuts to essential programs that millions of Americans rely on—especially people with disabilities, older adults, and underserved communities.
Language has the power to shape how we see each other. The words we use to talk about disability influence how people feel, how they are treated, and how fully they are included in our communities.
