<p>Like many Americans, I've been sitting with fear and a heavy heart as our federal government takes steps backward in protecting people with disabilities by angling to undo decades of work with a stroke of a pen and little regard for those it will impact.</p><p>Last week, the U.S. Justice Department <a class="Link" href="https://www.justice.gov/olc/media/1446701/dl" target="_blank" ><u>released a memo</u></a> that argued states don’t have to <a class="Link" href="https://www.npr.org/2026/06/20/nx-s1-5865100/doj-memo-trump-disability-civil-rights-institutionalization" target="_blank" >provide in-home or community-based care</a> to people with disabilities who need support. These services are vital and allow people to live and ensure their right to be a part of their communities.</p><p>Unfortunately, as states may possibly choose this option, especially those who see it as a benefit to cutting costs, people with disabilities will slowly start to become more invisible and be forced to seek assistance through institutions.