Today, we’re pausing to celebrate something important.
After months of sustained advocacy, Nebraska and Iowa have officially withdrawn from the lawsuit known as Texas v. Kennedy, a case that threatens critical disability rights protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
This didn’t happen by accident.
It happened because people took action. Families shared their stories. Self-advocates spoke directly to elected officials. Service providers, educators, and allies made calls, sent emails, showed up at the Capitol, and submitted public comments. Over and over, the message was clear: Section 504 matters, and we will not stay silent while it’s threatened.
That collective pressure worked.
Section 504 is foundational. It protects the right of people with disabilities to access schools, healthcare, transportation, employment, and community life without discrimination. It also underpins the integration mandate, which affirms that people with disabilities have the right to receive services in the community rather than being forced into institutions.
Nebraska and Iowa stepping away from this lawsuit is a meaningful win for disability rights and for everyone who believes in inclusion, dignity, and access.
At the same time, we want to be clear: the work is not finished.
Texas and several other states continue to pursue a revised version of this case, challenging federal rules that reinforce the right to live and receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate. If successful, this effort could weaken protections that disabled people have fought for over decades and increase the risk of unnecessary institutionalization.
So today, we do two things at once.
We celebrate. And we recommit.
We celebrate the power of collective advocacy and the impact of showing up consistently. And we recommit to defending Section 504 and the rights it guarantees, because disability rights are civil rights, and they require ongoing vigilance.
Thank you to everyone who raised their voice, took action, and stood with us.
This victory belongs to you.
Protect 504. Public means everyone.