Amicus briefs filed in federal district courts in Washington, New York, and California in support of three lawsuits on behalf of 21 states against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security challenging the administration's "public charge" rule as illegal discrimination. The briefs, on behalf of a coalition of national disability advocacy organizations, argue that the new rule discriminates on the basis of disability and must be withdrawn.

Everyone deserves to live in their communities with the right supports, but limited funding often leads to waitlists for necessary community-based services. Hear from people with intellectual and developmental disabilities about what life in the community means to them.

Did you know that 37 states still have institutions where people with disabilities live segregated lives? Institutions limit people’s lives and choices, and they must be closed. But more than that, communities need the resources currently utilized in institutions for all people with disabilities to live independently with the right supports, no matter their level of need.

Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on direct support professionals (DSPs) to lead full and independent lives in their communities. The work DSPs do is vital, but due to years of systemic-failures, they’re often underpaid leading to vacancies and high turnover. It’s a crisis that affects people with disabilities and their families every day. DSPs and people with disabilities deserve more.

Through a review of Rocky Myers’ case in Alabama and a discussion with The Arc’s legal director, this episode explores the Supreme Court’s opinion in Atkins and later decisions holding that executing people with intellectual disability violates the constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.