On Friday, March 21, 2025, a critical hearing will take place in the case of Texas v. Becerra, where 17 states are challenging the constitutionality of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding. It is a cornerstone of disability rights, ensuring that people with disabilities have access to education, employment, healthcare, and public spaces. If this law is overturned or weakened, it could dismantle decades of progress, leaving millions without the protections they rely on to live independently and fully participate in society.

The Impact of Losing Section 504

If this lawsuit succeeds, it could set a precedent for states to reject federal disability protections entirely. While some politicians argue that accessibility should be left up to the states, history has shown that without federal enforcement, accessibility is often ignored. Before Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public spaces were not built with accessibility in mind, people with disabilities were routinely denied education and employment, and many were left isolated with no legal recourse.

Without Section 504, we could see:     •    Schools denying accommodations for disabled students, making education harder or even impossible for many.     •    Hospitals and medical facilities becoming less accessible, putting disabled patients at risk.     •    Public transportation services cutting accessible programs, limiting mobility for those who rely on them.     •    Businesses no longer required to provide reasonable accommodations, leading to fewer employment opportunities.

The loss of these protections wouldn’t just be an inconvenience—it would be life-altering. It would create barriers that many people cannot overcome on their own.

A Crisis of Mental Health and Independence

One of the most overlooked consequences of losing disability protections is the impact on mental health. When people with disabilities lose access to services that help them live independently, the result is often depression, isolation, and despair. If public spaces and transportation become inaccessible, many will be stuck at home, unable to engage with their communities. Without employment opportunities, financial independence becomes even more difficult.

This isn’t just about policy—it’s about dignity. People with disabilities already face challenges in a world that isn’t always designed with them in mind. Taking away the legal protections that ensure access to basic needs would send a devastating message: that their rights and well-being are not a priority.

My Thoughts

We are facing a dangerous backslide that could undo decades of progress in disability rights. If Section 504 is overturned, we aren’t just losing legal protections—we are risking the livelihoods, independence, and mental well-being of millions of people. If states refuse federal funding to avoid accessibility mandates, it could result in job losses for those working in federally funded disability services. This isn’t just a policy change—it’s an attack on human rights.

Politicians making these decisions aren’t the ones who will suffer. The ones who will pay the price are the people who rely on these protections to go to school, find jobs, and live their lives with dignity. We can’t afford to sit back and let this happen.

A Question to Consider

What could we do to stop this from happening? How can we ensure that politicians and the public truly listen to the needs of people with disabilities before it’s too late?