On June 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice shared a legal memo. A legal memo explains how the government understands a law.
In this memo, the Department of Justice says that some federal disability rights laws may not require states to provide services that help people live in their communities.
The memo says states may not have to provide services in the “most integrated setting.” The most integrated setting means getting the supports you need to live, work, and take part in community with other people. It means being included and not separated or isolated.
It’s important to know that this memo is not a new law, it is not a court decision, and it does not actively take away anyone’s rights.
However, we are concerned because the federal government is saying it may no longer protect or enforce this right to receive services in the community in the same way it has in the past.
Many disability advocates and organizations, including L’Arche USA, are still learning what this memo may mean. We will keep following this issue and share updates when we know more. We encourage everyone to pay attention to what happens in their state and continue to learn about this issue.
L’Arche USA will continue to watch this situation and share updates and action opportunities. There are a few ideas listed below for how you can learn more and take action.
Together, we remain committed to supporting the right of people with disabilities to live, work, and belong in their communities.
You can reach out to Tom Murphy from L’Arche USA if you’d like to talk further about any of this: tm*****@*******sa.org.
LEARN MORE
These resources explain this issue in more detail:
YOU CAN TAKE ACTION!
You can help protect the rights of people with disabilities.
Talk to your state and federal lawmakers.
- Ask them to protect the rights of people with disabilities to receive services in their communities.
- Ask them to speak out against changes that could weaken this right.
- Tell them why this issue is so important to you and your community.
Use The Arc’s Advocacy Action Center
- It is a good place to learn how to take action.
- Use this link to take action with The Arc.
Work with other advocates and allies
- Connect with local and state disability organizations.
- Work together so more people can be heard.
Talk with family and friends
- Help them understand why this issue matters.
- Ask them to support disability rights.
Talk with your faith community or church
- Ask them to join disability advocacy efforts.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is still the law.
This law says that people with disabilities have the right to be included in community life. People should not be separated from others because of a disability. People with disabilities should be given support to live, work, learn, and fully take part in their communities.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is still the law.
This law says that organizations and programs that receive money from the federal government cannot treat people with disabilities unfairly. This protection has been used to make sure people get the support that helps them live, learn, work, and take part in their communities instead of living in an institution.
The Olmstead decision is still the law.
In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court decided it is discrimination to keep people with disabilities in an institution when they do not need to live there. The Court said that states should provide services in the community when a person wants to live in the community, the person can live in the community with the right supports, and it is reasonable for the state to provide those supports.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update and for advocating with people with disabilities and their families. Together, we can continue to speak up for and build communities where everyone is welcomed and able to thrive. We are grateful to be on this journey with you.
