Advocacy in Action: TASH Leads the Charge for Disability Rights Amidst Shifting Federal Policy

As the summer of 2026 unfolds, the disability rights landscape in the United States finds itself at a critical juncture. From the halls of the United Nations in New York to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., TASH—a leading national organization dedicated to equity, opportunity, and inclusion—is navigating a period of intense policy volatility. With the administration proposing significant structural shifts in federal oversight and a recent Department of Justice (DOJ) legal opinion threatening decades of progress regarding community-based living, the mission of TASH has never been more urgent.

The State of the Union: A Message from Executive Director Michael Brogioli

In a recent address, TASH Executive Director Michael Brogioli emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to the promise of liberty and equality for all, particularly as the nation prepares for Independence Day. Brogioli highlighted the gravity of the current political climate, specifically addressing the administration’s controversial plans to reorganize federal agencies.

The proposed transfer of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) from the Department of Education to the Administration for Community Living, and the potential move of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the Department of Justice, has sparked widespread alarm. “These interagency agreements raise important questions about protecting students’ rights, maintaining accountability, and preserving strong federal leadership for inclusive education,” Brogioli stated. TASH remains at the forefront of this battle, continuing to advocate for policies that uphold the rights and dignity of both children and adults with disabilities.

Chronology of Recent Advocacy and Engagement

The past month has been a whirlwind of activity for TASH, characterized by high-level diplomatic engagement and grassroots mobilization.

• June 9–11, 2026: TASH participated in the 19th Annual Conference of State Parties (COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the United Nations. Executive Director Michael Brogioli met with Ambassador Luis Gallegos, a primary architect of the historic UN Convention, to discuss the international framework for disability rights.
• June 18, 2026: The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel released a contentious opinion suggesting that the Americans with Disabilities Act and the landmark Olmstead v. LC Supreme Court decision do not mandate states to provide services in community settings. This sparked an immediate and unified backlash from the disability advocacy community.
• June 23, 2026: TASH maintained a presence at the 150th AAIDD Annual Meeting, fostering professional connections and strengthening partnerships with industry leaders such as Dan Middleton of Catalight and Cather Ficker Terrill.
• July 21, 2026: TASH is set to host the "Outstanding Leadership in Disability Law Symposium," a premier event designed to equip advocates, attorneys, and policymakers with the tools to navigate the evolving legal landscape.

The Constitutional Challenge: The DOJ’s Recent Legal Opinion

On June 18, the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued a memorandum that has sent shockwaves through the disability community. The opinion posits that federal statutes, including the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, alongside the Supreme Court’s foundational Olmstead ruling, do not legally require states to provide services to people with disabilities in community-based settings.

This interpretation stands in stark contrast to decades of advocacy and judicial precedent, which have consistently moved toward deinstitutionalization and community integration. The response from the civil rights community was swift and uncompromising. Organizations including the ACLU, The Arc, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), and the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law have issued formal statements condemning the memo as a direct threat to the fundamental right of people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in the community.

TASH is currently reviewing these developments to inform its ongoing legal and policy strategies, ensuring that the voices of those most impacted by these decisions are heard in Washington.

Supporting Data: Community Life Engagement (CLE) in Action

While federal policy faces challenges, regional efforts continue to demonstrate the efficacy of inclusive living. A recent webinar hosted by Pennsylvania TASH, titled "Community Life Engagement in Action," highlighted the tangible benefits of integrating individuals into their communities through recreation, volunteer work, continuing education, and civic engagement.

Presenters Jennifer Sulewski, Ph.D., and Kelly Doran, Ph.D., argued that "Community Life Engagement" is more than a policy buzzword; it is a vital service delivery model that fosters independence. The success of this model underscores the necessity of resisting any federal push toward re-institutionalization. The recorded webinar, now available on TASH’s YouTube channel, serves as a crucial resource for service providers looking to expand their community-based support networks.

Implications for the Future: The 2026 TASH Conference

As the year progresses, all eyes are turning toward the 2026 TASH Conference, scheduled for December 3–5 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Under the theme "Liberty and Justice for All," the event aims to consolidate the advocacy community’s response to the current administration’s policy shifts.

The conference will serve as a hub for critical discussions regarding the changing special education landscape, the impact of the new interagency agreements between the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, and the long-term implications of the recent OLC memo. By bringing together educators, families, policymakers, and advocates, TASH hopes to forge a unified path forward that protects the hard-won gains of the disability rights movement.

Professional Development: Bridging Law and Practice

TASH remains committed to professional development, recognizing that legal expertise is one of the most effective tools for social change. The upcoming "Outstanding Leadership in Disability Law Symposium" is designed to provide Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits for legal professionals. By offering both in-person and virtual attendance options, TASH is ensuring that these vital conversations are accessible to a nationwide audience of attorneys and policy experts.

Furthermore, the "Driving Independence" initiative, managed by the Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC), continues to tackle the intersection of transportation and workforce development. On July 14, 2026, experts from Easterseals and Catalight will convene to discuss how transportation supports can be integrated into employment services—a key factor in helping individuals with disabilities achieve economic self-sufficiency.

A Call to Action for the Disability Community

As we observe the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, the ideals of liberty and justice are being tested. The work of expanding freedom and belonging for people with disabilities is far from finished. TASH urges its members and the broader public to remain vigilant, informed, and engaged.

Key Advocacy Resources:

• The Washington Update: For those looking to track federal funding changes, Medicaid work requirements, and home-based services, the monthly Washington Update newsletter remains an essential resource.
• The TASH Career Center: TASH continues to support the economic integration of people with disabilities by providing a platform for values-based job postings and talent acquisition.
• Research and Practice: Through its publication, Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities (RPSD), TASH provides the academic rigor necessary to inform evidence-based policy.

Conclusion

The challenges facing the disability community in the latter half of 2026 are significant. From the restructuring of federal oversight agencies to the erosion of the Olmstead standard, the need for a unified, advocacy-driven response has never been greater. TASH stands as a beacon of resistance and progress, utilizing research, legal advocacy, and community building to ensure that the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act is not just maintained, but expanded.

As Michael Brogioli noted, the founding ideals of our nation remind us that the work of expanding justice is an ongoing endeavor. Through conferences, symposia, and consistent engagement with federal policy, TASH continues to lead the movement toward a future where people with disabilities are fully valued, included, and empowered to participate in all aspects of life.

For those interested in supporting this work, TASH invites you to explore their membership options, donate to their advocacy funds, or participate in the upcoming events in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Together, we can ensure that the rights of the disability community remain a non-negotiable pillar of American democracy.