Disability Rights Under Pressure: Olmstead, Medicaid & More

Podcast: The David Kaufer Podcast: The Lighter Side of the Spectrum · David Kaufer

Opublikowano: 2026-06-29

David and producer Dave Yas discuss interconnected developments they see as threatening disability rights: a recent DOJ opinion reinterpreting Olmstead, proposed Medicaid cuts, and efforts to move special education from the Department of Education to HHS. They explain Olmstead’s longstanding role in supporting community-based living over institutionalization and worry states could use the DOJ memo to justify cost-cutting moves that reduce integrated supports. They describe Medicaid as the “quiet architecture” enabling community living—covering services like therapies, transportation, job coaching, and respite—and note proposed reductions and increased requalification burdens. They argue shifting special education risks reframing a civil righ...