The federal Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a “direct final rule” that will eliminate a long-standing requirement of Section 504 requiring new buildings constructed with federal funds to be accessible to people with disabilities. The Department now calls this rule “unnecessary” and burdensome.” Removing this rule would: 
• Eliminate enforceable accessibility standards for new federally funded buildings.

• Allow renovations that leave out ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and more.

• Undermine the civil rights protections of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

According to www.Regulations.gov, the final rule will be effective on July 15 of this year unless significant comments opposing the change are received by this coming Sunday, June 15.

Click both links below and leave a public comment on each (your comments can be the same).

Docket #1 – Go to DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and click “Comment”: https://bit.ly/4kuX2R2

Docket #2 – Go to DOE-HQ-2025-0024 and click “Comment” : https://bit.ly/4mGKgjY

Your comments do not need to be long: You can simply say you oppose the elimination or weakening of the long-standing requirement of Section 504 which requires new buildings constructed with federal funds to be accessible to people with disabilities. You can also share why you oppose the proposal.

Please share widely in your networks.

Press Release (MADISON) – The Survival Coalition of more than 20 statewide disability organizations thanks Governor Tony Evers for his proposed budget including significant investments to improve the lives of people with disabilities across the lifespan.

The Governor’s budget includes a historic, sum-sufficient commitment of 60% state funding for special education to local schools: a move that ensures our local public schools have needed funds to address the growing funding gaps for all kids. Survival Coalition also applauds the Governor’s investment in recognizing much-needed school-based mental health services.

Survival is also glad to see the proposed budget’s critical investments in non-driver transportation funds, community supports to keep children with significant disabilities with their families and out of institutions, and a much-needed increase to investigate abuse and neglect complaints against people with disabilities and more closely monitor 1- and 2-bed adult family homes. People with disabilities  are at 7 times the risk of abuse compared with the non-disabled population. Read full press release.

Access to in-home care, voting, and transportation for non-drivers impact all Wisconsinites Survival Coalition—a cross-disability and aging coalition of more than 20 statewide organizations—has identified the top priorities affecting constituents in every district across the state. “People with disabilities and unpaid caregivers, many of whom are family members, rely on in-home services to keep contributing to their communities and living in their own homes,” said Patti Becker, Survival Coalition Co-Chair. “Ongoing investment in care infrastructure—including the care workforce—is
critical to support families and people with disabilities so they can continue to participate in the Wisconsin workforce and so people with disabilities and older adults can avoid costlier nursing homes and institutional settings. It’s not enough for children with disabilities and special health care needs to get into a program if they still can’t get the services you need, like private duty nursing, dentistry, and autism treatment, Read full press release. See Budget papers below