Bryan and roommate Sean share a house in the community.

Sincerest apologies to those of you who were regular readers of my Bryanspeak blogs. It has been a rough several months for me encompassing a hip replacement, revision hip surgery after a femur fraction (following a fall at Bryan’s house), and moving for the fourth time since our house burned to the ground almost two years ago. We are now happily ensconced in our new home, built upon the foundation of our burned-out shell where we had lived for forty years.

The very foundation of Bryan’s life is now being threatened. Actions by the current administration put his current living situation in serious jeopardy. The Department of Education has announced it plans to move the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Civil Rights to the Department of Justice. What does this have to do with Bryan and his life? This action will weaken accountability and make it harder for students and families to know where to turn when their rights are violated.

Furthermore, the Department of Justice says that states are not required to provide community-based care for those with disabilities, raising concerns about a return to the Dark Ages of widespread institutionalization. This community-based care is what allows Bryan to live with his roommate Sean in a lovely home together, creating an independence in living that he had dreamed of for years. Look up Olmstead v. L.C.- the DOJ’s memo is challenging this Supreme Court’s landmark case.

What can be done? Contact your members of Congress and tell them to protect federal oversight of Special Education. Preserve strong enforcement of disability civil rights. Reject efforts to dismantle the Department of Education – a very necessary part of our government.

As we prepare to celebrate our 250th year of independence next week, remember those who have fought long and hard over the years to create rights for those with disabilities, treating those individuals with dignity and respect, allowing them their own personal independence from segregation and prejudice.

And although Bryan and Sean may remain blissfully unaware of the storm that is approaching, people like you can keep them in their happy home for years to come by advocating for those who do not have the ability to stand up for their rights. Thank you on behalf of Bryan, Sean and countless others for whom life is a daily challenge. They have enough of a struggle without having to worry about the ending of their independence.