URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Request to Withdraw from Texas v. Becerra and Uphold Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Please join us at ASCIP and write to your State Attorney General urging them to withdraw from the 2024 lawsuit that seeks to dismantle Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  There is too much at risk for our patients for spinal cord injury professionals to remain silent.  We must act and act now.

Read the sample letter below and adapt to your state accordingly.

We highly encourage you to denominate this call out to your institutions and friends. 

You may download an MSWord file of this sample letter by CLICKING HERE.

Time is of the essence, so please make your voice heard now!

Subject: Request to Withdraw from Texas v. Becerra and Uphold Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Dear [Your State Attorney General's Name],

I am writing to you as a constituent of [Your State] to express my deep concern regarding the lawsuit Texas v. Becerra, filed in September 2024, which seeks to dismantle Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. I urge you to withdraw [Your State] from this lawsuit and to reaffirm your commitment to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Section 504 is a crucial piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.¹ This includes schools, hospitals, and doctors' offices, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access and opportunities.

[Choose one or more of the following examples and adapt them to your personal experience:]

• Personal Educational Experience: As a child/young adult, a 504 Plan was instrumental in my educational journey. It provided me with [Specific accommodations, e.g., extra time on tests, assistive technology, preferential seating], which allowed me to fully participate in my education and reach my potential. Without it, I would have faced significant barriers to learning.
• Child's Educational Experience: My child relies on a 504 Plan to access a free and appropriate public education. The plan ensures that [Specific accommodations, e.g., specialized instruction, therapy services, modifications to assignments] are provided, enabling them to thrive in the school environment. Removing these protections would severely impact their ability to learn and succeed.
• Employment Experience: A reasonable accommodation provided under Section 504 allowed me to [Specific accommodation, e.g., modified work schedule, accessible workstation, assistive software] and maintain successful employment. Without this accommodation, I would have been unable to perform my job duties effectively.
• Community Integration: Section 504 ensures that I can live and participate in my community in an integrated setting. It protects my right to [Specific example, e.g., accessible housing, transportation, recreational activities], allowing me to live independently and fully engage with my community.
• Healthcare Access: During a recent doctor's appointment, I was provided with a sign language interpreter, thanks to the protections of Section 504. This allowed me to communicate effectively with my doctor and receive necessary medical care. Without this accommodation, I would have been unable to understand my diagnosis and treatment options.

The protections afforded by Section 504 are not privileges; they are fundamental rights. Removing these protections would have devastating consequences for millions of Americans with disabilities, denying them equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and community life.

I implore you to consider the detrimental impact this lawsuit would have on the lives of individuals with disabilities in [Your State]. I urge you to prioritize the rights and well-being of your constituents by withdrawing from Texas v. Becerra and upholding the vital protections of Section 504.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]