Cody’s Story
Cody is 27 years old, and he’s Blind and autistic. He lives in New Jersey with his parents and younger sister, Kaleigh, who founded Judy’s League. He attends a community-based program where he holds a job he loves in a supported environment. This program also includes opportunities for participants to go swimming, boating, exercise at a local fitness center, and dance. Cody is a thrill-seeker who loves telling jokes onstage and spending time with his family. If the attacks on Section 504 succeed, the future of his community-based program would be jeopardized and he could be put at risk of institutionalization.
Leigh’s Story
Leigh is Blind and also has other chronic autoimmune disabilities which cause severe pain and open wounds. They receive in-home nursing and physical therapy services which help them manage their chronic disabilities. Because they receive services in the community, Leigh was able to work for a program where staff mentored Blind and low vision students as they moved through college and into the workforce. Leigh is able to work helping others because they receive services through Section 504. But if the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit succeeds, Leigh might not be able to live and work in their community like they can right now.
Joey’s Story
Joey is 23 years old, and he has autism and Down Syndrome. He lives with his family in Pennsylvania and attends a community program during the day. At this program, participants go on shopping trips, work on arts and crafts, and have parties. Joey is non-speaking and has direct support needs. His program not only accommodates him, but ensures that he is treated as a person with respect and kindness. The Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit puts him at risk of being institutionalized. Programs like Joey’s are far less expensive than institutional settings, and they ensure that disabled people’s freedom, dignity, and humanity are never compromised.
This page was written in plain language. Plain language is a writing style that makes information more accessible to more people, including some people with intellectual or cognitive disabilities.