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The Washington Connection 6-23-26

Welcome to the Washington Connection, the legislative and information service of the American Council of the Blind. The Washington Connection is brought to you by the ACB national office. If you have any questions or comments on the information provided, don’t hesitate to contact us and ask to speak with Claire Stanley.

The Washington Connection is updated any time we have new information to share with you. The following articles are available as of June 23, 2026. Messages 1, 4, 5 and 6 are new.

Thank you for calling the Washington Connection.

Department of Education Announced Changes to Offices Serving Students with Disabilities

 

The Department of Education announced today that several offices and programs will be moved to other agencies. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, or OSERS, will be moved to the Department of Health and Human Services, HHS. OSERS is responsible for distributing federal funding for special education and helps ensure students receive services that they are legally entitled to. The Education Department's Office of Civil Rights, or OCR, will be moved to the Department of Justice (DOJ). OCR investigates discrimination claims in schools, including disability discrimination involving accommodations, accessibility, and harassment. Additional changes have been made, but these two are the most likely to affect students with disabilities and their families.

ACB is concerned by these actions of the current administration. The Department of Education was established in part to ensure equal access to education and prevent discrimination. Moving OSERS and OCR to HHS and DOJ, respectively, will likely make it more difficult and time-consuming for students, families, and educators to navigate, access services, resolve discrimination, and hold states accountable under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. 

The administration has indicated that they seek to lessen the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Education. This movement of OSERS and OCR is an example of that. While HHS and DOJ play vital roles within the federal government, we feel that the Department of Education is the agency best equipped to oversee these essential functions of OSERS and OCR.

A link to the announcement from the Department of Education can be found here: https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-announces-additional-partnerships-strengthen-coordination-individuals-disabilities-programs-bolster-civil-rights

 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Release Interim Final Rule with Comment Period

 

On June 3, 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (IFC) which will require some adult Medicaid applicants and enrollees to meet a community engagement requirement of 80 hours per month by January 1, 2027. The community engagement requirement can be met through employment, volunteer work, as well as through participation in certain job programs and educational programs. This requirement will apply to Medicaid enrollees and recipients who are aged 19-64, not pregnant, and not entitled to enroll in Medicare. There are exemptions for several groups of people, including individuals with disabilities, medically frail individuals, former foster care youth, veterans with a total disability rating, and other groups.

This work requirement will only apply to certain adults in the 41 states who have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. People in the following states will not be affected: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

This IFC is nearly 400 pages, so it will take time to determine everything that it includes. However, the increased bureaucratic red tape and reporting mandates which are outlined in this IFC will almost certainly cause people who are eligible for Medicaid to lose access to their benefits, solely because they cannot successfully navigate these administrative obstacles.

ACB strongly opposes this IFC. Even with the listed exemptions, the administrative obstacles created by this IFC threaten the independence and health of people with disabilities who depend on Medicaid for essential medical care. ACB will be submitting comments detailing our opposition to this rule, and we encourage others to do the same.

The rule can be found at the following link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/03/2026-11094/medicaid-program-community-engagement-requirement-for-certain-individuals

This rule is open for public comment until July 31, 2026. Comments should reference file code CMS-2454-IFC and can be filed at this link: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CMS-2026-2047

 

Audio Description for the FIFA World Cup

 

The ACB Audio Description Project worked with FIFA and their audio description contractor to share the exciting information below about accessibility for the FIFA World Cup, both in-stadium and remote for radio or subscribed television for all matches! 

FIFA World Cup 2026™ to feature Audio Descriptive Commentary and sign language interpretation for all matches, with additional accessible experiences to

help all fans enjoy the global showcase

FIFA is dedicated to making sure that all fans — including those with disabilities and their families and friends — have an excellent experience at this year’s FIFA World Cup™.

Featuring 48 teams for the first time, this year’s tournament will be more inclusive than ever — not only expanding participation among nations, but also enhancing accessibility for fans with disabilities through expanded resources designed to make the matchday experience truly memorable.

Some initiatives build on activations used successfully at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, such as sensory bags and audio-descriptive commentary.

Audio-Descriptive Commentary 

Audio-descriptive commentary (ADC) will be available for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. This service enhances the match experience for blind and low vision fans. Commentators provide narration beyond standard radio commentary, describing key visual elements of the match, such as body language, facial expressions, the on-pitch action and the movement of the ball.  

For matches in Canada, commentary will be available in English and French. For matches in the United States and Mexico, commentary will be available in English and Spanish. Fans can access the ADC broadcast through the FIFA Audio Description app, available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

The app is designed primarily for in-stadium attendees specifically, but is available to anyone interested in using it for the matches. It is a free app on the Google Play or Apple App Store. The app will provide a full commentary track with a descriptive broadcast from beginning to end. It is not necessary to use the app in conjunction with the Fox Sports broadcast, or in lieu of any other radio broadcast. Consumers will have a couple of options: listen to the app as a stand-alone experience, or they can combine the app with the TV experience. Be aware that listening to the ADC (which will be in real time) while having the game on TV may not be synced up exactly due to TV broadcast delays. 

Accessible Innovations

Following a successful debut at the Club World Cup 2025, haptic devices will return for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with units deployed across stadiums in Dallas, New York New Jersey, Seattle and Vancouver for select matches. 

These haptic devices enable blind and low-vision fans to feel the game as it unfolds in real time, translating live match action into tactile and audio feedback so that every goal, every tackle and every moment of play is accessible from the stands. 

Tournament App Accessibility

The FIFA tournament app is designed with accessibility in mind to help all fans enjoy a more inclusive matchday experience.

App accessibility features include the following:

  • Adjustable font size for easier reading
  • Customizable color contrast for improved visibility
  • Captions on videos to support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users

Each stadium has a dedicated section within the app, as well as on FIFA.com, where fans can learn about venue-specific accessibility services. This includes further information on mobility assistance, sensory services, accessible seating and the availability of services like closed captioning.

Sensory Bags and Sensory Rooms

For some football fans, the noise and excitement of the crowd during a match can be overwhelming. FIFA is proud to have this year’s tournament receive the first-ever Sensory Inclusive recognition from KultureCity, the world’s leading non-profit organization on sensory accessibility and acceptance.

To make sure every fan has the chance to enjoy the game, FIFA is working with KultureCity to provide sensory bags at all FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums. These bags, equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools and communication devices, will be available at Fan Info Points. Fans can also use the social stories and communication tools in the KultureCity app to prepare for the matchday experience. 

In addition to sensory bags, all FIFA World Cup stadiums will offer a sensory room presented by Hisense. These spaces are specially designed with low lighting, soundproofing, textured art and soft seating, and feature Hisense screens with calming visuals. They allow fans to have a calm and quiet place to retreat to during matches. Fans can learn more about these spaces, including locations, by visiting the stadium’s page in the FIFA tournament app. 

Mobility Assistance

Mobility assistance services will be provided at every match to support wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and people with other disabilities who need help getting from stadium entrances to their seats. Dedicated mobility assistance staff will be readily available in all venues to provide wheelchair escorts and wayfinding assistance. 

New this year — and a first for any FIFA tournament — sign language broadcasts will be available for every match, allowing fans both inside and outside the stadium to follow the action and excitement through play-by-play coverage and interpretation of key audio cues. 

In preparation for the biggest FIFA World Cup yet, world football’s governing body is working hard to raise the standard for inclusion in the sport, and to provide services and support that allow all fans to enjoy the beautiful game.

Sign Language Interpretation

Sign language commentary goes beyond standard interpretation. It provides an immersive experience for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing fans by translating the full energy of the game. FIFA’s dedicated interpreters will not just convey the play-by-play action, they will also relay key audio cues — such as whistle blows, crowd cheers and emotional shifts in the stadium atmosphere — ensuring fans feel every moment of the match in real time.

To best serve the diverse community of football fans, all group-stage matches played in the United States and Canada will feature American Sign Language (ASL)

interpretation, while matches in Mexico will feature Mexican Sign Language (LSM). During the knockout rounds, most matches will be available in ASL, with

LSM provided for select matches featuring Spanish-speaking countries.

Fans can easily access the sign language broadcast directly through the official FIFA tournament app by following these steps:

  1. Download and install the FIFA World Cup 2026™ app on any mobile device. 
  2. Navigate to the “Stadiums” section of the app.
  3. Select the stadium where the match is taking place.
  4. Open the “Accessibility Services” tab.
  5. Tap the “Sign Language” button.
  6. The YouTube link will automatically open in a web browser, and the broadcast will begin playing immediately. 

This marks the first time that FIFA will provide sign language interpretation across all tournament matches. This initiative builds on the success of in-person interpretation at select games during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, while allowing more Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing fans to access this resource from their own device — whether in the stadium, at a watch party or in the comfort of their own home. 

Because this is a live, first-of-its-kind broadcast for FIFA, there may be slight, natural variations in timing, and the sign language interpretation may not always perfectly sync with the live match action. FIFA appreciates fans’ understanding as our teams work in real time to bring fans the best experience possible.

Captioning

In the stadium, captions are available for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing fans to follow spoken content during matches via ribbon boards, scoreboards, TV screens and in-app links.

Please share your experience and feedback on these new accessibility services by sending your comments to: 

audiodescription@acb.org.

Fans who have not yet secured their tickets should visit FIFA.com/Tickets to reserve their place to witness history this June and July.

 

Supreme Court Further Weakens Voting Rights Act

 

Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court further weakened the Voting Rights Act by refusing to take the case of Arkansas United v. Thurston, regarding whether Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act is enforceable by private individuals and organizations. The 8th Circuit Court decision says that individuals and groups do not have a private right of action to enforce Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act. A private right of action is a legal tool which allows an individual or organization to file a civil lawsuit based on an alleged violation of law. Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act allows voters with a disability or inability to read or write to receive assistance with voting from a person of their choice. The 8th Circuit Court ruled that only Attorneys General have the right to sue to enforce Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act, and that no private right of action exists. This decision is in opposition to years of legal precedent and weakens the Voting Rights Act, because until now, Section 208 of the Act has largely been enforced through private lawsuits from individuals and organizations, not state Attorneys General. The Supreme Court declined to take the case, which means that the 8th Circuit decision stands. The 8th Circuit includes Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

You can read an NPR article about this case here: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/22/nx-s1-5863532/supreme-court-voting-rights-act-private-right-arkansas

 

Integration Mandate in Section 504, Olmstead Decision in Question

 

On June 18, 2026, the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) at the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a memo regarding the integration mandate in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. LC. This integration mandate is currently at issue in the case of Texas v. Kennedy. In context, the integration mandate is the right of individuals with disabilities to receive care in the most integrated setting that is appropriate, rather than being forced into restrictive settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, and institutions.

The Office of Legal Counsel at DOJ provides legal advice to the President and executive agencies. 

This memo argues three main points. First, the OLC argues that neither Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act nor Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) imposed an integration mandate on states in their treatment of people who have mental health disabilities. Second, the OLC argues that if a law like Section 504 or the ADA did impose an integration mandate, then that law would raise serious constitutional concerns regarding Congress's power. Finally, the OLC argues that in Olmstead v. LC, the Supreme Court did not find that Section 504 or the ADA required states to treat people with mental health disabilities in the most integrated setting that is appropriate to their needs.

ACB is deeply troubled by the arguments that OLC makes in this memo. Although on the surface it seems to exclusively attack the integration mandate as it concerns individuals with mental health disabilities, this memo is functionally attacking the rights of all individuals with disabilities to live in their communities without fear of institutionalization. In addition, the interpretation of the laws, regulations, and court decisions in this OLC memo is simply incorrect. The memo even acknowledges that OLC's view of Olmstead is, "out of step with common understanding of that decision within federal courts," (Page 11). ACB is concerned about the implications of releasing this memo and will closely follow any updates that result.

A link to the memo can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/olc/media/1446701/dl

 

The ACB 2026 Candidates’ Page Is Now Live!

 

The ACB 2026 Candidates’ Page is now up and available for all to read. Visit https://www.acb.org/candidates-pages-2026-elections to see the questions the candidates answered, then scroll down and choose the candidate whose page you’d like to read. There are six people vying for seats on the Board of Directors, and three running for seats on the Board of Publications. 

Your next opportunity to meet the candidates is the Candidates’ Forum, which will be held on Wednesday, July 8 at 7 p.m. Central time. Mark your calendars, and keep an eye on the community events schedule!

Elections will be held throughout the convention. The Candidates’ Page will remain up through the end of convention.

 

Cogswell-Macy Act Reintroduced in Congress

 

Friday, June 5, 2026 — Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) today announced the reintroduction of the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act. The legislation would strengthen the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and expand access for blind, deaf, deafdisabled, and deafblind children to the educational support and services they need to succeed and thrive. The legislation is also being reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) and Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05). 

“Every student deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in the classroom,” said Senator Markey. “The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act upholds our promise to deliver the necessary resources and services to students who are hard of hearing, deaf, low vision, blind, deafdisabled, or deafblind, and enhance evaluation measures to guarantee that individuals can thrive in institutions of higher education. We must build a more inclusive education system that reaffirms the value that each student brings to the classroom and country.”

“Accessing the appropriate services can help each student reach their fullest potential,” said Senator Capito. “The Cogswell-Macy Act will help accomplish this goal by helping ensure deaf and blind students and their parents are aware of the services and specialized instruction available. I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation that will help thousands of students across the country.”

Specifically, the Cogswell-Macy Act would:

  • Ensure that every blind or visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, or deafblind student is properly identified and served, regardless of the disability they are categorized under;
  • Strengthen existing IDEA requirements regarding state-generated strategic plans to guarantee that students receive specialized instruction from qualified personnel and bolster accountability measures to ensure compliance;
  • Assist parents and educators with up-to-date policy resources from the Department of Education; and,
  • Establish a national collaborative organizational resource to proliferate evidence-based practices.

The legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Angie Craig (MN-02), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), John Mannion (NY-22), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joe Morelle (NY-25), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Scott Peters (CA-50), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Josh Riley (NY-19), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Mark Takano (CA-39), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and George Whitesides (CA-27).

“Children with blindness, low vision, and deafblindness are among the smallest populations of young people nationally who need special education and related services, and so resources meeting their unique learning needs are scarce, and states often lack the support they need to deploy available resources most effectively,” said Mark Richert, a principal architect of the Cogswell-Macy Act, head of International Programs at the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia, and Legislative Committee Chair for the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER). “Once enacted, the Macy bill will ensure that states are appropriately supported nationally to successfully meet the individual needs of each student with sensory disabilities who deserve an education worthy of each child’s tremendous potential.”

To read the text of the bill, visit https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/alice_cogswell_and_anne_sullivan_macy_act.pdf. 

 

Encourage Your Congressmembers to Support the Cogswell-Macy Act

 

Last week we announced that the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act was reintroduced in both the House and the Senate! This bipartisan bill would improve educational opportunities for students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, blind, or who have low vision.

ACB is proud to endorse this bill, and we hope that you will share your voice with your Congressmembers and encourage them to support this bill through our new Speak4 campaign below!

The link to the Speak4 campaign can be found here: https://speak4.app/lp/lc019s7h?ts=1781182015