Disability News November 22, 2025
Editor's Note: The disability community is increasingly preferring to use identity-first language (disabled person) in place of person-first language (person with a disability). This is because many in the community view disability as being a core component of identity, much like race and gender. Some members of the community, such as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, still prefer person-first language. Both should be considered valid. Articles shared in this newsletter may contain one or the other (or both) depending on the author's preference, and if they themselves have a disability.
Action Item: Tell Congress to Stop the Illegal Dismantling of the Department of Education Posted by the AAPD
Last week's newsletter was dedicated to Alice Wong who had passed way the day before. The Sick Times posted an obituary for Alice Wong which includes information about her most recent work with people dealing with Long COVID and Crips for eSIMS for Gaza that other obituaries have ignored.
Explainer: The Government Shutdown Is Over. What Does This Mean for Disabled Americans? by Kyle Khachadurian on Nov 14, 2025 at the AAPD
"After 43 long days, Congress reached an agreement to end the government shutdown. The agreement funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (including SNAP benefits) and the Department of Veterans Affairs through September 2026 and maintains 2025 funding levels for all other federal government agencies and programs through January 30, 2026. "
IDEA at 50: Resources To Support Students With Disabilities During the Week of Action by Mia Ives-Rublee, Weadé James, and Casey Peeks on November 14, 2025 at the Center for American Progress
"During its 50th year, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is under attack. Disabled students are more vulnerable than ever in the face of threats to funding, services, and federal protections, alongside layoffs to federal civil servants who oversee the administration of these crucial programs."
“Embarrassing” and “Horrifying”: CDC Workers Describe the New Vaccines and Autism Page by Kiera Butler on November 21, 2025 at Mother Jones
"Earlier this week, a new page titled “Vaccines and Autism” appeared on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Contrary to previous CDC guidance, the page alleged, “The claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism,” adding that “studies supporting a link have been ignored by health authorities.” Those claims aren’t supported by evidence, but they do reflect talking points regularly promoted by anti-vaccine activists—of which Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a leader."
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