At Work Now Hawaii, we are committed to helping people with disabilities gain meaningful work and live independently. That’s why we feel it’s important to speak up about recent actions at the federal level that could deeply affect our community.

Over the past few months, the Trump-Vance administration has announced major cuts to federal programs that support people with disabilities. Some of these changes include:

🔻 What’s Being Cut or Changed?

• No more sign language interpreters at White House press briefings.
• Disability webpages and YouTube ASL videos have disappeared.
• The Administration for Community Living (ACL), which helps people live at home with services like meals, home care, and housing support, is being dismantled.
• DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs across the government have been rolled back—many of which supported disability rights and inclusion.
• Research funding for disability programs and services is being slashed.
• Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans’ services are on the chopping block, with some proposals calling for billions in cuts.
• Federal hiring protections for people with disabilities are being weakened by job cuts and policy changes.

😟 Why It Matters

Programs that help people with disabilities live independently, find jobs, and stay healthy are now at risk. That means:

• It may get harder to access support at home or in the workplace.
• We could see fewer job opportunities and protections.
• Research and services that lead to better treatments or job supports might go away.
• Many people feel ignored or invisible because the government is removing resources that helped them participate fully in public life.

🛡️ What We Believe

We believe every person with a disability deserves the right to be seen, heard, and supported. No matter what happens in Washington, D.C., we will keep fighting for:

• Access to jobs and training
• Inclusive workplaces
• Independence, pride, and respect for all abilities

📣 What You Can Do

1. Stay informed. Follow us for updates.
2. Speak up. Call your representatives. Let them know these programs matter to you.
3. Share your story. Real voices make a difference.
4. Lean on us. If you’re worried about how this affects you, contact your job coach or Work Now Hawaii staff. We’re here to help.

If you’re wondering how these changes could affect your benefits, training, or job supports, we’re available to talk.

➡️ Contact us anytime at [info@worknowhawaii.org] or call (808) 202-2310
We’re stronger together.

Blurb: Recent federal cuts to disability and DEI programs could make it harder for people with disabilities to get the support they need to live and work independently. From reduced access to sign language interpreters to major threats to Medicaid and job protections, these changes affect us all. At Work Now Hawaii, we’re speaking up—because everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.