Autism and disability advocates speak out over temporary funding pause and ongoing discrimination against disability communities.

Rockville, MD, January 30, 2025 — On January 27th, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which oversees the federal budget, announced a freeze on federal assistance spending, and on January 29th, this memorandum was rescinded.  

The original memo proposed to review the spending of 2,600+ potential programs to ensure it aligns with recent executive orders under the Trump administration related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, gender equity, accessibility, and more. Programs questioned include Kevin and Avonte grants, healthcare training programs, special education funding, lifespan respite program, ACL Independent Living State Grants, Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities, WIOA Programs, and more.  

The OMB later issued a “clarification” that Medicaid and SNAP would be exempt from the freeze. The Medicaid portal for states to pull down funds was temporarily down but is now restored to regular order. Due to the fluidity of the situation, a lot of information is still unclear, however the Autism Society will continue to monitor this threat.  

“The Autism and disability communities would have been disproportionately impacted by directions like this, as they rely heavily on federally funded grant programs and essential supports. Even a temporary pause could have had devastating consequences,” states Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America.   

Banks continues, “we are deeply concerned of the ongoing rhetoric that undermines and demonizes the values of neurodiversity and inclusion. Beyond the funding threats, we are seeing ideological narratives shape responses to major events, fostering division and fear. This is dangerous, and we must remain committed to our shared humanity.” 

The Autism Society alongside partners in the disability community will continue to proactively advocate on behalf of the Autism and disability communities for policies that protect and empower individuals with disabilities. 

As a non-partisan organization, we will continue steadfast in championing legislation and funding that empowers everyone in the Autism community to live fully and remain connected to the supports they need; when they need them.   

 Additional Information & Resources: 

  • If you need information, referrals or support, please contact the Autism Society’s National Helpline at 800.328.8476, or submit an email request here. 
  • The American Association of People with Disabilities is maintaining a live blog with updates as they develop.  

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