Olmstead and ADA Community Integration Mandates Challenged by Federal DOJ

Right before Olmstead's 27th anniversary on June 22, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a memo claiming that neither the Olmstead decision nor federal disability law actually provides a right to community integration for people with disabilities.

This directly contradicts nearly 50 years of established law and undermines decades of bipartisan federal commitment to advancing inclusion. The DOJ has since provided guidance published in the Federal Register that the Olmstead decision and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)– the foundation of the right to community supports and services – are unenforceable.

However, the law has not been changed. The DOJ can't itself change the law - only Congress can make and change laws, and only courts can interpret them. The federal government has historically played an important role in enforcing these laws. But the memo signals that the federal government is stepping back from its commitment to community integration, and it invites states to do the same.

Click Here To View Libby Vinson's Full Statement

NJACP CEO, Libby Vinson, released the following statement in response the DOJ’s actions.

Take a Moment to Say Thank You!

Please send a quick email thanking Senator Zwicker and Assemblywoman Murphy for sponsoring the budget resolutions supporting the 3% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).

Senator Zwickers email:

senzwicker@njleg.org

Assemblywoman Murphy's email: aswmurphy@njleg.org

On June 30, the New Jersey Legislature approved, and Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the $60.7 billion FY27 State Budget. NJACP CEO Libby Vinson issued the following statement.

NJACP CEO Libby Vinson Statement on the FY27 State Budget

Statement by Libby Vinson, CEO of NJACP : HCBS Funding Must Be Protected—Not Redirected

The statement is attached for your review and is also available in the latest Insider NJ newsletter.

Click Here to View Insider NJ Newsletter

Click here to read our comprehensive FY27 Budget Recap: What Happened and What's Next!

Why Is Budget Advocacy So Critical for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

Decisions made in Trenton directly shape the daily lives of individuals with IDD and their families. The state budget determines whether people can live with dignity in their communities — with proper staffing, housing, and essential support services.

For NJACP, budget advocacy is not optional — it is central to our mission. When funding reflects community priorities, individuals thrive. When it falls short, families face isolation, workforce shortages intensify, and opportunities shrink

Budget Resources

▶ Watch Maureen break down the NJ budget timeline and key engagement windows.

▶ Watch Maureen explain why late-stage advocacy is pivotal.

▶ Watch Maureen outline the 3% COLA request and what it means for families.

▶ Watch and Learn how Members, Family and Friends can take Action Today.

▶ Watch Maureen’s closing message to NJACP members.

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