A group of 17 states, including Iowa, have sued the United States government.  The states are asking the court to get rid of Section 504 and its new rules that protect people with disabilities from discrimination in health care and human services.

Section 504 requires any organization receiving federal funding – such as schools, hospitals and doctor’s offices – to include and accommodate people with disabilities.  These rules ensure access to education, health care and essential services.

Here are some ways that section 504 and its rules help Crossroads.  The rules in Section 504 say:

• Doctors and schools must have sign language interpreters for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing who sign.  Videos must have captions.
• Doctors must give clear information to disabled people.  This includes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Websites for schools and hospitals must work for people who are blind and low vision.
• Doctors and hospitals cannot stop helping someone because they have a disability.
• Doctors and hospitals must have tools and machines that work for wheelchair users.  This includes machines that check for cancer.

Advocates can take action by urging their state Attorney General to withdraw from the lawsuit.

Imagine talking to someone for a 30 second elevator ride.  First, who are you.  Second, what’s your story.  Lastly, what’s your ask?