The Republican assault on disability rights threatens the independence and equality of millions of Americans. The Green Party of Utah (GPUT) stands firm in demanding aggressive implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. We are committed to prohibiting discrimination, enabling people with disabilities to achieve full independence, and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all children.

In Utah the Republican Attorney General is party to a federal lawsuit, with 17 other republican state attorney generals, charging Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as unconstitutional. At its core, Section 504 requires all programs or activities that receive any federal funding to not discriminate against people based on their disability(ies).¹ There are important historic disability civil rights moments related to adoption of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a critical milestone in disability rights. If the federal courts agree with the Utah Republicans, would be impossible for government to enforce reasonable accommodation requirements.

On a national level the Trump Justice Department recently revoked 11 ADA Guidelines which had clarified requirements under the ADA, including disability accessibility requirements for hotels and gas stations, some dating back to 1999.² Revoking the guidance does not mean that requirements under the ADA have changed, but it will make it harder for people to know what the rules are and how they apply. The American Association of People with Disabilities said the department’s move eliminates protections that are “necessary and timely” and the organization is “very concerned about these changes.”

These Republican policies threaten an already fragile support system for people with disabilities. As Adam Guymon, GPUT ADA Coordinator, warns, “Our diagnostic frameworks systematically erase the lived experiences of individuals with emerging disabilities. Disability is a universal human experience that touches every family, community, and generation.” Guymon explains that the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM)³ used in the U.S. to code and classify medical diagnoses, presents challenges in diagnosing complex disabilities, creating barriers for those with conditions outside existing categories. Current disability services remain minimal and underfunded, with any further interference threatening disabled persons’ fundamental dignity and independence.

Guymon further emphasizes, “These policies aren’t just political—they directly impact families, workers, and veterans. Disability doesn’t define potential; shortsighted policies do.”

As Lionel Trepanier, GPUT Grassroots Coordinator, declares, “Disability rights are the cornerstone of a just society. When we remove barriers, we don’t just empower individuals—we elevate our entire community.”

These Republican policies allow and promote discrimination against the disabled when the latest CDC data reveals over 70 million adults in the United States, (28.7% of adults) report having a functional disability.⁴  Nearly half of these persons, more than twelve percent (12.2%) of U.S. adults report a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.⁵ Add also 7.5 million students aged 3-21, representing fifteen percent (15%) of all public school students, who receive special education and/or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.⁶

This is more than an exercise in statistics.  These numbers underscore the fact that people with disabilities are a large part of every community and population. Many of us know, or are, someone with a disability, and disability inclusion is beneficial for all.  Historically, America led the world in establishing a society with democratic values such as equal opportunity and protection from discrimination. Today, however, our country has taken a wrong turn and now is among the most extreme examples of industrialized nations that have a widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of its citizenry — the disabled, the working poor, the struggling middle class, we who increasingly cannot make ends meet. 

Take Action Now!

Contact political representatives!

Support disability rights organizations!

Spread awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities!

Attend the GPUT Spring Convention where the documentary film “Crip Camp” will be screened. More info forthcoming at the events page.

Join the Movement! To learn how to get involved with the GPUT and to help build the GPUT Disability Caucus, visit the website: greenpartyofutah.org or ontact the GPUT ADA Coordinator, Adam Guymon at adacoordinatorgput@gmail.com.

Our collective future depends on our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a society that truly values every member!

¹ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights

²DOJ Withdraws Eleven ADA Guidance Documents For Public Accommodations, By Seyfarth Shaw LLP on March 24, 2025. Respected legal treatise with links to numerous original source documents 

³  International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM)

⁴US Center for Disease Control Data Shows Over 70 Million U.S. Adults Reported Having a Disability 

⁵ Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic (USCDC)

⁶National Center for Education Statistics