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Take Immediate Action to Stop the Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

South Carolina ACL-Funded Programs on the Proposed Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

On March 27, 2025, an announcement was made from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about dismantling the Administration for Community Living (ACL). As South Carolina organizations committed to strengthening our communities, promoting personal responsibility, and supporting the independence of people with disabilities and older adults, we strongly oppose the proposed dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL).

ACL plays a vital role in helping South Carolina residents—especially seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities—live independently, contribute to their communities, and avoid costly institutional care. The agency supports locally-driven, practical solutions that prioritize individual autonomy and reduce reliance on federal systems.

Through ACL, South Carolina receives critical funding for independent, community-based programs that uphold individual freedoms and empower people with disabilities and older adults. These programs include:

South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council
University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Centers for Independent Living:
Able South Carolina
AccessAbility
Walton Options for Independent Living
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
South Carolina Department of Aging
South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Disability Rights South Carolina
Brain Injury Association of South Carolina

These programs serve 1 in 3 disabled and 1 in 5 aging South Carolinians, benefiting a significant portion of our population. They reflect our values of individual liberty, strong families, and the right to self-determination. ACL’s support allows people to remain in their homes and communities, helping them avoid institutionalization and saving taxpayers money.

ACL was created in 2012 to consolidate multiple agencies into one, ensuring a more efficient and coordinated approach to supporting people with disabilities and older adults. By streamlining services, ACL was designed to provide community-based, consumer-directed solutions that help individuals live independently and make choices about their lives, without relying on large, bureaucratic systems. The agency recognized the need for localized solutions that truly meet the diverse needs of our communities.

ACL focuses on consumer-directed services for people with disabilities and older adults and is the home for the only federally funded disability-led programs built on accountability, lived experience, and results-driven leadership. Eliminating ACL would be a step backward not only for the disability and aging communities but also for anyone who believes in local control, limited government, and the right to live independently.

South Carolina knows what works for South Carolina. ACL gives us the tools and flexibility to keep doing just that.

Signed,

Able South Carolina, AccessAbility, Brain Injury Association of South Carolina, Disability Rights South Carolina, South Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council, and Walton Options for Independent Living

Call to Action:

We urge all South Carolinians to stand up and protect the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The dismantling of this agency would directly impact critical services that help people with disabilities and older adults live independently, stay out of institutions, and contribute to their communities.

Here’s how you can help:

Contact your representatives: Call or email your local and federal representatives to express your opposition to the dismantling of ACL and encourage them to STOP this from happening.
Share your story: If you or a loved one benefits from ACL-funded programs, share your experience with policymakers to demonstrate the real-life impact of these services.
Spread the word: Share this message with friends, family, and social networks to raise awareness about the importance of ACL for South Carolina.

Your voice is essential in ensuring that ACL continues to support our communities. Stand/sit with us—stand/sit with South Carolina—and help preserve the freedom of choice, independence, and local control that ACL provides.

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Take Immediate Action to Stop the Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

SC US Senators, reps, President and VP

Subject: Protect SC's ACL Funded Programs

Message:

As your constituent and a dedicated advocate for the rights and well-being of older adults and people with disabilities in South Carolina, I write to urge you to act immediately to prevent the dismantling or reorganization of the Administration for Community Living (ACL). This proposal is not just concerning—it is a direct threat to the health, independence, and economic stability of millions of Americans, including the millions of South Carolinians who rely on ACL-funded programs each year. ACL administers critical programs under key federal laws, including the Older Americans Act, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the Rehabilitation Act (Title VII – Independent Living), the Traumatic Brain Injury Act, sections of the Assistive Technology Act, and the Lifespan Respite Care Act. It also supports essential SC programs such as the Developmental Disabilities Council, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Independent Living, State Department on Aging, Protection & Advocacy Systems, Assistive Technology Programs, Brain Injury Association, and Statewide Independent Living Council. Other federal or state agencies cannot replicate these specialized programs. Dismantling ACL would disrupt aging and disability services nationwide, jeopardize funding, sever vital supports that prevent costly institutional care, and undermine decades of bipartisan efforts promoting independence and self-direction. This is not a minor policy change—it is a direct threat to the well-being of millions. I urge you to STOP this proposal, publicly affirm your support for ACL as an independent agency, and ensure the federal government remains committed to proven, cost-effective home- and community-based services. Your leadership is crucial in protecting these essential programs. Thank you for your time and service to the people of South Carolina.

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Take Immediate Action to Stop the Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

South Carolina ACL-Funded Programs on the Proposed Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Call to Action:

Here’s how you can help:

Take Immediate Action to Stop the Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Take Immediate Action to Stop the Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Sorry, we're not targeting any representatives in your district. But, you can still help!

The comment period for this document is now closed. But, you can still help!

Take Immediate Action to Stop the Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

South Carolina ACL-Funded Programs on the Proposed Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Call to Action:

Here’s how you can help:

Take Immediate Action to Stop the Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Take Immediate Action to Stop the Dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Sorry, we're not targeting any representatives in your district. But, you can still help!

The comment period for this document is now closed. But, you can still help!

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