Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council Texas v. Kennedy
Published May 15, 2026
MODDC has always partnered with federal and state administrations. We appreciate the current administration’s desire to continue to work with us. MODDC is concerned that Missouri is a part of a lawsuit that could hurt the rights of people with developmental disabilities. If the lawsuit is successful, it will negatively impact Missourians with disabilities and their right to live and receive services in their own communities.
Texas v. Kennedy is the name of the lawsuit. Missouri is 1 of the 7 states in the lawsuit. The lawsuit is trying to stop a rule that helps people with disabilities be part of their communities. The rule comes from an important law called Section 504 and a Supreme Court decision called Olmstead v. L.C. These protections make sure people with disabilities can live where they want, have jobs, and join in community activities. If Missouri wins the lawsuit, it could take away these important rights and make life harder for people with disabilities.
For many years, judges have said that two important disability laws work together. These laws are Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Both laws say that people with disabilities should be able to live and work in their communities, not separated from everyone else. The Supreme Court agreed with this in a case called Olmstead. A new rule from 2024, about Section 504, says the same thing.
MODDC is concerned that if the lawsuit is successful, people with disabilities could lose important rights from the Olmstead Supreme Court Decision.
Olmstead is an important protection that stops people with disabilities from being forced to live in institutions when they don't need to. It also protects services that help people live in their communities. Missouri being part of this court case could weaken this protection.
MODDC’s position is:
People with disabilities should have fulfilled, dignified lives. This means:
- People with disabilities should not be separated from others in order to get services.
- It should be a priority for services to be provided in a person’s home, in their community, not in an institution.
- The court should keep the new Section 504 Rule.
If you would like to learn more
MODDC has a webpage all about Olmstead.
National advocates on this topic include:
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
- ADA Watch
- Center for Public Representation
- Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)
- Disability Scoop
- The Arc of the United States
Share your thoughts
Use MODDC's Fast Democracy Action Alert Link to advocate to Attorney General Hannaway and Governor Kehoe.
- Explain why this lawsuit could have a negative impact on people with disabilities.
- Share how it could affect people with disabilities' access to their services and health care needs.
