The Urgency of the Moment: This Is the Time to Fight Back

Dear NCIL members and non-members, 

The recent Department of Justice memo is another serious reminder that the threats facing people with disabilities, our civil rights, and the Independent Living Movement are real. 

Personally, I am not surprised by this memo. 

I saw this coming in 2025, when the Executive Orders began rolling out targeting DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion) efforts and homelessness. Those actions made clear that the progress people with disabilities have fought for could be challenged, weakened, or rolled back. 

That is why NCIL started the Protect Independent Living Campaign. We understood that we needed to be ready to fight back, to protect Independent Living, defend the rights of people with disabilities, mobilize our network, and prepare for what may come next. 

Now, the urgency of the moment is with all of us. 

For too long, people with disabilities were pushed aside, placed in institutions, denied access, and told that others knew what was best for us. We fought hard to change that. We built the Independent Living Movement because we believe people with disabilities belong in our homes, our communities, and every part of public life. 

We cannot go back. 

This is the time to fight back. 

NCIL needs your support to continue this work. One way you can act right now is by supporting the Protect IL Fund. 

You can donate right now to the Protect Independent Living Fund.

You can participate in our Silent Auction and bid on great items while helping support this important work.

You can also make a direct general donation to NCIL.

Every contribution matters. Every action matters. Whether you bid, donate, share this message, or encourage others to get involved, you are helping NCIL remain ready to protect the movement we have built together. 

Please act now. 

We have come too far to go back.  

Theo W. Braddy

Executive Director 

National Council on Independent Living