Weekly Edition - 4.8.25

Legal action challenges Musk's Social Security cuts today. Disabled workers face Medicaid loss from earning restrictions. A new mentorship connects special needs parents while NBA's Morrison expands his autism campaign.

Stronger Together: Help others stay informed by sharing this newsletter. Forward this email or share our newsletter (copy URL here).

Got thoughts? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected]

Moments That Matter

Celebrating the everyday victories, breakthrough achievements, and inspiring individuals

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Parents have a new lifeline. Best Buddies has launched "Eunie's Buddies," a program matching expecting parents of children with disabilities with experienced mentors who've walked the same path. The initiative, named after Eunice Kennedy Shriver who founded Special Olympics, provides crucial emotional support during challenging times. For mom Kelly Caba, meeting another parent with a child with Down syndrome transformed her fear into love when expecting her daughter Abby. Now Kelly mentors others like Camila Carpenter, who finds comfort knowing someone understands her journey raising baby Noah. This community-building effort strengthens families facing unique challenges together. If you would like to read more, check out the original article.

👟 Coaches lace up for autism. Utah's assistant coach, Scott Morrison has launched his second NBA-wide campaign, with custom sneakers to be auctioned benefiting autism support. The initiative, honoring Morrison's son Max who was diagnosed in 2022, expands this year to include Commissioner Adam Silver, players, and broadcasters. NBA stars including Jayson Tatum and James Harden have donated signed merchandise for the May auction, accessible at sothebys.com/tothemaxfoundation. Check out the original article here.

Across The Nation

From Capitol Hill to community centers: the national updates shaping our collective future

💥 SSA cuts spark major lawsuit. Disability rights groups sued the Trump administration and Elon Musk for illegally firing 7,000 Social Security workers and closing crucial offices. The lawsuit claims these cuts violate Constitutional rights and disproportionately harm people with disabilities who rely on these vital services. Social Security provides monthly benefits to 73 million elderly and disabled Americans, and has typically been considered off-limits for political cuts. The plaintiffs are fighting to stop office closures and prevent in-person identity verification requirements that would create additional barriers for beneficiaries. The SSA recently delayed some planned service cuts in response to growing criticism. If you would like to read more, check out the original article.

Community Catalyst

Local Innovation Worth Spreading: See how local changes are creating ripples of progress nationwide

💲 Work limits trap disabled Medicaid recipients. Muscular dystrophy hasn't stopped Zach Mecham from running his marketing business, but Medicaid rules might. Despite politicians demanding recipients work, these same regulations prevent many disabled Americans from earning beyond strict limits without losing vital home care services private insurance won't cover. Bipartisan "Work Without Worry" legislation in seven states seeks to eliminate these barriers, replacing income caps with percentage-based premiums. "It's a trap — a poverty trap," explains policy expert Stephen Lieberman, noting these restrictions can force "Medicaid divorces" when couples exceed combined asset limits. These proposed changes align with work requirements while addressing rural labor shortages, potentially creating a rare win-win policy solution. If you would like to read more, check out the original article.