Defend Disability Rights: Protecting Section 504 and Tips on using AI for Powerful Advocacy

In 1977, Disability rights activists staged a 28-day sit-in at the San Francisco office of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, demanding enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Their persistence led to the first federal law prohibiting disability discrimination in federally funded programs. This legal foundation paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other civil rights protections.

Now, these rights are at risk. Seventeen states, led by Texas in Texas v. Becerra, have sued the U.S. government, seeking to eliminate Section 504 entirely. While their lawsuit claims to challenge recent updates, it ultimately aims to declare the law unconstitutional, jeopardizing protections that ensure access to education, healthcare, employment, and public services for Disabled people.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently strengthened Section 504, expanding accessibility in medical equipment, digital platforms, and child welfare protections. These updates address long-standing barriers, such as inaccessible medical exams and the failure of digital platforms to meet accessibility standards. However, this lawsuit goes far beyond challenging these updates, it seeks to overturn Section 504 in its entirety, arguing that the law itself is unconstitutional.

If successful, this case would eliminate core disability rights protections that have been in place for over 50 years. Schools could deny accommodations, hospitals could refuse accessible care, and public transit systems could roll back accessibility requirements. This is a direct attack on the legal foundation of disability rights and an attempt to dismantle decades of civil rights progress.

Public engagement is critical to saving 504:

• Residents of the 17 states should contact their Attorney General to demand withdrawal from the lawsuit.
• Those outside the 17 states can encourage their Attorney Generals (if they are pro-disability rights) to actively defend Section 504 and consider filing an amicus brief in support.

Technology can support these efforts and AI tools can help streamline advocacy. AI tools can make engaging with representatives and state leaders more accessible than ever. These tools can streamline advocacy by generating personalized call scripts, drafting persuasive emails, and structuring compelling testimonies. Free resources, such as Making Space’s AI Prompt Engineering course, support advocates to harness these technologies effectively, maximizing their impact.

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AI Prompt Examples to Integrate AI into your Advocacy:

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For Writing to Your Representative or State Attorney General
"Draft a persuasive email urging my state’s Attorney General to oppose Texas v. Becerra and protect Section 504. Start with a strong introduction explaining why I am writing. Clearly outline why Section 504 is essential for protecting Disabled people’s rights in education, healthcare, and employment. Include the following personal story to illustrate its impact on my life: [Insert your story here]. End with a firm call to action, urging them to withdraw from the lawsuit and defend disability rights."

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For Sharing Your Personal Story
"Help me write a compelling social media post explaining how Section 504 has shaped my access to education, employment, or healthcare. Keep it personal yet informative, with a strong call to action for others to contact their representatives."

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For Writing to Your Attorney General (Outside the 17 States)
"Draft a persuasive email urging my state’s Attorney General to defend Section 504 and consider filing an amicus brief against Texas v. Becerra. Start with a strong introduction explaining why I am writing. Clearly outline the importance of Section 504 in protecting Disabled people’s rights in education, healthcare, and employment. Emphasize the broader impact of this lawsuit and why state leadership in defending civil rights is crucial. Include the following personal story to illustrate its impact on my life: [Insert your story here]. End with a firm call to action, urging them to take a public stance in support of Section 504 and file an amicus brief."‍

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For Calling Your Attorney General’s Office (Outside the 17 States)
"Create a concise, compelling phone script to urge my Attorney General to defend Section 504 and file an amicus brief against Texas v. Becerra. Start with a brief introduction stating my name, location, and reason for calling. Clearly explain how Section 504 protects Disabled people’s rights and why this lawsuit threatens those protections. Emphasize that my state has an opportunity to take a stand for disability rights. End with a direct ask for them to publicly oppose the lawsuit and file an amicus brief."

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Showcase These Skills on your Resume

Once you’ve integrated AI into your advocacy efforts, whether through writing persuasive emails, crafting impactful social media posts, or streamlining outreach, you can showcase these skills on your resume and LinkedIn. Advocacy experience demonstrates strategic communication, digital proficiency, and the ability to use technology for social impact, all of which are valuable in today’s job market”

Here’s a prompt to help you highlight this experience professionally:

"How can I highlight my experience using AI for advocacy on my resume and LinkedIn? Create a professional description that emphasizes my ability to leverage AI for social impact and strategic communication."

Next Steps:

• Encourage others to call! 
• Send an email to reinforce your message to any representative you call. You can use AI to draft a professional, impactful email in seconds.
• Learn how to use AI to enhance your advocacy efforts. 
  
  • Take the free Indeed AI Prompt Engineering course on Making Space to refine your communication skills and showcase AI proficiency on your resume. (AI-trained professionals earn up to 25% more on average, use this opportunity to strengthen both your advocacy and career!).

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Additional Resources

Resources About Section 504 

• Contact list of 50 state attorneys generals
• Plain Language Explainer: Texas v. Becerra Section 504 Under Attack
• Video: The Power of 504

Resources About the New Section 504 Rules 

• New Section 504 rules | Administration on Community Living
• New Section 504 and 1557 Regulations | American Association for People with Disabilities

Resources For Maximizing AI

• Making Space & Indeed’s Free Prompt Engineering Course

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