6/3/26 - Conflicting takes on employment, and appreciating disability social media

Good afternoon ...

Welcome to the midweek. Today's links include news and the usual contradictions on employment, some enduring benefits of social media, and how both affect people with disabilities. Scroll down to read more.

But first, a reminder ...

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Important Update About Medicaid Work Requirements

Jess Davidson, American Association of People with Disabilities - June 1, 2026

"Furthermore, obtaining the necessary government identification, legal documentation, and up-to-date medical certification required to prove exemption eligibility presents a significant challenge—even for those who clearly qualify. The consequence of this policy is predictable: individuals with disabilities who rely on Medicaid will be stripped of their coverage. 

Despite the promises made by Congress and exemptions listed in the rule, people with disabilities will not be protected. They will lose their lifeline not because they are ineligible, but because the administrative obstacles created by this guidance are too great to overcome."

The key here is that there is almost certain to be a gap between what the new rules are supposed to mean for people with disabilities on Medicaid, and what the actual results will be. On paper, most disabled Medicaid recipients are meant to be exempt from work requirements, which are supposedly aimed at otherwise work-ready, able-bodied adults. But as the AAPD points out here – and as anyone with a disability who has tried to work their way through new eligibility and exemption systems knows – disabled people will fall through the cracks and lose their Medicaid. And it won't be for any good reason – unless Congress and the states involved take firm steps to make sure it doesn't happen. As someone who worked for years in a Center for Independent Living, I can't help thinking that these new rules will flood local disability service providers and information centers with disabled people asking for help to respond – many of them desperate and frightened, some of them having already been kicked off Medicaid. I hope these networks will be prepared and equipped to handle the situation of it continues the way it's been planned.

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES 2026 NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH THEME

Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor - May 26, 2026

"'Americans with disabilities have been a part of our nation’s success from the very start. Beginning with our founding fathers, there are examples of how Americans with disabilities shaped our nation,' said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Julie Hocker. 'This year’s theme honors the value and talent of disabled Americans, past and present. Most importantly, though, it affirms our commitment to the future and full participation in the President’s Golden Age of America. At the U.S. Department of Labor under the leadership of Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling, we believe every worker should have the chance to work in skilled, high-demand jobs that lead to independence, economic self-sufficiency, and the American dream.'"

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labor has decided on its theme for the annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month, (NDEAM), in October. I don't know what what to say. Except that it's hard enough to get excited about NDEAM rhetoric when the government in power is at least plausibly friendly to disabled people. Their language can usually be read as sincerely empowering, even if it doesn't amount to much in the way of actual support. But when the current administration is doing all it can to remove or weaken pretty much every support disabled people need to even think of employment, it's hard to take their cheery sentiments seriously. And the less said about disabled people's "full participation in the President's Golden Age of America," the better.

6 Ways Social Media Brings A Positive Impact To The Lives Of Disabled People

Emma Purcell, CripLife - April 8, 2026

"And yet, people from the disability community have found that social media can be a lifeline for connection, support, raising awareness, building confidence, gaining advice, forming new relationships, discovering new accessible places, activities and products, plus much more."

This is a pretty good reminder of some of the main reasons many of us, including me, have argued for the value of social media for disabled people since at least the mid-2000s. And this article includes a lot of links to online places you might want to visit. On the other hand, it also prompts me to consider trying a Monthly Essay on exactly how I have become skeptical of social media, particularly for disabled people. I feel like the problems are deeper and more specific than the obvious mental health, bullying, and misinformation concerns. Being more specific about it will require a bit more thought. So, I'm glad for that reason, too, that I found this CripLife piece.

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