Autism Society of NMI alarmed by Trump disability policy rollback

The Autism Society of the Northern Mariana Islands has expressed deep concern over the Trump administration's rollback of federal disability protections, warning that the move could further limit access to essential services for children and adults with autism in the CNMI.

ASNMI president Clarice DLG. Arriola said the federal government's reversal threatens years of progress in protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

“We are deeply concerned. Disability rights have been built through years of advocacy and hard work. We should be moving forward with inclusion and equal opportunities, not creating uncertainty for individuals with disabilities and their families,” Arriola told Marianas Press.

Her concerns follow a September federal court ruling that removed regulations requiring federally funded programs to provide services to people with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

The ruling in Texas v. Kennedy came after the Trump administration's Justice Department declined to defend the regulations and instead sided with states challenging them.

The provisions were part of regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibits disability discrimination in federally funded programs.

Although the ruling does not overturn protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act or the landmark Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C., disability advocates fear it could weaken federal enforcement of community-based services.

Arriola said the development is particularly troubling for the CNMI, where families raising children with autism already struggle with limited access to specialized services, therapy, trained professionals, and resources.

She said many parents also shoulder emotional and financial burdens while trying to secure appropriate services for their children.

The federal policy change, she warned, could create further uncertainty for people with autism who need assistance to live independently, attend school, find employment, and participate in community activities.

“Our island community must not leave them behind,” she said.

Arriola said children and adults with autism must continue receiving appropriate therapy, special education, and other support services despite the federal policy shift.

“Inclusion should never be treated as optional,” she said.

According to Arriola, families in ASNMI's support network are concerned about changes that could affect their children's rights, education, and access to services.

She said parents want reassurance that the programs their children depend on will remain available.

Asked whether the CNMI government and Public School System are doing enough to support people with autism, Arriola acknowledged existing efforts but said more needs to be done.

She called for stronger programs, more trained professionals, better resources, and continued assistance beyond the school system, particularly for individuals with autism transitioning into adulthood.

Arriola also urged Gov. David M. Apatang, Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, and other elected officials to closely monitor federal developments and advocate for disability rights.

“We need policies, funding, and programs that protect their access to education, healthcare, employment, and community services,” she said.

The Trump administration began changing its position on disability integration in June when the Justice Department issued an opinion rejecting its longstanding interpretation that disability laws require states to provide services in the most integrated setting appropriate to an individual's needs.

In July, the department announced it would no longer rely on its previous guidance for enforcing the integration mandate.

The federal government subsequently sided with states challenging the regulations, leading to the September ruling.

The reversal has raised concerns among disability advocates nationwide that responsibility for protecting community integration rights could increasingly fall on local governments, advocacy organizations, and the courts.

Established in 2007 by now-Rep. Marissa Flores and John Guerrero, ASNMI is a Saipan-based nonprofit organization that provides support, education, information, and advocacy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, their families, and caregivers.

The organization works with community partners, including Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems Inc. and Northern Marianas College's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

Arriola said the CNMI must ensure that individuals with autism and other disabilities remain a priority as federal policies change.

“We urge our elected leaders to closely monitor these federal changes, advocate for the protection of disability rights, and ensure that the CNMI continues to prioritize individuals with autism and those with disabilities,” she said.