March 29, 2025

Executive Summary
Recent policy shifts in both the United States and the United Kingdom have led to substantial cuts in funding and protective measures for disability communities. These actions, aimed at reducing public spending, risk leaving millions of disabled individuals without essential services. This brief outlines the recent developments, examines the potential impacts on vulnerable populations, and emphasizes the urgent need for non-profit organizations—such as Envisioning Access—to step in and pick up the slack. To effectively serve the disability community, we need increased support from individuals, corporations, and philanthropic foundations to ensure that not only our organization has the means to do so, but also the many other organizations focused on the disability community in order to make sure no one is left behind.

Background and Recent Developments
In the United Kingdom, the government has unveiled plans to cut £5 billion from the welfare budget by 2029–30. These measures include tightening eligibility criteria for key disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and revising the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), which critics warn could push approximately 1.2 million disabled individuals into severe financial distress. High-profile figures have openly condemned these cuts, arguing that they further marginalize already vulnerable citizens.

Similarly, in the United States, proposals to reduce federal spending on Medicaid by over $800 billion pose a significant threat to disability services. Medicaid, a critical source of healthcare for millions, is facing budgetary constraints that could lead to a reduction in the quality and availability of support for disabled individuals. In certain states, such as Texas, these proposed cuts are expected to have particularly dire consequences for local hospitals and community health clinics. Additionally, cuts to the Social Security Administration’s budget are likely to exacerbate delays in processing disability benefits, compounding financial insecurity for those in need.

Impact on the Disabled Community
The reduction in funding and protective measures has broad and severe implications:

• Increased Financial Insecurity: With decreased access to disability benefits and healthcare, many disabled individuals face heightened risks of poverty and homelessness.
• Worsening Health Outcomes: Reduced funding for essential services such as Medicaid can lead to diminished healthcare access, resulting in poorer health outcomes.
• Social Exclusion: As government support wanes, disabled individuals may encounter greater barriers to full societal participation, exacerbating isolation and inequality.

The Role of Non-Profits like Envisioning Access
Non-profit organizations like Envisioning Access are uniquely positioned to address these challenges. By stepping in where government policies fall short, these organizations can:

• Foster Financial Freedom from Government Assistance: Working with the tech community we will help create tools for those living with disabilities become financially and physically independent, no matter their disability.
• Provide Critical Support Services: Offer healthcare, legal assistance, and financial counseling to help disabled individuals navigate benefit systems.
• Advocate for Policy Change: Use data-driven insights and community feedback to lobby for more inclusive policies at local, state, and national levels.
• Foster Community Networks: Build partnerships with local businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders to create a robust safety net for the disabled community.

Call to Action
Now more than ever, the involvement of civil society is critical. To ensure that disabled individuals are not left behind:

• Individuals: Volunteers and donors are needed to support the ground-level work that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.
• Companies: Corporate social responsibility initiatives should prioritize inclusive programs that address the needs of the disabled community.
• Foundations: Philanthropic funding must be directed toward scalable solutions that support both immediate relief and long-term policy advocacy.

Conclusion
The current policy trends in the U.S. and the U.K. are set to undermine the financial and social security of millions of disabled individuals. As governments tighten budgets and reduce essential services, non-profit organizations like Envisioning Access have an urgent role to play in bridging the gap. It is imperative that society—through the support of individuals, companies, and foundations—rallies to protect the rights and dignity of the disabled community, ensuring that no one is left behind during these turbulent times.