Protecting Access for All: Why this DOE Rule Change Matters

June 10, 2025

Families can take action now to defend hard-won disability rights

At Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, we believe every person deserves access to safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces — especially when those spaces are built with federal funding.

That’s why we want to alert our community to a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that could quietly roll back important accessibility protections for individuals with disabilities.

What’s Happening?

The DOE has proposed to rescind a long-standing requirement that ensures any new construction or renovations funded by the agency must be accessible to people with disabilities. This requirement has been in place since 1980 and has helped guarantee that buildings supported with federal dollars include accessible features like:

Ramps and accessible entrances
Restrooms that meet accessibility standards
Clear signage
And other basic accommodations outlined in federal accessibility guidelines

If this rule is rescinded, the specific mandate for architectural accessibility in DOE-funded projects would disappear — potentially making it harder to hold facilities accountable for compliance.

Why It Matters

Removing these protections sends a troubling message: that accessibility is optional. But for the families we serve — especially those raising children with disabilities — access isn’t optional at all. It’s essential.

Accessible buildings aren’t just about convenience. They’re about dignity, independence, and equal opportunity to participate in school programs, community events, health services, and more.

What You Can Do

The Department of Energy is accepting public comments until June 16, 2025 — and we encourage families, advocates, and community members to speak up. Your voice matters, and sharing your experience could help stop this rollback before it goes into effect.

Submit your comment here:
https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/DOE-HQ-2025-0015-0001

Tell the DOE why accessibility matters to your family or community. Personal stories can make a powerful impact.

Let’s Work Together to Protect Access

We know that advocacy works — and that when families speak up, decision-makers listen. Please take a moment to share this with others in your network, and help ensure that future buildings funded by the DOE remain accessible to all.

If you have questions or need help submitting a comment, feel free to reach out. We’re here for you. Because accessibility is a right — not a request.

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge

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Thank You for Making Active for Autism 2025 a Huge Success!

May 13, 2025

We’re still smiling from Active for Autism 2025 — and it’s all thanks to YOU! Whether you walked, ran, sponsored, volunteered, donated, or simply cheered us on, you helped make this year’s event one of the most impactful yet. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised $ 87,153.43 (and counting!) , marking a 24 % increase from last year. Every dollar goes directly toward programs and services that inform, support, and connect families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across our community. The energy on event day was unmatched — from families walking hand-in-hand, to kids enjoying the Fun Fest, to teams showing up in vibrant shirts and big smiles. Your presence showed the true power of community. We are beyond grateful to our: Participants who showed up with passion and purpose Sponsors who helped make the event possible Vendors who brought fun and resources to the day Donors who gave generously Volunteers who offered their time, heart, and hands A Special Thank You to Our Co-Sponsors We are especially thankful for our co-sponsors whose generous support elevated this event: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner’s Children’s . Your partnership helped amplify our mission and impact. Thank you for standing with us! Thank You to All Our Sponsors We are grateful to all of our sponsors who make this event possible year after year. Your generosity directly supports families and individuals in our community. 2025 Active for Autism Sponsors: Presenting Platinum Sponsors: Enbridge, 100.7 The Tiger, and Ochsner Children’s Hospital Gold Sponsors: REV, The Nirel Group Foundation Silver Sponsors: Olivier Group, Behavior Intervention Group, Louisiana Blue, Hood Container Corporation, and Mayor-President Sid Edwards Bronze Sponsors: BREC, Associates in Pediatric Dentistry, Wampold Companies, ACE Enterprises Inc., Ascent Behavior Therapy Center, Williams Photography, and Maughan Law Firm Patron Sponsors: BearCom of Baton Rouge, Gulf South Autism Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, Mercy Autism Center, Kidder & Schultz CPA LLC Governmental Supporters : State Senator Regina Barrow, Iberville Parish, and West Baton Rouge Parish Together, we’re making real change — not just during this event, but every day of the year. 📅 Mark your calendar : Active for Autism 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 . We can’t wait to celebrate and walk alongside you again. From all of us at Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge: Thank you for helping us keep families informed, supported, and connected. We are families helping families. That’s what we do. That’s who we are.

Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge Hosts Annual Active for Autism 5K Run/Walk & Family Fun Fest on April 26, 2025

By Chanell Thomas • April 2, 2025