Lecture on the Current Situation of People with Disabilities in the U.S. Amid Budget Cuts to Assistance Programs Under Trump's Tax Law (DPI Japan Conference)

In the United States, a tax reduction law was enacted in July 2025 under the Trump administration. As a funding source for this law, public assistance program budgets have been cut, threatening the lives of people with disabilities across the nation. This lecture will explore how people with disabilities in the U.S. are responding to this crisis, sharing current realities and challenges.

Event Overview

Event Name

Lecture by Seth Hottelluski, Leader of the U.S. Independent Living Movement — "People with Disabilities in America Amid Budget Cuts to Assistance Programs Under Trump's Tax Law"

Date and Time

July 17, 2026 (Friday), 14:00–16:00

Venue

Room 1, 6th Floor, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-8001)

Admission

Free

Information Support

Sign language and PC text interpretation provided

Registration: Please register via the following form

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1eQh7dszMID3rw7W5DbA0qATWtKzd1Pr9iSUUESWIFFqcMQ/viewform?usp=preview

Speaker Biography

Seth Hottelluski earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and studied Special Education at East Stroudsburg University. With over 30 years of experience since 1995, he has worked extensively with people with disabilities in various settings—including group homes, schools, and communities—ranging from direct support roles to management positions.

In 2008, Seth joined the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) as an Independent Living Coach, where he founded youth support groups and summer programs. During his tenure at LVCIL, he advanced into management, contributing to the development and improvement of numerous programs and services, while supporting core organizational operations and housing support services.

Under his leadership, LVCIL’s youth transition support services were recognized nationally as a best practice, and he has provided training and support to CILs (Centers for Independent Living) across the U.S.

Seth played a key role in preventing the closure of a neighboring CIL and establishing a partnership with LVCIL. He was later promoted to Deputy Executive Director and, as of August 2024, serves as Executive Director of LVCIL (and BCCIL), becoming only the third person to hold this position since 1990.

Seth is married and has two sons. One has earned a degree in special education and currently teaches children with autism, while his younger son will begin pursuing a degree in special education this fall. In his free time, Seth enjoys watching baseball and basketball games and traveling. Please visit the LVCIL website.

Organizers

National Association of Independent Living Centers, Tokyo Association of Independent Living Centers, DPI Japan Conference

About DPI Japan Conference

DPI (Disabled Peoples' International) Japan Conference is a national organization led by people with disabilities, aiming to realize a society free from all forms of discrimination and exclusion. It conducts policy advocacy and awareness activities across various fields, including education, transportation, and employment, to promote the realization of the rights treaty.

Official website: https://www.dpi-japan.org/