@aapd.com
AAPD works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities and advocates for full civil rights for over 70 million Americans with disabilities. We are a national cross-disability and nonpartisan organization. Get involved: aapd.com
Fall Internship Program alum Maddox O'Rourke recently participated in Headache on the Hill. Maddox wrote a blog post for AAPD about his experience with headache disorders and the importance of community advocacy. https://www.aapd.com/headache-on-the-hill-maddox/
We want to make something very clear about the recent decision from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
People on Medicare right now will NOT lose access to the equipment they need. Existing providers and coverage will remain in place.
Policies to prevent fraud at the provider level should never harm Medicare or Medicaid recipients.
We are concerned about last Thursday's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announcement addressing Medicaid and Medicare provider fraud. CMS’ decision to withhold quarterly Medicaid funding from Minnesota due to pending fraud investigations will harm disabled Minnesotans.
aw shucks
🙌
AAPD and Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund are proud to share important new independent research about recent changes in the Social Security Administration (SSA). This research confirms advocate concerns and provides recommendations for improvement. Read it here: https://ow.ly/v8JF50Yo94T
Exhibit wall displaying Lindsay Adams' new works with her posing in front, highlighting themes of art, disability, and advocacy.
Lindsay Adams exists at the intersection of being a Black disabled woman, and her artwork illustrates that identity. We had the privilege of visiting her exhibit called "Ceremony". https://www.aapd.com/what-do-i-say-if-people-are-listening-lindsay-adams-on-art-disability-and-advocacy/
Text saying 'i rly want to accommo-DATE you' over a large pink heart background, with AAPD logo in the corner.
Text on a pink background with a faint heart shape reads, 'am i having a flare up or is it just u?'.
Pink heart background with red text saying 'ur my new hyperfixation' in casual font.
Pink heart background with red text saying 'i'm head over wheels 4 u' in playful font.
we asked our staff to come up with valentines and...
send this to your valentine! 💌 💘
1: i rly want to accommo-DATE you
2: am i having a flare up or is it just u?
3: ur my new hyperfixation
4: i’m head over wheels 4 u
Announcement for the first-ever AAPD Alumni Network Regional Gathering in Washington, D.C., April 24-26, 2026.
Announcing the first AAPD Alumni Network Regional Gathering from April 24–26 in Washington, D.C.! Join fellow alumni to make new connections, share resources, network, and celebrate disabled joy during an engaging weekend together. Registration will be sent to alumni on February 20.
Our incredibly talented friend @lachimusic.bsky.social's book, I Identify As Blind is out now! Come to her book signing where she'll be in conversation with AAPD Pres. and CEO Maria Town this Friday, 2/6 at 7 PM at Politics and Prose's Connecticut Ave NW locations. More info + livestream link:
Photo of Melina with a quote beneath their headshot
In their new blog, Melina List, w relies on paratransit for their transportation, learned the importance of interdependence and reconsidered their relationship with the concept of time. Read their blog: https://www.aapd.com/paratransit-passenger-princess/
AAPD 2026 Fall Internship Program with application deadline February 5, 2026, 5 pm ET and encouragement to apply today.
There is still time to apply to join our 2026 Fall Internship Program! Read below to learn more. Applications close on Thursday, February 5th, at 5:00 PM ET. Apply today https://www.aapd.com/fall-internship-program/
Black and white portrait of Ed Roberts, pioneer in disability rights, with the years 1939-1995 and text that says "remembering Ed Roberts".
Today we celebrate Ed Roberts on what would have been his 87th birthday. Ed Roberts had a huge influence on Berkeley creating the first independent living service and advocacy program run by and for people with disabilities. His impact on the disability rights movement cannot be overstated.
The bottom line is: the EEOC is rushing through a change that would harm people with disabilities and make it harder to enforce our civil rights in the workplace. We hope the EEOC will change course and listen to the public before making this harmful change.
Photo of a woman in a purple coat speaking into a microphone at an outdoor press conference
“Our workplaces should be about us, not against us” @aapd.com President Maria Town on why the EEOC rescinding workplace harassment guidance will harm disabled workers
Blue graphic promoting Movement Grants with a ballot box icon and 'Apply Today' text, featuring AAPD and RevUp! logos.
We’re thrilled to announce that the 2026 REV UP Movement Grant application is now open! These grants support projects that increase civic engagement in the disability community. Apply at: https://forms.gle/FsdgtLSarSbW33nGA
Announcement of the 2026 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awardees by AAPD with a prompt to swipe for details.
Person named KD Drackert, wearing a dark, high-neck blouse with puffed sleeves and a large bow, standing outdoors in a natural setting.
Person named Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson in a wheelchair wearing a yellow shirt that reads 'I support Domestic Worker Rights' sitting on a wooden bridge in a green park.
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of AAPD's 2026 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards. Please join us in congratulating Katie Drackert and Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson.
Verizon is currently down nationwide, which is impacting some user’s ability to call 911. In an emergency, call 911 from another device if you are able. This is an ongoing situation. Check this website for updates: https://www.techradar.com/news/live/verizon-outage-january-2026
Calendar-like graphic highlighting the REV UP national call on the 14th with a megaphone illustration and 'Coming soon' typed in a red, handwritten style font.
Our first REV UP National Call of 2026 is tomorrow! We're kicking off the year talking about trends, threats, and opportunities for voting rights. Join us tomorrow, January 14 from 1-3 PM ET. ASL and CART are provided. Register: https://www.mobilize.us/rev-up-aapd/event/877249/
Photo of Rachel smiling at the camera against a brick wall. There's text underneath that says: "For people like me who rely on caregivers to remain in the community, assaults on immigrants mean I move closer and closer to institutionalization each day. I am not naïve to the abuses that occur in institutional facilities. I fear what will happen to myself and other disabled people, citizens and immigrants alike, when we are forced out of sight, out of mind."
Recent immigration actions harm disabled immigrants and people with disabilities. How? Summer Internship Program alum Rachel Litchman writes about how people like her rely on home- and community-based services (HCBS). https://ow.ly/1F2c50XW9xX
Bold text on a blue gradient background reads 'Vaccines Cause Adults' with the AAPD logo in the corner.
Bold text stating 'Vaccines Save Lives' on a blue gradient background with AAPD logo in the corner.
HHS has officially reduced its recommended number of vaccines for children from 17 vaccines to 11. HHS’ decision puts children in danger, especially children with disabilities or immunocompromising conditions. Vaccines save lives. It's that simple!
Golden 2026 numbers with fireworks bursting behind on a blue background celebrating the New Year.
2025 was a difficult year for the disability community. But our community has proven our power in our collective advocacy, and this strength will carry us into the new year. We hope that 2026 brings you joy and delight. Have a happy new year!
Message encouraging donations to support disability rights through 2026 with a dark starry background.
As 2025 comes to a close, we are reflecting on the community that makes AAPD’s work possible.
Your support powers our internships, leadership development, accessible democracy work, policy advocacy, and so much more.
If you are able to contribute, consider a year-end gift to AAPD: aapd.com/give
Bold white text on blue background reads 'The disability community is stronger together' emphasizing unity and strength.
it's trueeee 💜
ID: Bold white text on blue background reads 'The disability community is stronger together'
Thank you for your continued support as we move our mission forward in 2026.
Your year-end gift supports disabled leaders, strengthens disability rights, and expands access in digital, civic, employment, and physical spaces.
Give today: aapd.com/give
Thank you for supporting disability advocacy and leadership.
Portrait of a person with long curly hair wearing a dark blazer, accompanied by a quote on disability representation in theater from Brianna Arce. The quote says “For me, disability representation in theater proves we belong in this industry and deserve to be represented accurately. It also fuels my work to advocate for greater access and inclusion. “
A collage of activists gathered outside of the Capitol and the city of Selma. Underneath, a quote from Maria Town: "Across AAPD's work, one lesson is clear: when disabled people lead initiatives on issues that directly impact our lives, the results are powerful."
As 2025 wraps up, AAPD President and CEO Maria Town wrote a blog post reflecting on how AAPD met the challenges of the year and how we will continue to build disability power in the year ahead. 💜 👉 https://www.aapd.com/powered-by-community-how-aapd-showed-up-built-together-and-looks-ahead/
Call to action urging people to tell the Department of Homeland Security not to implement the public charge rule as it harms people with disabilities.
This change harms disabled immigrants. Allowing individual DHS officers to use their personal judgment about factors related to disability could lead to inequitable outcomes for prospective disabled immigrants.
Click here to take action: https://aapd.quorum.us/campaign/150993/
Announcement for AAPD 2026 Fall Internship Program with application deadline February 5, 2026, 5 pm ET and a call to apply today.
The 2026 AAPD Fall Internship Program Application is now open. Applications are due February 5, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET. Apply today at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FIP26
New Report: Disability Economic Power & AAPD Internships
We’re excited to share a new report: Building Disability Economic Power Through AAPD’s Internship Program! The report includes our key findings and what changes we’ve made since then. The results are incredible.
ID: New Report: Disability Economic Power & AAPD Internships
ID: White text on a purple textured background that says: "I represented my community with grace. I did not slip up, I did not show weariness, I put on a brave face. I knew my place. I was often the first of many. I checked every box, and I was your token. But what happens when the boxes we are placed into no longer fit us? What happens when the token stops shining for you?" attributed to anonymous.
This blogger described the intersection between her racial identity and mental health journey. She wrote about how she does not want to be a token high-achieving Black woman anymore. Read the whole piece at: https://www.aapd.com/my-token-is-done-shining-for-you/