The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is the largest cross-disability membership organization in the United States, advocating for disability rights and creating connections among people with disabilities. Through critical programs like DVP, AAPD organizes the disability community to be a powerful force for change - politically, socially, and economically.

DVP, which is one of AAPD's most significant nationally-recognized programs, works in a nonpartisan manner to eliminate the barriers to voting and, in close collaboration with coalition partners in states around the country, to increase political participation for individuals with disabilities. AAPD wishes to thank the Carnegie Fund of New York for supporting the Disability Vote Project.

DVP AT-A-Glance (PDF) (RTF)

Accessible Voting

AAPD’s DVP staff recently testified at District of Columbia Council and Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Hearings.  On July 13th at the DC Council, AAPD supported legislation which would increase poll worker training and recruitment and authorize same day registration.  They further suggested graduated implementation guidelines for Election Day registration and system updates.  Their final recommendation included moving the primary date in order to facilitate better, accessible voter education and turnout efforts.

>>> Find the full text of the July 13th testimony here

The EAC is on the verge of kicking off the 2009 Accessible Voting Technology Initiative which would invest heavily in “research to identify and develop solutions that ensure all citizens can vote privately and independently.” The Commissioners were seeking input from the disability community on how to best direct this research.  On July 14th at the EAC public hearing, AAPD’s DVP staff submitted testimony which promoted a comprehensive cross-disability approach to voting accessibility. From the physical accessibility of the building, to knowledge and attitudes of poll workers, they argued for a broader understanding of voting accessibility.  Among the issues they shone light on were inaccessible absentee voting systems, the need for voter education materials, plain language ballots, and registration problems.

>>> For the full text of the July 14th testimony

A federal court order earlier this year mandated an accessible Ballot Marking Device be located at every polling place in New York state for primary and election days in 2008 as a major step to ensure the state's compliance with the Help Americans Vote Act.
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Get Out the Vote 2010!

2008 Elections Information:

For the Full Report (Word) of 2008 elections go here!

 Disability and Voter Turnout in the 2008 Elections

For the Full Report (Word) of 2008 elections go here!

For a State by State Breakdown of Vote Turnout go here!

For the Voter Turnout for eligible voters go here!

Charles Banks, RIDVP Steering Committee member and Providence Center Consumer Advocacy Council participant presented a touching speech called, "Why I am going to vote for the first time." >>more

At least half of all Americans with disabilities are not registered to vote. While the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) makes voter registration available at motor vehicle and public assistance agencies, many people with disabilities are not being reached. For this reason, Section 7a of the NVRA says that "each state shall designate as voter registration agencies.." >>more