About

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.

As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the over 60 million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation.

Convener
Justin Dart, father of the ADA and one of the founders of AAPD, often called for solidarity among all who love justice and equality. The disability community is massive and incredibly diverse. As a convener, AAPD is a cross disability organization that builds trust and unity through open, honest conversations. When we stand in solidarity on any issue, we have the power to create lasting change.

Connector
Disability is a natural part of the human experience that influences all of us. As a connector, AAPD is a bridge that joins the disability community with our friends, adversaries, family, businesses, schools, and the community at large, amplifying a powerful voice for change.

Catalyst
Like champions of justice before us have proven, seemingly underestimated actions lead to significant transformation. As a catalyst, AAPD is action-oriented, building chain reactions that increase the rate and speed of change. A small spark can ignite extraordinary results.

History of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Disability Rights Movement

This exhibit celebrates just some of the many groups and people who made the ADA possible, explores how and why it was passed, and concludes by looking at some of the major challenges we’re facing now. The ADA changed America, but there is a lot of work left to be done.

AAPD Board of Directors

Work at AAPD

We are not currently hiring for any positions. Please check back later for future opportunities.

Financials

Staff

Maria Town, President and CEO

Maria Town is the President & CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). She has worked as the Director [...]

Kristen Cox, Executive Assistant

Kristen Cox (they/them) is the Executive Assistant for the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). In this role, they support AAPD’s operational priorities and the President & CEO. They act as an integral part to help drive leadership’s goals to fulfill the mission of the organization.

Jasmin Bailey, Operations Director

Jasmin Bailey is the Operations Director at AAPD. In this role, she oversees the daily internal operations of the organization and several of AAPD’s youth-focused programs aimed to empower students and young professionals with disabilities.

Christine Liao, Programs Director

Christine Liao is the Programs Director at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). She coordinates and implements all of AAPD’s national programs.

Katie Johnson, Summer Internship Program Coordinator

Katie Johnson is a Program Coordinator for AAPD’s Summer Internship Program and the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program. Katie’s work is centered on promoting intersectional and cross-disability social movements that promote the principles of disability justice.

Portrait of a white woman with dark long hair, smiling, wearing a green shirt.

Ashley Cowan D’Ambrosio, COVID-19 and Higher Education Program Manager

Ashley Cowan D'Ambrosio (she/her) is a Mad/Mentally Ill, Chronically Ill, Queer, Disabled activist, educator and entrepreneur. She currently serves as the COVID-19 and Higher Education Program Manager, building out AAPD’s advocacy program to ensure access to education for people with disabilities across the nation.

Jess, a white woman with short brown curly hair smiles at the camera. Her arms are crossed. She is wearing a leopard print blazer and black shirt. Behind her is a brick wall with green vines.

Jess Davidson, Communications Director

Jess Davidson (she/her) is Communications Director at AAPD. Jess has focused her career on using advocacy and communications strategies to strengthen and preserve the civil rights of multiply marginalized communities. She identifies as chronically ill and multiply disabled.

Rachita Singh, Senior Policy Associate

Rachita is the REV UP and Communications Coordinator at the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

Lilian Aluri, Civic Engagement Manager

In her current role as the Civic Engagement Manager, Lilian supports the national REV UP network, facilitating trainings and webinars, convening the advisory committee, organizing national voting initiatives and collaborating with REV UP organizers to advance the power of the disability vote.