Naomi Hess

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How the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award Expanded KD Drackert’s Work to Clear The Air

When Katie “KD” Drackert received the 2026 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) in recognition and support of her work with Clear the Air ATX (CTA), it helped her to see that her efforts to promote clean...

The Importance of Disability Pride

Today, on the last day of Disability Pride Month, we are looking ahead to the future. We asked five leaders from AAPD’s network and staff to share what disability pride means to them. Enjoy their reflections as we close out a month of celebration and look toward the...

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Recent Posts

Sandra Young

Grants Manager

Apr 08, 2026

American Association of People with Disabilities Responds to Executive Order Threatening Vote by Mail

WASHINGTON, DC – The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) strongly condemns President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) titled “Ensur...

Apr 02, 2026

Women’s History Month 2026: Highlighting Disabled Women

Today may be the last day of Women’s History Month, but AAPD celebrates disabled women year-round. In the past year, AAPD has published many ...

Mar 31, 2026

Judy Heumann: Staying Busy as a Disability Rights Activist

Editor’s Note: Judy Heumann was one of the most influential disabled women of all time. AAPD’s Editorial Manager Naomi Hess wrote this profile of J...

Mar 31, 2026

Callan Keller

Technology Policy Associate

Mar 17, 2026

2026 Election Administration and Voting Survey Comments

March 16, 2026 Submitted via regulations.gov U.S. Election Assistance Commission 633 3rd Street NW Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001 Re: 2026 Electi...

Mar 16, 2026

Disability Voting Rights Partnership at the 2026 Selma Jubilee

For Immediate Release: March 2, 2026 Contact: Jess Davidson, jdavidson@aapd.com; 202-465-5528 WASHINGTON, DC and SELMA, AL – Every year, organizer...

Mar 02, 2026

“What Do I Say If People Are Listening?” Lindsay Adams on Art, Disability, and Advocacy

Black History Month offers a moment to reflect on the people whose creativity, resilience, and leadership continue to shape our shared future. At A...

Feb 27, 2026

Explaining New Medicaid Work Requirements in Plain Language

Starting in January 2027, the federal government will begin enforcing new requirements for people who get their health insurance through Medicaid. ...

Feb 26, 2026

The Access Coalition Releases Unprecedented Suite of Inclusive Design Resources to Transform Retail Spaces

For Immediate Release: February 25, 2026 The Access Coalition, a groundbreaking, multi-company collaboration convened by the American Association o...

Feb 25, 2026

Explainer: New Medicaid Work Reporting Requirements and What They Mean for Disabled People

Feb 20, 2026

Victory for Internet Access and Connectivity at the Supreme Court: Why Does the Universal Service Fund (USF) Matter to People with Disabilities?

On June 27, 2025, a U.S. Supreme Court decision ensured the continuity of the Universal Services Fund (USF), an important federal program that prov...

Feb 19, 2026