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Small Actions, Collective Power: Join Disability Voting Rights Week 2026

Each year, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) celebrates Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW). This year, DVRW takes place September 14–18, 2026. Started by grassroots activists in Texas 10 years ago, DVRW celebrates community and builds the...

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...

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Recent Posts

“I’m Not Remarkable,” and That’s the Point

Starring in a big commercial was never on my bucket list, mostly because I never believed it was something that could happen to me. It felt ...

Apr 10, 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

Building Power at Headache on the Hill

I was a bundle of nerves as I shuffled through the long halls of the Russell Senate Office Building on February 10th. I was heading to a congressio...

Mar 11, 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

Paratransit Passenger Princess

I often surprise people in my community when I tell them that I don’t drive. They inevitably respond, “Then how did you get here?” While I wish my ...

Feb 03, 2026

AAPD Resources and News Sources Amidst ICE Violence

Resources: Provide or Receive Support in Minnesota Contribute to or receive mutual aid in Minnesota through the Community Aid Network. Email commun...

Jan 28, 2026

Recent Changes to Immigration Policies Have Disastrous Impacts on Disabled People and Long-Term Care

In January 2025, just two weeks before President Trump’s second inauguration, I was approved by the state of Wisconsin to receive Home and Communit...

Jan 09, 2026

Shaking Up the Theater Industry as a Disabled Person

As an Autistic, multi-disabled person, working in the theater industry can be challenging. It’s not often you see disabled representation in ...

Dec 22, 2025

Powered by Community: How AAPD Showed Up, Built Together, and Looks Ahead

This year, AAPD marked 30 years of advancing disability rights and leadership under a theme that feels more urgent than ever: Powered by Community....

Dec 19, 2025

My Token is Done Shining for You

“…and when we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed but when we are silent we are still afraid So it is better to spea...

Dec 08, 2025

IDEA at 50: Why Disability Rights in Education Cannot Be Taken for Granted

May 24, 2024, is a date I will never forget. Before last year, I didn’t fully understand the struggles faced by people with disabilities. I k...

Nov 28, 2025