For Immediate Release: May 11, 2026
Contact: Naomi Hess, communications@aapd.com; 202-873-4011
WASHINGTON, DC — At a time when many disabled people face growing threats to health care, education, economic security, and community living supports, disability advocates from across the country are coming to Capitol Hill from May 11th to 15th to join the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) in educating Congress on the need to protect disability rights and invest in disabled communities.
Throughout the week, participants will hone their advocacy and leadership skills through a series of guided workshops. They will then meet with their members of Congress in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Participants will also build community, strengthen cross-disability advocacy relationships, and prepare for continued organizing beyond this week of activity on the Hill.
The week highlights the growing political power, expertise, and organizing strength of the disability community nationwide. When meeting with their members of Congress and their staff, participants will focus on the following topics:
- Protecting Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
The 2025 budget bill, H.R.1, cut almost $1 trillion from Medicaid. HCBS waiting lists are already too long, and funding cuts and more barriers to access to HCBS will force more people into institutional care and limit their independence. Policymakers must ensure that program integrity measures do not prevent access to HCBS and other vital disability supports. - Eliminating the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Savings Penalty
SSI allows many disabled people to meet their basic needs, but asset limits keep them in poverty. Lawmakers should increase asset limits for individuals and couples and allow SSI recipients to work and save for urgent needs and emergencies, without fear of losing their benefits.
- Fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA was passed in 1975, but the federal government has never fulfilled their share of special education costs. Congress should fulfill its original 40% funding promise to schools and ensure that students with disabilities receive adequate supports and services.
- Funding disability services in the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process
Many federal programs that support disabled people are chronically underfunded. These programs include Developmental Disabilities Act programs, research funding for projects that address disability and health disparities, special education services, and workforce training and disability employment initiatives. Sustained Congressional funding for these programs will help the disability community thrive.
“It is more important than ever for the disability community to be a visible force for change on Capitol Hill and in our communities across the nation,” stated Michael Lewis, AAPD Vice President of Policy. “Having a disability does not diminish the worth of our lives or aspirations; rather, it is a significant asset to our workforce and our nation. Vital initiatives like HCBS and IDEA are not optional luxuries or secondary budgetary concerns; they are fundamental services that enable our full participation in American life.”
“Bringing disability advocates to Washington D.C. is a demonstration of our community’s strength,” said AAPD President and CEO Maria Town. “Disability Power on the Hill gives advocates a platform to show how policy affects their lives. When disabled people come together and engage in collective action, it leads to lasting change.”