AAPD Explainers: Breaking Down Concepts and Changes in Disability Policy and Civics

It’s hard to keep track of everything that is changing in disability policy and law right now. AAPD Explainers are created to help you understand what is moving, changing, and unfolding on Capitol Hill in Washington and across the federal government. Learn how policy changes and shifting priorities impact the disability community.

Do you have an idea for an AAPD Explainer? Email Jess Davidson at jdavidson@aapd.com.

Explainer: The House Passed a Budget Reconciliation Bill – What’s In the Bill and What Would It Mean For Disabled Americans?

On May 22nd, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation bill by just one vote. The bill contains many provisions that w...

May 25, 2025

Budget Reconciliation 101: Explaining Budget Reconciliation in Congress

To access this resource as a PDF, click here. To access this resource as a Word Document, click here. What Is Reconciliation? The House and Senate...

May 25, 2025

Explaining the HHS Draft Budget and Why It Is Harmful to Disabled People

To access this resource as a PDF, click here. To access this resource as a Word document, click here. On April 16, 2025, the Washington Post report...

Apr 23, 2025

Explaining Medical Debt and the CFPB Rule: What’s Going On With Medical Debt, and How Does It Impact Consumers with Disabilities?

Click here to see this resource as a PDF Click here to see this resource as a Word Document On January 7, 2025, the Consumer Financial Prote...

Apr 02, 2025

Election Executive Order Explainer: What’s Going On With Voting Right Now, and How Does It Impact Disabled Voters?

To access this resource as a PDF, click here. On March 25, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) titled “Preserving and Protecting the Int...

Mar 27, 2025

Explaining the Impact of the Educational Executive Order on People with Disabilities

If you wish to view this resource as a PDF, click here. If you wish to view this resource as a Word document, click here. March 20, 2025 Con...

Mar 20, 2025

Explaining Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), The Trump Administration’s Recent Actions on DEIA, and the Impact on Disabled Americans

If you wish to view this resource as a PDF, click here. Since taking office, President Trump has taken several actions attacking diversity, equity,...

Feb 16, 2025

Explaining the Impact of the Federal Funding Pause on People with Disabilities

Last Updated February 4, 2025 at 5:25pm ET Note: This resource is based on a rapidly evolving situation and will be updated as we receive more info...

Jan 29, 2025