REV UP Texas advocates
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 power of the disability vote through education and action.
Across the country, voters continue to experience barriers that make it harder and sometimes impossible to participate in our elections. These barriers and the very real need for systemic change can often feel intimidating. A truly accessible democracy, where every voter can participate in the way that works for them, can feel out of reach. However, change is also built through small actions – one poll worker taking care to place signs for curbside voting, one person driving a neighbor to the polls, one friend reminding another to request their mail ballot early, one advocate providing accessible voter education. Each of these actions can transform a voter’s experience into something positive and powerful. Just like with voting, individual choices and actions can grow into collective power and meaningful change.
This Disability Voting Rights Week, we’re inviting disabled people, allies, organizations, and election workers to take action. Everyone can help make elections more accessible and become an “Accessible Democracy Defender.” Learn more through our DVRW Toolkit and by joining our September 14 National DVRW Kickoff call.
REV UP coalitions and partners are putting these ideas into action and coming together to learn, organize, celebrate, and harness the power of the more than 40 million eligible disabled voters. In Pennsylvania, REV UP Philly is bringing together community to share food, resources, and build connections at their September 16 event, “Bites, Ballots, & Belonging Social.” In Tennessee, the “Disabled to the Front” event centers both practicality and joy, with voter registration support, mobility device cleaning, and live music and dancing.
REV UP Maine is helping voters understand their options for casting a ballot through their September 14, Maine Voting Rights Training. Building cross-movement connections and solidarity, REV UP North Carolina is partnering with Disability Rights North Carolina and Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law to help voters prepare to identify and address barriers at the polling place through their September 15, “Our Power, Our Vote: Disability Voting Rights in North Carolina” event.
These are just a few examples of the ways communities are showing up for DVRW. From Alabama to Arkansas, Massachusetts to Florida, disabled leaders across over 30 states are sharing their stories and creating space for more people to participate in our democracy. Explore state and local events.
Building an accessible democracy begins with each of us. Each individual and each community must be able to participate in our democracy in the way that works best for them, using their power to shape our future. Explore state and local DVRW events and register for the September 14 National DVRW Kickoff Call to learn how you can become an Accessible Democracy Defender.