Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled

09/25/2025

As American Business Women’s Day was being recognized across the country last week, we had the privilege of visiting with Jan Dils and seeing firsthand how Jan’s vision and leadership built one of the nation’s foremost disability law firms.

Her story is a testament to what this day celebrates: The ability of women to shape industries, strengthen communities, and lead with purpose. Our ACRD National Tour with Governor Martin O’Malley is proud to spotlight leaders like Jan, whose work demonstrates how leadership rooted in purpose changes lives.

05/06/2025

While some organizations are still pedaling to keep up, ACRD is setting the pace, shifting into high gear, and accelerating real change for the disability community.

Following the buzz from our annual conference, where President Biden joined our community of passionate professionals, our momentum is undeniable. Our members are energized, our vision is clear, and our impact is only gaining speed.

At ACRD, we unite the most forward-thinking advocates, counselors, and representatives who don’t wait for permission to lead. We embrace new ideas, pursue excellence, and refuse to accept the status quo. We’re not slowing down, and we’re not looking back.

Fueled by strategy. Powered by purpose. Driven by ACRD.

04/29/2025

A political storm is brewing in Washington, D.C. over the Social Security Administration (SSA). On one side is the Trump Administration, which is making changes intended to help Social Security remain fiscally solvent for decades to come. On the other are seniors and lawmakers who are concerned these changes could decimate the program. This debate has become so hot, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has called on Social Security Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek to resign. https://www.democrats.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-americans-worry-about-ability-to-put-food-on-the-table-and-pay-bills-following-cruel-and-indefensible-cuts-to-social-security-leader-schumer-calls-for-social-security-acting-commissioner-leland-dudek-to-resign

To many in our community, the best course of action is to constructively engage with all sides. Why? That’s simple: to protect the people we are honored to represent from politics and ensure they continue to be served in the dignified way they deserve.

NOSSCR seems to disagree with this balanced course, however. Instead, they actually invited Mr. Dudek to be the keynote speaker at the conference they convened last week – just blocks away from Schumer’s Senate office!

Mr. Dudek sent his deputies to appear on his behalf, but the response was swift nonetheless. Photos soon appeared on social media of people gathering in front of the Grand Hyatt Washington hotel where NOSSCR held its conference. Waving signs and a banner, the protestors asked a good question: “WHY NOSSCR??”

As a community, we should never let politics get in the way of the people we are dedicated to support and serve. That’s our mission at Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD). Hopefully, NOSSCR isn’t so far gone it’s forgotten this.

04/16/2025

Recap of Day 1 at
We kicked off the ACRD Conference with a powerful first day full of learning, connection, and advocacy. From thought-provoking sessions to inspiring speakers, our community of advocates, counselors, and representatives for people with disabilities came together to share knowledge and drive meaningWe kicked off the ACRD Conference with a powerful first day full of learning, connection, and advocacy. From thought-provoking sessions to inspiring speakers, our community of advocates, counselors, and representatives for people with disabilities came together to share knowledge and drive meaning change.

Swipe through some highlights from the day! A huge thank you to our incredible speakers and attendees for bringing your passion and insight. We’re so excited to kick off day 2.

04/15/2025

We’re so honored to welcome an incredible lineup of speakers at the ACRD Annual Conference in Chicago, including:

- President Joe Biden
- Former Governor Martin O’Malley
- Senator Debbie Stabenow
- Senator Roy Blunt
- ACRD Leadership

They’ll be sharing insights and solutions on the urgent challenges facing the Social Security Administration and its programs and we will be posting updates from their speeches here!

04/15/2025

Meet ACRD: Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled.

We’re a national organization focused on championing civil rights, disability inclusion, and equal access for all. Through advocacy, training, and collaboration, we work to advance inclusion, accessibility, and equity.

Our annual national conference is today and tomorrow (April 15-16), bringing together professionals, leaders, and advocates committed to building a more inclusive future.

Follow along as we share speaker highlights, event updates, and powerful stories.

04/15/2025

The ACRD Annual Conference has kicked off today in Chicago! It will be a powerful day of insight and action featuring key speakers including former Governor Martin O'Malley, Senators Debbie Stabenow and Roy Blunt, ACRD leadership, and President Biden's first address since leaving office.

We will be giving live updates on our social media so stay connected for more updates. Let’s move the conversation forward.

03/29/2025

⏳ The Countdown Is On! ⏳
Only 18 days until the 2025 ACRD Conference in Chicago!

🗓️ April 15–16, 2025
📍 Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Get ready to be part of a powerful gathering of advocates, professionals, and changemakers — featuring President Joe Biden’s first public speech since leaving office and a keynote from Former SSA Administrator Martin O’Malley.

✨ Don’t miss your chance to be in the room for this historic event.

🎟️ Register here: https://www.acrd.org/aprilconference

03/26/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that Former Social Security Administrator Martin O’Malley will be delivering the keynote address at the ACRD 2025 Conference in Chicago!

🗓️ April 15–16, 2025
📍 Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Join us as leaders and advocates from across the country come together to shape the future of disability representation. With powerful speakers like O’Malley — and a historic appearance from President Joe Biden — this year’s conference is one you won’t want to miss.

👉 Register now: https://www.acrd.org/aprilconference

Escape To Timeless Luxury!

03/25/2025

🔷 What Is ACRD? Why Join? 🔷

The Association of Claimants’ Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) is the leading national organization dedicated to advancing the rights of people with disabilities through representation, advocacy, education, and community.

🧠 Why Join ACRD?

✅ Connect with attorneys, advocates, and professionals across the country
✅ Learn through conferences, webinars, and cutting-edge legal updates
✅ Advocate for fair and effective disability policies
✅ Access exclusive resources and tools that strengthen your practice
✅ Belong to a nationwide community committed to disability rights

Whether you're an attorney, non-attorney rep, or professional in the field — ACRD is your home for impact and growth.

👉 Join today:
🔗 https://www.acrd.org/membership

03/25/2025

📅 Countdown to ACRD Chicago 2025! 🏙️

We’re just 22 days away from the ACRD April Conference in Chicago!
🗓️ April 15–16, 2025
📍 Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

This year’s event is shaping up to be unforgettable — and with President Joe Biden giving his first public speech since leaving office, you won’t want to miss it.

✅ Have you registered yet?
🎟️ https://www.acrd.org/aprilconference

Let’s make history together.

03/25/2025

President Joe Biden is set to deliver a landmark address at the 2025 ACRD Conference, marking his first public speech since leaving office.​

🗓️ Dates: April 15–16, 2025
📍 Location: Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL

Join us for this historic event, bringing together leading professionals in disability representation for two days of transformative discussions and networking.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a watershed moment for Social Security advocacy, President Joe Biden will take the stage for his first public address since leaving office to deliver a pivotal address at the 2025 Conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD). The President'...