American Association on Health and Disability

10/06/2025

Thank you to Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare, New York Law School, and all the people who powered the Symposium. Read more about cost-of-living crisis facing the community and the policy work ahead in our recap blog: https://aahd.us/2025/10/disability-squeeze-symposium/

09/30/2025

Healthcare is at the center of negotiations to avert a shutdown: "Senate Democrats have refused to back the spending bill...to force Republicans to negotiate on federal health care subsidies. They are pushing for an extension of ACA subsidies that are set to expire."

Democrats and Republicans have been unable to resolve an impasse over federal health care spending. The government will shut down at the end of the day Tuesday barring a last-minute breakthrough.

09/29/2025

Disability Research funded by NIDILRR improves community living and participation, health and function, and employment for people with disabilities. Full funding for NIDILRR is needed to improve health for all. Read our newest policy blog explainer on the importance of NIDILRR for advancing research that benefits our communities: https://aahd.us/2025/09/disability-research/

High-quality disability research helps make important advances in policy, technology, and daily living to support people with disabilities. Good research requires comprehensive and accurate data, and at its best, guidance and input from impacted communities. “Nothing About Us Without Us” should ...

09/25/2025

Join our free course on Disability Rights Laws: ADA, Rehab Act, Fair Housing, & Air Carrier Access! Access here: newenglandada.talentlms.com

09/25/2025

Your story matters.

If you’re part of the I/DD community, a caregiver for someone who is, OR a healthcare provider who's willing to talk Medicaid, join our project and help shape the conversation.

The Faces of Medicaid is a project of the National Disability Rights Network that aims to highlight the real life impact of Medicaid through short video testimonials featuring individuals, families and communities telling their own stories of their experiences with Medicaid.

Have a story to share? Submit yours today: https://forms.office.com/r/LvQKiqpDeg

09/25/2025

Our policymakers must affirm the dignity and needs of the Autistic community when determining health policy and research agendas to serve our communities. What the current administration has advanced threatens trust in research and public health. Supporting people with autism and our families starts with listening to our needs and concerns. AAHD is a proud signatory to this call for rebuilding trust and a path forward: https://www.aucd.org/news/leading-autism-and-disability-organizations-call-for-decision-making-based-on-quality-science-and-compassion-for-the-autism-community

Following the White House's announcement Monday, AUCD joins national autism & disability organizations in calling on policymakers to work with autistic people, families, researchers & clinicians.

Policy must be grounded in science and responsive to community needs. We urge leaders, institutions & media to uphold scientific integrity, share accurate public health info, and strengthen—not weaken—support systems for the autism community.

🔗 http://bit.ly/4mBL2NY

09/23/2025

09/23/2025

Today, the President held a press conference with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other members of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) leadership. During the press conference, speakers shared harmful, false information about autism, acetaminophen, and vaccines. An HHS that does not provide accurate information to the President and make safe, science-informed decisions puts us all at grave risk. ASAN will release a full statement about this in the coming days. Today and always: autistic people belong.

09/23/2025

What is the Disability Squeeze, and what can we do to drive policy change to reduce it? Check out the Disability Squeeze Symposium this Friday, and tune in to the podcast that dives deep into how costs of living are higher for our community at DisabilitySqueeze.org.
https://youtu.be/gzvrKxOYs40?si=OcrZlCMHOgsJhQt6

Learn about what we are doing to further research and advocacy on the extra costs of living with a disability at disabilitysqueeeze.org

09/22/2025

Announcing: Our 2025-2028 Strategy Roadmap! This past year AAHD went deep into visioning where we can lead in the collective work of advancing and . Read our Strategic Plan Summary + the full roadmap: https://aahd.us/about/strategic-plan/

09/17/2025

Join the Disability Squeeze Symposium (NYC + Zoom) on September 26th (11 AM – 3 PM ET)! Learn about the extra costs of disability and hear from leading advocates and policymakers. Register: DisabilitySqueeze.org

08/19/2025

Self-direction in care is an important shift towards autonomy and dignity of choice for people living independently. This option has become possible thanks in large part to HCBS. With cuts on the horizon, these programs will need additional support and advocacy to continue. Read our policy blog to learn more: https://aahd.us/2025/08/policy-blog-self-direction/

The movement towards self-direction in essential programs for independent living is an important advancement for the civil rights of people with disabilities. Not only should disabled people have the right to live in their communities, they should also have the ability to determine how they receive....