American Association of People with Disabilities

American Association of People with Disabilities The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) promotes equal opportunity, economic power, and political power for people with disabilities

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.

What an unforgettable evening! On Thursday night, AAPD celebrated 30 years of advocacy, empowerment, and community. From...
11/08/2025

What an unforgettable evening! On Thursday night, AAPD celebrated 30 years of advocacy, empowerment, and community. From powerful remarks by leaders like Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley to the electrifying performance by Warren “Wawa” Snipe, the night showcased the strength and resilience of our community.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us—advocates, allies, and leaders—who have shaped the past, present, and future of the disability rights movement. Together, we toasted to the incredible progress we’ve made and the work that lies ahead.

Photos of your own from the Gala? Don’t forget to tag AAPD! 

11/04/2025

As Election Day starts to come to a close, it’s important to remember not only to vote, but to also take care of yourself. Miracle reminds us of that in this reel. She’s an amazing REV UP coalition member. If you want to learn more, see https://www.aapd.com/about-rev-up

11/04/2025

Election Day is tomorrow and it's important to use your power. We asked a couple of REV UP coalition members to talk about the work they do. This is Yulissa from REV UP Texas.

The work our coalition members do is extremely impactful for our REV UP program. Learn more and find your local coalition: https://www.aapd.com/revup-join/

In this blog, Dr. Jackee Jackson, a leader from REV UP New Jersey, writes about the power of the disability vote. She re...
11/03/2025

In this blog, Dr. Jackee Jackson, a leader from REV UP New Jersey, writes about the power of the disability vote. She reflects on the first time she voted, the history of the voting rights movement, and the importance of REV UP's voting advocacy. https://ow.ly/atYk50Xm8VG

ID: Dr. Jackee Jackson sits in front of a house holding a REV UP sign that says "Powering the Disability Vote". She is a Black woman wearing black glasses, red lipstick, a large necklace, and a shirt that says "vote!". Beneath is a quote from the linked blog.

Tonight is the LAST CHANCE to get your tickets to join AAPD's 30th Anniversary celebration in Washington, DC, this Thurs...
11/03/2025

Tonight is the LAST CHANCE to get your tickets to join AAPD's 30th Anniversary celebration in Washington, DC, this Thursday, November 6 at 5:30 PM at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, DC!

Join us to hear from disabled Members of Congress who've championed our civil rights, witness a fantastic performance by Deaf hip-hop recording artist WaWa Snipe, and receive updates from AAPD leadership.

You'll also have the opportunity to network and connect with other disability advocates, get dressed up and have a red carpet moment, and enjoy a plated dinner and dessert reception.

We will have CART, ASL, audio-description, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Our Program Book will be available in Plain Language, Braille, large print, and read-aloud versions.

Masks are strongly encouraged except when eating and drinking, and will be provided on-site. There will also be additional air filtration in the event space. You can email development@aapd.com with any other accommodation requests or questions.

You won't want to miss this - head to the link below to get your tickets today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aapd-30th-anniversary-gala-tickets-1661750924749?aff=oddtdtcreator

Image Description: Promotional graphic for AAPD's 30th Anniversary Gala, contains the same information in the caption. Includes AAPD's "30 Years of Power by Community" logo, which features a 30, with the 0 made of the AAPD Power Symbol. Rows of dots radiate out from the Power Symbol, to symbolize how AAPD's power is made up of many disabled individuals in community, working together.

The government shutdown is still going on, and it is harming disabled Americans. AAPD has put together information about...
10/30/2025

The government shutdown is still going on, and it is harming disabled Americans. AAPD has put together information about how it might impact you. For a longer explainer, see: https://ow.ly/kLkb50XkvS4

ID: Image descriptions in alt-text and all the info is in the link

Your vote is your power! Election Day is just one week away! It's time to make your plan to vote and gather your tools!I...
10/28/2025

Your vote is your power! Election Day is just one week away! It's time to make your plan to vote and gather your tools!

If you live in a state that allows for mail-in or early voting, make sure you've received your ballot. If you live in a state with ballot drop-off boxes, make sure you know where your nearest and most accessible one is!

If you experience any issues at the polls, call or text 866-OUR-VOTE for direct assistance available in multiple languages.

ID: Images with info from the post, call or text 866-OUR-VOTE for direct voting assistance available in multiple languages.

Emma O'Neill-Dietel researches q***r disability history as a Master’s of Public History student at the University of Mas...
10/24/2025

Emma O'Neill-Dietel researches q***r disability history as a Master’s of Public History student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In their new blog post, Emma writes about how the intersection of q***rness and disability informs their approach to research.

Read their blog: https://ow.ly/qBbJ50XhIeU

ID: Emma, a white person in their 20s with short brown hair and glasses, stands in front of a rowhome with a poster reading "Lambda Rising" in the window. Emma has temporary tattoos of rainbows on their cheeks and is wearing a t-shirt that reads "History Happens Here" with the outline of DC around the words. Below is a quote from their blog, linked in the post.

Disabled women and femmes deserve to work, earn, and thrive, not be trapped in segregated workplaces or paid subminimum ...
10/23/2025

Disabled women and femmes deserve to work, earn, and thrive, not be trapped in segregated workplaces or paid subminimum wages.

Congress must act now:

- Pass the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA)

- Stop the rollback of equal employment protections under Executive Order 11246 and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act

Pay equity means nothing without employment equity.

AAPD is turning 30! Please join us for an evening to celebrate all we have accomplished over the last 30 years and honor...
10/21/2025

AAPD is turning 30! Please join us for an evening to celebrate all we have accomplished over the last 30 years and honor the incredible power of the disability community.

AAPD’s 30th Anniversary Gala will be held on Thursday, November 6, at 5:30 PM, at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC. This event is open to the disability community and our allies. Tickets can be purchased at this link - get yours today!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aapd-30th-anniversary-gala-tickets-1661750924749?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=Main+AAPD+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=afb89cbdef-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_10_08_12_22&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-afb89cbdef-

ID: Blue graphic featuring the “AAPD 30 Powered by Community” logo. Says “Join Us at AAPD’s Anniversary Gala” and shares the same information in the caption.

There is still time to apply to the 2026 Summer Internship Program! Read below to learn more. Applications close on Tues...
10/21/2025

There is still time to apply to the 2026 Summer Internship Program! Read below to learn more. Applications close on Tuesday, October 21st, at 5 PM ET.

Are you a disabled student (high school diploma by 2026 - graduate student) or recent graduate who is looking to gain professional experience, grow your leadership skills, and connect with disabled community? Then being an could be a perfect opportunity for you!

AAPD places interns at paid internships within the nonprofit, government, and for-profit industries, in-person in Washington DC and remotely. Interns work at their placement site Monday – Thursday and attend weekly AAPD programming on Fridays. Interns also get to attend events and network on Capitol Hill, conferences, policy briefings and other community events, as well as be matched with a disabled mentor.

AAPD interns are paid a living stipend and transportation to and from Washington, D.C. In-person interns are provided fully accessible housing. Remote interns receive a technology, internet, and a housing stipend if applicable.

Applications for the Summer 2026 cohort will close soon on October 21, 2025 at 5PM ET! You can view a sample application, review our application FAQs, and begin your application at: https://www.aapd.com/summer-internship-program/

ID: Purple stylized graphic displaying the information shown in post: AAPD Summer Internship Program Applications close soon!

Edited to add: *Due to technical issues with SurveyMonkey caused by the Amazon Web Services outage, AAPD has extended th...
10/19/2025

Edited to add: *Due to technical issues with SurveyMonkey caused by the Amazon Web Services outage, AAPD has extended the deadline for the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award applications by 24 hours, to Tuesday, October 21 at 5 PM ET!*

Reminder: 2026 Applications for the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award are closing soon! You have just a few days left to complete your application to fund your bold idea that will create opportunities for disabled people.

Hearne Award recipients receive $25,000, with $10,000 in recognition of their significant contributions to the disability community and $15,000 to further a project that will create opportunities for people with disabilities.

Go to our website to apply, learn more, and view our application resources! https://www.aapd.com/paul-g-hearne-emerging-leaders-award/

Image Description: Graphic that has a photo of Paul G. Hearne and says, "Reminder: Apply for the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award by October 20 at 5 PM ET!

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