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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 19h

The US House of Reps is working to protect community integration. Newly introduced H.Res. 1586 reaffirms that we have a right to exist in our communities.

We have GOOD NEWS about community integration! A bipartisan resolution protecting community living was introduced in the House.

H.Res.1586, introduced by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick
(R-PA), affirms that the Olmstead decision reflects Congress' intent for people with disabilities to live and receive services in their communities.

H.Res. 1586 says plainly: in 1977 and 1978, federal regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provided that services for people with disabilities must be delivered in the most integrated setting appropriate.

This resolution confirms that the integration mandate is the law as written and enacted by Congress.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 25/09/2026

Thank you for being part of Disability Voting Rights Week! These photos show Accessible Democracy Defenders taking action. Now, the work continues: Check your registration and state deadlines at vote.gov, then make your voting plan.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 25/09/2026

There are just 5 days left to register for AAPD’s first-ever in-person Alumni Network Gathering in Washington, DC, from November 6 - 8. Register by September 30 at 3 AM ET. Registration may close sooner if we reach capacity. Register: www.surveymonkey.com/r/NovemberAlum…

Graphic featuring characters with various disabilities standing on grass in front of a city with the same information that is in the post.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 24/09/2026

There is still time to apply to join AAPD’s 2027 Summer Internship Program! Within the Summer Internship Program, AAPD hosts a Bobby Silverstein Fellow for folks interested in the legal field. Applications close October 1 at 5:00 PM ET. Apply: www.aapd.com/summer-internship-prog…

Announcement for AAPD 2027 Summer Internship Program with application deadline October 1, 2026, 5 PM ET and encouragement to apply.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 24/09/2026

Update to the Texas v. Kennedy case. Some community integration regulations from Section 504 of the Rehab. Act of 1973 will no longer be in effect. Full statement at: www.aapd.com/aapd-statement-on-ruli…

Today, a judge sided with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Texas, Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, and Montana in the Texas v. Kennedy case.

This will end some of the 2024 community integration regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

This is a step backward for our
community. However, the judge did not find that Section 504 or the community integration mandate are unconstitutional.

Remember: We still have rights. The Americans with Disabilities Act is still the law. Section 504 is still the law. The Olmstead decision is still the law.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 23/09/2026

AAPD is excited to announce the eight recipients of our 2026 Tony Coelho Media Scholarship! Learn more about the recipients at www.aapd.com/aapd-announces-2026-re…

A grid of headshots on a purple background featuring the Tony Coelho Media Scholarship recipients. Above that, text that says: "Tony Coelho Media Scholarship Recipients".

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 18/09/2026

Disability Voting Rights Week may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean our work is! Election Day is in just 46 days. We're calling on all Accessible Democracy Defenders to take these 5 actions:

Make a plan to vote. Learn about the candidates and the issues. Learn what’s important to YOU. Prepare for an accessible voting experience. Encourage friends and family to get ready for the election. Get involved locally! As an election worker, or as part of REV UP.

Keep being an accessible democracy defender!

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 18/09/2026

Getting involved with your local community before Election Day is important. Here are a couple ways you can do that. See if there’s a REV UP coalition in your state: www.aapd.com/revup-join

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 16/09/2026

Quick reminder that there is just one week left to apply for the 2027 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award. The application closes Wednesday, September 23 at 5 PM ET. Apply here: www.aapd.com/paul-g-hearne-emerging…

White text on a navy blue background reminding people to apply for the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 16/09/2026

We know that election day feels far away, but if you're disabled, you already know: planning ahead is how we ensure success (and success at the ballot box is your right!). Plan ahead. Vote. Be an accessible democracy defender! Are you already registered to vote in 2026? 😎

A red and blue list on a cream colored background that says: "Make a plan to vote. Check your voter registration or register. Learn key dates, deadlines, issues, and your polling location. Make an accessibility plan. Save 866-OUR-VOTE. Call it in case you have issues. Learn your voting rights. Plan to vote as early as possible and track your ballot."

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 15/09/2026

Being an accessible democracy defender means making voting accessible to everyone. This includes voters with disabilities, who face many barriers to voting. If you’re interested in participating in Disability Voting Rights Week, go to www.aapd.com/dvrw-2026-toolkit

But voters with disabilities face many barriers

This can look like...
Polling places that are inaccessible
States with strict voter ID laws
Lack of accessible information
Voter disenfranchisement laws

In a truly accessible democracy, all people with disabilities should be able to vote in the manner most accessible to them

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 14/09/2026

DVRW is here, starting today, through this Friday, September 18. Search here to find events in your area: www.mobilize.us/rev-up-aapd. If you find one, go connect with your local community! Be sure to download our DVRW toolkit: www.aapd.com/dvrw-2026-toolkit

Blue and red stylized graphic that says "Disability voting rights week is here. Be an accessible democracy defender"

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 11/09/2026

As of Thursday, Sept 10, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has been moved from the Department of Education to the Administration on Disabilities within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This move could be stopped and reversed.

All caps white text on a navy background that says "Special education is education. We cannot go backward."

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 08/09/2026

The Department of Labor just updated Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and it's going to negatively impact disabled workers. Let’s talk about it. Read our full statement: www.aapd.com/labor-day-2026-dol-reg…

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 04/09/2026

New news regarding the protecting the right of people with disabilities to live in our homes and in our communities. Read the full letter: www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/f…

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 27/08/2026

The 2026 Summer Internship Application Is Now Open! 🤩 Applications for the Summer 2027 cohort will close on October 1, 2026 at 5PM ET! Begin your application ow.ly/PjXA50ZGifI ID: Apply for AAPD's 2027 Summer Internship Program with a deadline of October 1, 2026.

Apply for AAPD's 2027 Summer Internship Program with a deadline of October 1, 2026.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 19/08/2026

AAPD is launching a new program! We need input from many people, and we want to hear from you! Survey takes 10 minutes and is in English, Spanish, ASL with voiceover, and Easy Read. Learn more: www.aapd.com/community-input-survey…

The text reads: “Inform Our New Program: Community Input Survey. We are launching a new learning program, and we want to hear from you about how to best serve our community.” There is a photo of a group of racially diverse disabled people sitting at a long table at an outdoor restaurant together. A man in the middle with brown skin is smiling while his plate is placed on the table by a server.

The text reads: “People of color, those with trauma-related conditions, intellectual disabilities, are DeafBlind, formerly incarcerated, are immigrants, migrants, or refugees, and/or use communication devices: you are who we want to learn from!” There is a photo of two disabled men who appear to be Southeast Asian, one of whom has a cane. They are sitting in chairs with a feminine person with lighter brown skin, who appears to be speaking and using her hand.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 12/08/2026

Summer Internship Program alum HuáHuī Samuel Vogel wrote a beautiful reflection about how his adoption story and medical journey inspired their passion for advocacy. Read it: ow.ly/eBKF50ZyZgg

Portrait of HuaHui above a quote: "By rejecting the tropes of 'inspiration porn' and superficial acceptance, I position the intersections of my medical trauma, cultural stigma, and profound familial love not as obstacles that I simply conquered, but as the foundational catalysts for my life's dedication to authentic representation and systemic advocacy."

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CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Our partners at DREDF and AAPD released a new report on barriers to #DisabilityBenefits. They found more barriers came about as the government cut staff and regional offices, replacing some with #AI: lnk.to/barrier. @dredf.bsky.social @aapd.com 📸 Photo Credit: @affecttheverb.com/Disabled and Here…

[Image: While sharing a picnic blanket outside, a young autistic couple uses pens and notepads as AAC tools. On the left, a woman lays on her stomach and writes. On the right, a non-binary person sits and writes.]

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Casey Doherty @caseydoherty.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Before the week/month conclude, I need to share a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the 2026 @aapd.com summer interns. I'm so glad I got to learn from them this summer. Their presentations this afternoon were excellent. Special shoutout to Raven Diaz for her amazing work @americanprogress.bsky.social!

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 06/08/2026

Calling disabled leaders with bold ideas: The 2027 AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award applications are now open! Apply by September 23rd, join our webinar on August 26th, and learn more today on our website: www.aapd.com/paul-g-hearn...

aapd.com

Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award - AAPD

The AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards recognizes outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 05/08/2026

AAPD is hiring 2 Alumni Network Regional Gathering Co-Organizers to help plan and execute our upcoming Washington, DC Alumni Network Gathering on November 6-8, 2026! Apply here by August 16, 5 PM PT: ats.rippling.com/aapd-jobs/jobs/9ac…

Blue text on a navy background: "AAPD is hiring. Regional Gathering Co-Organizer. Temporary, Remote with in-person travel $25/hour, $2,500 total"

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 26/07/2026

36 years ago today, the ADA was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush (with AAPD co-founder Justin Dart by his side!). The ADA transformed this country and access to public life for disabled people. Today, we are still fighting to protect the ADA and other hard-fought disability rights.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 14/07/2026

The recent Medicaid work requirement rule has caused fear and confusion, so here are some fast facts. You can learn more at our webinar from 2-3:30 PM ET today, and via AAPD's recent explainers. Register for the webinar at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi....

Question about Medicaid work requirements with AAPD offering help understanding new federal guidelines.

Question asking if Medicaid recipients must engage in work, education, training, or volunteering starting January 1, 2027, with true and false options with true selected.

Question asking if disabled people are automatically exempt from Medicaid work requirements, with true and false buttons with false selected.

Question asking if the rule applies only to the Medicaid expansion population with true and false buttons with true selected.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 10/07/2026

Summer Internship Program alum Jack Reeves wrote about the intersection of LGBTQI+ Pride Month and Disability Pride Month. As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, Jack argues it is important to ensure the rights of disabled and LGBTQI+ Americans. Read the blog at ow.ly/BR4t50ZmfFv.

A photo of Jack Reeves in a business-casual button-down smiling at the camera in front of trees

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 09/07/2026

Last month, AAPD was in PBS NewsHour, The New York Times, NPR, and Where the Ramp Ends for our work on disability rights and independent living. Across these stories, AAPD was cited as a leading voice on how recent changes to disability policy could threaten the dignity of disabled Americans.

A PBS NewsHour segment discussing a new Justice Department memo challenging long-standing disability protections, featuring a woman in a blue dress at an airport.

NPR headline about disability advocates fearing a return to institutionalization and a picture of the sign for the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building at

New York Times article about disability advocates expressing concern over RFK Jr.'s appointment and its impact on special education programs under the Trump administration.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 08/07/2026

AAPD is hosting a webinar on July 14 from 2 - 3:30 PM ET about the Medicaid work requirements. Panelists Rachel Patterson from Patterson & Meek and Jennifer Lav from the National Health Law Program will discuss how disabled people may be affected. Register at ow.ly/nnv750ZlLqm.

Graphic of a calendar highlighting a Medicaid Work Requirements Webinar on Tuesday, July 14th from 2 to 3:30 PM ET

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 07/07/2026

The ADA’s legacy is still being written. Join AAPD on July 22 at the Westin DC Downtown as we celebrate 36 years of the ADA, honor the leadership of Rep. Steny Hoyer and gather in community for the work ahead. Tickets: ow.ly/6HR550ZlcZH #ADA36 #DisabilityRights

Graphic promoting AAPD's ADA Celebration honoring Rep. Steny H. Hoyer on July 22 at 6:30pm EST in Washington DC.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 01/07/2026

Disability Mentoring Day takes place this October! Join an AAPD orientation call to learn how you can become a DMD Coordinator and help disabled students and young people connect with mentors and explore career paths. July 16 or Aug. 20, 4 - 5 PM ET Sign up: ow.ly/Ol5A50ZjrRv

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 01/07/2026

July is Disability Pride Month! To kick off the month, AAPD Editorial Manager Naomi Hess wrote a blog about the importance of disabled love in all its forms. Read the full blog: www.aapd.com/disabled-love-will-kee…

Woman with sunglasses sitting on a rooftop with the Washington Monument in the background under a cloudy sky. There is a quote underneath her that says: "All of my experiences being in community with other disabled people have shown me that I am not alone. None of us are. If love means showing up for each other and supporting each other through the good times and the bad, there has never been a more important time for disabled love than the current moment."

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 22/06/2026

27 years ago today, the Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C guaranteed disabled people the right to live and receive services in their communities. These rights are now under attack, but we will keep fighting.

27 years ago, the Olmstead v L.C. Supreme Court decision allowed people with disabilities to live in their communities.

Olmstead freed people with disabilities from institutions and gave us community living.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 22/06/2026

The USPS is considering a new process to how ballots are mailed and collected, which could result in eligible voters not receiving their ballot. Take action 👉 www.aapd.com/action-alert-protect-v…

aapd.com

Action Alert: Protect Vote By Mail, Submit a Comment to the United States Postal Service (USPS) - AAPD

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 12/06/2026

CMS' new work requirements threaten the health, safety, and independence of the millions of people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid. AAPD is working hard to educate our community about these new requirements and how to prepare for them. Learn more here: www.aapd.com/medicaid-wor...

aapd.com

Medicaid Work Requirements FAQ - AAPD

To view this resource as a PDF, click here. On June 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) implementing new Medicaid work requirements, also kno...

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 10/06/2026

Research from Lurie Institute for Disability Policy found that 13% of disabled people identify as LGBTQ+, compared to 7% of non-disabled people? Check out this link for guidance on how to make events accessible! www.aapd.com/wp-content/uploads/202…

Progress Pride flag with a yellow triangle and purple circle, accompanied by text highlighting that disabled people are nearly twice as likely to be queer as non-disabled individuals, celebrating Pride Month.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 04/06/2026

“There are going to be so many disabled people and chronically ill people who lose access to their health care and other kinds of supports that Medicaid provides,” said Maria Town, the President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities.

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Fox & Robertson, PC @foxrob.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

F&R and @dredf.bsky.social filed an amicus brief to protect the right of individual disabled people to challenge discrimination by executive agencies, including the President. We support the NAD’s efforts to make the WH provide ASL interpreters. #disabilityrights foxrob.com/2026/06/03/f...

foxrob.com

F&R Files Amicus Brief Challenging White House Refusal to Provide Sign Language Interpreters. | Fox & Robertson

Along with co-author Michelle Uzeta, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, F&R filed an amicus brief on behalf of DREDF and eight other disability rights organization...

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Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network @domesticemployers.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

“Despite Congress’ promises that people with disabilities will be exempt from these requirements, not all people with disabilities are exempt. Disabled people will lose access to Medicaid” - @mariatown.bsky.social @aapd.com #ProtectMedicaid www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/06/03/m...

disabilityscoop.com

Medicaid Changes Will Push People With Disabilities Off Program, Advocates Warn

The Trump administration is unveiling long-awaited details about new, more stringent Medicaid eligibility rules and raising fresh concerns about implications for people with disabilities.

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Maria Town @mariatown.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

CMS will publish interim final rule on Medicaid work and community engagement requirements. This is a part of the changes and cuts ushered into Medicaid via HR 1 last year. There will be a comment period through July 31st. Work requirements cut people off of healthcare. www.aapd.com/work-require...

aapd.com

Important Update on Medicaid Work Requirements - AAPD

New Federal Guidance Implements Policy That, Research Shows, Will Not Increase Employment and Unenrolls Eligible Individuals From Medicaid Coverage For Immediate Release: June 1, 2026 Contact: Jess Da...

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 02/06/2026

Today, we learned that on June 3, 2026, CMS will publish a rule that tells states how to comply with Medicaid work requirements in Jan. 2027. Read AAPD's statement to find out what we learned today, and what comes next: www.aapd.com/work-require...

aapd.com

Important Update on Medicaid Work Requirements - AAPD

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Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund @dredf.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

For many disabled people, including veterans and trauma survivors, emotional support animals help them remain connected to their communities. Now Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says it will stop enforcing this protection under the Fair Housing Act. Read More: dredf.org/huds-esa-pol...

dredf.org

An Enforcement Agency That Won't Enforce: HUD's Policy Reversal On Emotional Support Animals - DREDF

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 26/05/2026

Disability P⏻wer on the Hill may have ended but we wanted to look back on its impact. 75 advocates from 17 states held meetings with 72 different Congressional offices over the course of two days. www.aapd.com/disability-power-on-th…

Large group of people with disabilities gathered on Capitol building steps for 2026 Disability Power on the Hill.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 21/05/2026

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day! Access looks different for everyone. It goes beyond things like screen readers, automatic doors, and ramps. We asked our staff what’s something out of the ordinary they do for access, and here’s what they said:

Access is more than just just captions, sign language, and ramps. Access can also look like

“Sitting at round tables to read lips better”

“Colorblind or high-contrast modes in video games”

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 12/05/2026

Today kicks off our 3rd annual Disability Power on the Hill! Disability Power on the Hill is a time when disability advocates from around the country gather together on Capitol Hill to discuss important issues facing disabled Americans with their representatives in Congress. #DisabilityPower26

An outline of the US Capitol. AAPD. The words Disability Power on the Hill framed by the colors of the disability pride flag. Beneath that, the words "Disabled, Powerful, Proud. Third Annual Disability Power on The Hill"

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 05/05/2026

You have until May 29th to apply for AAPD's 2026 Tony Coelho Media Scholarship! Are you a student looking to pursue a career in media, communications, or entertainment? www.aapd.com/tony-coelho-media-scho…

Applications for the Tony Coelho Media Scholarship are still open, due by May 29 at 5 PM ET.

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 04/05/2026

Indiana Attorney General dropped out of the Texas v. Kennedy case which would protect people with disabilities from discrimination in healthcare and human services. From 17 states to 8. S/o The Arc of Indiana for local advocacy! www.arcind.org/news/ag-rokita-withd…

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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 01/05/2026

A huge thank you to Wells Fargo for being the co-presenting partner for our 2026 National Community Event. Your commitment to inclusion helped make our event possible.

Colorful hands reaching inward around a yellow sunburst with text thanking Wells Fargo as co-presenting partner of the 2026 AAPD National Community Event.

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