Several of our program alumni are competing in the 2026 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge! We reviewed four short films - "Crosswalk," "Good Vibrations," "A Heartfelt Beat," and "Work Trip." Read the reviews on our website: www.disabilitybelongs.org/tag/edfc2026/ #DisabilityFilmChallenge

Disabled people experiencing houselessness deserve homes, not handcuffs. If we truly want safer, stronger communities, we must reject policies that push people out of sight and instead commit to solutions that bring everyone in from the cold.

Big news: we're now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of the Disability Belongs™ Leadership Program! The priority deadline to apply is Thursday, April 23rd at 5:00 p.m. ET, so get your application in at www.DisabilityBelongs.org/Leadership-Program! All the info is on the website.

Access to voting is a civil right, and it must include everyone. On March 31, an Executive Order was issued with provisions related to vote-by-mail. For many disabled voters, vote-by-mail is a key way to participate in elections.

It’s a fact: business performance is closely tied to how well employees are supported at work. A growing body of research shows that employees are more productive, innovative, and committed when they feel safe, valued, and included.

Don't miss out on our free virtual training on best practices for disability-inclusive language, happening this Thursday at 1:30 p.m. ET! Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... Image: Disability Belongs trademarked logo with green and blue overlapping droplet shapes. #Disability #Disabilities

The question shouldn’t be whether accessibility is “worth it,” but whether we can afford the ongoing and avoidable costs of exclusion. Read our blog to learn more about what we all pay when access is an afterthought. Image Description: A person looking at a laptop with their head in their hands.

As part of our work to spotlight authentic #disability representation, our Fellows recently wrote these film reviews: • The Thrilling “Blindsided” and How it Exemplifies the Human Condition • “Accessibility and the Ballot” Explores Challenges Faced by Disabled Voters

This month, we remember disability rights advocate and leader Judy Heumann, who died on March 4, 2023. Judy was regarded by many as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement” for her fierce and focused advocacy that brought the disability community together to fight ableism in civil society.

There are lots of myths about #Tourette syndrome. Get the facts in the latest entry in our Combatting Misinformation series! Image Description: The logo for the "Combatting Misinformation" series containing a greyscale megaphone with yellow sound waves coming out of it

We're excited to announce an open call for Board and Advisor nominations. If you or someone you know could be a good fit, fill out the linked form before April 30th. Responses will be reviewed by our Governance and Nominating Committee as part of a structured and equitable selection process.

The State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act would strengthen how the U.S. advances disability rights globally and improve accessibility within the State Department. Disability rights are civil rights—at home and worldwide. Read the bill text at the link below! #Disabilities #A11y

Cultural narratives that frame #disability, particularly learning #disabilities, as deficiency do not merely reflect bias, they hold the power to shape perceptions, influence policy, and directly impact the lives of millions. Language is not neutral. Read our full statement at the link below.

Learning disabilities like dyslexia affect how people process information — not intelligence or leadership ability. We appreciate the National Center for Learning Disabilities speaking out about stigma and misinformation. ID: A megaphone icon with sound waves. Text says "News Alert"

Right now the Senate is debating legislation that could change federal voter registration requirements. Policies that make registration harder could create new barriers for voters with disabilities. Take action: www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/03/prot... Please share!

Caregiving is not a side issue. It is central to how #disabled people live, work, and remain in their communities. People with disabilities are both recipients of care and caregivers themselves – supporting family members, aging parents, partners, and children while navigating barriers of their own.

Congress is considering several bills that would change federal voter registration requirements, include the SAVE Act. These bills would require many voters to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, when registering to vote.

"When we make things more accessible, a lot of people benefit, not just the community we think it's for." Our President and CEO Ariel Simms was quoted in a new article from @cnet.com @abraralheeti.bsky.social about the growing demand for ASL in entertainment. Read the article at the link below!

Disability Belongs™ is proud to endorse the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act, newly introduced in Congress. Nearly 8 million seniors and people with #disabilities rely on #SSI, yet many program rules haven’t been updated in decades.

“In a society where disabled people continue to face barriers to education, employment, and civic engagement, adding obstacles through changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could further limit opportunities and access to essential supports." #Disability #Disabilities

We're excited to share more information about our eight amazing Fellows participating in the Spring 2026 Disability Belongs™ Leadership Program! You can read their bios at our website: www.disabilitybelongs.org/Fellows #Disability #Disabilities

We're proud to present the first installment in The Business Case for Inclusion – a new series examining why #disability #inclusion is one of the smartest investments a company can make. We will explore how inclusion benefits staff, businesses, and customers. Read the introduction at the link below!

"You can show autism or other disabilities, etc., without having to stop the show and explain it like a teacher, and I think that’s more entertaining and more how kids in the real world interact." – Ava X. Rigelhaupt, Co-Writer on the "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" episode “Max Plays at the Library"

The VA has announced it will formally rescind its recent #disability ratings rule, which would have allowed examiners to factor in how well medication controls a condition when assigning a disability rating. (1/4) Image Description: A sign outside the Veterans Affairs Building in DC

"Rather than perpetuating negative tropes, employers should treat people with #disabilities with respect, use strengths-based language, and recognize what they can do. #Disability is only part of who we are, not our entire identity." Read this op-ed from our CEO Ariel Simms at SHRM!

“I love Disability Belongs™ for its commitment to diversity and for actually listening to, and utilizing, the skills and gifts of people with disabilities in a number of crucial public arenas.” – Bill Gaventa, Disability Belongs™ Board Member

Language is powerful, shaping how we think, feel, and act, so we're excited to announce a webinar on April 2nd to share best practices for disability-inclusive language! Learn more and reserve your spot: www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/02/word...

Of all the films being presented during #Slamdance 2026, 9.7% of the program is made by #disabled creators, and this year's Unstoppable program includes 4 features and 13 shorts. Image Description: logo for Slamdance Film Festival Los Angeles 2026 with a black flower with a red face on it

Several films that premiered at #Sundance 2026 explicitly included #disability as a central or integrated part of their storytelling, but several additional films featured casual inclusion of disability, reinforcing that we are a natural and valued part of society. Learn about all of these films ⬇︎

Love shouldn't come with penalties, but outdated federal policies make marriage risky for many #disabled people. This #Valentine'sDay, we're sharing an op-ed from our President & CEO, Ariel Simms, explaining why updating these policies is key to full marriage equality. Read it at the link below!

Voting changes should make participation easier, not harder. But the SAVE Act, passed yesterday by the House of Representatives, could create new barriers for eligible voters with disabilities. Along with our partners in @ncavoting.bsky.social, we call on the Senate to reject this legislation.

Many Americans would say that equal pay for equal work is a key civil rights issue. But did you know that in 34 states, it is legal to pay #disabled workers below the minimum wage, sometimes as little as $0.25 per hour? Learn more about the fight over the subminimum wage at the link below.

On February 3rd, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, and the President signed it into law the same day. This law funds federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2026, including the Department of Education and related programs. Image Description: U.S. Department of Education seal

There’s more than one way to attend a meeting! • Remotely via video conference • In-Person around a conference table • Using ASL or CART captioning It’s not how you show up — it’s what you contribute. Learn more in our blog post: www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/01/same...

Just 7.5% of actors in the top 104 English-language theatrical films released in 2024 publicly identify as having a disability, a slight increase from 7.1% in 2023 and 5% in 2022. However, this falls far short of representing the 28.7% of adults who identify as having a disability.

Action Alert – States Continue Legal Attack on Section 504 and the Right to Live in the Community: Texas and eight other states are continuing their legal challenge to #disability civil rights protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Disability Inclusion Tip: Hold in-person events in accessible locations. If everyone, including wheelchair users, can’t easily enter the space, move around freely, or access the restrooms, find a more accessible venue for your event. #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility

We recently shared state policy updates for California and Oregon. Read them on our website: www.disabilitybelongs.org/tag/state-po... If you want to receive updates like these in your inbox, subscribe to our Advocate's Agenda newsletter: www.disabilitybelongs.org/newsletters/

There are many ways to deliver a package. • Walk • Drive a modified vehicle • Use a mobility scooter • Operate a drone or delivery robot Remember: it's the results that matter! Learn more in our blog post: www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/01/same...

Sundance 2026 is underway, and we have published reviews of five films screening at the festival that feature #disability representation. Visit our website to read the reviews: www.disabilitybelongs.org/tag/sundance...

Critical special education programs and disability civil rights enforcement functions may be moved out of the U.S. Department of Education, which could weaken federal oversight and enforcement, creating new risks for students with #disabilities and their families. Learn how you can take action ⬇︎

Yesterday we officially welcomed our Spring 2026 Leadership Program Fellows! Over the next few months, they will be exposed to different working styles and aspects of workplace culture, in preparation for them to seek future opportunities aligned with their strengths and career goals.

There’s more than one way to send an email: • Dictate with speech-to-text • Type with a standard keyboard • Use a one-handed keyboard • Navigate with eye-tracking software It’s the message that counts, not the method. Learn more in our newest blog post: Same Tasks, Different Methods!

5 Tips for Inclusive JDAIM Programming: 1) Invite access requests clearly and proactively. 2) Practice “nothing about us without us.” 3) Plan food and social gatherings with accessibility in mind. 4) Ensure physical spaces are navigable for everyone. 5) Always use amplification. Learn more ⬇︎

We've extended the deadline to apply for our 2026 Disability Belongs™ Entertainment Lab until Sunday, January 25th. Don't miss out – get your application in! www.disabilitybelongs.org/lab/

The ABLE Age Adjustment Act took effect on January 1st, raising the #disability onset age for #ABLE eligibility from before age 26 to before age 46, opening access to tax-advantaged savings for millions more disabled adults. Learn more about this change and why it matters at the link below!

Read our guide to accessibility at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, plus learn about films screening at the festival that highlight disability, either through the story or the creative talent involved!

Every January, communities across the country pause to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His leadership reshaped America’s understanding of civil rights and collective liberation.

In case you missed it, the application for our 2026 Lab for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities is open, but not for much longer! The deadline to apply is January 21st, 2026, so learn more about the program and submit your application at www.DisabilityBelongs.org/Lab! #DisabilityBelongsLab

H.R. 1 introduced changes to provisions that directly impact the #disability community’s access to government-funded programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, the ACA, and SSI. Our H.R. 1 Tracking Project outlines key provisions and their effective dates. Image Description: The U.S. Capitol building in D.C.