American Association of People with Disabilities
The American Association of People with Disabilities advocates for the civil rights of over 60 million Americans with disabilities, promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation.
Services
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is dedicated to advocating for the full civil rights of over 60 million Americans with disabilities. AAPD promotes equal opportunity, economic empowerment, independent living, and political participation. They provide a comprehensive Summer Internship Program, offering professional and career development opportunities for disabled students and recent graduates. AAPD also administers a Disability Advocacy Certificate Program, enhancing interns' skills in disability rights advocacy.
Awards and Scholarships
AAPD hosts several awards and scholarships to support and recognize the contributions of individuals in the disability community. Their notable awards include the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award, which honors emerging leaders in the disability community, and the NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship, designed to support students with disabilities who are pursuing careers in the media industry.
Political Participation Initiatives
AAPD coordinates the REV UP Voting Campaign, an initiative focused on increasing the political participation of the disability community. The campaign's objectives include voter registration, education on voting rights, and mobilization efforts to ensure that people with disabilities are an active and influential voting demographic. This initiative is part of AAPD’s broader efforts to engage the disability community in the political process and policy advocacy.
Policy Advocacy
AAPD engages in extensive policy advocacy to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Their advocacy work focuses on key issues such as community integration, healthcare, and employment. By participating in policy discussions and lobbying efforts, AAPD aims to influence legislation and policies that directly impact the disability community, ensuring that their rights and needs are adequately addressed at both the state and federal levels.
Leadership and Coalition-Building
AAPD actively engages in coalition-building and leadership initiatives to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities. Through these efforts, AAPD seeks to unify various stakeholders within the disability community, fostering stronger alliances and collaborative actions. This approach helps amplify the community’s voice in socio-political and economic arenas, driving forward the pursuit of full civil rights and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.