American Association of People with Disabilities

American Association of People with Disabilities is a national non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of people with disabilities in the United States. Founded in 1995 by Justin Dart, Judy Heumann, and Frank Lanterman, the organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has worked closely with Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush to advance the rights of people with disabilities. The organization has also collaborated with other disability organizations, including the National Organization on Disability, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, and National Council on Disability.

● History

The American Association of People with Disabilities was established in 1995, with the goal of promoting equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. The organization's founders, including Justin Dart and Judy Heumann, were instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, which was signed into law by George H.W. Bush. The organization has also worked with other notable figures, such as Ted Kennedy, Tom Harkin, and Robert Dole, to advance disability rights. In addition, the organization has partnered with organizations like the National Federation of the Blind, National Association of the Deaf, and United Spinal Association to promote accessibility and inclusion.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the American Association of People with Disabilities is to promote equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. The organization's objectives include increasing accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of society, promoting employment and economic opportunities for people with disabilities, and advocating for policies and programs that support the needs of people with disabilities. The organization has worked with Microsoft, Google, and Facebook to promote accessibility in the technology industry, and has also partnered with organizations like the Job Accommodation Network and Disability:IN to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Additionally, the organization has collaborated with United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines to improve accessibility in the airline industry.

● Programs_and_Services

The American Association of People with Disabilities offers a range of programs and services to support the needs of people with disabilities. These include the Disability Equality Index, which recognizes companies that excel in disability inclusion, and the AAPD Summer Internship Program, which provides internship opportunities for students with disabilities. The organization has also partnered with NASA, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Veterans Affairs to provide internship opportunities for students with disabilities. Additionally, the organization offers training and technical assistance to businesses and organizations on disability inclusion and accessibility, and has worked with Walmart, Target Corporation, and Kohl's to promote accessibility in the retail industry.

● Advocacy_and_Policy

The American Association of People with Disabilities is a leading advocate for disability rights and policy. The organization has worked with Congress to pass legislation such as the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The organization has also partnered with other disability organizations, including the National Disability Rights Network and the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, to advocate for policies and programs that support the needs of people with disabilities. Additionally, the organization has worked with Federal Communications Commission, Department of Justice, and Department of Labor to promote accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of society.

● Leadership_and_Governance

The American Association of People with Disabilities is led by a board of directors that includes prominent disability leaders such as Maria Town and Ted Kennedy Jr.. The organization's leadership team also includes experienced professionals in the fields of disability rights, advocacy, and policy. The organization has also partnered with Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley to promote disability inclusion and accessibility in higher education. Additionally, the organization has worked with National Association of Governors, National Conference of State Legislatures, and United States Conference of Mayors to promote disability inclusion and accessibility at the state and local level.

● Notable_Initiatives

The American Association of People with Disabilities has launched several notable initiatives to promote disability inclusion and accessibility. These include the Disability:IN initiative, which recognizes companies that excel in disability inclusion, and the AAPD Leadership Awards, which recognize outstanding leaders in the disability community. The organization has also partnered with Special Olympics, Paralympic Games, and National Wheelchair Basketball Association to promote accessibility and inclusion in sports. Additionally, the organization has worked with Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu to promote accessibility in the entertainment industry, and has collaborated with IBM, Apple Inc., and Google to promote accessibility in the technology industry. The organization has also partnered with United Nations, World Health Organization, and International Labor Organization to promote disability inclusion and accessibility globally.