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National Organization on Disability

Driving Change

Policy Advocacy

Shaping federal policy to expand opportunity, economic mobility, and full participation for people with disabilities.

Let’s Collaborate
A woman wearing a pink cardigan and headphones sits cross-legged on a colorful patterned rug near large windows, using a laptop with a black prosthetic hand. She appears focused and comfortable while working from home, with natural light streaming through the windows behind her. The scene showcases adaptive technology enabling seamless computer use, demonstrating how assistive devices can provide independence and functionality in everyday work and life activities.

Disability Policy Roundtable: Making Policy Reflect Real Lives

People with disabilities make up over 70 million Americans–and government policy hasn’t kept up with changing needs.

Workers with disabilities remain far less likely to be employed and far more likely to live in poverty. Outdated laws, systemic bias, lack of knowledge, and inaccessible infrastructure continue to limit opportunity.

Through the Disability Policy Roundtable, a coalition we co-convened with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), we work with national partners to advance cross-sector, bipartisan solutions that respond to these inequities and create the context and infrastructure where people with disabilities can excel.

We ensure that the disability community’s voices, priorities, and lived experiences help shape the laws that impact our lives, from competitive employment reforms to digital accessibility.

What We’re Doing

  • Advancing federal policy priorities, such as eliminating subminimum wage, expanding Medicaid buy-in programs, and modernizing Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • Advocating for inclusive federal contracting through reforms to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and accountability in infrastructure investments.
  • Promoting accessibility in emerging technologies and AI to ensure new innovations widen–not close–opportunities for disabled Americans.
  • Coordinating bipartisan engagement with Congress and federal agencies to ensure disability perspectives are centered in policy debates.
Congressman Jim Langevin sits in a power wheelchair and speaks at a table with a microphone in front of him inside a conference room. He is wearing a dark suit and blue tie and is positioned in front of a screen displaying the "United States House of Representatives" logo with a background image of the Capitol at night. Papers are spread on the table, which is covered with a blue and gold patterned tablecloth.
Three people pose in front of the U.S. Capitol building on a sunny day with dramatic clouds in the sky. A man in a power wheelchair is centered between two standing individuals in business attire. The wheelchair user is wearing a light blue shirt and black pants, and has assistive technology mounted on the chair. The group appears cheerful, and the scene suggests a visit or advocacy event on Capitol Hill. (From left to right: Charles-Edouard Catherine Vice President, Corporate & Government Relations, advocate Robby Barbieri, and Paulina Romero, Senior Manager, Partnerships, NOD)
Beth Sirull, CEO and President of NOD stands behind Maria Town, President of AAPD. Both women are posing and smiling.
A group of seven people pose for a photo in a conference room at the U.S. House of Representatives. Three individuals are in power wheelchairs, while the others stand behind them. Everyone is smiling and dressed in business or professional attire. Behind the group is a large screen displaying an image of the U.S. Capitol and the House of Representatives logo. The setting suggests a formal meeting or advocacy event. (From left to right: Doug Crandell, Jim Calbi, Congressman Langevin, Josh Basile, Beth, Dr. Tony Antosh, Robby Barbieri)
Congressman Jim Langevin sits in a power wheelchair and speaks at a table with a microphone in front of him inside a conference room. He is wearing a dark suit and blue tie and is positioned in front of a screen displaying the "United States House of Representatives" logo with a background image of the Capitol at night. Papers are spread on the table, which is covered with a blue and gold patterned tablecloth.
Three people pose in front of the U.S. Capitol building on a sunny day with dramatic clouds in the sky. A man in a power wheelchair is centered between two standing individuals in business attire. The wheelchair user is wearing a light blue shirt and black pants, and has assistive technology mounted on the chair. The group appears cheerful, and the scene suggests a visit or advocacy event on Capitol Hill. (From left to right: Charles-Edouard Catherine Vice President, Corporate & Government Relations, advocate Robby Barbieri, and Paulina Romero, Senior Manager, Partnerships, NOD)
Beth Sirull, CEO and President of NOD stands behind Maria Town, President of AAPD. Both women are posing and smiling.

Policy Roundtable Member Organizations

American Association Of People With Disabilities logo
American Network Of Community Options And Resources logo
Association Of People Supporting Employment First logo
Autistic Self Advocacy Network logo
Association Of University Centers On Disabilities logo
Autism Society logo
Bazelon Center For Mental Health Law logo
Deaf Equality logo
Disability Belongs logo
National Council On Independent Living logo
National Disability Institute logo
National Down Syndrome Society logo
National Federation Of The Blind logo
Paralyzed Veterans Of America logo
Smith Kingsmore Syndrome Foundation logo

Join Us

Build a Future Without Barriers

Together, we can break down systemic barriers and open doors for millions of Americans with disabilities.

Contact Information