Policy

AAIDD Promotes Progressive Public Policies

AAIDD advances its agenda for universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a variety of mechanisms.

Communicating Positions on Important Issues
Through position statements of the Association, joint position statements with The Arc of the US, and by endorsing the positions of other national and international organizations, AAIDD communicates its vision for a fully inclusive society.

Submitting Amicus Curie briefs to the US Supreme and Other Courts
AAIDD has taken a stand in US court cases on everything from medical decisions affecting newborns, school exclusion, and exclusionary zoning of group homes to the rights of defendants charged in criminal cases.

Commenting on Draft Legislation, Proposed Rule Making, and Other Federal Activities
AAIDD provides crucial input to federal agencies whose programs impact the lives of people with disabilities and their families. AAIDD has provided comments on proposed legislation and regulation affecting  the US Departments of Education and Health and Human Services--such as the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, the Administration on Community Living, the Division of Maternal and Child Health, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services--and the Departments of Labor and Social Security.

Serving on Advisory Committees
Our members and staff further impact national policy by serving on national advisory committees such as the President's Committee for People With Intellectual Disabilities.

Partnering with Other National and International Organizations
In partnership with other organizations, including the Consortium for Citizens With Disabilities(CCD), the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL), and the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD), the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), The Arc of the US, ANCOR, and the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS), AAIDD works to influence policy and practice in the US and abroad.

Contributing to the Popular Press & Social Media on Disability Issues
Policy makers and members of the general public are often informed about disability issues through social media and popular press outlets. AAIDD increases awareness of best practices and policies among those outside the field through its editorials, interviews, and press releases.

Sponsoring Educational Activities
AAIDD co-sponsors the annual Disability Policy Seminar in partnership with other national organizations. The Disability Policy Seminar is an event focusing on major federal issues that affect the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Two days of informative in-depth sessions from disability policy experts and opportunities to network with others from your state culminate in a third day on Capitol Hill to meet with elected representatives and their staffs.