The American Association of People with Disabilities

The American Association of People with Disabilities works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities.

As a national disability-led and cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for over 70 million Americans with disabilities. We do this by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation.

Four disabled people of color gather around a table during a meeting. A Black woman sitting on a couch gestures and speaks while the three others (a South Asian person sitting in a wheelchair, a Black non-binary person sitting in a chair, and a Black non-binary person standing with a clipboard and cane) face her and listen.

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AAPD is a Convener

person in white shirt and white hat standing with person wearing suite and cowboy hat holding a flag

Justin Dart, father of the ADA and one of the founders of AAPD, often called for solidarity among all who love justice and equality. The disability community is massive and incredibly diverse. AAPD is a cross-disability organization that builds relationships, trust, and unity through convening open, honest conversations.

AAPD is a Connector

A Latinx disabled woman and an Asian disabled genderfluid person chat and sit on a couch, both holding coffee mugs. An electric lightweight mobility scooter rests on the side.

Disability is a natural part of the human experience that influences all of us. AAPD connects the disability community with allies, businesses, schools, and the community at large, amplifying a powerful voice for change.

AAPD is a Catalyst

A Black woman stands under a tree and smiles, framed by green foliage all around. She is dressed in all black, with a dress and sandals and a silicone covered prosthetic leg.

Like champions of justice before us have proven, seemingly small actions lead to significant transformation. AAPD is an action-oriented catalyst for change, igniting sparks that ignite extraordinary results.

Issue Advocacy

AAPD advocates for policy issues that improve the lives of people with disabilities and advance the collective power of the disability rights movement.

Initiatives

AAPD leads on research, coalition-building, business, and leadership initiatives aimed at increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.