In response to information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) which declared a global pandemic of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Washington, D.C. Health Department, the Disability Policy Seminar sponsoring partners announce it is necessary to cancel the 2020 Disability Policy Seminar.

The Disability Policy Seminar culminates with a full day of in-person visits to congressional leaders and staff on Capitol Hill. The purpose of the visits is to speak directly with state’s Congressional delegation about the high-priority issues that affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The challenges and realities facing the I/DD community demand our continued focus and diligent advocacy. Critical programs like Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, Supplemental Security Income, and Social Security are constantly threatened, yet these federal programs provide the key to community living and inclusion for people with I/DD across the nation. Any cuts to these vital programs would be devastating.

Through visits with congressional leaders, seminar participants can help ensure that critical programs for and the civil rights of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are protected.