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This is your chance to make an impact!

The Disability Policy Seminar is the premier opportunity to cultivate support on Capitol Hill and amplify the concerns of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) before Congress. We bring together passionate advocates, including people with disabilities, experts, and professionals in the field, to learn about key issues and advance the grassroots movement for people with IDD. 

The seminar is packed with informative sessions featuring experts in the field and offers opportunities to discuss key issues with others from your state. The event culminates with attendees converging on Capitol Hill to speak directly to their members of Congress about the high-priority issues that affect people with disabilities, their families, and supporters. 

Join us to help cultivate new champions in Congress and press for progress on critical disability rights issues! 

Designed to help both beginners and experts elevate the impact of their advocacy.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned professional, this event is for you! Join us if you are a:

  • Person with a disability 
  • Family member of a person with a disability
  • Board member, staff, trainee, or volunteer at a disability organization
  • State or local public policy committee member
  • Public policy staff
  • Disability rights activist  

Please note: We do not accept requests to present at this event. The sponsoring partner organizations identify congressional staff, policy experts, advocates, and others to present.

Schedule at a Glance

This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Check back for updates.

April 7

Monday

9:00 am – 9:45 am

Breakfast (provided)

10:00 am – 10:30 am

General Session

Nothing About Us Without Us: Centering Self-Advocates in Policy Change 

10:30 am – 11:30 am

The Current State of Medicaid and What Policy Makers Need to Know From Disability Advocates 

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

General Session 

Budget Reconciliation, Congressional Committees, and What You Need to Know on the Congressional Process

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

General Session 

All About the Benjamins: How Funding Decisions Will Affect People With Disabilities 

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Hill Meetings 101 

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Hill Meetings: State Team Planning 

April 8

Tuesday

9:00 am – 9:45 am

Breakfast (provided)

10:00 am – 11:30 am

General Session 

Update From Congress and the Administration: What to Expect 

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Lunch (on your own)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Breakout Sessions

Trends in IDEA Programs and Implementation  

Medicaid and Social Security 101 

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Breakout Sessions 

The DSP Workforce: The Human Infrastructure that Makes HCBS Possible   

Social Security: Opportunities and Challenges 

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

General Session / Closing Keynote  

Stronger Together: Meeting the Challenge 

April 9

Wednesday

Advocacy Day on the Hill

Registration Fees

The cut-off date for online registration is Friday, March 28. You can register on-site from April 7–9. Registration includes access to all sessions, meeting materials, and advertised meals. 

Attendee Self-Advocate, Direct Support Professional, Student Personal Care Attendant*
$495 $325 $200

*This rate is for personal care attendants who are supporting an attendee at the event.

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