Disability Belongs™

This legislation would modernize the program by raising outdated asset limits, increasing benefits, and removing penalties that keep people with disabilities in poverty. We look forward to working with partners to advance policies that promote economic security and independence. Read the bill text ⬇︎

Disability Belongs™ is proud to endorse the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act, newly introduced in Congress. Nearly 8 million seniors and people with #disabilities rely on #SSI, yet many program rules haven’t been updated in decades.

Image Description: a graphic with a blue border around illustrations of a graduation cap, a loan document, and a credit card.

New Public Service Loan Forgiveness Rule May Add Barriers for Disabled Borrowers - Disability Belongs™ New restrictions could make it more difficult for disabled borrowers to access the loan forgiveness benefits PSLF provides.

“In a society where disabled people continue to face barriers to education, employment, and civic engagement, adding obstacles through changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could further limit opportunities and access to essential supports." #Disability #Disabilities

Graphic with the logo for the Disability Belongs leadership program, eight headshots of a diverse group of Fellows smiling, and text that says Spring 2026 Cohort and the website address for their bios in the post caption.

We're excited to share more information about our eight amazing Fellows participating in the Spring 2026 Disability Belongs™ Leadership Program! You can read their bios at our website: www.disabilitybelongs.org/Fellows #Disability #Disabilities

Image Description: a green background behind bold black text that says "The Business Case for Inclusion" and a red arrow pointing up and to the right.

The Business Case for Inclusion: Why Disability Inclusion Matters in Business Today - Disability Belongs™ Our new series, The Business Case for Inclusion, will examine why disability inclusion is one of the smartest investments a company can make.

We're proud to present the first installment in The Business Case for Inclusion – a new series examining why #disability #inclusion is one of the smartest investments a company can make. We will explore how inclusion benefits staff, businesses, and customers. Read the introduction at the link below!

Image Description: a still from the episode "Max at the Library" with Max and Daniel Tiger playing with toys on a table. Courtesy of Fred Rogers Productions

How Disabled Creators Shape Authentic Representation on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood - Disability Belongs™ An interview with writer, Disability Belongs™ Entertainment Lab alumna, and Disability Belongs™ Leadership Program alumna Ava X. Rigelhaupt.

"You can show autism or other disabilities, etc., without having to stop the show and explain it like a teacher, and I think that’s more entertaining and more how kids in the real world interact." – Ava X. Rigelhaupt, Co-Writer on the "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" episode “Max Plays at the Library"

We will continue monitoring disability policy to ensure it supports independence, economic security, and full participation for disabled people, including disabled veterans. (4/4)

Rescinding the rule returns to evaluating disability based on overall functional impact, not simply whether symptoms are temporarily controlled. (3/4)

In practice, that could have meant lower compensation for veterans whose symptoms are managed by treatment — even when the underlying condition remains serious and lifelong. (2/4)

VA files notice to immediately revoke disability rating rule after backlash from veterans A Federal Register notice says the VA is rescinding a final interim rule and restoring the standard for calculating veterans disability ratings.

The VA has announced it will formally rescind its recent #disability ratings rule, which would have allowed examiners to factor in how well medication controls a condition when assigning a disability rating. (1/4)

Image Description: A sign outside the Veterans Affairs Building in DC

Image Description: a photo of a person using a white cane in an office speaking with someone wearing a suit.

Avoiding Negative Tropes Related to Disability in the Workplace Foster an inclusive workplace by supporting people with disabilities employees. Gain access to unique perspectives that drive creativity and innovation.

"Rather than perpetuating negative tropes, employers should treat people with #disabilities with respect, use strengths-based language, and recognize what they can do. #Disability is only part of who we are, not our entire identity." Read this op-ed from our CEO Ariel Simms at SHRM!

Our board does more than advise. They invest, advocate, and stand behind disability leadership in action. Thank you for shaping a future rooted in belonging.

graphic with two hands making the shape of a heart, the Disability Belongs trademarked icon, and text that says Belonging is built when leadership is personal. To our Board of Directors: thank you for your leadership, generosity, and belief in this mission.

“I love Disability Belongs™ for its commitment to diversity and for actually listening to, and utilizing, the skills and gifts of people with disabilities in a number of crucial public arenas.” – Bill Gaventa, Disability Belongs™ Board Member

Image Description: graphic promoting the Disability Belongs training titled Words Matter: Best Practices for Disability Inclusive Language, including an illustration of a red dictionary.

Words Matter: Best Practices for Disability-Inclusive Language - Disability Belongs™ In this free virtual training from Disability Belongs™, learn how to build language habits that center accuracy, dignity, and respect.

Language is powerful, shaping how we think, feel, and act, so we're excited to announce a webinar on April 2nd to share best practices for disability-inclusive language! Learn more and reserve your spot: www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/02/word...

Slamdance Film Festival Highlights Disabled Filmmakers Through Unstoppable Program - Disability Belongs™ In 2020, filmmaker and disability advocate Juliet Romeo reached out to Slamdance Film Festival co-founder Peter Baxter, stressing the need for a program by and for disabled filmmakers. Conversations t...

Of all the films being presented during #Slamdance 2026, 9.7% of the program is made by #disabled creators, and this year's Unstoppable program includes 4 features and 13 shorts.

Image Description: logo for Slamdance Film Festival Los Angeles 2026 with a black flower with a red face on it

Image Description: Logo for the Sundance Film Festival 2026

Disability Representation and Access at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival - Disability Belongs™ Several films that premiered at Sundance 2026 explicitly included disability as a central or integrated part of their storytelling.

Several films that premiered at #Sundance 2026 explicitly included #disability as a central or integrated part of their storytelling, but several additional films featured casual inclusion of disability, reinforcing that we are a natural and valued part of society. Learn about all of these films ⬇︎

Image Description: logo for The Opinion Pages website

Marriage shouldn’t mean losing essential disability services  | The Opinion Pages There are many things to worry about when planning a wedding - the logistics, the ceremony, the weather, and everything in between. But for many Americans with disabilities, the biggest concern isn’t ...

Love shouldn't come with penalties, but outdated federal policies make marriage risky for many #disabled people. This #Valentine'sDay, we're sharing an op-ed from our President & CEO, Ariel Simms, explaining why updating these policies is key to full marriage equality. Read it at the link below!

Voting changes should make participation easier, not harder. But the SAVE Act, passed yesterday by the House of Representatives, could create new barriers for eligible voters with disabilities. Along with our partners in @ncavoting.bsky.social, we call on the Senate to reject this legislation.

Image Description: An illustration of a check for 25 cents. The amount is in red, and an accessibility icon is blended into the background of the check.

The Civil Rights Fight Hidden in Your Paycheck - Disability Belongs™ As of 2024, approximately 38,000 people with disabilities across the United States work for less than the minimum wage.

Many Americans would say that equal pay for equal work is a key civil rights issue. But did you know that in 34 states, it is legal to pay #disabled workers below the minimum wage, sometimes as little as $0.25 per hour? Learn more about the fight over the subminimum wage at the link below.

This outcome followed sustained advocacy from the disability community, who raised concerns with Congress about how proposed cuts and restructuring could weaken civil rights protections and limit disabled people’s ability to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

In adopting this law, lawmakers kept funding levels for many education and disability-related programs at or near current levels, in contrast with the President’s earlier 2026 budget request, which proposed substantial changes, including consolidations and budget reductions across several programs.

Congress Passes FY 2026 Spending Law, Preserving Funding Levels for Special Education and Disability-Related Programs - Disability Belongs™ Lawmakers kept funding levels for many education and disability-related programs at or near current levels.

On February 3rd, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, and the President signed it into law the same day. This law funds federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2026, including the Department of Education and related programs.

Image Description: U.S. Department of Education seal