Every day, millions of people across the United States rely on long-term services and supports (LTSS) to lead full and independent lives. These supports—ranging from in-home caregiving and personal attendant services to assistive technology and transportation—are not about comfort or convenience. They are about dignity, inclusion, access, and human rights.

Conversations about LTSS often focus narrowly on aging, yet more than half of Medicaid LTSS users are under the age of 65 and live with disabilities. This includes children with developmental disabilities, adults with spinal cord injuries, working professionals managing chronic conditions, and countless others navigating systems not built with them in mind.

As demand for LTSS grows, people with disabilities must be at the center of every conversation—across funding, program design, delivery, and reform—to build a system that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. [continue reading…]

In 2020, voters with disabilities were twice as likely to report difficulties voting. Only 17% of polling places were fully accessible in 2016. And more than 38 million eligible voters with disabilities could benefit from improved access. Passing the Accessible Voting Act (AVA) would be a major step towards addressing these issues.

Disability Belongs™ works to advocate for accessible voting for all Americans. At the federal level, we vigorously supported the Accessible Voting Act in the last Congress (118th) and are hoping for its reintroduction in the current Congressional session (119th). [continue reading…]

Community and belonging are central to many faith and spiritual traditions. Yet, people with disabilities face many barriers to access and inclusion. Addressing these barriers acts as a catalyst not just for participation, but for true belonging. Shifting the conversation from “can people with disabilities attend our worship services?” to “who is missing from our gatherings, and what would it take to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued here?” demonstrates how accessibility can move beyond welcoming to create genuine belonging.

When people think about accessibility, physical features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible seating often come to mind. While these are critical, it’s important to recognize that not all disabilities are visible or physical. Expanding our understanding of accessibility and disability allows faith and spiritual organizations to better meet the full needs of disabled individuals. [continue reading…]

Language has the power to shape how we see each other. The words we use to talk about disability influence how people feel, how they are treated, and how fully they are included in our communities.

At Disability Belongs™, we believe that respectful, accurate, and inclusive language is a cornerstone of true belonging. That includes using terms like “disabled people” or “people with disabilities” rather than outdated or euphemistic phrases like “special needs” or “the disabled.” It also means avoiding language like “suffers from” or “afflicted with,” which frame disability as a tragedy or a source of pain. Instead, we can simply say that someone has a disability—or even better, use the specific language they choose to describe themselves. [continue reading…]

Issue Brief

On May 5, 2025, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced the release of more than $1 billion in grant funding for programs authorized under the Older Americans Act (OAA).

These grants fund a range of essential services—including home-delivered meals, caregiver support, transportation, and independent living services and programs—for older adults and people with disabilities. [continue reading…]

The new unscripted digital series Divas in the City follows five disabled Black women whose tenacity and creativity make them bosses in their respective cities. Professional and playful, serious and sassy, these women with physical disabilities are trendsetters in fields ranging from fashion to the arts to the nonprofit sector.

The series is the brainchild of the show’s executive producer, Dr. Donna Walton, founder/president of The Divas With Disabilities Project (DWD), a nonprofit that provides women and girls of color with physical disabilities with unique opportunities to shape how disability is portrayed in mass media.

“I was moved to create Divas in the City because representation matters—especially for Black women with disabilities,” Walton told Disability Belongs™. “Too often, our stories are left out of mainstream media, and when we do appear, it’s rarely in a way that reflects the full depth and richness of our lives. I wanted to change that.” [continue reading…]

With 433 sites covering more than 85 million acres across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories, the United States’ National Parks offer a plethora of opportunities for visitors to engage with the country’s natural and cultural resources.

The National Parks are a much-beloved American attraction, but it might not be immediately obvious how they cater to people with disabilities or access needs. In reality, the parks have a variety of accommodations available to visitors. With National Park Week happening April 19th to 27th, it is important to acknowledge how disabled people can access the parks. [continue reading…]

Leadership development is a critical component of every workforce. For both employers and individuals, leadership development that addresses the fundamentals as well as principles of accessibility, equity, and inclusivity are ideal.

There are various ways to support employees as they enter leadership roles. These include organization-based programs that help employees looking to advance their careers within the company, as well as external programs where employees can independently enhance their leadership skills. One notable example is our Leadership Program.

Disability Belongs™’ Leadership Program emphasizes disability inclusion and accessibility, recognizing that these concepts are essential for any initiative aimed at developing leaders, regardless of the field. Leaders who prioritize inclusion create environments where employees feel they belong and where their perspectives are valued. [continue reading…]

Welcoming disabled individuals into leadership brings fresh perspectives, challenges stereotypes, and deepens the sense of belonging for all. When leadership is truly inclusive, faith communities become more compassionate, equitable, and reflective of the diverse people they serve.

Varied Perspectives and Experiences

People with disabilities bring unique insights shaped by navigating a world not always designed for them. Their experiences often lead to innovative solutions that benefit entire communities. For example, Dr. James Marsters, a deaf orthodontist, co-developed the TTY (text telephone) system and made the first long-distance TTY call in 1964. This technology revolutionized communication for the deaf and hard of hearing, and inspired text messaging which is widely used today. Similarly, disabled faith leaders may help design more inclusive worship services, events, and outreach programs. [continue reading…]