American Association of People with Disabilities

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which advocates for the legal rights of people with disabilities.[1] One of the primary purposes of the AAPD is to further the implementation of the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 50+ million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation.[2]

Mark Perriello President & CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities at Accessing Social Media Event, July 17, 2014

History

AAPD was founded on July 25, 1995, by Paul Hearne, Senator Bob Dole, John D. Kemp, Justin Dart, Tony Coelho, Pat Wright, Jim Weisman, Lex Frieden, Sylvia Walker, Paul Marchand, Fred Fay, I. King Jordan, Denise Figueroa, Judi Chamberlin, Bill Demby, Deborah Kaplan, Nancy Bloch, Max Starkloff, Mike Auberger, Neil Jacobson, Ralph Neas, Ron Hartley and others.[1]

Mission

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.[3]

As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the over 60 million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation.

Convener

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. As a convener, AAPD is a cross disability organization that builds trust and unity through open, honest conversations. When we stand in solidarity on any issue, we have the power to create lasting change.

Connector

Disability is a natural part of the human experience that influences all of us. As a connector, AAPD is a bridge that joins the disability community with our friends, adversaries, family, businesses, schools, and the community at large, amplifying a powerful voice for change.

Catalyst

Like champions of justice before us have proven, seemingly underestimated actions lead to significant transformation. As a catalyst, AAPD is action-oriented, building chain reactions that increase the rate and speed of change. A small spark can ignite extraordinary results.

Activities

Political activism
ADA signing Ceremony, Washington DC. Front: Evan Kemp - President Bush - Justin Dart Jr. Back: Rev. Harold H. Wilke - Sandra Parrino

July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 on the south lawn of the White House. Evan Kemp, the chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Justin Dart Jr., were both in attendance, in addition to Sandra Parrino and the Rev. Harold H. Wilke.[4]

The AAPD held the National Disability Voter Registration Week in 2016, prior to the 2016 US Presidential Election.[5]

References
  1. Imparato, Andrew J. 2005. "AAPD In Its Second Decade," AAPDnews (Spring 2005), p. 2.
  2. "American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2019-04-09.
  3. "About". www.aapd.com. Retrieved 2019-04-09.
  4. "ADA signing ceremony - Executive Office of the President of the United States". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2019-04-09.
  5. Abrams, Abigail. "How Donald Trump Inadvertently Sparked a New Disability Rights Movement". Time. Time. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
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