Policy Advocacy
Iowans with disabilities are entitled to equal opportunities and inclusion. Disability Rights Iowa’s (DRI) vision of change reflects this – DRI strives for a changed world where people with disabilities are valued and fully included in their communities, their workplaces, and their schools, where they have equitable access to all opportunities, and make their own decisions.
DRI’s Policy Advocacy works to advance our vision through educating policymakers on the impact of policy decisions on people with disabilities and seeks to broaden policymakers’ understanding on disability and accessibility. Through our public policy advocacy and education, DRI anticipates that Iowa policymakers will proactively consider the impact of proposed policies on the Iowa Disability Community.
DRI’s 2025 Policy Priorities include researching and analyzing legislative activities, and/or other policies that impact Iowans with disabilities in three significant policy areas. In FY 25, DRI will direct our policy advocacy on proposed legislation that impacts Iowans with disabilities in employment, voting, and Home and Community Based Services.
Disability Rights Iowa classifies proposed legislation that impacts one of these three key areas into either High Impact, Medium Impact or Tracking Impact. Disability Rights Iowa may address “High Impact’ bills with DRI written and/or in-person summary of the impact of that bill on Iowa’s Disability Community, personal contacts, and education on the impact of the proposed bill. DRI may address Medium Impact bills with letters, often in conjunction with other disability partners. Bills DRI classifies as Tracking Impact., will be closely followed but DRI will generally not take action or a position on these bills.
DRI’s 2025 Public Policy Focus Areas
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
The purpose of HCBS services are to provide community supports and services so that individuals with disabilities can reside independently in their communities. Ensuring that Iowans with disabilities live in their community of choice and receive necessary Home and Community Based Medicaid services and supports is one of DRI’s FY2023-2025 Areas of Focus.
Employment
Employment is one of DRI’s FY 2023-2025 Agency Areas of Focus. DRI seeks to ensure that individuals with disabilities understand their rights to competitive employment, and to request reasonable workplace accommodations. DRI also assists individuals with disabilities in using employment services that support competitive employment. DRI will educate policymakers on proposed legislation related to the impact of competitive employment in Iowa, and/or proposed legislation that creates barriers to competitive inclusive employment.
Voting
Ensuring voting is fully accessible for Iowans with disabilities is one of DRI’s FY 2023-2025 Agency Areas of Focus. A 2021 Rutgers study found that one in nine voters in the disability community encounter barriers while voting. This is almost double the rate of barriers voters without disabilities experienced. DRI will provide education on the impact of proposed legislation that creates barriers for individuals with disabilities in voting including accessibility challenges.
Additional Links
To explore past DRI Public Policy Agendas, follow the links labeled by year, below.
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