2026 Policy Advocacy

Policy Advocacy

Iowans with disabilities are entitled to equal opportunities and to fully participate in everyday community life. 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 Iowa’s Disability Community.

DRI’s 2026 Policy Priorities include researching and analyzing legislative activities, and/or other policies that impact Iowans with disabilities in four significant policy areas.  In FY 26, DRI will direct our policy advocacy on proposed legislation that impacts Iowans with disabilities in employment, voting, special education, and Home and Community Based Services.

Disability Rights Iowa classifies proposed legislation that impacts one of these four 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.