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 2024 Policy Priorities focus on researching and analyzing legislative activities, and/or other policies that impact Iowans with disabilities and providing information regarding the anticipated affects of the proposed legislation. In FY 24, DRI will direct our efforts on four general areas of concern to Iowans with disabilities: special education, employment, voting, and Home and Community Based Services.
DRI’s Public Policy Focus Areas
Special Education
DRI seeks to ensure that K-12 students with disabilities remain in school and progress in the curriculum.
Employment
Engaging in competitive employment is the key to Iowans with disabilities achieving self-sufficiency and independence, full inclusion, full access, and equal opportunity.
Voting
DRI will provide education on the impact of proposed legislation that creates barriers for individuals with disabilities in voting including accessibility challenges.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
DRI will educate policymakers on the impact of proposed legislation and/or impact of current trends/issues that impact the ability of Iowans with disabilities to live in the community of their choice with necessary HCBS services and supports.
To download DRI’s full 2024 Public Policy Agenda, follow the link below.
If you would like to share your experience, comment on, or provide feedback on any of these policy focus areas – please fill out the form linked below.
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Part of our funding comes from the generous donations from our supporters. Help us make a difference for Iowans with disabilities through donating to our cause.
