Disability Belongs

"My experience in the National Leadership Program fueled my passion in disability policies and advocacy. I have grown in my leadership abilities and am excited to continue to pursue new opportunities tailored to the skills I have developed from the Fellowship." – Sawyer Stearns, Policy and Civic Engagement Fellow, Fall 2024 Cohort Learn more about the National Leadership Program at https://lnkd.in/eZD2nFF4 – applications for the Fall 2025 cohort open on April 7th!

ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, the world’s premier showcase of disability-focused cinema, returns for its 17th edition with a powerful lineup of groundbreaking international films and thought-provoking conversations. Join us April 3-9 at venues across NYC and online. Enter code disabilitybelongs25 at checkout to save 25% on festival passes and general admission tickets! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ex9xmpG Image Description: Logo for ReelAbilities Film Festival New York 2025

The challenge for people with disabilities isn't their ability to succeed in a career, as they are just as capable as their nondisabled peers. The issue is that disabled individuals encounter more obstacles to employment. Learn more about disabilities and the truth about some common myths in our blog: https://lnkd.in/e_9A4m8v

This week we published reviews of three disability-inclusive films: •Short Film “At See:” Navigating Inclusion with Guide Dogs on the Open Sea •“BABKA” Tackles Intersectional Challenges of Disability and Culture •Discomfort Sits Alongside Comedy in “Forward Thinking” Learn more about these films, plus catch up on reviews you might have missed from the past few months, at our website: https://lnkd.in/eaUeaBED

The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers crucial programs, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which are lifelines for many individuals with disabilities. But proposed budget cuts and workforce reductions could lead to loss of benefits, increased wait times, reduced access to services, and a negative impact on quality of life for disabled people across America. Urge Congress to protect Social Security and oppose any legislation that would cut funding or reduce the workforce of the SSA: https://lnkd.in/eCPJZiUf

“Laying off a significant portion of staff in one fell swoop undermines the civil rights of students, especially those with disabilities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provide students and their guardians with the right to report discrimination, but without adequate personnel to investigate these claims, we essentially leave disabled students without a safe avenue for redress." – Ariel Simms, President and CEO of Disability Belongs™ Read our statement condemning the recent layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education: https://lnkd.in/eZDQFMs3

 A mindset of inclusion, intentional planning, and proactive communication can transform any faith community into a place where everyone is welcome and supported. Learn more about ways you can show a commitment to disability inclusion in your faith community: https://lnkd.in/g6yf3GfD

Under current law, more than one million Americans with lifelong disabilities who receive benefits as ‘Disabled Adult Children’ lose their Social Security and Medicare benefits if they marry a non-disabled person. Disability Belongs™ supports and advocates for the Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act, because people shouldn’t have to choose between marriage to the person they love and losing their benefits. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eifaisnz

Exciting news: we can now confirm that the application for Fall 2025 Fellowships at Disability Belongs™ will open on April 7th! The priority deadline will be April 25th, and applications will close on May 15th. Learn more about the program at DisabilityBelongs.org/nlp

The U.S. Department of Education is at risk of elimination due to H.R. 899, a bill introduced in Congress, and an Executive Order. If the Department is eliminated, state and local school districts would lose billions in federal funding. The elimination of the Department of Education would be catastrophic for the 15% of students who receive special education services. Without the department’s oversight and funding, students with disabilities would lose critical services, civil rights protections, and access to a quality education. Take action by urging Congress to oppose H.R. 899 and any legislation aimed at eliminating the Department of Education: https://lnkd.in/gyXT-f-S