Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) introduced legislation to help ensure that the State Department makes disability rights an international priority. 

The State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act would establish in law the Office of International Disability Rights at the U.S. State Department, to be supervised by a Special Advisor of International Disability Rights. The Special Advisor position has not been filled since the start of the Trump Administration. 

Under the bipartisan bill, the Office of International Disability Rights would lead efforts to promote the rights of people with disabilities around the world. The legislation also requires State Department personnel to undergo disability inclusion training.

“The full inclusion of people with disabilities is a fundamental aspect of democracy, and it must be a priority for U.S. foreign policy,” said Congresswoman Titus (NV-01), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “This legislation will help ensure that the State Department uses its diplomatic tools to lead by example and promote the empowerment of persons with disabilities worldwide. We must regain our footing on the world stage as the champion of human rights for all people.”

“America leads best when we lead with our values,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). “This bill ensures that inclusion isn’t an afterthought but a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. It gives our diplomats the tools, training, and structure to build a world where every person can contribute fully, freely, and has a seat at the table. It’s the right thing to do and the smart thing to do for long-term peace and prosperity.”

Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) also introduced their companion bill to the State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act today. 

“Promoting international disability rights is the right thing to do and can significantly boost global security and prosperity,” said Senator Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committees. “There’s so much more the U.S. can do on this issue. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to enhance U.S. engagement on disability rights around the world and ensure State Department staff with disabilities have access to equal opportunities.”

“Every single one of us is just one bad day away from becoming disabled, and we should do everything we can to ensure that members of the disability community can live full lives wherever they reside,” said Senator Duckworth (D-IL). “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to highlight the importance of protecting the rights of people with disabilities around the world and to help ensure that all State Department programs provide equal access to the opportunities people deserve.”

Full text of the House legislation is available here.

Background

This bill seeks to strengthen how the U.S. Department of State promotes disability rights internationally and ensures accessibility and inclusion within its own workforce and overseas facilities.

1. Elevating Disability Rights in U.S. Foreign Policy

• Declares that promoting international disability rights is essential to global peace, stability, and prosperity.
• Requires the Secretary of State, within 180 days, to develop a formal policy guiding U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance on disability rights.
• The policy must be developed in consultation with U.S. missions, civil society, international organizations, and individuals with disabilities, including women, indigenous persons, youth, and combat-injured partners abroad.
• The policy must be incorporated into the Foreign Affairs Manual and made publicly available.

2. Strengthening the Office of International Disability Rights

• Codifies and strengthens the Office of International Disability Rights at the State Department.
• Requires the office to:
  • Coordinate U.S. international disability policy and assistance across the government.
  • Collect and track data on spending and programs promoting disability rights abroad.
  • Facilitate interagency cooperation and promote exchanges with disability policymakers and advocates.
• The office will be led by a Senate-confirmed Ambassador-at-Large for International Disability Rights.
• Requires the State Department to develop an International Disability Rights Strategy within one year, including priority countries, funding sources, and partnerships.
• Mandates annual reports to Congress on implementation and funding.
• Authorizes $6 million annually (FY2025–FY2030) to support the office.

3. Accessibility and Hiring within the State Department

• Requires the State Department to ensure equal access to hiring, recruitment, and overseas assignments for employees with disabilities and family members with disabilities.
• Mandates accessibility of embassies, consulates, websites, and communications, consistent with U.S. accessibility standards.
• Encourages contractors and overseas partners to hire workers with disabilities.
• Requires policies to ensure reasonable accommodations for both U.S. personnel and locally employed staff abroad.

4. Training and Capacity Building

• Requires mandatory disability policy training for State Department civil service and Foreign Service personnel and chiefs of mission.
• Training must cover inclusive policymaking, workplace compliance with disability law, engagement with disability organizations, and integrating disability considerations into humanitarian and development programs.
• Foreign Service training must include country-specific disability rights contexts.

5. Reporting Requirements

• Requires the State Department to provide annual reports and briefings to Congress describing:
  • Implementation of the law
  • Disability-inclusive diplomacy and programming
  • Accessibility of overseas facilities
  • Data collection and program outcomes
  • Remaining policy or staffing gaps.

6. Judy Heumann Foreign and Civil Service Disability Fellowship

• Establishes a Judy Heumann Disability Fellowship for State Department personnel.
• Each year at least two civil or Foreign Service officers will complete 6–12 month placements with organizations led by persons with disabilities.
• Fellows will study international disability frameworks and participate in global disability rights forums.
• Annual reports to Congress will summarize the fellowship’s outcomes.

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