Disability Rights Voting Week is Sept 14 - 18, 2026

Posted by Jan Strozer
September 10, 2026

Global Disability Caucus Steering Committee

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Disability Voting Rights Week is September 14 - 18! Sadly, many efforts are being made to undermine voting rights for all, with special emphasis on voters with disabilities and the people in their lives.

As we activate and advocate during this week, we need to recognize the ever-present voting issues for people with disabilities, including inaccessible polling places, lack of adaptive equipment, inclusively trained poll workers, long lines and more. Abroad, the barriers are different, but no less important.

Here is how you can TAKE ACTION:

Encourage Democrats Abroad (DA) country and caucus leaders to reach out to their members and let them know that DA wants to help people with disabilities overcome the barriers they face in voting from abroad.
Vote From Abroad's (VFA) sole purpose is to provide information and assistance to voters abroad. You’ll find State-by-State resources and information to register and vote at VoteFromAbroad.org. Make sure you have requested your ballot, made your voting plan, and are ready to vote!
Promote outreach and voter registration events within your networks and social media.
Promote DA's voter help Zoom sessions and email support.
Ask for help if you need it. The voting process can be confusing, and the stakes are higher than ever. We need every American living abroad to vote in these critical midterm elections!

Wherever you live, I hope you are well. I know many of you have suffered through a difficult, hot and possibly smokey summer. The climate crises and the inhuman realities of conflicts and political pressures can be harmful to our health, happiness, and feelings of safety and connection with our world.

Our worldwide network provides us with a unique opportunity to show up as a global force. Let’s ALL VOTE, to prove things can be better when we work together.

If you were unable to participate in our recent UnLonely Project meeting, I hope you’ll make time to watch the playback. Feedback from attendees indicated it was informative and inspiring. If you are interested in helping carry on the UnLonely efforts for DA, please let us know at [email protected].

November 3 is approaching quickly. Let’s get to work and ensure everyone is ready and able to vote. Know that they wouldn’t be working so hard to prevent us from voting if our votes didn’t matter. THEY DO! So let’s show up in undeniable numbers to fight for our democracy and for equal rights for all.

There is indeed hope for a better future. We will be part of making it happen. Thank you for your courage.

Take care,

Marnie

Disability Voting Rights Week: ACTIVATE AND ADVOCATE

By Liz Blackbourn

40.2 million. That’s how many of us there are. Eligible voters with disabilities make up one-sixth of the electorate. That number becomes one-third of the total electorate when we add our caregivers, families, and roommates. We are a large segment of society, and we will not be ignored.

Disabled Voting Rights Week (DVRW), September 14 - 18, offers an opportunity to increase inclusivity and improve lives. DVRW is about advocacy, celebrating community, and building power. We humbly ask that you engage in DVRW projects that will expand voter awareness and access to the ballot box. We have created social media guides, an informative presentation, and an accessible event hosting guide. Please read on and learn how to activate today.

From all of us at the GDC, thank you.

Recruit Co-Sponsors to Support HOME COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES

By Dawn Brunkalla

We need you to help recruit legislative co-sponsors! The Home Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act S. 5321 in the Senate and H.R. 8540 in the House would help end long waiting lists and allow people with disabilities and older adults to receive support at home, instead of being forced into nursing homes, large residential facilities, or other segregated settings.

Contact your Senators and Representatives and ask them to co-sponsor this important legislation.

READ ON to learn more about this issue.

IN THE NEWS

DOJ Memo Is Attempting to Turn Back the Clock on Integration and Olmstead’s Promise; AAPD

People with Disabilities and Heat Waves; Heat.gov

Celebrating 70 Years of Disability: A Legacy of Support and Service; SSA.gov

CONNECT AND ENGAGE WITH THE GDC!

Volunteer: Interested in volunteer opportunities with the GDC? Complete this form: GDC Volunteer Interest Form

Signal Chat: Join the discussion and stay aware of news/events by joining the GDC Signal Chat group: https://signal.group/#CjQKIKoT7MRh99M6MfyAs4XAteAKLO18gtpQn8ypgDqFXt5ZEhAxq1LHPeN_NPe9d12PgkqG

The Global Disability Steering Committee can be contacted at [email protected].

Chair, Marnie Delaney

Vice Chair (Interim), Art Shankler