Kaine, Duckworth, Olszewski, & Titus Introduce Legislation to Strengthen International Disability Rights and Support Accommodations for State Department Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02) and Dina Titus (D-NV-01) introduced the State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act, bicameral legislation to strengthen international disability rights and provide accommodations for State Department staff. The legislation would establish an Office of International Disability Rights at the State Department to champion disability rights globally, enhance accessibility for State Department staff with disabilities, and expand training to ensure U.S. diplomatic personnel become better stewards of international disability policy.

"Promoting international disability rights is the right thing to do and can significantly boost global security and prosperity," said Kaine, 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 Duckworth. "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."

"America leads best when we lead with our values," said Olszewski. "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."

"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 Titus. "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."

Specifically, the State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act would:

• Establish an Office of International Disability Rights at the State Department to coordinate and elevate United States engagement on disability rights policy.
• Create reporting requirements regarding the development and implementation of a disability rights strategy and assistance funding.
• Require the State Department to enhance accessibility for staff with disabilities and their families and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Require State Department civil service and Foreign Service personnel to participate in training on disability rights.
• Establish and administer the Judy Heumann Foreign and Civil Service Disability Fellowship Program to expand expertise on disability rights policy formulation, execution, negotiation, and advocacy. Heumann was an internationally-recognized leader and advocate for individuals with disabilities and passed away in 2023.

In addition to Kaine, Duckworth, Olszewski, and Titus, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

Full text of the legislation is available here.

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