Timed with the 35th anniversary of the ADA, USICD and the International Disability, Peace and Security Network unveil a revised brief urging the explicit inclusion of disability rights in future crimes against humanity treaties. This marks a pivotal moment in global disability advocacy, addressing long-standing gaps and calling for disability-sensitive legal frameworks.
USICD Announces 2025 Award Honorees for the Dole-Harkin and International Advocate Awards.
The United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Dole-Harkin and International
Advocate Awards, which will be presented at the annual gala in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in early December. Read more…
Judith Heumann spent most of her life advocating tirelessly on behalf of all people with all disabilities in the U.S. and globally. She influenced countless people and policies with her actions and her deep commitment to advocacy, equity, and leadership. Read more…
It has been thoroughly documented that people with disabilities suffer disproportionate harm in situations of armed conflict. They can be left behind in the planning and evacuation efforts and are often unable to access emergency communications, medical aid, and humanitarian aid. The United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) calls for full inclusion of Ukrainian organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in rapid response teams and evacuation efforts. Ukrainians with disabilities must not be forgotten, abandoned, and ignored. Read more…
Senator Bob Dole was a man with unwavering spirit and sense of right and wrong. Helping the United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) for over 10 years after he retired from the Senate. He worked effortlessly to secure the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Read more…
As individuals with disabilities continue to face unique struggles around the world, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Dina Titus (D-NV-1) led a bicameral delegation in the introduction of a resolution recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3. The legislation highlights the unique struggles faced by individuals with disabilities and reiterates Congressional support for efforts to promote inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities around the world. Read more…
The United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) mourns the death of its Board member, long-time past president, and co-founder, Marca Bristo. Her passing is a substantial loss for all those she touched with her advocacy, kindness, and powerful sense of what is right. USICD will honor her posthumously with its highest honor, the Dole-Harkin Award, at its annual gala in Washington, DC in December.
Reps. Titus, Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Promote Disability Rights Worldwide
“Congresswoman Titus’ bill to establish the office is a breath of fresh air,” said U.S. International Council on Disabilities Executive Director Isabel Hodge. “Having a permanent office and special advisor has been something the disability community has wanted for a long time. The U.S. is currently absent from the global disability movement. As a result, foreign countries are going to other countries with less expertise and not receiving optimal results.”