In February 2025, USICD sent a formal letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulating him on his appointment and urging the establishment of a dedicated liaison within the State Department to engage U.S. disability organizations working internationally. The letter emphasized the economic, diplomatic, and human rights benefits of advancing global disability inclusion—highlighting U.S. leadership opportunities under existing disability laws and the America First agenda. USICD also called for a permanent Office of International Disability Rights, robust staffing and funding, and stronger coordination across federal agencies. Despite the significance of these proposals, the letter received no response.
Senate News
- Senate Office of International Disability Rights Act (S. 3880 introduced on June 5th, 2020) to establish a permanent office of International Disability rights at the US Department of State and requires the appointment of an Ambassador-at-Large.
- Read the Press Release
- Track S. 3880 (We want a bipartisan bill)
- Read How to Contact Senators to Defend Global Disability Rights!
House News
- House Office of International Disability Rights (HR 3373) passed the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Bill establishes a permanent Office of International Disability Rights at the US Department of State and would require the appointment of a Special Advisor.
- February 2021 Update: Section 1006 of the State Authorization Act of 2021 includes the Officer on International Disability Rights, however the office is to be led by a Senior Advisor to the appropriate Assistant Secretary of State.
- Download our HR 3373 Call to Action Packet. The packet contains a letter from USICD’s President, Dr. Patricia Morrissey, a sample letter for you to send to Representatives in your state, with a list of Representatives to contact included on the last page.
- Contact the Representatives from your state to ask them to support HR 3373! Contact us to share that you have made the call or written a letter – tell us who you contacted!
- Read our Op-Ed on HR 3373, Office of International Disability Rights
- Read USICD Board Member Judith Heumann’s The Hill article dated 12/7/19 and titled The US needs to lead again on disability rights
Read USICD President, Dr. Patricia Morrisey’s editorial titled “The 30th Anniversary of the ADA: How Should We Celebrate?”
Correspondence with the State Department
2025 Letter to Secretary Rubio