Accessibility Policy Institute

Removing barriers so every disabled person has the opportunity to live, work and thrive

[Accessibility Policy Institute @AccessibilityPI]

🇺🇸 Happy Veterans Day! Today, we honor and thank all who have served our country.

As of August 2024, an estimated 5.5 million U.S. veterans live with a service-connected disability. Many face challenges when adjusting to life at home—especially when their homes aren’t accessible.
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Our Disabled Veteran Home Modification Act aims to change that by eliminating permit fees for disabled veterans making home modifications to accommodate a disability. 

Want to help get this bill passed in your state? Visit our website or send us a message to learn more!

#veteran #Disability

[Accessibility Policy Institute @AccessibilityPI]

🎙️From military service to becoming the first paraplegic elected to the Illinois state legislature, our CEO, Dan McConchie, has turned unimaginable setbacks into powerful advocacy. Listen now to this inspiring Life to the Max podcast episode to learn more! https://t.co/mbJ9zWuLGO

[Accessibility Policy Institute @AccessibilityPI]

✈️Last week, we attended the National Conference of State Legislatures Summit in Boston. We had a wonderful time engaging in policy discussions with lawmakers and corporate leaders from across the country!

From Medicaid and healthcare to elections and redistricting, each day was packed with informative sessions. In the exhibit hall, we connected with disability advocacy partners like @AAPD , @TheArcUS, and @access2crt to share our mission and discuss ways in which we can improve accessibility at every level of government.

♿️We are excited to continue collaborating with fellow advocates and educating legislators on the importance of creating policies that go beyond ADA to remove barriers for people with disabilities!

[Accessibility Policy Institute @AccessibilityPI]

Think race cars are only for able-bodied drivers? Think again!🏎️

This weekend, our CEO, Daniel McConchie, took to Lime Rock track in Lakeville, Connecticut, in a Porsche 981 Cayman, calling the high-performance driving event “one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life!”

Dan joined the Just Hands Racing Foundation, where drivers with disabilities hit the racetrack at high speeds and experience the thrill of motorsports. The car is outfitted with adaptive controls that can be adjusted to meet the needs of each driver. 🏁

With the right tools, we can break barriers and level the playing field by allowing all individuals with disabilities to compete in the same spaces as everyone else.

#BeyondADA #AccessibilityMatters #AccessibilityForAll #adaptivesports #disability #AccessibilityForAll

[Accessibility Policy Institute @AccessibilityPI]

Congratulations to our CEO, Dan McConchie, on his recognition as a champion of disability rights! 🎉🌟

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Illinois Municipal League! As we mark 35 years of ADA, so many people don’t realize that, while ADA is helpful, there’s still more work to do. There are 70 million Americans with disabilities, and this is a group anyone can join at any time, whether through accident (like me), illness, or aging. When we ensure access to housing, transportation, and employment, we empower people to live independently and be productive members of society.” - CEO, Daniel McConchie

[Capitol City Now @CapitolCityNow]

UPDATED: ⁦@AccessibilityPI⁩ is ⁦@DanMcConchie⁩’s new organization https://t.co/vaODCItACZ

[Dan McConchie @DanMcConchie]

Today, I am announcing that I am retiring from the Illinois Senate effective February 2.

Representing the people of the 26th District for the past 8+ years has been an amazing experience. And leaving is bittersweet as I will certainly miss serving the constituents of this area, but I cannot wait for what’s next.

As a society, we are judged by how we care for the weakest amongst us. When I became disabled 17 years ago, society stepped in with supports and programs and helped ensure that I was not left behind.

And I did not just survive, but I have thrived. I have had access to housing, transportation and been gainfully employed ever since my accident. I have even made my way to public office and am the first paraplegic elected to state-level office in Illinois history.

Everyone disabled American deserves the opportunity to thrive. That is why I have started the Accessibility Policy Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the very best ideas in public policy to help every disabled person succeed to the greatest extent possible.

A huge thank you to everyone who has helped me over the years serve the state as Senator. I owe an even bigger thanks to my wonderful wife, Milena, and my kids who bore the burden of service even more than me.

And now, on to what’s next. Let’s go.