Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living

06/19/2026

Today, APRIL recognizes and observes Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience, history, and contributions of Black Americans.

In observance of the holiday, APRIL's offices are closed on June 19. We encourage everyone to take time to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equity, and justice for all.

We will resume normal business hours next week on Monday, June 22.

Happy Juneteenth.

Image Description:
A dark blue graphic featuring the APRIL logo in the top left corner. The words "June 19th Celebrate Freedom" curve around a raised gold fist at the center, surrounded by colorful flowers, leaves, a butterfly, and decorative elements in shades of orange, green, yellow, and red. At the bottom, the word "Juneteenth" appears above the year "1865" with small heart icons in green, gold, and red, symbolizing the historic day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

06/19/2026

06/18/2026

Share Your Expertise at the 2026 APRIL Conference!

Call for Workshops for our 2026 Annual Conference is now officially open!!!

Deadline to Submit Workshops: July 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST

2026 APRIL Conference
Niagara Falls, NY
October 23-26th, 2026
“FALL into APRIL”
Facilitate Advocate Learn Lead

APRIL is excited to announce that the Call for Workshops for our 2026 Annual Conference is now officially open!

This year’s conference will take place October 23- 26, 2026 in Niagara Falls, NY at the Sheraton Niagara Falls. We are inviting passionate presenters, advocates, and leaders to submit workshop proposals that speak to the experiences, strategies, and innovations of the Independent Living Movement.

Whether you represent a Center for Independent Living, a Statewide Independent Living Council, a disability rights organization, or you are an individual with a disability with expertise to share - we want to hear from you!

Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape an engaging and empowering national conversation around independent living, disability justice, and community leadership.

Link to Submit Workshop Proposals: https://form.jotform.com/aprilinfo/2026-call-for-workshops

Information about conference registration, hotel booking details, and more to come.

If you have questions or need assistance with accessibility during the application process, feel free to reach out to Brigit Barstad at [email protected]

We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to Niagara Falls!!

Image Description: Now Accepting Workshop Proposals. 2026 APRIL Conference. Niagara Falls, NY. October 23-26, 2026. Workshop Proposals Accepted Through July 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST. APRIL logo included. Image background is the Niagara Falls aerial view.

06/18/2026

Today, June 18th, is Autistic Pride Day. Happy Autistic Pride Day from all of us at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network! Nothing about us, without us!

06/18/2026

Share Your Expertise at the 2026 APRIL Conference!

Call for Workshops for our 2026 Annual Conference is now officially open!!!

Deadline to Submit Workshops: July 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST

2026 APRIL Conference
Niagara Falls, NY
October 23-26th, 2026
“FALL into APRIL”
Facilitate Advocate Learn Lead

APRIL is excited to announce that the Call for Workshops for our 2026 Annual Conference is now officially open!

This year’s conference will take place October 23- 26, 2026 in Niagara Falls, NY at the Sheraton Niagara Falls. We are inviting passionate presenters, advocates, and leaders to submit workshop proposals that speak to the experiences, strategies, and innovations of the Independent Living Movement.

Whether you represent a Center for Independent Living, a Statewide Independent Living Council, a disability rights organization, or you are an individual with a disability with expertise to share - we want to hear from you!

Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape an engaging and empowering national conversation around independent living, disability justice, and community leadership.

Link to Submit Workshop Proposals: https://form.jotform.com/aprilinfo/2026-call-for-workshops

Information about conference registration, hotel booking details, and more to come.

If you have questions or need assistance with accessibility during the application process, feel free to reach out to Brigit Barstad at [email protected]

We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to Niagara Falls!!

Image Description: Now Accepting Workshop Proposals. 2026 APRIL Conference. Niagara Falls, NY. October 23-26, 2026. Workshop Proposals Accepted Through July 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST. APRIL logo included. Image background is the Niagara Falls aerial view at night. QR code for application link included on bottom right corner.

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

🌈♿ Did you know…

While many LGBT community centers offer some physical accessibility features, major accessibility gaps still exist for disabled LGBTQIA+ individuals.

📊 According to data:
• 73% have accessible restrooms & fountains
• 70% have accessible parking
• Only 16% offer Braille signs/materials
• Only 13% provide TTY services

Accessibility is more than ramps and parking spaces. True inclusion means creating spaces where disabled LGBTQIA+ people can fully participate, communicate, and belong.



Image Description: Pastel rainbow graphic with sparkles and large orange text reading “DISABILITY AND LGBTQIA FACT DID YOU KNOW…” Above a chart showing accessibility features available at LGBT community centers. Statistics shown include: 73% have accessible restrooms and fountains, 70% have accessible parking, 16% offer Braille signs/materials, and 13% provide TTY services.

06/12/2026

On June 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that details all the policies around new Medicaid work requirements.

These work requirements, approved by Congress in 2025, will lead to disabled people losing their life-saving benefits. Work requirements threaten the health, safety, and independence of the millions of people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid to pay for essential health care, Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and other supports and services.

While the work requirements don't go into effect until January 1, 2027, AAPD is working hard to educate our community about what these requirements mean and how you can prepare for them.

We will have many resources for you, starting with our new FAQ! Check it out for our answers to common questions and concerns about these new requirements: aapd.com/medicaid-work-requirements-faq

Comments on the IFR remain open until July 31, 2026. Watch this space to join an upcoming action alert, when AAPD will provide a template for you to submit a comment.

ID: A graphic announcing a new resource says "Medicaid Work Requirements FAQ"

06/11/2026

Huge news out of Kansas!!!

Thank you, Attorney General Kris Kobach, for withdrawing Kansas from the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit and for listening to the concerns of Kansans with disabilities and their families.

Twenty-two Kansas senior and disability organizations joined together to explain why this litigation poses a threat to disability rights and community inclusion. We appreciate the Attorney General's decision to hear those concerns and take action, and we encourage the remaining states involved in the litigation to follow Kansas' example.

Read the coalition letter here: https://tinyurl.com/4xmnv2c4