H.R. 7990: State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act

This bill, known as the State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act, aims to enhance the United States' approach to disability rights on an international scale. Here’s a summary of its key components:

International Disability Rights Policy

The bill mandates the Secretary of State, within 180 days of its enactment, to develop a formal policy to promote disability rights in U.S. foreign relations and assistance efforts. This policy will involve:

• Consultations with a range of stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities and NGOs.
• Implementation of the policy through updates to the Foreign Affairs Manual and public availability on the Department's website.

Office of International Disability Rights

The bill requires the establishment of the Office of International Disability Rights within the Department of State. This office will:

• Coordinate U.S. international efforts on disability rights.
• Collect data on U.S. foreign disability rights assistance, detailing expenditures and effectiveness.
• Employ a designated Ambassador-at-Large for International Disability Rights to oversee policy development.

Implementation Strategy and Reporting

Within one year of the bill’s enactment, the Secretary of State must submit a comprehensive strategy outlining:

• Target countries for international assistance related to disability rights.
• Resources allocated for these initiatives and development of action plans.

Additionally, an annual report detailing the progress on the implementation of the strategy will be required, including financial data and descriptions of disability-focused activities.

Accessibility and Hiring Practices

The bill directs ensuring that U.S. embassies and consulates provide equal access to hiring and recruitment for individuals with disabilities. Specific tasks include:

• Compliance with accessibility standards for facilities and services.
• Providing reasonable accommodations for staff with disabilities and their family members.

Training Requirements

The Secretary of State will institute mandatory disability policy training for all Department personnel, which will cover:

• Development of inclusive policies that align with U.S. disability priorities.
• Compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Guidance on engaging with local organizations that focus on disability rights.

Fellowship Program

The bill establishes the Judy Heumann Foreign and Civil Service Disability Fellowship program. Aimed at enhancing the expertise of State Department personnel in disability rights, the program will include:

• Opportunities for fellows to engage with international disability rights frameworks.
• Support for diverse recruitment of fellows reflecting the U.S. population.

Financial Authorization

To implement these programs and initiatives, the bill authorizes $6 million annually from 2026 to 2030 specifically for expenses related to promoting international disability rights.

Report and Briefing Requirements

Finally, the bill requires the Secretary of State to produce reports and briefings for Congress on the steps taken to implement the legislation, detailing efforts to mainstream disability policy and identify gaps in existing programs.

Relevant Companies

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