What does Preamble of State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To provide for an international disability rights strategy, and for other purposes.' The bill aims to establish an international disability rights strategy.

What does SHORT TITLE. of State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act do?

This bill is formally titled the State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act.

What does DISABILITY RIGHTS IN FOREIGN POLICY. of State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress that international disability rights are essential for global peace, stability, and prosperity. It directs the Secretary of State to develop and adopt a formal policy for advancing disability rights through U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The policy should guide the Department of State's approach to championing disability rights in diplomacy and development. The Secretary must consult with various entities during policy development, including U.S. missions, individuals with disabilities, civil society organizations, international organizations, and specific demographic groups. The Foreign Affairs Manual will be updated to reflect the new policy. The policy must be published on a publicly available website of the Department of State.

What does OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS. of State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act do?

This section amends Section 5104 of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2021 to establish the Office of International Disability Rights. The Office's purpose is to coordinate and elevate United States global engagement on disability rights policy, promoting accessibility, equality of opportunity, and the protection of rights for persons with disabilities globally. The Office shall coordinate all international disability policy and international assistance provided by the United States Government. The Office shall collect disaggregated data regarding foreign assistance and diplomatic activities promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. The Office will be headed by an Ambassador-at-Large for International Disability Rights, appointed by the President. The Secretary of State must submit a strategy to achieve the purposes of the Office, identify target countries, and establish country action plans. The Secretary of State must provide annual reports to Congress on the implementation of the strategy, including progress, spending, and data on educational and cultural exchanges. There is authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 to the Department of State for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support the Office's purposes.

What does DEPARTMENTAL HIRING AND FACILITIES ACCESSIBILITY. of State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act do?

The Under Secretary of State for Management must ensure equal access to hiring and recruitment for officers and staff with disabilities. United States embassies, consulates, and facilities abroad must comply with accessibility standards. The Department of State must ensure accessibility in hiring, facilities, and communication for people with disabilities.

What does TRAINING. of State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act do?

This section mandates disability policy training for Department of State civil service, Foreign Service personnel, and chiefs of mission. The training will cover topics such as developing disability-inclusive policies, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and engaging with disability-led organizations. Training must also address removing barriers to foreign assistance for organizations serving people with disabilities and incorporating the needs of people with disabilities in humanitarian responses. Foreign Service officer training must include country-specific and cultural considerations. Section 708(a)(1) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended to include instruction on recognizing risks and vulnerabilities of individuals with disabilities in specific country contexts.

What does REPORT AND BRIEFING REQUIREMENTS. of State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act do?

This section establishes reporting and briefing requirements for the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State must provide a report and briefing to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs within 180 days of the Act's enactment, and annually thereafter. The report and briefing must include an explanation of policies and programs related to the Office of International Disability Rights (section 4) and training requirements (section 6). The report must describe efforts to mainstream disability policy in U.S. diplomatic outreach and programming. It requires a description of disability-specific programming across the Department. The report must detail the status of accessible facilities in foreign missions (section 5(c)). The Secretary must identify policy, programming, or human resources gaps and plans to address them. The report must describe progress made on the rights of people with disabilities due to Department policies. It requires an explanation of the Department's efforts to gather evidence and collect disability data. The report must include recommendations for legislative actions to fully implement the described matters.

What does JUDY HEUMANN FOREIGN AND CIVIL SERVICE DISABILITY FELLOWSHIP of State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act do?

This section establishes the Judy Heumann Foreign Service Disability Fellowship program within the Department of State. The program aims to expand Department expertise on disability rights policy formulation, execution, negotiation, and advocacy. The Secretary of State will select at least two fellows annually from entry-, mid-, and senior-level Foreign Service and civil service personnel. Fellowships will last between six months and one year and involve placement with an organization of persons with disabilities. Fellows will study the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and may attend the Conference of States Parties. The Secretary of State is required to submit an annual report to the Senate and House Foreign Relations Committees on the Fellowship's implementation. The Act authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years to carry out the program.

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State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act

Last updated: 3/18/2026 · Introduced: 3/18/2026

Author: Dina Titus (D-NV)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a State Department policy to advance international disability rights through diplomacy and foreign assistance.
It creates the Office of International Disability Rights within the State Department to coordinate global engagement on disability rights policy and collect related data.
The bill mandates accessibility standards for U.S. embassies, consulates, and facilities abroad, and ensures equal access to hiring for individuals with disabilities within the State Department.
It requires disability policy training for State Department personnel, including Foreign Service officers, covering topics like inclusive policies and cultural considerations.
The bill establishes the Judy Heumann Foreign Service Disability Fellowship program to expand expertise on disability rights policy within the Department of State.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4129(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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