American Association of People with Disabilities

What American Association of People with Disabilities does

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a Washington, DC-headquartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1995 by disability rights leaders including Paul G. Hearne and Justin Dart, operating as the nation's largest disability-led cross-disability rights organization. Its mission is to increase the political and economic power of the more than 70 million Americans with disabilities through leadership development, policy advocacy, and coalition-building across issues including community integration, healthcare, employment, housing, technology, transportation, and veterans' affairs. Core programs include the REV UP Voting Campaign (state coalitions across 20+ states), internship pipelines (Summer and Fall Internship Programs plus the Bobby Silverstein Fellowship), leadership awards (Paul G. Hearne Award at $25,000 per recipient, Tony Coelho Media Scholarship), the Fannie Lou Hamer Leadership Program, Disability Mentoring Day, and technology and accessibility initiatives (Start Access, Technology Forum, We Will Ride autonomous vehicle campaign). AAPD also convenes The Access Coalition with Starbucks and Walmart to produce open-source frameworks for inclusive retail spaces.

AAPD's business model is contribution-based rather than commercial: revenue streams include individual donations at suggested tiers of $15, $15-$100, corporate sponsorships (Arconic Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, United Airlines, Microsoft, Walmart, Starbucks), program-funded awards and scholarships, gala and event ticketing (e.g., $125 per guest for the 30th Anniversary Gala), and institutional grants (one disclosed $1,000,000 Ford Foundation grant in September 2022). Pricing tiers and event fees are publicly disclosed; audited financial statements are referenced for 2018-2023 but amounts are not in the source set. Distribution is hybrid: direct placement of interns into Congressional offices, federal agencies, and corporate partners in Washington, DC; grassroots organizing through state REV UP coalitions; coalition-based policy advocacy to Congress and federal agencies; and multi-channel digital engagement via aapd.com, the Power Grid blog, email newsletter, and active presence across X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Customer/donor segments span four constituencies — individuals with disabilities, emerging disabled leaders, employers/corporations pursuing inclusion, and government/policymakers — addressed through a horizontal segmentation approach.

Name

American Association of People with Disabilities

Legal name

American Association of People with Disabilities

Website

https://aapd.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1995 that convenes and advocates for the 70+ million Americans with disabilities through leadership programs, voting rights and policy advocacy, internship pipelines, and corporate coalitions for inclusive retail and technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Rights Advocacy and Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Rights & Accessibility Advocacy (BPAGAFAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)

Keywords

• Disability rights advocacy
• Nonprofit leadership development
• Civic engagement programs
• Disability employment programs
• Policy advocacy coalitions

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: AAPD receives contributions from individuals who support the disability rights movement. The organization offers various donation tiers ($15, $35, $50, $100) and accepts monthly, annual, and one-time contributions.
2. Corporate Sponsorships and Grants: Corporate sponsors support specific programs such as the Summer Internship Program. Sponsors include Arconic Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, Powers Law Firm, United Airlines, and others.
3. Program Revenue: Revenue from programs including the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award ($25,000 per recipient starting 2026) and Tony Coelho Media Scholarship ($5,625 per recipient for Fall 2026).
4. Gala and Event Tickets: AAPD 30th Anniversary Gala tickets are $125 per guest, with additional Eventbrite and credit card processing fees bringing the total to $135.23.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

AAPD is a national disability-led cross-disability rights nonprofit that operates advocacy programs, leadership development initiatives, paid internship and fellowship programs, scholarship and award programs, and coalition-building efforts for people with disabilities and their allies. Its core deliverables include voter engagement programs (REV UP Voting Campaign), leadership fellowships (Fannie Lou Hamer Leadership Program, Bobby Silverstein Fellowship), internship placement, mentoring (Disability Mentoring Day), retail accessibility coalition frameworks (The Access Coalition), and technology and transportation policy campaigns (Start Access, Technology Forum, We Will Ride).

Product overview

AAPD operates as a national disability-led cross-disability rights organization offering a portfolio of advocacy programs, leadership development initiatives, and career/education programs. Core offerings include: the REV UP Voting Campaign for political engagement; leadership programs (Fannie Lou Hamer Leadership Program, Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award); internship programs (Summer Internship, Fall Internship, Bobby Silverstein Fellowship); Disability Mentoring Day; and technology initiatives (Start Access, Technology Forum, We Will Ride). Additionally, The Access Coalition focuses on retail accessibility. AAPD also provides scholarships through the Tony Coelho Media Scholarship and offers educational resources including AAPD Explainers and Community Navigation services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• REV UP Voting Campaign: A national network of coalitions and organizations focused on building the power of the disability vote through increasing civic engagement and improving election accessibility. REV UP stands for Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power!
• Summer Internship Program
• Fall Internship Program
• Disability Mentoring Day (DMD)
• Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award
• Tony Coelho Media Scholarship
• Fannie Lou Hamer Leadership Program
• Bobby Silverstein Fellowship
• The Access Coalition

Products and services

• REV UP Voting Campaign National campaign to build political power of the disability vote through voter registration, education, and engagement. Includes Disability Voting Rights Week, REV UP Movement Grants, state coalitions in twenty states, and advocacy for accessible voting technology.
• Summer Internship Program Professional development program placing disabled students and recent graduates in paid summer internships with Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations in Washington DC area. Includes 1-week orientation, mentor matching, weekly programming, $20/hour stipend, and accessible housing.
• Fall Internship Program 14-week virtual part-time internship program for disabled students and recent graduates. Runs August 31 to December 4, 2026, with 15 hours/week remote work, weekly virtual events, mentor matching, and $20/hour stipend.
• Bobby Silverstein Fellowship Fellowship within Summer Internship Program for rising juniors or higher interested in disability law and policy. Requires in-person participation in Washington DC, placement at law/policy-focused organization, and one-on-one mentor pairing with legal professional.
• Fannie Lou Hamer Leadership Program 16-week hybrid fellowship for Black disabled advocates aged 18-59 focused on leadership development, advocacy, and community engagement. Combines virtual sessions, mentorship, and in-person retreat. Includes $1,500 stipend, $500 technology stipend, and up to $3,000 for capstone community event.
• Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award Award recognizing outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the cross-disability community. Two recipients receive $25,000 total (recognition plus project funding).
• Tony Coelho Media Scholarship Scholarship recognizing students with disabilities passionate about increasing disability representation in media, communications, or entertainment industries. Eight recipients receive $5,625 each for Fall 2026 semester.
• Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) Large-scale national effort promoting career development for students and job-seekers with disabilities through career exploration and ongoing mentoring relationships. Expanded from one-day event to year-round initiative with coordinators across the country.
• The Access Coalition Coalition creating open-source framework for inclusive retail spaces, building on ADA foundation. Partners include Starbucks, Walmart, and AAPD. Released Inclusive Spaces Playbook and Framework in February 2026. Focus on human-centered design, co-creation, and systems approach.
• Start Access Initiative focused on accessible technology advocacy and policy work to promote development of universally designed technology and ensure affordable access for people with disabilities.
• Technology Forum Monthly strategic meeting of national disability advocacy organizations and technology industry representatives to holistically drive and accelerate innovations advancing interests of underrepresented groups. Addresses accessibility of technologies, devices, and applications.
• We Will Ride Campaign ensuring autonomous vehicle transportation revolution serves all Americans with disabilities. Founded by disability rights leaders to ensure automakers make vehicles accessible. Coalition includes AAPD, NCIL, DREDF, United Spinal, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Quantifiable outcome

• Placed hundreds of interns in Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations over 20+ years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• StarbucksflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner of The Access Coalition launched March 2024, contributing the Inclusive Spaces Framework for creating accessible retail environments. Starbucks collaborates with AAPD and other retailers to transform retail experiences for disabled customers and employees.
• WalmartflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner of The Access Coalition. Hosted two-day design sprint in Bentonville, AR to co-design solutions for inclusive restrooms as part of the coalition's work on inclusive retail spaces.
• MicrosoftcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner with AAPD's REV UP Voting Campaign providing free or discounted rides to polls through Lyft partnership in 7 cities during 2024 election.
• LyftcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTransportation partner providing wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) and discounted rides to polling locations through Microsoft/AAPD partnership.
• Disability:INflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner in The Access Coalition working to create open-source framework for inclusive retail spaces built on ADA foundation.
• AccenturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-authored The Disability Inclusion Imperative report with AAPD and Disability:IN, providing research and business case for accessibility.
• NBCUniversalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner for Tony Coelho Media Scholarship supporting students with disabilities pursuing careers in media, communications, or entertainment.
• National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition member in The Access Coalition and partner in We Will Ride autonomous vehicle campaign.
• Disability Rights Education and Defense FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition member in We Will Ride autonomous vehicle campaign advocating for accessible vehicles.
• United Spinal AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition member in We Will Ride autonomous vehicle campaign.
• Paralyzed Veterans of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition member in We Will Ride autonomous vehicle campaign.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF): National disability rights law and policy organization advancing civil rights through litigation, advocacy, and education. Coalition partner with AAPD on We Will Ride; comparable as a disability-led legal/policy advocacy organization.
• Disability:IN: National nonprofit driving disability inclusion and equality in business; co-founded The Access Coalition with AAPD and Walmart, and shares board representation with AAPD. Directly comparable as a cross-disability advocacy and corporate-engagement organization.
• National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): Membership network for the federally mandated Protection & Advocacy (P&A) systems serving people with disabilities. Comparable national disability legal rights and advocacy mandate.
• United Spinal Association: National disability rights and service organization serving people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Coalition partner with AAPD on We Will Ride; comparable cross-disability advocacy with member services.
• National Council on Independent Living (NCIL): Federation of Centers for Independent Living advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. Coalition partner with AAPD on the We Will Ride campaign and the Access Coalition; directly comparable disability rights advocacy mission.
• Paralyzed Veterans of America: Veterans service organization advocating for paralyzed veterans and people with disabilities. Coalition partner with AAPD on We Will Ride; comparable national disability rights and policy advocacy footprint.
• Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law: National legal advocacy organization protecting and advancing the rights of people with mental disabilities. AAPD board representation from Bazelon; comparable legal/policy advocacy mission for people with disabilities.

Emerging players

• RespectAbility: National nonprofit fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities through leadership, policy, and narrative change. Comparable as a policy-focused, advocacy-led disability organization with strong communications capability.

Broad incumbents

• The Arc of the United States: One of the largest national disability organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, services, and policy work. Comparable as a national disability advocacy organization with broader IDD focus.
• Center for American Progress (Disability Justice Initiative): Progressive policy think tank that maintains a disability justice initiative producing research and policy recommendations on disability rights. Comparable as a DC-based policy and advocacy organization engaging on federal disability policy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/AAPD
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AAPDvideo
• Facebookfacebook.com/DisabilityPowered
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-association-of-people-with-disabilities
• Instagraminstagram.com/aapdofficial

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Association of People with Disabilities