This bill makes disability rights a core part of U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy. Right now, the State Department has some disability initiatives, but they're not required or fully coordinated. This bill changes that by making disability rights a formal priority across all international work—from aid programs to embassy operations to how the U.S. engages with other countries.

The bill creates a mandatory Office of International Disability Rights (currently optional) headed by an Ambassador-at-Large who reports to the Secretary of State. This office will coordinate all disability-related foreign assistance and diplomatic activities across the entire U.S. government, track spending on these efforts, and develop a comprehensive strategy identifying which countries and regions should receive priority support. The State Department will also have to make all its embassies and consulates physically accessible, ensure their websites work for people with disabilities, and hire more people with disabilities for both domestic and overseas positions.

Every State Department employee—from desk workers to ambassadors—will receive training on disability policy, how to include people with disabilities in their work, and how to remove barriers that prevent disability organizations from accessing U.S. aid. The bill also creates a new fellowship program named after disability rights pioneer Judy Heumann, giving State Department staff the chance to work with disability organizations abroad and deepen their expertise. Finally, the State Department must report annually to Congress on its progress implementing all these changes, including detailed spending breakdowns and data on how many people with disabilities are being hired and served.

To provide for an international disability rights strategy, and for other purposes. provide for an international disability rights strategy, and for other purposes.