State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act

The bill asserts that international disability rights are crucial for global peace and prosperity, and should be a central focus of United States diplomacy. It mandates the Secretary of State, through the Ambassador-at-Large for International Disability Rights, to develop and adopt a formal policy within 180 days to advance disability rights in U.S. foreign policy and assistance. This policy must involve consultation with various stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities and civil society organizations, and will be publicly available. The legislation strengthens the Office of International Disability Rights by changing its establishment from "should" to "shall" and clearly defining its purpose to coordinate and elevate global engagement on disability rights. The Office's duties are expanded to include coordinating all international disability policy and assistance, collecting disaggregated data on related spending, and promoting interagency collaboration. It also requires the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive International Disability Rights Strategy to Congress within one year, outlining target countries, resources, and action plans, followed by annual reports on its implementation and spending. To ensure internal equity, the bill directs the Under Secretary of State for Management to guarantee equal access in hiring, recruitment, and overseas assignments for personnel and their families with disabilities. This includes ensuring U.S. embassies, consulates, and leased facilities abroad comply with accessibility standards, and that contractors adhere to disability employment laws. Furthermore, it mandates comprehensive disability policy training for all Department of State personnel and Chiefs of Mission, covering topics from developing inclusive programs to engaging local disability organizations and incorporating disability needs into humanitarian responses. Finally, the bill establishes the Judy Heumann Foreign Service Disability Fellowship program to enhance the Department's expertise in disability rights policy. This fellowship will select at least two Foreign Service and civil service personnel annually for placements with organizations of persons with disabilities. Fellows will study international disability conventions and attend relevant conferences, with annual reports provided to Congress on the program's implementation and diversity.