AUCD - Hill Visits
<< Back to ProgramWednesday, November 16, 2022 12:00 pm
Location: Virtual/Capitol Hill
Session Description
You are strongly encouraged to visit your Members of Congress while in Washington, D.C. for the AUCD Conference. Senators and Representatives need to hear directly from you about the work that you do and why it is important to people with disabilities in your state or territory and nationwide as we work to build champions for issues impacting people with disabilities.
You will need to schedule meetings with your Members of Congress before you arrive in Washington, D.C. If you have not already done so, we suggest that you do this as soon as possible but at least 1-2 weeks in advance. Here are steps to schedule a meeting:
Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senator or Representative.
Ask to speak to the staff person that handles health or disability.
Ask to schedule an appointment for Nov. 16th in the early in the afternoon to provide an update on the research, education, training, and services your Center or Program is providing in your state or territory. Each office is still deciding whether to have in-person or virtual meetings.
Then make the appointment. (If in-person, schedule Senate or House visits together and give yourself at least 30 minutes to walk to the other side of the Capitol. We suggest scheduling multiple meetings in 30 to 45 minute increments. If meetings are in-person, you will also need to confirm with staff where to meet them so you can be escorted into the building.)
Take copies of research briefs, helpful data, and real people stories and tie them to your policy objectives. AUCD will be posting additional resources in the coming weeks on the AUCD website.
Finally, send thank you emails and provide AUCD with feedback from your visits. We will provide feedback forms to help you.
Thank you for making an effort to meet with your Members of Congress or their staff. This activity will help policymakers make better policy decisions and help AUCD advocate for congressional support of network activities!