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Hill Visits

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pdf File AUCD hill visit talking points.pdf (119KB) [download]

pdf File Tips for Hill Visits.pdf (133KB) [download]

pdf File Hill Visits Cheatsheet.pdf (35KB) [download]

pdf File Directions to Capitol Hill from AUCD2013 Conference.pdf (183KB) [download]

pdf File Disability Treaty Fact Sheet.pdf (434KB) [download]


Wednesday, November 20, 2013 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM


Session Description

US Capitol
People with disabilities currently have much at stake in national policy discussions. Establishing relationships with your elected officials is essential to raising the visibility of the AUCD network and ensuring that Congress understands the important work of its Centers. Policymakers need to know that they have resources in every state and territory to help them make informed choices that help people with disabilities live full, productive lives in their communities.AUCD is building on the success of last year's hill visits and again encouraging participants to visit their Members of Congress on Capitol Hill during the Conference.

Hill Visit Goals

The main purpose of the November 20 Hill visits is to initiate or to maintain relationships with your Members of Congress so that they understand why it is important to continue funding AUCD network programs.

Planning Your Visit

Please plan ahead for the Hill visits!

  1. Research your congressional delegation. Although all Senators and Representatives are important, you may not have time to visit all of them. In that case, it's important to know which Member represents the District where your Center is located. Also, find out the  Committees on which your Members participate. For example, if your Member is on the Appropriations Committee, it is very important to make an effort to meet with them.
  2. Make the appointment BEFORE coming to Washington. Call or email your Member's office. To find your senators' and representative's phone numbers, you may use our searchable online congressional directory or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask for your Senators' and/or Representative's office.
  3. When you reach the Member's office, tell them who you are, that you are a constituent, and you would like to make an appointment with the Member or the staff person working on disability or health issues. Inform them that you will be in town and available on Wednesday, November 20.
  4. Plan your meeting. Be prepared to talk about your recent research, Center accomplishments, and/or other important Federal legislative issue(s) that you believe are important for the Member to know. Bring along brochures or other information on your Center.
  5. Plan to take the Metro or taxi cab to Capitol Hill for your appointment. It is about 10 minutes by cab and 20-30 minutes by Metro. Representatives' offices will be at Capitol South (blue/orange line).  Senators' offices are near Union Station (red line).
  6. For more tips about meeting your Members of Congress, see AUCD's Action Center and scroll to "Capitol Hill Basics." Also, feel free to email Kim Musheno with questions.