1st Quarter - Report — NATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS NETWORK for NATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS NETWORK (2026)

Budget/Appropriations BUD

NDRN's main focus in on the Protection and Advocacy (P&A and Client Assistance Program (CAP) funding contained in the FY 2026 Labor/ HHS/Appropriations bill. We are advocating for increases in those programs to reflect the increased workload of our members. We also advocate for increases in programs that support people with disabilities in both the Labor/HHS appropriations bill, but also in other appropriations bills like THUD or CJS. We also started to work and plan for the FY 2027 appropriations cycle.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
STEPHANIE FLYNT MCEBEN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Office of the Vice President of the United States; Education, Dept of; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); SENATE; Social Security Administration (SSA); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Administration on Aging; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); White House Office; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); President of the U.S.

Civil Rights/Civil Liberties CIV

We continue to work to make sure that the authority and access to people, records, and places that the P&A and CAP agencies have remain strong and robust. We follow both regulations and legislation to make sure that nothing infringes on this strong authority. So far in 2026 nothing has been introduced. We also work to ensure that the Americans with Disabilities Act remains a strong civil rights law. Representative Calvert has introduced an ADA notification bill that we will track. Additionally we work on issues surrounding the ADA and website accessibility. We also are working to ensure that the Home and Community Based Services rule implemented in the Obama Administration remains strong and not undercut by changes in regulation or law. Finally ensuring that the right to vote is accessible for people with disabilities.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
STEPHANIE FLYNT MCEBEN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; White House Office; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Office of the Vice President of the United States; SENATE; Social Security Administration (SSA); President of the U.S.; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Administration on Aging; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Education, Dept of; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS)

Communications/Broadcasting/Radio/TV COM

Following legislation and regulations that will either positively or negatively impact the ability of people with disabilities to use the full range of communication devices. This includes all forms of communication - television, phone, internet, and other communication paths.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Education, Dept of; SENATE; White House Office; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); President of the U.S.; Social Security Administration (SSA); Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Administration on Aging

Disaster Planning/Emergencies DIS

Working to increase Protection and Advocacy Systems access to disaster reliefs efforts to help ensure the protection of individuals with disabilities. Also working to ensure that disaster relief efforts are accessible and address the specific needs of people with disabilities. Finally, working to enact a source of direct funding for the P&As in declared emergency areas to be able to address issues impacting people with disabilities.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Executive Office of the President (EOP); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS); Education, Dept of; Administration on Aging; Social Security Administration (SSA); Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Office of the Vice President of the United States; SENATE; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); White House Office; President of the U.S.; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Education EDU

Stopping the use of restraint and seclusion in schools and legislation in both House and Senate to create federal standards on the use of restraint and seclusion. Working to get the Keeping All Students Safe Act from previous Congresses introduced in the 119th Congress. Following if legislation to reauthorize IDEA is happening. With the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act, we are working on the implementation off ESSA. Creation of a protection and advocacy program focused on education. We are also working on testing issues to ensure accessibility and accommodations. Finally, ensuring that disability provisions are infused in other re-authorizations like the Higher Education Act.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
STEPHANIE FLYNT MCEBEN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: White House Office; Administration on Aging; Education, Dept of; SENATE; Office of the Vice President of the United States; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; President of the U.S.; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Social Security Administration (SSA); Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS)

Foreign Relations FOR

Working to reignite interest in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: President of the U.S.; SENATE; White House Office; Office of the Vice President of the United States; State, Dept of (DOS); Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Health Issues HCR

Working to expand and against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Also arguing for expansion of the ACA through regulations and executive orders. Finally, advocating for expansion, rather than cuts to, Medicaid and Medicare along with the Home and Community Based Services rule.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Office of the Vice President of the United States; SENATE; Education, Dept of; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); President of the U.S.; White House Office; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Social Security Administration (SSA); Administration on Aging; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Housing HOU

Advocating for housing bills that help individuals with disabilities afford and obtain housing. Working to strengthen Section 8 program and the national housing trust fund. Advocating for dedicated funding to the P&As to do housing related work, Finally, fighting to increase funding for housing programs in the FY 26 and FY 27 appropriations process.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Education, Dept of; White House Office; Social Security Administration (SSA); Administration on Aging; Executive Office of the President (EOP); SENATE; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); President of the U.S.; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Immigration IMM

Trying to get the Protection and Advocacy agencies access to the immigration system in order to help immigrants and detainees with disabilities have an advocate to ensure they are receiving services and supports they should be getting. This is especially true for those with psychiatric disability. Finally, working to get dedicated funding so that the P&As can do this work in immigration and ORR facilities.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; White House Office; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); SENATE; Education, Dept of; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Administration on Aging; U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Social Security Administration (SSA); Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS)

Indian/Native American Affairs IND

Raising the profile of the Protection and Advocacy system in the Native American population and the benefit the P&As and CAPs could bring to issue for Native Americans with disabilities. Most specifically focused on the education issues faced by Native Americans with disabilities and trying to get the P&A system to be used to help address these issues and problems. Looking for dedicated funding to certain P&As to be able to permanently locate advocates where high concentrations of Native Americans are in this country,

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
STEPHANIE FLYNT MCEBEN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Office of the Vice President of the United States; White House Office; Vice President of the U.S.; SENATE; President of the U.S.; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Administration on Aging; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Education, Dept of; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA); Social Security Administration (SSA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice LAW

Looking to get individual demonstration projects for P&As to address criminal and/or juvenile justice issues. Ensuring that criminal and police response to events includes considerations for accommodations of people with disabilities and the impacts of disabilities on the situation. NDRN is also following the ongoing attempts to implement criminal justice reforms and to make sure they include aspects beneficial to people with disabilities.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: White House Office; Social Security Administration (SSA); Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Executive Office of the President (EOP); President of the U.S.; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Administration on Aging; Education, Dept of; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Office of Justice Program; Administration for Children & Families (ACF); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE; Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention; Vice President of the U.S.; Office of the Vice President of the United States

Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace LBR

Working to improve and phase out the sub-minimum wage (section 14(c)) of the Fair Labor Standards Act through legislation like the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act. Also looking at other ways to end sub-minimum wage and / or segregated employment of people with disabilities through better services and supports. Finally working with the Department of Labor to use the P&A Network to increase oversight and enforcement of the 14(c) program.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
STEPHANIE FLYNT MCEBEN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Social Security Administration (SSA); Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); SENATE; Administration for Children & Families (ACF); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Vice President of the U.S.; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Education, Dept of; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); White House Office; Office of the Vice President of the United States; President of the U.S.; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Administration on Aging; Justice, Dept of (DOJ)

Marine/Maritime/Boating/Fisheries MAR

Working to ensure that legislation and regulations regarding the Coast Guard, maritime, or boats consider the accessibility and safety of people with disabilities.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: SENATE; U.S. Coast Guard (USCG); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Medicare/Medicaid MMM

Working to strengthen regulations and guidance on Medicare and Medicaid that were part of the ACA. Working to ensure P&As receive death reports as it relates to the use of seclusion and restraint. Raising concerns with Medicaid funding being used to support segregated employment or non-community living situations for people with disabilities. Fighting proposals to cut funding for or block grant Medicaid. Supporting efforts to end work requirements on the Medicaid program. Working to extend funding for the Money Follows the Person program. Working to get P&As dedicated funding to support Medicaid work.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); SENATE; Administration on Aging; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Social Security Administration (SSA); Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Education, Dept of; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Vice President of the U.S.; Administration for Children & Families (ACF); President of the U.S.; White House Office; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

Retirement RET

NDRN in this area focuses on retirement and financial security issues for individuals with disabilities. This includes Social Security, tax law issues, also trusts to care for individuals with a disability. Additionally we work on legislation and regulations for the ABLE accounts. NDRN now is also focused on implementation of the program for P&As to monitor representative payees. Re-authorization of the PABSS program is also a priority. Finally, we are working to beat back attempts to cut SSDI or unemployment insurance for people that receive both benefits.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Education, Dept of; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); President of the U.S.; Social Security Administration (SSA); SENATE; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Office of the Vice President of the United States; White House Office; Vice President of the U.S.

Railroads RRR

In this issue area NDRN works on ensuring that Amtrak and all legacy stations are fully accessible for people with disabilities. Specifically we ask for increased funding for Amtrak to address accessibility issues. We are also looking at the Amtrak re-authorization to see how we can make this goal a reality. Also looking at legislation to provide funding to cities and states to make legacy stations accessible. 17.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Administration on Aging; President of the U.S.; AMTRAK - Natl Railroad Passenger Corporation; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Education, Dept of; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Vice President of the U.S.; Social Security Administration (SSA); Executive Office of the President (EOP); Federal Railroad Administration; SENATE; White House Office; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS)

Telecommunications TEC

Working to ensure that legislation and regulations in the telecommunications area consider the implications for people with disabilities. Especially making sure that these issues are addressed up front at the beginning rather than having to go back and make something accessible later.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Office of the Vice President of the United States; Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Vice President of the U.S.; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); White House Office; SENATE; Social Security Administration (SSA); Education, Dept of; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Administration on Aging; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; President of the U.S.; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)

Unemployment UNM

NDRN's work here is focused on helping individuals with disabilities achieve employment in competitive, integrated environments. Working to ensure that the employment needs of individuals with disabilities are considered in federal employment. Finally, working the re-authorizations of the PABSS and WIPA programs.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Education, Dept of; Office of the Vice President of the United States; President of the U.S.; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); SENATE; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Social Security Administration (SSA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Vice President of the U.S.; White House Office; Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Veterans VET

NDRN's work here focused on ensuring that veterans with disabilities have legislation passed to help them make the transition to civil life. Also, exploring funding for the work the P&As and CAPs have been doing with veterans. Finally we have been working to get legislation reintroduced to create a demonstration project and funding for P&As to monitor veteran facilities, specifically focused on veterans with mental health or substance use issues. 17.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
STEPHANIE FLYNT MCEBEN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); President of the U.S.; Executive Office of the President (EOP); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); SENATE; Administration on Aging; Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Education, Dept of; Social Security Administration (SSA); Vice President of the U.S.; Office of the Vice President of the United States; White House Office

Aviation/Airlines/Airports AVI

Working to make sure that the Air Carrier Access Act would allow private lawsuits and that air travel is accessible to people with a disability. Also working on allowing emotional support animals on airlines and to make the planes more accessible for people with disabilities. Looking to implement the disability provisions added to the FAA reauthorization.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Administration for Children & Families (ACF); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Executive Office of the President (EOP); President of the U.S.; SENATE; Administration on Aging; Social Security Administration (SSA); Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Transportation Security Administration (TSA); Education, Dept of; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); White House Office; Vice President of the U.S.; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Roads/Highway ROD

NDRN is working on making sure buses, trains, airlines, and cruise ships are accessible for people with a disabilities This involves following andworking on the re-authorization of the national transportation act to make sure it helps people with disabilities get effective transportation to be fully included in the community. Finally, NDRN is seeking demonstration project funding for the P&As to support the transportation work they do.

Lobbyist	Covered position, as disclosed
ERIC DAVID BUEHLMANN	—
MARLENE SALLO	—

Contacted: Vice President of the U.S.; Administration for Children & Families (ACF); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); White House Office; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE; Social Security Administration (SSA); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Education, Dept of; Administration on Aging; Executive Office of the President (EOP); President of the U.S.