The Vermont House of Representatives and Senate have jointly passed a resolution designating February 11, 2026, as Disability Advocacy Day at the State House. This resolution highlights the important work of the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR), which has been advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities since 1974. It acknowledges the historical significance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the landmark Supreme Court case Olmstead v. L.C., which affirmed that unnecessary institutionalization of individuals with disabilities is discriminatory. The resolution also notes the increasing prevalence of individuals with disabilities in Vermont, who now represent one in four residents, and emphasizes the ongoing challenges they face, including disparities in education, employment, housing, and access to essential services.

Disability Advocacy Day serves as a platform to recognize both the progress made in disability rights and the persistent barriers that individuals with disabilities encounter. The resolution calls attention to the lower academic achievement and graduation rates among students with disabilities, as well as their higher likelihood of facing mental health challenges. Despite these obstacles, the resolution celebrates the valuable contributions that individuals with disabilities make to society. The General Assembly has directed the Secretary of State to send a copy of this resolution to the VCDR, reinforcing the commitment to advancing disability rights in Vermont.