Speakers

Welcome and introduction:

• Isabel Hodge, U.S. International Council on Disabilities (USICD) 
• Eric Rosenthal, Disability Rights International (DRI), moderator

Panel 1: Immediate Impact of new US policies and funding cuts

• Peter Fremlin, Disability Debrief
• Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability
• Alison DeFranco, EurAsia Foundation
• Pamela Molina, World Federation of the Deaf, former OAS advisor on disability
• Silvia Quan, Colectivo Vida Independiente, Guatemala
• Halyna Kurylo, DRI-Ukraine

Panel 2:  What to expect next? How can we best meet the challenge?

• Catherine Townsend, Ford Foundation
• Anne Hayes, Inclusive Development Partners
• Tim Gehring, Bridge Public Affairs
• Bama Athreya, Deputy Assistant Administrator, USAID, Bureau of Inclusive Growth, Partnerships and Innovation
• Eric Jacobstein, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemispheric Affairs. 

Summary

Disability Rights International (DRI) and the United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) hosted an international gathering on February 13, 2025, bringing together disability, human rights, and international development leaders to discuss the impact on people with disabilities of Trump Administration foreign policy changes and funding cuts. The organizers sought to strengthen networks and advocacy to preserve programs for people with disabilities and restore US engagement in advancing disability rights.

Panelists were asked to speak openly and frankly. At the request of some panelists, the event was not recorded, and organizers agreed that comments would not be made for attribution (using “Chatham House Rules”). 

500 people registered for the webinar and 436 participated. DRI and USICD also circulated a survey asking for specific examples of the impact of cuts and changes in human rights policies.  

Welcome: Isabel Hodge, USICD

Isabel Hodge shared information about USICD and a story about a US contractor, Brad Blauser, who received the CNN Hero award for his volunteer work in Iraq providing wheelchairs to children with disabilities. USAID played a vital role in the shipment of wheelchairs. US troops were safe for months after and, as a result, the Secretary of Defense declared it as one of the most important humanitarian assistance projects in Iraq. It was a good example of how U.S. disability and humanitarian efforts can safeguard U.S. troops and positively impact U.S. national security.

Introduction: Eric Rosenthal, DRI

Based on discussions with panelists in preparing for the event, Rosenthal described a common view that the threat to people with disabilities goes well beyond the immediate impact of funding cuts. This is consistent with initial findings from the DRI/USICD survey: while 50% of those reporting lost funding, more than 80% reported that work and rights protections for people with disabilities would be limited by US cuts and broader policy changes. 

Rosenthal described a “climate of fear” among those invited to participate in the webinar.  Some disability groups declined to speak for fear of reprisals or denial of future funding by the United States government. One large foundation, supporting human rights and disability, expressed concern about a possible challenge to their tax-exempt non-profit status. 

Freedom to express experiences and viewpoints have been challenged. Panelists who currently or previously received US government funding report that they had been given instructions by the United States government about terminology that would no longer be considered acceptable, including references to the word “inclusion.”  One panelist said diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI) have now been declared “illegal.” Individuals who joined as speakers and some who declined to speak expressed confusion about the legal implications of new executive orders or whether their past or future actions could result in punishment.  

Panel 1: Immediate Impact of new US policies and funding cuts

The panel included speakers from grassroots disability organizations, international development organizations, and international disability groups. Speakers described disability rights and inclusion projects that have been forced to stop work abruptly and send staff home. 

For disability activists living and working in war zones, conflict areas, and parts of the world facing economic and other crises, the impact has been especially difficult. According to these speakers, people with disabilities facing immediate threats to their lives and safety are even more at risk. They expect long-term hardships for people with disabilities due to the loss of these projects. 

Forum participants described devastating impacts of the US government funding freeze on the staff of their own organizations. Some grassroots disability organizations have been 100% defunded as have larger international development and support programs serving people with disabilities. Forum participants reported on the personal hardships of job losses and furloughs among themselves and colleagues in the United States and abroad. Many staff at the local level with extensive experience cannot continue to work in this area. The longer they are out of work, the greater chance their expertise will be lost even if current policies are reversed.

When US funding was suspended overnight, disability activists abroad described how a broad range of programs supported by the United States have been impacted in their countries, including: social protection, infrastructure and services like hospitals, schools, including inclusive education programs, humanitarian aid for people with disabilities. In one country, the whole government body dedicated to fighting corruption had been funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

One speaker stated that the United States was the largest development and donor for humanitarian relief in situations of war, climate crisis and natural disasters, and mass migration. Among the 1.3 billion people with disabilities, a large portion are affected by funding freezes and disruptions in humanitarian and development programs. These cuts, along with misinformation about their contributions, threaten disability-led and non-governmental organizations in up to 130 countries. Many international organizations rely on these programs to ensure inclusive disaster response and community support. 

The programmatic activities of non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) supported by U.S. funding in Ukraine included evacuation and case management for evacuated people, integration of internally displaced persons into host communities, and building accessible shelters and safe spaces in the front-line communities. U.S. funding also assisted with implementing education programs for youth, and programs for people with disabilities, including assistance to people with disabilities acquired because of the war. US funding also provided broad support to the health care system for all people in Ukraine, which is causing major gaps in care.

In Ukraine, children with disabilities living with family in the community are at risk of placement in institutions – and those dangers are expected to increase. During the war, limited community support programs for children with disabilities and their families were reduced even further. In recent years, little international aid has trickled down to help people with disabilities and their families struggling in the community.  

As a result of US and other international support for civil society in Ukraine,  progress had been made in recent years in the establishment of new advocacy networks so that people with disabilities could seek protection of their own rights and hold the Ukrainian government accountable.

Panel 2: What to expect next? How can we best meet the challenge?

The second panel looked at What to expect next? How can we best meet the challenge? Speakers included large international foundations, international disability programs that had been defunded, former high-level officials from USAID and the US Department of State, and both Democratic and Republican policy leaders who have worked in Congress and in the Executive branches of the US government. The main area of consensus: disability and development groups defunded should not expect any short-term restoration of funding. That said, some speakers emphasized that funding authorized by Congress is legally required to flow, and there are groups working to “claw back” funding for USAID projects that had been wrongfully defunded and jobs that had been wrongfully terminated.

The current funding crisis is not just a temporary gap but a major disruption to foreign aid, described as a "tsunami" in philanthropy. One panelist described this as the worst crisis  affecting both global and U.S. domestic NGOs in her 25 year career. Organizations are reassessing their language and missions, fearing further restrictions. Without collaboration and advocacy, marginalized communities, which includes people with disabilities, will suffer the most. Additionally, the U.S. withdrawal from international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Human Rights Council threatens the stability of the global human rights and development system.  

Speakers made clear that private foundations will not be able to make up gaps in funding.  Plans for future action must proceed with a realistic awareness of future challenges.  

Even among groups that retain funding, future action will take place in a more difficult environment facing undermined global expertise, less coordination, and more limited mechanisms to protect health and human rights. International organizations such as the WHO, the UN Human Rights Council, and other human rights bodies such as the Inter-American human rights system will all be weakened by a decline in US participation and funding.  Due to major cuts at the Organization of American States (OAS), for example, the disability advisor has been defunded. The cuts have affected programs and organizations worldwide, impacting the ability to provide services, advocate for rights, and ensure inclusion for people with disabilities. 

Speakers called for solidarity among disability organizations and allies to have maximum strength in an extremely difficult environment. Broad alliances between disability and larger development groups are needed to maximize the political influence of any future response. In the interim, creative solutions among non-government organizations like mergers and fundraising collaborations, and joint legal action are needed.  

While this webinar focuses on foreign policy, it is closely linked to domestic disability rights, particularly in DEI protections for Civil Service workers in foreign affairs. This connection highlights the need for coordinated advocacy across both domestic and international policy.  The US Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities has an international committee. One speaker described the creation of an historic alliance of domestic disability groups seeking common funding – something that had never happened before this crisis. This collaboration includes the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), The ARC, the National Health Law Program, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Disability Rights Program. Speakers called for a similar alliance among international disability groups working in the United States – and better coordination between domestic and international disability rights advocacy.

Some of the strength of the disability community going forward may come from its historic experience overcoming marginalization and under-funding by mainstream donors and development organizations. The resilience of the disability community can drive a collective response that will amplify the voices of traditionally underfunded disability organizations. A coordinated international voice – as the disability community demonstrated during the drafting and gaining global support for the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – provides the collective strength and experience that may now be called upon in this time of crisis.

Speakers described the importance of grassroots engagement, education, coalition building, and outreach to Congress and elected officials at all levels. In addition, the disability community is encouraged to engage with current State Department officials to let them know about immediate needs and broader demand for the restoration of specific projects. Speakers described the importance of documenting the impact of the cuts to inform policymakers and the public. Forum participants are strongly encouraged to complete the DRI/USICD survey.  Documentation of the devastating impact of new policies and the loss of programs to the public and the press is vital.

Speakers encouraged activists to reach out to Congress. Even a minority in Congress can influence the budget negotiations, as party control is nearly even in the House. In the Senate, 60 votes are required to pass a budget. The March 14th government funding deadline presents a key opportunity to advocate for USAID and other disability funding.

Advocacy efforts should focus on daily outreach to Senators, particularly in red states, emphasizing the importance of USAID and foreign assistance. Disability activists are encouraged to ask for in-person meetings with their representatives. The US Congress may become more engaged in restructuring appropriations for these programs. Additionally, as State Department restrictions on communication with grantees may ease in the coming weeks, organizations should prepare to engage with officials and Congressional offices strategically, aligning their messaging with the administration’s language or the America First agenda where necessary.

Advocates should urge Congress and the State Department to expedite the review and approval of disability programs, emphasizing their alignment with U.S. national interests and strategic goals in their respective countries.

Advocates are compiling activities across different networks and must share efforts to strengthen collaboration. Accessibility and inclusion should remain central to messaging, used boldly and consistently. The current crisis undermines human rights globally and threatens social protections for people with disabilities in the U.S. as well. It is crucial to rally around human rights for all and use clear, impactful language, though framing for U.S. audiences may require personal stories to highlight those affected. The strategy appears to be shutting down USAID first, with domestic cuts to follow. Advocacy should emphasize that these changes will ultimately harm U.S. families, not just international communities.

Additionally, there is no official definition of DEIA, yet organizations are being asked to sign waivers stating they are not engaging in it. This ambiguity raises questions about its scope—whether it is a workforce initiative or focused on inclusion and barriers. A key advocacy point should be pushing the administration to clearly define what it means by "diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility" to clarify what is being opposed.

USICD and DRI released a survey to measure the impact of the cut funding. It is a tool to document the current situation being faced by people with disabilities, OPDs, and allied development and human rights organizations. The survey can be completed anonymously, but it is important to publish documentation on the impact of the cuts at every level. The survey asks for your consent to be able to use the information you share with us.

The webinar concluded with a call to action. Speakers encouraged forum participants to collaborate, organize allies, and fight for the restoration of funding and the protection of disability rights.

Next Steps

• Collaborate and Organize: Join forces to strengthen our collective voice. Consider forming partnerships, fundraising collaborations, and strategic alliances with USICD and DRI.  Please join USCID and support DRI (www.USICD.org and www.DRIadvocacy.org)  as both organizations are committed to working to restore US funding and commitment to international disability rights.
• Document Impact: It is crucial to begin documenting the impact of USAID cuts and the weakening of the international human rights framework. Organizations should track any changes in language, such as the removal of terms like “disability” or “barriers,” in project reviews, applications, and other documents. This documentation will be essential for advocacy and accountability efforts. Complete the DRI/USCID survey.   Detailed, concrete examples of the impact of cuts reported through this survey will greatly help activists and allies working to restore funds. If necessary, the survey may be completed anonymously.  
• Engage with Media: Reach out to local and national media to highlight the impact of these cuts. Feel free to use the talking points and resources provided during the webinar; however, do not divulge any names or organizations. Sharing personal and organizational impact stories is crucial to raising awareness. The sooner these stories are shared, the more advocacy efforts can amplify them. Have talking points, research, stories, and images ready—media outlets want real-life examples.
• Support broader alliances working to restore USAID and international funding: Join Friends of USAID, which has a media outreach pod to place stories. They need more individuals willing to speak on camera about layoffs, service disruptions, and the  impact of cuts. They have launched a petition with 77,000+ signatures—advocates are urged to sign and share. The Friends of USAID Instagram features short videos that should be circulated to highlight the importance of foreign assistance.
• Collaborate with allied interest groups, such as humanitarian groups serving children - For example, a representative of an international children’s organization spoke at the forum, asking for support for a broader alliance of children’s groups seeking a restoration of funding for children.
• Prepare for Legal Action: Be ready to support or initiate legal actions to challenge the unconstitutional termination of these critical programs. A federal judge partially granted a request for a temporary restraining order from a group of organizations that receive funding from USAID and other agencies.
• For activists abroad, contact the US embassy or US representatives in-country: It appears a lot of aid programs and funding may be moving into the State Department, so reaching out to Embassy contacts is highly recommended. For organizations that do have contacts in your Embassy, we recommend that you reach out to them.
• Monitor impact of deportations: DRI is documenting the impact of deporting people with disabilities to countries in Mexico and Central America. If you have information of people with disabilities at risk of deportation or people facing persecution or abuse after deportation, please contact DRI at [email protected].
• Learn from international movements and organizations: Across many countries of the world, disability and human rights activists have fought and continued to fight despite the limitations of freedom and democracy and the immediate threats that face them. We need to look outside of our borders to see how other civil societies have reacted in closing civil space when there's restrictions around language or funding to try to see what might be coming next and strategize. 
• Raise these issues at the Global Disability Summit in Berlin: While the US government may not participate, US disability activists should do so. USICD has put in a request to the International Disability Alliance (IDA) to express solidarity with the global disability community and call for continued cooperation despite funding cuts. The US and international disability community must work together to restore programming and a US commitment to disability rights. 
• Increased strategic communication efforts: Advocates are compiling activities across different networks and must share efforts to strengthen collaboration. Accessibility and inclusion should remain central to messaging, used boldly and consistently.
• Protect privacy and security of yourself and colleagues: One speaker highly recommended that sensitive communications be conducted only on secure platforms. Assessment of digital risks and the development of privacy and security strategies are encouraged among organizations and networks.