Hello Readers!
Deja vu anyone? We are back in the shutdown showdown. As you are receiving this newsletter to your inbox, it is the final countdown – the hours are ticking down to the “will they,” “won’t they” decision time. Inside the beltway, we are used to these constant standoffs but this is a big moment. It is not just about funding the government for the next fiscal year. Democrats are holding the line as health care for people across the country is the issue they would like included, given the massive repeal of health care in the reconciliation bill. President Trump is threatening massive layoffs if the government shuts down. The last and longest government funding shutdown was from 2018-2019 spanning 35 days and it is estimated it cost the economy $3 billion. Government shutdowns are costly - with human and financial costs - but there is an importance to holding the line when necessary as appropriations is one of the last remaining legislative tools that must pass each year and gives the power to each party to negotiate on critical issues. These final hours will be tense, and I’m going to bet we will be in a shutdown come tomorrow on Oct. 1. Comment on the post to see what happens! See many links and full coverage of the shutdown below in Policy Ponderings.
I’m going to lighten the mood briefly as it is fall and here is a picture of my corgi, Annie, enjoying our porch pumpkins. After this picture she licked each one to make sure anyone passing by knew these were hers. Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter when I will share her Halloween costume. Her followers on instagram voted for her costume!
September has been jam packed with news. My worry is we are becoming numb to issues that are not normal due to the pace and chaos of what is happening. Troops being sent to U.S. cities. Freedom of speech being controlled by the U.S. government. Decades of scientific research being thrown out for propaganda. Individually these issues are all deeply concerning but taken collectively, where is the tipping point?
Amidst the darkness, I hope you are all finding light in your day, taking breaks from the breaking news, and enjoying pumpkin spice everything. I love fall baking and cooking – warm spices, layered flavors, and rich scents making my home smell warm and inviting. Please share your favorite recipes that are keeping you happy and healthy. For my allergen-friendly friends, I enjoy all the recipes from The Loopy Whisk, in particular the pumpkin roll.
Stay safe, find your people, and take time to enjoy the small things as the world seems to spin faster around us.
Onward!
Kim
P.S. Ever wish we did a better job centering lived experience in policy making? Join New America for this fabulous event on October 15 to discuss Bridging the Gaps in Disability Policy. Virtual and in-person options available.
September was a big month of policy news - some devastating for our country and our community and some not yet finished as the month winds down. As usual, there is always more to cover, yet the following are links that try to capture policy articles that may be of interest. Enjoy this run down.
Shutdown Showdown Coverage
The Federal Government Could Shut Down Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know [CNN Politics, 09.26.2025].
White House to Agencies: Prepare Mass Firing Plans for a Potential Shutdown [Politico, 09.24.2025].
“I’m Absolutely Terrified”: Federal Workers Brace for Potential Government Shutdown, Mass Layoffs [CNN Politics, 09.27.2025].
Republicans Guaranteed a Shutdown This Fall When They Sided with Trump [MSNBC, 09.27.2025].
Tylenol Announcement
President Trump, Secretary Kennedy Announce Bold Actions to Tackle Autism Epidemic [Department of Health and Human Services, 09.22.2025].
Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Call for Decision-Making based on Quality Science and Compassion for the Autism Community [ASAN, 09.24.2025].
‘Highly Concerning’: Major Medical Groups React to Trump’s Claim that Tylenol is Linked to Autism [ABC News, 09.23.2025].
Autistic Moms of Kids on the Spectrum are Livid After Trump and RFK Jr Blame Tylenol – and Them [The Independent, 09.27.2025].
Free Speech, Kimmel Coverage
Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension Shows Power of FCC’s Brendan Carr [NPR, 09.19.2025].
What the Move to Pull Kimmel Off the Air Says About Free Speech Under Trump [PBS News Hour, 09.18.2025]. (video and transcript)
The ‘Cancel Disney’ Movement Grew Powerful – And It Shows Why Protests Work [HuffPost, 09.23.2025].
The Jimmy Kimmel Blackout is Completely Over: Nexstar and Sinclair Back Down [CNN Business, 09.26.2025].
CDC Vaccine Panel Adds New Rules for Getting the COVID Vaccine in a Tense Meeting [NPR, 09.19.2025].
RFK Jr’s Vaccine Panel Makes Controversial Changes to the Childhood Vaccine Schedule [Politico, 09.18.2025].
Trump Directs Defense Secretary to Deploy Troops to Portland [NBC News, 09.27, 2025].
Hearing: The President’s 2026 Health Care Agenda [Senate Finance Committee, 09.04.2025].
Hearing: The State of K-12 Education [Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, 09.18.2025].
Hearing: Restoring Trust Through Radical Transparency: Reviewing recent Events at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Implications for Children’s Health [Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee, 09.17.2025].
The following are interesting articles I came across in the last two months, including some great coverage of Disability Pride Month at the top of the list. I encourage taking a look. While not the full scope of news coverage on accessibility and disability, these provide a quick glimpse of what might be applicable to your day to day. Rather than short summaries of each article, to save space I’m including more articles and no summaries. Summaries will be back next month. Click the links and enjoy!
nTide September 2025 Jobs Report: Employment for People with Disabilities Surpasses Prior High [Kessler Foundation, 09.05.2025].
Why Disability Inclusion is a Business Strategy, Not Charity [DesignRush, 09.17.2025].
From Silos to Solutions: The Access Coalition, A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Cross-Sector Collaboration is Driving Retail Accessibility Forward [LinkedIn, 09.11.2025].
Just in Time for the Holidays: Target Launches First-of-its-Kind Accessible Self-Checkout, Built with the Blind Community [Target, 09.26.2025].
Donald Trump’s Assault on Disability Rights [The New Yorker, 09.16.2025].
The Biggest Hurdle to Trump’s Medicaid Work Requirements: The War on Disabled Workers [Mother Jones, 09.26.2025].
(podcast) Elevators with Stephen Smith [UCLA Housing Voice Podcast, 09.24.2025].
Updating Social Security Disability [Urban Institute, 09.18.2025].
The job market is very tough. There are so many qualified people looking and seeking roles right now. I’ve collected some roles below. These were open when I compiled the newsletter, but changes to status occur quickly. Please note, I do not have any additional information beyond the links provided about these positions, and I do not have affiliations with these jobs. If you have a job to share, please contact me to post in the next newsletter.
** Remember to those interested in internships — Summer intern application season has opened for many positions. Start looking and applying now!
2026 AAPD Summer Internship Program application is now open! This highly sought after summer internship program is open for applications. Read all about the internship opportunity and how to apply here. As someone who has hosted interns, it is a great opportunity for those eligible!
Work for America, a job matching site for those leaving federal jobs. There is a September Job Seeker Q&A. Find out more and sign up at this website.
The D.C. Government is actively seeking impacted federal workers for jobs in their state government. See this website for more information.
Maryland is actively seeking impacted federal workers for jobs in their state government. See this website for more information.
Virginia is actively seeking impacted federal workers for jobs in their state government. See this website for more information.
Making Space has many opportunities for individuals seeking creative roles available on their page. Making Space seeks to connect disabled professionals with career opportunities and help employers retain talent. The roles range from in person, to hybrid, to remote and some are full time, part time, or contract. Check out the opportunities here.
New Disabled South has three positions open! This fabulous organization has great benefits. The positions are: Grant Writer, Digital Fundraising Manager, and Digital Marketing Manager. Check out this page to learn more about each and apply.
The American Association of People with Disabilities is hiring for two positions: Grants Manager and Technology Policy Associate. AAPD is another fantastic place to work with great people. Learn more and apply here.
The American Foundation for the Blind is hiring for a Vice President of Programs. This position will provide leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for AFB’s programs and initiatives. Learn more here.
National Down Syndrome Congress is seeking a development coordinator in the Atlanta region with a key responsibility for the biggest fundraiser of the year, the Big Game Ball, and other strategic initiatives. Learn more and apply here.
Governor Moore’s Office for Children is hiring for a Senior Policy Advisor. This full time position leads on policy development and strategy setting as well as supporting critical issues central to the mission of the work. Read more about the position here. Position closes on October 7.
Human Rights Campaign is hiring for a number of positions right now. These include: People Strategy Manager, Director of Executive Communications, Vice president Deputy General Counsel, Vice President Policy & Law, and Senior Director Corporate Engagement. Check out each position and apply here.
The Bipartisan Policy Center has positions open and spring internships open. Careers include health, BPC action positions, and development (all based in DC). Learn more about the roles and internship opportunities here.
Connect with Kim today to share content for this newsletter or learn more about services offered by Unlock Access.
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