Disability Rights

The ACLU strives for an America free of discrimination against people with disabilities, where people with disabilities are valued, integrated members of society who have full access to education, homes, health care, jobs, and families. We are also committed to ensuring people with disabilities are no longer segregated into, and over-represented in, civil and criminal institutions such as nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, jails, and prisons.

Disability Rights.

The ACLU strives for an America free of discrimination against people with disabilities, where people with disabilities are valued, integrated members of society who have full access to education, homes, health care, jobs, and families. We are also committed to ensuring people with disabilities are no longer segregated into, and over-represented in, civil and criminal institutions such as nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, jails, and prisons.

The Latest

Press Release
A collage featuring hands holding microphones, symbolizing media and press coverage. In the background, there is a large government building and a fragment of the U.S. Constitution with the words “We the People.” The design uses a red and beige color scheme with layered geometric shapes.

D.C. Corrections Officer Wins Half-Million-Dollar Settlement Over Anti-Gay Hostile Workplace at D.C. Department of Corrections

After four years of litigation, a veteran D.C. corrections officer today settled a lawsuit challenging anti-gay discriminatory and retaliatory conduct at the D.C. Department of Corrections.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights, Disability Rights
Court Cases: Jones v. District of Columbia — Challenging the Hostile Anti-Gay Workplace Environment at the D.C. Department of Corrections
Press Release
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Lawsuit Challenging Armed Police Response to Mental Health Emergencies in Washington, D.C. to Proceed

“This ruling moves us one step closer to bringing essential, life-saving emergency mental health care to D.C. communities."
Issue Areas: Disability Rights
Press Release
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Judge Orders Supervision System in Washington, D.C. to Accommodate People with Disabilities

Issue Areas: Disability Rights, Criminal Justice Reform
News & Commentary
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4 Facts You Need to Know About Disability Rights in D.C.

Disability laws are an important tool for building a more just and free D.C. Here’s what you need to know about disability rights in the District.
Legislation
Feb 04, 2026

Performance Oversight Testimony for the Department of Corrections

The American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia (ACLU-D.C.) wants to ensure that D.C.'s leaders are advocating for sensible, evidence-based reforms of criminal justice policies. This performance oversight testimony urged the D.C. Council to provide robust oversight of the Department of Corrections (DOC) and to address the systemic injustices perpetuated by the District’s decades-long carceral approach to public safety.
Status: Performance Oversight
Position: Oversight Testimony