Policy and Legislative Workgroup

AAIDD is supporting a progressive public policy agenda by educating elected leaders and their staff on various topics, including chemical policies. Since 2006, the Policy and Legislative Workgroup has prioritized key policy and legislative initiatives that include: the National Children’s Study (NCS); environmental health tracking legislation; support of safer chemical policies at the State and Federal level; and support for healthy school environments.

Outreach to elected governmental officials has been an ongoing objective of the Initiative. One key activity in 2008 which highlights AAIDD’s work toward educating policy makers was a meeting with Senator Lautenberg's staff along with Healthy Schools Network and Children's Environmental Health Network on the topic of High Performance Green Buildings Act of 2007. Also of significance, the Policy and Legislative Workgroup held a Senate Briefing in May 2005 entitled, "Chemical Exposures, Children's Health and Disability," that generated great participation from the Senators' offices from both sides of the aisle. The Workgroup will continue to collaborate with other organizations in the environmental and disability networks to lend support for sign-on letters, Hill visits, and informational materials for legislators. There is continuing opportunity for yourself or your organization to help collaborate on sign-on letters and distributing timely legislation that works to protect us from toxic exposures that may compromise health.

So get involved today! To add your name to the Workgroup, fill out this form and help raise awareness about the connection between toxic exposures and developmental disabilities! To find out more contact the Director of Environmental Health Initiative, AAIDD at laura@aaidd.org.