Every day, your support helps amplify the voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This April, that impact was felt in Washington, D.C., as members from four L’Arche communities and L’Arche USA participated in the 2025 Disability Policy Seminar’s “Hill Day.” Together, they met with elected officials to speak directly about the policies and issues that matter most to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities right now.

One of those voices was Eileen from L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C. “We’re speaking up for our rights!” she said proudly before meeting with the staff of Senator Mark Warner of Virginia (click photo to see video). She and her housemate Ty, both members of L’Arche’s Inclusive Leadership Group (ILG), were part of a powerful delegation of advocates from L’Arche communities in Washington, D.C., Boston, MA, Tacoma, WA, and Erie, PA.

Their presence wasn’t just symbolic. It was transformative.

Bev and Bernie from L’Arche Boston North met with Representative Seth Moulton and staff from Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office (first photo). Tree and Hayden from L’Arche Tacoma spoke with Representative Emily Randall from Washington (second photo). Meanwhile, in a standout moment, Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts welcomed advocates with open arms and deep sincerity. A self-identified member of the disability community, Rep. Pressley shared her belief that “those closest to the pain need to be closest to the power”—then she backed it up by making her political power available to our cause. Her joyful, authentic presence was a masterclass in allyship and disability justice.

These encounters are more than meetings—they are moments of meaningful representation. As our L’Arche Charter states, “We are all, people with and without intellectual disabilities, engaged in the work of partnership, advocacy, and justice.” That belief came alive in these powerful conversations on Capitol Hill.

We know that advocacy doesn’t happen by accident. It takes time, resources, and a community of support. That’s where you come in. Opportunities like these—to speak truth to power, to be seen and heard, and to help shape public policy—are only possible because of donors like you.

When you give to L’Arche USA, you help turn inclusive leadership from an idea into a lived reality. You make it possible for people like Eileen, Bernie, Hayden, and so many others to raise their voices and advocate for a more just and inclusive world. And that impact extends far beyond Washington—it echoes through every L’Arche community and beyond.

Thank you for lifting voices. Thank you for standing with us in the movement for disability rights. We’re so glad to be on this journey with you.