Kidney Patients Rally for New Bipartisan Disability Employment Bill Promotion

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the oldest and largest independent advocate for kidney patients in the United States, has recently expressed strong support for a bipartisan bill designed to modernize the federal AbilityOne program. This legislation, known as the American Procurement Improvement Act (APIA), is spearheaded by Representatives Pete Sessions and Steny Hoyer, aiming to enhance employment opportunities and protections for individuals affected by kidney disease and other disabilities.

With National Disability Employment Month in focus this October, AAKP is ramping up grassroots advocacy efforts to highlight the significance of this legislative initiative. Kidney disease is recognized not only as a healthcare issue but also as a critical workforce concern, affecting millions of Americans and their ability to retain jobs.

The AbilityOne program plays an essential role in promoting employment for over 41,000 Americans with significant disabilities, including nearly 3,000 veterans. In the fiscal year of 2025, this program reported a significant increase to nearly 48 million direct labor hours, demonstrating a positive trend in disability employment. With over $4.7 billion in products and services supplied to the federal government that year, the program has successfully integrated discouraged workers into the labor force, promoting economic independence and self-sufficiency among its participants.

The proposed APIA focuses on removing outdated barriers related to hiring, retention, and advancement within the AbilityOne program. It aims to align the program with modern procurement practices, thereby streamlining processes to enable rapid responses to federal agency priorities. This modernization is seen as a critical step to protect taxpayers’ interests while enhancing accountability and oversight.

Over 36 million Americans currently live with kidney disease, and among them are more than 600,000 on dialysis, with nearly 100,000 awaiting a kidney transplant. Many patients in need of thrice-weekly dialysis face immense challenges that often lead to unemployment and dependency, presenting alarming costs for families and communities. The AAKP emphasizes the need for focusing on job protections and greater workforce participation for kidney patients and living organ donors.

“AAKP strongly endorses APIA and is grateful for Representatives Hoyer and Sessions’ bipartisan leadership,” stated AAKP President Edward V. Hickey III, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a chronic kidney disease patient. “This legislation has the potential to uplift the voices of disabled individuals and workers facing discrimination, nurturing a more inclusive workforce.”

The APIA has garnered endorsements from over 60 national patient and disability organizations, labor unions, and corporations, reflecting broad support within the community. The proposed legislation also echoes the values of self-reliance and independence that American society upholds.

In addition to the APIA, AAKP is advocating for the Living Donor Protection Act to secure protections for living organ donors against job and insurance discrimination, which is often cited as a barrier for potential donors. With its past accomplishments such as legal protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act and federal job opportunities for living organ donors, AAKP remains proactive in their mission.

As AAKP continues to hold virtual job fairs and training events, particularly for veterans and military families, it underscores the importance of equipping kidney patients with the resources needed to re-enter the workforce. The next job fairs are scheduled for January and May of 2027, aiming to connect kidney patients with employment opportunities across various sectors.

In summary, advocating for the American Procurement Improvement Act is not only beneficial for kidney patients but is a crucial step toward integrating individuals with disabilities back into the workforce. The AAKP represents the collective efforts of stakeholders advocating for meaningful change, ensuring that the needs of Americans living with disabilities are recognized and addressed effectively. The passage of such legislation is a testament to the dedication of advocates striving for a more equitable employment landscape for all individuals, regardless of their health circumstances.