Senator Roy Blunt served in the U.S. Senate from 2011 through 2023 and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997-2011. Throughout his Congressional tenure, he was a champion for bipartisan solutions, successfully bridging political divides to pass legislation that directly improved the lives of individuals with disabilities. His leadership helped enact the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, empowering people with disabilities to build financial security without jeopardizing critical benefits, and the Excellence in Mental Health Act, a landmark initiative expanding Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) to ensure round-the-clock access to mental health and addiction treatment services. 

Senator Blunt’s appointment reaffirms ACRD’s commitment to bipartisan leadership and its dedication to advancing disability rights through education, training, and professional advocacy. As an Advisory Board member, Senator Blunt will provide strategic insight, engage with national policymakers, and help shape initiatives that support disability professionals across the country.