A-Team USA Recognizes Major Milestone as H.R. 8736 Advances
The bill, introduced by Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., passed out of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce with support from advocates for employment choice.
FORT ATKINSON, Wis. — On May 21, 2026, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce passed H.R. 8736, the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act. The goal of this bill is to expand the range of opportunities available to adults with disabilities by allowing individuals ages 18 to 24 to become eligible for employment options that will provide specialized accommodations and support systems.
Under current federal law, adults with disabilities ages 18 to 24 face additional requirements before they can access certain specialized employment options designed to provide individualized support, accommodation and skill-building opportunities. H.R. 8736 aims to restore access to these pathways for adults with disabilities aged 18 and older, ensuring individuals and families have a choice in determining the employment setting that may better fit their needs. Under current law, Section 511 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits adults with disabilities from having the choice of service they believe best fits their life situation. This leaves many adults with disabilities who need more individualized support with limited options, such as day services or staying at home until age 25.
“We all want to feel valued,” said Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, on the A-Team USA podcast. “It’s important that we as a nation understand that no matter who you are and what hand we’ve been dealt, we all should have an opportunity. This is a great program that really does that.”
Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., introduced H.R. 8736 to help preserve employment choice for adults with disabilities. His work with A-Team USA and Wisconsin-based community rehabilitation providers has helped bring attention to the individuals and families who rely on specialized employment settings for support, structure and opportunity.
Following the committee passage of H.R. 8736, Barb LeDuc, president of A-Team USA, emphasized the importance of continued advocacy. LeDuc visited the Capitol ahead of the bill’s markup, met with legislators and shared more than 140 signatures in support of the bill from families, organizations and individuals across the country. “Today was a breakthrough milestone for people with disabilities,” said LeDuc shortly after the proceedings. “We are so blessed to have Rep. Grothman’s leadership in advancing employment choice, and affirming through this vote, that employment choice is a civic right all people deserve, including adults with disabilities. Now, we encourage everyone to contact their representatives and help them understand why preserving employment choice matters.”
With an 18-15 partisan vote, the committee passed H.R. 8736. For more information, visit congress.gov to view the bill and ateamusa.net to learn more about employment choice for adults with disabilities.
About A-Team USA
A-Team USA is a grassroots advocacy movement founded in Wisconsin to preserve choice for individuals with disabilities and their families. The movement works to educate communities and lawmakers while empowering individuals and families to share their stories and protect meaningful options in employment, home and daily life. A-Team USA continues to grow nationally with a mission rooted in dignity, independence and choice.
Photo one: Representatives seated in the committee hearing room moments before taking a recorded vote on H.R. 8736.
Photo two: Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., and Barb LeDuc, president of A-Team USA, after H.R. 8736 passed out of committee.
