Pennsylvania Governor Signs Executive Orders to Expand Disability Protections

New commission, accessibility directives, and developmental disabilities council reforms aim to better support Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:52pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a wheelchair ramp leading up to the entrance of a government building, the ramp and building bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet dignity and civic responsibility.The new executive orders aim to make government services and facilities more accessible and inclusive for Pennsylvanians with disabilities.Washington Today

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed three executive orders to expand protections and support for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. The first order creates a new commission to coordinate the administration's disability initiatives, the second directs state agencies to improve accessibility and protect personal information, and the third strengthens the Developmental Disabilities Council.

Why it matters

The new executive orders represent a significant policy shift to prioritize the needs of Pennsylvanians with disabilities, who advocates say have long been underserved by the state government. The orders aim to improve coordination, accessibility, and privacy protections for this community.

The details

The first executive order establishes a new commission that will advise the Shapiro administration on laws, policies, and programs related to supporting Pennsylvanians with disabilities. The commission will include people with disabilities and have a direct line to the governor and his senior staff. The second order directs state agencies to go 'above and beyond' to ensure their services are accessible, while also protecting the personal information of people with disabilities from potential federal overreach. The third order strengthens the Developmental Disabilities Council and charges it with developing a statewide plan.

  • The three executive orders were signed by Governor Shapiro on April 15, 2026.

The players

Josh Shapiro

The Governor of Pennsylvania who signed the three executive orders expanding protections for Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“For too long, I think Harrisburg has failed to meet the needs of Pennsylvanians with disabilities who have long been crying out for help and more support and services.”

— Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania

“Hear me on this. We will not let them (the federal government) get ahold of your private or personal information, and the action I am taking today helps protect against that.”

— Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania

What’s next

The new commission created by the first executive order will begin hiring positions and start advising the Shapiro administration on disability issues.

The takeaway

Governor Shapiro's executive orders represent a proactive effort to improve support, accessibility, and privacy protections for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, an underserved community that has long advocated for more attention and resources from the state government.