FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 11, 2020
CONTACT:
Edie Surtees, Communications Director
(512) 407-2739
esurtees@drtx.org
Governor Abbott Reminded to Deprive No One of Potentially Lifesaving Vaccine Information
AUSTIN—Today, Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) sent a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Dr. John Hellerstedt requesting assurances that communications related to the upcoming governmental effort to allocate and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine are provided in accessible and effective formats for the more than 3 million Texans with disabilities.
“While the Texas COVID vaccination plan follows the federal framework provided by the CDC, the emphasis on accessible communication is lacking,” said Stephanie Duke, Attorney at DRTx. “This is concerning to us and our constituents, as both federal and state laws ensure nondiscriminatory practices in communication involving the COVID-19 vaccine.”
DRTx asks the state of Texas to ensure that no one is left behind by being deprived of potentially lifesaving information and take the necessary steps to lead and guide all entities in providing accessible and effective communication to the public about the COVID-19 vaccine. The letter provides a list of resources for creating accessible communication and an offer to assist with these efforts.
Read our letter to Governor Abbott or see attachment below. And visit our new web resource on making communication accessible.
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Disability Rights Texas (previously named Advocacy Inc.) is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency (P&A) for people with disabilities in Texas established in 1977. Its mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. Visit www.DRTx.org for more information.