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Press Room

Reporters interested in leveraging the extensive disability rights expertise of our attorneys, advocates, or policy specialists are encouraged to contact our Communications Department at (512) 407-2739 or commdir@DRTx.org to schedule an interview at least 24 hours in advance. Please include your deadline for speaking with our staff in your voice mail or email.

Take a few minutes to learn about reporting on and writing about disability issues. For instance, statements like “people with disabilities” and “uses a wheelchair” are preferred instead of “the disabled” or “wheelchair bound.” For more information, see Communicating About People with Disabilities from the National Disability Rights Network and How to Report with Care On Disability from the New York Times.

DOJ SSLC Monitoring Reports

First Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Texas Governor on Mask Mandate Ban Says It Violates ADA, Section 504

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The complaint states that the Governor’s Executive Order GA-38 prohibiting school districts and charter schools from implementing mask mandates is putting students with disabilities at significant risk, is discriminatory, and violates the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act. Continue reading “First Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Texas Governor on Mask Mandate Ban Says It Violates ADA, Section 504”

Governor Abbott Urged to Endorse Activation and Application of Statewide Critical Care Guidelines

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2021 CONTACT: Edie Surtees Communications Director 512-407-2739 (office) esurtees@drtx.org Governor Abbott Urged to Endorse Activation and Application of Statewide Critical Care Guidelines AUSTIN—Disability Rights Texas… Continue reading “Governor Abbott Urged to Endorse Activation and Application of Statewide Critical Care Guidelines”

Lawsuit Says Austin ISD Violates Federal Law, Fails to Evaluate More Than 2,000 Students

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A lawsuit filed in federal court today alleges that Austin ISD is failing thousands of students with disabilities due to its refusal to address longstanding, systemic issues impacting its evaluation system. The failure has resulted in delayed evaluations of more than 2,000 students in the district. Continue reading “Lawsuit Says Austin ISD Violates Federal Law, Fails to Evaluate More Than 2,000 Students”

No Visitor Policy Denies Rights of Hospitalized Patients with Disabilities to Have Support Person

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Many people with disabilities, including older adults, are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing life-threatening complications from the virus, while many need hospitalization for other reasons. It is critical that such persons, regardless of their COVID-19 status, have access to support persons who can help to effectively communicate with medical personnel and have access to necessary care while in the hospital. Continue reading “No Visitor Policy Denies Rights of Hospitalized Patients with Disabilities to Have Support Person”