The Disability Rights Texas offices are closed until Thursday, January 2, 2025.
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.
Today, a federal judge ruled that Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s order – GA-38 – violates and is pre-emptive of federal law. The court permanently enjoins the Texas Attorney General from enforcing the provisions of GA-38 prohibiting schools from requiring masks. Continue reading “Federal Judge Rules Governor Order Banning Mask Mandates Violates Federal Law”
A year ago, in October 2020, Texas Appleseed and Disability Rights Texas, two nonprofit justice and legal organizations, filed a complaint with the DOJ asking the Department to open an investigation based on unconstitutional conditions and grievous violations of children’s constitutional rights. Continue reading “DOJ Opens Investigation into Abuse at Texas Juvenile Justice Facilities”
A collective of Texas-based organizations is calling for legislators to address funding for community attendants and direct care workers during the third special session. Continue reading “Workforce Crisis Puts Essential Services for Texans with Disabilities in Jeopardy”
This assault on voting rights and democracy in Texas cannot go unchallenged. We urge the court to strike down the barriers to voting that these new illegal restrictions impose. Continue reading “New Texas Voting Law Brings On Federal Lawsuit Asserting Violation of ADA and More”
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”
Students with disabilities need in-person schooling even more than any other student group, but they must be able to receive instruction and services safely. Continue reading “Brief Filed Today in Mask Mandate Ban Case Urges Court to Protect Vulnerable Students”
DRTx’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline aims to help individuals with disabilities by increasing access to the vaccine and by providing information about it. Continue reading “DRTx Launches Vaccine Hotline to Increase Access for Texans with Disabilities”
Today, Disability Rights Texas released a report summarizing findings from a survey answered by nearly 600 people asking Texans with disabilities how Winter Storm Uri impacted them. Continue reading “Survey Results Reveal Alarming Danger Faced by People with Disabilities During Winter Storm”
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”
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”