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.

Results

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

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.

Critical COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Must Reach All Texans

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.

Students with Disabilities, of Color Harmfully Restrained at Alarming Rates

A new report released today by Disability Rights Texas provides alarming evidence that despite years of federal guidance, training, and advocacy, the use of restraints in public schools as a behavioral intervention measure is still overused, harmful, and must be stopped.

How People with Disabilities, Especially Those of Color, are Harmed by Over-Policing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 12, 2020 CONTACT: Edie Surtees, Communications Director esurtees@drtx.org 512-407-2739 AUSTIN—As our nation continues to mourn the death of Texas-native George Floyd and others who have lost …

DRTx Appoints New Board Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 2020 CONTACT: Edie Surtees Communications Director 512.407.2739 esurtees@DRTx.org AUSTIN—Disability Rights Texas (DRTx), the legal protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Texas, has …

DOJ Complaint Urges Investigation into Abuse, Constitutional Violations of Youth in Texas Juvenile Facilities

Texas Appleseed and Disability Rights Texas, two nonprofit justice and legal organizations, are filing the complaint citing unconstitutional conditions and grievous violations of children’s constitutional rights.

Disability Rights Groups File Court Brief Supporting Lawsuit to Fight Ballot Drop Off Location Limit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 2020 CONTACT: Edie Surtees, Disability Rights Texas, 512-407-2739, esurtees@drtx.org Armand Viscarri, ACLU of Texas, 346-299-6803, media@aclutx.org John Gerstein, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, 415-533-3741, …