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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2020 CONTACT: Edie Surtees Communications Director 512-407-2739 (office) esurtees@drtx.org State Lack of Guidance Means People with Disabilities At Risk of Being Denied Lifesaving… Continue reading “Lack of State Guidance Puts People with Disabilites at Risk During COVID-19 Outbreak”
JOINT PRESS RELEASE June 9, 2020 MEDIA CONTACTS: Alison Barkoff, Center for Public Representation 202-854-1270 abarkoff@cpr-us.org Tauna Szymanski, CommunicationFIRST 202-556-0573 tszymanski@communicationfirst.org Shira Wakschlag, The Arc of the United States 202-534-3708… Continue reading “Federal Civil Rights Resolution Makes Clear Hospital Visitor Policies Must Accommodate Patients with Disabilities During COVID-19 Pandemic”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 8, 2020 CONTACT: Edie Surtees, Communications Director 512.407.2739 esurtees@drtx.org Labor Complaint Claims Texas-run Facilities Exploit Residents with Disabilities SAN ANTONIO, Texas—Your work is up to par… Continue reading “Labor Complaint Claims Texas-run Facilities Exploit Residents with Disabilities”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2020 CONTACT: Edie Surtees, Disability Rights Texas Communications Director 512-407-2739 esurtees@drtx.org College Students Face Challenges During COVID-19 Crisis Free Guidance, Resources for Special Student Populations… Continue reading “College Students with Disabilities Face Unique Challenges During COVID-19 Crisis”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2020 CONTACT: Edie Surtees, Disability Rights Texas Communications Director 512-407-2739 esurtees@drtx.org Urgent request to Governor Abbott regarding rationing of care Advocates ask State to provide… Continue reading “Concerns over Health Care Rationing in Texas Prompt Urgent Request for Governor to Issue Guidance”
JOINT PRESS RELEASE April 2, 2020 MEDIA CONTACTS: Amy Starnes, Public Information Director, State Bar of Texas 800-204-2222 ext. 1706 or 512-427-1706 amy.starnes@texasbar.com Edie Surtees, Communications Director, Disability Rights Texas… Continue reading “Free legal assistance available for low-income individuals facing civil legal problems due to the coronavirus pandemic”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2020 CONTACT: Edie Surtees, Disability Rights Texas Communications Director 512-407-2739 esurtees@drtx.org Texas Emergency Information Not in Compliance with the ADA Letter to Texas Governor and… Continue reading “People with Disabilities at Risk During Emergency Due to Non-Compliant Communication”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2020 PRESS CONTACT: Edie Surtees, Disability Rights Texas Communications Director 512-407-2739 esurtees@drtx.org UPDATE AS OF 3/23/2020: We have extended our emergency operational procedures explained below… Continue reading “DRTx Services Continue During Outbreak, Offices Closed to the Public”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 19, 2019 CONTACT: Edie Surtees, Disability Rights Texas Communications Director 512-407-2739 esurtees@drtx.org Ike Evans, HOGG Foundation for Mental Health Public Affairs Representativei 512-471-4804 or 512-293-4265 Imani.evans@austin.utexas.edu… Continue reading “Disability Rights Texas Receives Census Grant from HOGG Foundation”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2019 CONTACT: Edie Surtees Communications Director 512.407.2739 esurtees@DRTx.org Disability Advocacy Agency Announces New Board Officers, Members AUSTIN—Disability Rights Texas (DRTx), the legal protection and advocacy… Continue reading “New Board Members for 2020”