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Disability Rights
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“We must be treated as equals – and communication is the way we can bring this about.” 

— Louis Braille

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“Part of the problem is that we tend to think that equality is about treating everyone the same, when it’s not. It’s about fairness. It’s about equity of access.” 

– Judith Heumann

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“I wanted to be part of the world, but I didn’t see anyone like me in it.” 

– Jim LeBrecht

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“There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.” 

– Robert M. Hensel

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“We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability.” 

– Stevie Wonder

Disability Rights News

Many People With Disabilities Risk Losing Their Medicaid if They Work Too Much

By Tony Leys March 25, 2025 PLEASANTVILLE, Iowa — Zach Mecham has heard politicians demand that Medicaid recipients work or lose their benefits. He also has run into a jumble of Medicaid rules that effectively prevent many people with disabilities from holding full-time jobs. “Which is it? Do you want us to work or not?” he…
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Developmental disability community ‘tentatively exuberant’ at restored funding

Legislative leaders, House committee restore nearly $300 million Thursday of what would have been ‘catastrophic’ $457 million in cuts By: Danielle J. Brown – March 24, 2025 7:13 am Weeks of persistent lobbying, heart-wrenching public testimony and rallies that brought hundreds to the State House apparently paid off, with legislative leaders signaling an agreement last week to restore…
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Lawmakers Try Again on Bill to Give 50,000 Medically Retired Veterans Full VA Disability, Retirement Pay

By Patricia Kime Published March 19, 2025 at 4:39pm ET Members of Congress are trying again to pass legislation that would give medically retired service members full access to both their military retirement pay and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. A bipartisan group of senators on Monday introduced their chamber’s version of the Major Richard Star Act —…
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Federal DOJ launches probe into Illinois’ treatment of people with disabilities

Investigation includes Choate and other state-operated developmental living centers by Beth Hundsdorfer and Molly Parker  March 19, 2025 The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a wide-ranging investigation into Illinois’ treatment of people with developmental disabilities, examining whether the state provides adequate resources for community living and protects residents from harm in public institutions. Tonya…
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Get Informed

Fact Sheet

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  • More than 1 in 4 , adults in the United States have some type of disability.
    cdc.gov
  • Today, there are nearly 5 million Americans with disabilities, making up 13% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population, which represents a substantial workforce and consumer base in our country.
    PEW Research Center
  • Adults with disabilities today are more likely to experience health issues compared to those without disabilities, from obesity at a 10% increase to heart disease at a 7% increase to diabetes at a 9% increase.
    cdc.gov
  • 25% of disabled adults aged 18-44 have unmet healthcare needs due to cost.
    cdc.gov
  • 1 in 6 people worldwide has a significant disability, and this number is expected to increase.
    World Health Organization
  • 25% of people with disabilities experience housing insecurity and homelessness.
    cdc.gov
Stay Engaged

Recommended Media

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This is life from a disabled lens. Disability Visibility is a podcast hosted by San Francisco night owl Alice Wong featuring conversations on politics, culture, and media with disabled people.
 

Where to listen: Spotify

This film is an oral history, told by the movement’s mythical heroes themselves, and illustrated through the use of rare archival footage. The story features Fred Fay, who suffered a spinal cord injury at age 17 in 1961, and simply refused to be relegated to life’s sidelines just because he couldn’t walk. He fought tirelessly for decades for equal rights, access, and opportunity for the disabled, including advocating for programs allowing the disabled to live independently. (Fred died August 20, 2011; the film is dedicated to him.) Also featured is Ed Roberts, who founded the independent living movement in Berkeley and is also considered a father of the disability rights movement.

 

Where to watch: PBS Documentaries

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Upcoming Events

Beats Ballots

Beats + Ballots

Beats & Ballots is a dynamic community event that combines music, culture, and civic engagement. This event provides a platform for young people to come together, celebrate local talent, and engage in discussions around the importance of voting and participating in the democratic process. Attendees can enjoy live performances, learn about voter rights, and take…

Dr Opal Lee

Opal’s Walk for Freedom

On Thursday, June 19th, Dr. Opal Lee will complete her annual 2.5-mile walk to recognize the 2.5 years it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas. Now a national holiday, Juneteenth celebrates the freedom gained when slavery was abolished all across the country. Unity Unlimited and Ms.…

Empowered

Empowered – A Day of Healing and Resources

Empowered is an event designed to connect crime survivors with vital resources and support their healing journey. Hosted by the Collin County Crime Victims Council in partnership with the Plano Police Victim Services Unit, this event aims to empower survivors and help them thrive. Enjoy food from the CUTX Food Truck (3:30 PM – 5:00…

The Star

A Social Justice Impact Celebration

Join LoveJustice for an unforgettable evening at the LoveJustice Social Justice Impact Celebration, a prestigious awards dinner dedicated to honoring North Texas’ changemakers and advancing social justice efforts.

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Actress and activist Diane Guerrero to speak at CU Boulder April 10

The Cultural Events Board (CEB) is proud to welcome Diane Guerrero—acclaimed actress, author and activist—as this year’s keynote speaker. Guerrero, best known for her roles in “Orange is the New Black” and “Doom Patrol,” has become a leading voice in the national conversation on immigration and social justice. Guerrero will speak at CU Boulder this…

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Chicago Homeless Outreach Packing Day Every 3rd Friday of the Month

Assemble essential care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness. During this event, volunteers will work together to pack bags filled with toiletries, blankets, socks, hygiene products, and other necessary goods. These packages will then be distributed to our friends on the street the following day. No prior experience is needed; bring friends/family, supplies to donate, and…

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Volunteer to Write Easter Cards 4 Prisoners

Write Easter cards for prisoners in collaboration with Kolbe House Prison Ministry at St. Michael in Old Town and spread love and hope to those who may need it most during this holiday season. No artistic skills required.

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LoveJustice Day of Learning for 2025

Join the LoveJustice community for our first Day of Learning in 2025. During this virtual gathering, we will come into greater understanding of how we can support those experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

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Hope North Carolina’s Annual Holiday Party

Let’s celebrate the holidays together with games, holiday treats and a sing-along! Bring a snack to share or just bring yourself and a friend.

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SRIS Holiday Dine & Design

This program is designed for individuals with disabilities. Join us for a cozy and delightful evening of holiday cheer at our holiday dinner & cookie decorating night! Enjoy a delicious catered pasta dinner, followed by a fun and creative cookie decorating session.l

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