Bob Kafka was a community builder whose work shaped generations of disability rights leadership. He believed in dignity, solidarity, and the power of organizing together. His legacy lives on through community, care, and action.  Read the @npr.org feature: bit.ly/4piG9ut

For students with disabilities, access to education has been shaped by civil rights, advocacy, and the belief that every child belongs. DREDF has worked for decades to advance inclusive, equitable education so students with disabilities can succeed. Support our work: https://dredf.org/donate/

Opportunity begins with access—to live, learn, love, and work in the community. With your support, DREDF will continue its decades-long work to open doors, remove barriers, and build pathways to full participation in the year ahead. Support our work: https://dredf.org/donate/

Freedom means being able to pursue education, employment, healthcare, and community life with autonomy, access and respect. For decades, DREDF has worked to expand freedom and remove systemic barriers. With your support, we carry this work forward. Support us: https://dredf.org/donate/

Mark and Lori are celebrating their 10th anniversary today. As an engaged couple, their biggest Christmas wish remains the right to celebrate their love by getting married. Learn more and support Mark and Lori’s journey toward future Christmases as a married couple: dredf.org/vertical/mar...

Why are hotels still inaccessible in 2025? We deserve accessible rooms, clear communication, and equal access, not excuses. Read this important @npr.org story: www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...

For decades, DREDF has advanced the dignity of people with disabilities through litigation, advocacy, and education. This moment calls for leadership and momentum. Your support makes it possible to advance policies and strengthen rights. Donate today: https://dredf.org/donate/

We oppose the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s proposed public charge rule because it uses disability-related support needs as a proxy for “public charge.” This discourages access to care, fosters discrimination, and forces impossible choices between health and immigration security.

Health care access is on the line. Congress must act NOW to extend the enhanced ACA premium tax credits before they expire or millions could lose affordable coverage. Take action! Read report: https://bit.ly/kera-aca CHN Action’s tool: https://bit.ly/ACA-tax-credit  Call Congress: (202) 224-3121

In a new @retroreport.org film, “How Activists Pushed for the A.D.A.,” DREDF co-founders Mary Lou Breslin & Pat Wright reflect on the activism, strategy and community power that secured one of the most important civil rights laws in U.S. history Access the film:

A proposed settlement in Douglass v. Husqvarna addresses allegations that Husqvarna’s website and apps were inaccessible to people with visual disabilities. More here:

AI tools make decisions about our healthcare, transportation, jobs, housing, safety, and more. Without rules, they routinely discriminate against disabled people.  How we combat it: https://dredf.org/dredf-opposes-ai-executive-order-restricting-state-laws-calls-for-passage-of-ai-civil-rights-act/

The Judge who issued an order last month requiring real-time ASL interpretation for White House briefings understands that including millions of Americans is more important than the ‘image’ of presenters. Read how advocates are fighting for the inclusion of all. www.politico.com/news/2025/12...

On the 68th anniversary of the creation of the DOJ Civil Rights Division, over 200 prior employees shared an open letter decrying the near-destruction of the division. The letter: https://www.thejusticeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Civil-Rights-Division-Sign-On-Letter.pdf

Intellectual disability is a lived reality, not a technicality to be redefined when the state wants a death sentence.  Today, SCOTUS hears #HammvSmith via @americanprogress.bsky.social#HammvSmith

The 2026 SARTAC Fellowship is now open! This fellowship supports self-advocates in leading projects that advance disability rights and community inclusion. Learn more: https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/2026-fellowship-application-copy/ @nicole1985.bsky.social

Families are terrified. New reporting highlights the risk federal cuts to Medicaid and the Office for Civil Rights pose to nearly one million children with disabilities in California. Read more:

What would special education look like without the U.S. Department of Education? Join DREDF and @copaafape.bsky.social on Dec 9 at 2 PM ET to learn about what you should prepare for. Register: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__PiU7n1hQl-UFug_fAvD3Q#/registration

A proposed settlement in Douglass v. Husqvarna addresses allegations that Husqvarna’s website and apps were inaccessible to people with visual disabilities. More here:

@brandeisuniversity.bsky.social  is doing a research study about how 15 - 25 years old people with disabilities take care of their sexual health.  Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/SRH-Study

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate disabled communities and reaffirm that disability rights are human rights.  DREDF is honored to work alongside advocates, families, and partners to defend and advance disability civil and human rights across the nation. #IDPWD

Every victory for disability rights is made possible by advocates, families, and allies like you. When you give, you help DREDF sustain the movement. We can defend, protect, and advance our rights, together. https://dredf.org/donate #GivingTuesday

Together, we’ve changed laws, shaped policy, and built access that makes a more equitable and just future. When you give, you help DREDF sustain the movement. We can defend, protect, and advance our rights, together. https://dredf.org/donate

We’re pleased to announce Michelle Uzeta as DREDF’s permanent Executive Director. Michelle brings 30+ years of disability rights leadership and has guided DREDF through a pivotal year with clarity and compassion.  Read the full announcement here: https://dredf.org/michelle-uzeta-permanent-ed/

Special education without the U.S. Department of Education? Join DREDF & @copaafape.bsky.social on Dec 9 to learn what’s at stake. Register now: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__PiU7n1hQl-UFug_fAvD3Q#/registration

With so much changing around the Department of Education, we’ve updated our resource page to reflect the latest information and ways to take action. Read the updates here:

“Students with disabilities deserve a federal partner that protects their rights and ensures every child can learn, grow and thrive.” New op-ed in USA TODAY:

Every victory for disability rights is made possible by advocates, families, and allies like you. Your support powers: - Partnerships that protect essential policies and laws, - Critical rights advocacy support, - Parent education and training. December 2nd support DREDF: https://dredf.org/donate

Decades of research shows no causal link between vaccines and autism. We are disappointed by the CDC’s updated page on this issue. Read the full statement we signed via @ASAN:

If your child is in the California Children’s Services (CCS) program, the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) is interested in hearing from you with an anonymous, 15 minute survey! Survey closes on November 30, 2025. Link: https://healthlaw.org/nhelp-ccs-family-engagement-survey/

IDEA guarantees millions of students with disabilities, like Angela Haynes’s daughter, can learn:  “IDEA ensured my daughter was taught, included, and believed in—now she reads, holds a job she loves, and advocates for herself and others with pride.” Learn more at the @americanprogress.bsky.social

Confused by IEP assessment reports? Join DREDF’s PTI experts on Dec 8, 7:00–8:45 pm PT, for a free virtual training to understand assessments and use them in your IEP meeting. Register at https://dredf.org/event/evaluations-and-assessment-reports-how-to-review-them-and-prepare-for-the-iep-meeting/

What happens when 16% of the world’s population is left out of health research? The Health Equity Collaborative’s recent article in "The Lancet Regional Health – Americas" explores the need to center public health research and policy. Read the one-page summary: linktr.ee/dredf

Why is the IDEA important? For millions of parents, like Juliet Barraza, mother of Ben, it has been essential to a full life: "Without the IDEA, Ben's life and our life would have been dramatically different. IDEA was a light that shined on his educational needs and transformed his life and ours."

We grieve the loss of our friend, former board member, and disability justice giant, Alice Wong. Her leadership transformed movements. Her generosity transformed people. Read the full post on our website: https://dredf.org/in-memory-of-alice-wong-1974-2025/

Our updated calculator provides estimates of how much more people would pay in premiums in the ACA Marketplaces — both with and without the enhanced premium tax credits. See the latest data: https://on.kff.org/4olBSa4

DREDF is deeply disappointed a spending bill without extensions of ACA tax credits that makes healthcare affordable for millions passed. We will continue to advocate for healthcare for all. Read our letter:

"My role has always been to push the envelope and to see where the ADA could be used in ways that weren’t obvious or explicit." - Arlene Mayerson, DREDF Directing Attorney Emerita & Of Counsel Read more in this new @ucberkeleylaw.bsky.social article: www.law.berkeley.edu/article/arle...

We are now accepting Arlene Mayerson Summer Internship applications (for rising 2Ls & 3Ls). Join us at DREDF and work alongside attorneys, special education advocates, and policy analysts! Learn more at dredf.org/2026-dredf-a...

Your air travel story can spark change. DREDF's friends at All Wheels Up are supporting research by inviting passengers with disabilities and caregivers to share their air travel experiences in a study. Take the brief anonymous survey: https://ku.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0UMzzfiSH8Vdkq2

Layoffs & cuts to special ed threaten the rights of millions of disabled students. Read @americanprogress.bsky.social's analysis:

November is Native American Heritage Month.  Learn how disability and Native identity intersect through first-hand stories and resources from @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social: https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/blog/entry/deaf_disabled_native_americans

Cuts to special education protections are happening now. Join DREDF + partners at a Virtual Town Hall to Protect IDEA on Nov 4 @ 4 pm ET. Together, we can help protect the rights of children w/ disabilities. Register https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ROjpXDrPS76Hm2y3udCXbg#/registration

Wondering how special ed evaluations work and why they matter? Join us for a free virtual training on Nov. 10, 7 to 8:30 pm PT: "Special Education Evaluations: Why & How We Evaluate Students with Disabilities” to learn about tests and why they're needed. Hosted by DREDF PTI.  Register at dredf.org

Please join us in welcoming Drew, our new Communications Strategist! Drew will strengthen and expand DREDF's communications efforts during a critical time for disability rights. We’re looking forward to sharing more content, more often, including more videos.

23 years ago, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) expanded voting access for millions of voters with disabilities. Today, we celebrate that progress and continue working toward full participation for all. #VotingRights #Accessibility #YesAccess #HAVA

Today is the #SNAPDayOfAction, and we need you to join us and act now. 42 million Americans are at risk of losing SNAP benefits on Nov 1st. USDA has a contingency fund but hasn't released it. Contact your Members of Congress today.

Friends, family, and neighbors shouldn’t have to go hungry, become unhoused, and lose healthcare. Millions are already hurting with basic needs cuts and millions more are at risk from the continuing government shutdown. Learn how it will impact you and what you can do: dredf.org/shutdown-update/

The Trump Administration wants to reverse the Rehabilitation Act's Section 503 regulations that supports federal contractors having disabled people represent 7% of their workforce. We refuse to let that happen! On this #DisabledWomensEqualPayDay, join us in fighting back! tinyurl.com/DWEPD25

Today is #DisabledWomensEqualPayDay, and our rights and health are under attack. Medicaid cuts are projected to deprive disabled women of life-saving health care and employment supports. Join us in fighting back! tinyurl.com/DWEPD25