Every day, the Protection and Advocacy network fights for the rights of people with disabilities in every state and every territory, from protecting student accommodations in Louisiana to educating lawmakers in New Jersey on the importance of Medicaid. Learn more in this video!
The image features two NDRN policy staff in the halls of Congress. Eric (left) is a white man with short light hair, wearing a navy blue suit, a pink shirt, a pink and blue tie, and black glasses. Stephanie (right) is a shorter white woman with long brown hair, wearing a white shirt, black pants, and a red blazer. She is also carrying her white cane under her arm.
This image features one of our network CEOs, Virginia, standing in front of a North Carolina Congressional office. She is a white woman with short brown hair and glasses, wearing a cream poncho, dark green sleeves, and black pants. She is gesturing towards the nameplate next to the door and smiling.
Eren, a staff member at one of our Network organizations, is pictured. They are a white person with short grayish-brown hair, and large tortoise-shell glasses. They appear to be engaged in active conversation.
Two of our network members from our Louisiana network member are posing outside a congressional office. Tory (left) is a white man with short grayish brown hair and facial hair. He is wearing a black and gray suit. Ranie (right) is a black woman with short textured hair, wearing a black suit jacket, a skirt, and tall black boots.
Last week, our network leaders met with Congress to fight for the funding that keeps disability services available nationwide. Demand keeps rising while funding stays flat; but we are still showing up and fighting.
#disabilityjustice #ProtectPnAs #hopecore
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Promotional event graphic with a teal and blue textured background. Text on image reads: At the Intersection of Disability Justice and Environmental & Climate Justice. Next Steps in Considering Impacts on People with Disabilities in Environmental and Climate Decisionmaking. April 7, 2026, Beginning 9 AM, Hybrid Event. NYU Wagner, Faculty Seminar Room, 105 East 17th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY. Register Now at tinyurl.com/yehrtr8x.
We are so excited to partner with The Institute for Policy Integrity at NYU Law, the Environmental Justice Initiative at NYU Law, and Center for Racial and Disability Justice at UCLA to host this incredible event!
tinyurl.com/yehrtr8x
Solid purple background with red hand placing a ballot into a box. Bold text on top of background stating "No new barriers to our ballots."
The SAVE Act creates new voter ID barriers.
For many people with disabilities, “just get an ID” isn’t that simple.
No new barriers to our ballots.
https://action.aclu.org/send-message/stop-anti-voter-bills-now
#DisabilityRights #VotingRights #AccessibleVoting
Quote graphic with text: “It moves Colorado into the 21st century of civil rights related to people's decisions over their own bodies. We can leave some of these old Eugenics-era policies in the past.” — Jack Johnson, Attorney and Public Policy Liaison, Disability Law Colorado.
Eugenics is not just history; STILL it’s written into law in some states.
In Colorado, people with disabilities can still be sterilized over their objection.
This MUST end.
https://nationaltoday.com/us/co/denver/news/2026/02/15/colorado-bill-aims-to-repeal-forced-sterilization-law/
Quote from Kenneth Shiotani praising improvements for passengers with disabilities, set against a purple background with his blurred portrait.
NDRN's Senior Staff Attorney, Ken Shiotani, recently visited Amtrak's newest fleet of Airo trains, which include upgrades to make travel more accessible for people with disabilities!
Read more at https://ow.ly/gFBx50Yip1G
#AccessibleTravel #DisabilityRights #AmtrakAiro
Title slide reading ‘Mail In Ballots: What Voters Need to Know. Recent changes at the US Postal Service make timing much more important this year. This is especially true of voters with disabilities for a few reasons.” It also features a blue “VOTE” sticker icon.
This image reads: “USPS recently updated their postmarking guidance. This doesn’t change how ballots are mailed, but it does mean postmarking may not always happen the exact day USPS gets your ballot. When it comes to submitting your ballot, we are encouraging folks to give yourself as much time as possible prior to state deadlines with upcoming primaries and the midterm elections.”
This image reads: “Why does this matter? Mail may take longer in some places. Because USPS has combined some mail processing centers, postmarks might show up later than expected, even if you mailed your ballot on time.” An image of a clock is also present.
This image reads: “Don’t wait. Plan ahead. USPS recommends mailing ballots at least 7 days before the postmarking deadline.” An image of a public USPS mailbox is also present.
Mail-in voting rules haven’t changed, but timing has.
Know the USPS postmark guidance updates, plan ahead, and protect your ballot.
Need help? Learn more:
https://ncavote.org/resource/new-postmarking-guidance-ballots-election-mail/
A bold graphic reads “Celebrating Black History Month” with the DREDF logo above. Surrounding panels feature Pan-African or Afro-American flag colors of green, red and black with decorative patterns, including zigzags, curved lines with yellow stripes, silhouettes of raised fists holding signs, and two hands reaching toward each other.
Black disabled people have always been at the heart of the disability rights movement: organizing, resisting + building care. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we continue to protect the hard-fought rights and build a future of equality.
@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social's series: https://tinyurl.com/ymhwyrhp
URGENT: New bills in Congress would make it harder for people with disabilities to vote by mail, receive voting assistance, and even register to vote.
Accessible voting is a civil rights issue.
Congress must reject these bills.
Learn how to help today:
https://ncavote.org/resource/nosaveact/
The House will vote next week on one of several extreme anti-voter bills recently introduced in Congress.
The so-called SAVE America Act could block over 21 million eligible citizens from voting by forcing in-person citizenship document requirements.
Tell your representatives to vote NO.
Our incredibly talented friend @lachimusic.bsky.social's book, I Identify As Blind is out now! Come to her book signing where she'll be in conversation with AAPD Pres. and CEO Maria Town this Friday, 2/6 at 7 PM at Politics and Prose's Connecticut Ave NW locations. More info + livestream link:
Graphic with the large headline “Keeping Students With Disabilities Safe” over a dimly lit school hallway background. Below, bullet points explain that students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to restraint and seclusion, vague school policies can lead to inconsistent and dangerous practices, and educators and families deserve clarity, training, and support.
Image of microphones on stands in a hearing or press setting with the National Disability Rights Network logo. Text explains how the P&A network shows up by analyzing proposed legislation, providing legal expertise and lived-experience-informed testimony, and building coalitions with councils, advocates, and families.
Screenshot of a news article titled “Bill refining allowable restraint and seclusion practices in schools advances out of House committee,” featuring a photo of students seated at desks in a classroom. Text overlay reads: “Disability Rights New Mexico supported a recent state bill on this exact issue,” with the DRNM logo.
Black background with white text quoting Laurel Nesbitt of Disability Rights New Mexico: “There are proven ways to support even very demanding student behavioral needs, avoiding escalation of behavior in the first place, avoiding the use of restraint and seclusion.”
Students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to restraint and seclusion.
A New Mexico bill moving forward would bring clarity, safety, and accountability. Read more about our Network member's involvement at the link.
LINK: https://ow.ly/BnKN50Y9vQ4
Medicaid cuts don’t just trim budgets — they harm real lives.
Disability Rights California warns that cuts to HCBS would strip people with disabilities of the supports they need to live safely at home.
Olmstead exists for a reason.
Black-and-white portrait of a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in a suit and tie. On the left side of the image, white text on a black background reads: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” The quote is attributed in the image to MLK Jr's 1963 book titled Strength to Love.
Though times may feel challenging or controversial, it's important to know that our actions in these moments CAN make change.
We stand with members of the disability community, and with members of ALL communities seeking justice, today, and every day.
Curious about the Autism Campus Inclusion (ACI) Leadership Academy? Join ASAN’s free webinar “What is ACI?” on January 19 at 4pm ET to learn more. Then apply for ACI 2026! autisticadvocacy.org/aci
Graphic with a blue background and white border featuring a portrait of Steny H. Hoyer, an older white man in a dark suit and red tie in the lower left corner. White text quotes him: “Today, many people with disabilities still face discrimination in health care, housing, employment, and other crucial aspects of American life. We have a duty to support them, not simply for their sake, but for the sake of that age-old American promise that ‘all men are created equal.’ Let us make it so.”
Rep. Steny Hoyer has been a tireless champion of disability rights; from sponsoring the ADA to advancing digital accessibility, reducing barriers to employment and supporting voting rights for people with disabilities.
Thank you for your service, leadership, and lasting legacy.
Purple graphic with a white paper-style panel reading “Ready to make a difference?” followed by a bulleted list of open positions: IT Support Specialist, Accounts Payable Specialist, Learning Programs Manager, and Human Resources Director. The National Disability Rights Network logo appears at the bottom.
Make a difference with the National Disability Rights Network!
Open Positions:
- IT Support Specialist
- Accounts Payable Specialist
- Learning Programs Manager
- Human Resources Director
Learn more: https://www.ndrn.org/about/careers/
Purple graphic with large white text reading “Inclusion is not optional.” Below, smaller text says, “In 2025, many disability rights protections, programs, and supports were challenged, putting our community at risk. That’s where our Network steps in.” On the right, a smiling person using forearm crutches holds a yellow sign that reads “Accessibility is a right,” with a pedestrian symbol. The National Disability Rights Network logo appears in the lower left.
This year, disability rights advocates helped students get services at school, advocated to help workers keep their jobs with accommodations, and supported people facing abuse and neglect.
Your donation funds our federal advocacy when it’s needed most.
https://www.ndrn.org/donate/
The Senate investigation found that facilities routinely used restraints, seclusion, and had little staff training.
Transparent reporting and independent monitoring are essential to protect our most vulnerable community members. They’re legitimately life-saving.
The graphic shows a black and white image of an actual seclusion room door from Kansas. The text reads: "KEEPING ALL STUDENTS SAFE ACT. Supporting KASSA helps protect students with disabilities from harmful or even deadly seclusion and restraint practices."
The image shows a black and white image of a bunch of evidence files. The text reads: "This critical legislation would ban seclusion and dangerous restraint practices in federally funded schools. At NDRN, our Protection & Advocacy Network has seen firsthand the devastating impact these practices have on students with disabilities: injury, trauma, and lost educational opportunity. This is why federal protections are long overdue."
This image shows a black and white image of a female child's face. Her face is cast half in shadow. The text reads: "The Keeping All Students Safe Act (KASSA) would: - Ban seclusion and end dangerous restraint practices (including those that restrict breathing) in federally funded schools - Allow restraint only when necessary to protect safety - Provide grants for proactive, evidence-based approaches - Increase transparency & oversight in schools."
Thank you to Congressman Bobby Scott, Congressman Don Beyer, Abraham Hamadeh, Chris Murphy, Senator Bernie Sanders & Senator Patty Murray for re-introducing the bipartisan Keeping All Students Safe Act.
Why and how seclusion and restraint harm:
https://ow.ly/sT0F50XLfqK
When efforts to "stop fraud" lead to people with disabilities losing essential services, something is wrong.
Minnesota DHS paused payments to disability supports. Clients were left without care. We must defend due process and community services. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
https://ow.ly/x8ym50XIwaC
This image contains a purple background and two white interlocking squares. In the center, text reads: “Making simple adjustments to things like font choice is a seemingly small change. But the impact is big: it allows people with disabilities to better understand the laws and systems that govern their lives.”
Making small choices that make information more easily understood by everyone is not a radical concept; it's simply best practices.
If you didn't know, sans serif fonts are often more accessible for individuals with dyslexia, folks with low or partial vision, and the ADHD community.
The image features a purple background that looks like a college campus. There are 3 individuals smiling: a Black woman wearing headphones with big curly hair, a white man with short light brown hair wearing a flannel and glasses, and a woman with a visible limb difference, dark hair, and tan skin who is wearing glasses. Text reads: "Fair access to education starts here. Support the RISE Act today." The NDRN logo is featured.
Students with disabilities deserve equal access to college. The RISE Act would let colleges accept prior IEPs or 504 Plans; no expensive new testing required.
Make disability services easier to access and more transparent. 🧑🎓✨
https://secure.everyaction.com/JhYaHVVMgEiNjh4jHtN6_A2
A graphic featuring a close-up photo of a child with brown skin and curly hair sipping a drink through a pink straw. Large yellow text reads, “THESE LIVES MATTER.” Smaller white text underneath says, “We need urgent reform.” Additional yellow text lists two demands: “Require regular medical emergency drills in all licensed programs” and “Enforce stronger sanctions, including civil penalties, for providers whose neglect endangers lives.” At the bottom left is the dLCV logo and a yellow “Read More” button, with the link "dLCV.org/idd-deaths.”
New findings from the disAbility Law Center of Virginia reveal alarming failures in emergency response, oversight, and provider accountability for people with ID/DD.
dLCV is calling for mandatory emergency drills + stronger enforcement to protect lives.
Read: www.dlcv.org/idd-deaths
A collage-style graphic tinted in blue shows students with disabilities learning and participating in classrooms. On the upper right side of the graphic is a dark blue shield emblem with a graduation cap icon and the text: “IDEA at 50 — Fifty Years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.” At the bottom left, large white text reads: “Every child deserves a free and appropriate public education.”
Thank you to Senators Cassidy & Senator Chris Van Hollen and Reps GT Thompson & Rep. Jared Huffman for championing the IDEA 50th Anniversary Resolution. Your leadership uplifts students with disabilities and protects the right to learn in inclusive, supportive schools.
https://ow.ly/4bQS50XBxXA
Across the country, key protections for people with disabilities are under pressure.
NDRN fights every day to protect those rights—in classrooms, institutions, communities, and in federal policy.
Donate today and stand with disability rights.
https://www.ndrn.org/donate/
The image features a chalkboard background with scribble-style letters that read: IDEA at 50 years. The NDRN logo is featured. A black and white photo of a young female student with bangs, light skin, and a developmental disability is also present.
IDEA transformed education for millions. New federal policy changes threaten hard-won rights.
Help us fight for strong enforcement; donate today.
https://www.ndrn.org/donate/
#IDEA50 #InclusionMatters #DepartmentOfEducation
A graphic reading “Assistive Technology Awareness Month” and “Technology doesn’t just make life easier; for people with disabilities, it often makes life possible.” On the left, Black a woman with curly hair sits smiling while holding a prosthetic leg. The National Disability Rights Network logo appears at the bottom right.
A graphic titled “What is Assistive Technology (AT)?” with text defining AT as items or systems that help a person with a disability increase or maintain independence. A list of examples appears on the lower left. On the lower right is a photo of a young girl smiling and holding hearing aids.
A graphic titled “What is NOT Assistive Technology (AT)?” explaining that services not considered items or equipment are not AT. A list includes live sign language interpreters, guide dogs or service animals, and access to support staff. On the lower right is a photo of a guide dog wearing a harness while walking beside a person.
A graphic titled “Assistive Technology (AT) IS an affordable solution” with statistics from the Job Accommodation Network showing most accommodations cost little or nothing. On the lower left is a photo of a man in a wheelchair using a ramp outside a building. A text box emphasizes that assistive technology is more accessible and efficient than most people think.
November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month — a time to highlight the tools that make independence, communication, and employment possible for millions of people with disabilities.
Learn more from Disability Rights Maryland: https://disabilityrightsmd.org/assistive-technology-awareness-month/
People in Alabama are waiting years for court-ordered psychiatric care — and some never receive it.
This reporting shows why delays in competency restoration are a disability rights issues and affirms that strong oversight from P&As, including the ADAP is essential.
NYT calls out a troubling truth: many older people with disabilities don’t ask for help, not just because of cost, but because of stigma.
“Many people still feel like ‘disability’ is a dirty word”
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/15/health/older-people-disability.html
