Whitburn & Pevsner, PLLC

04/27/2021

Photos from Judy Heumann's post

04/26/2021

Crip Camp should won instead of the octopus documentary. A documentary on civil rights should always beat one on mere squids. Judith Heumann and the other disability rights are more powerful than squids as Judith changed the lives of people with disabilities in our great country.

I am so grateful to have worn this elegant, pearl pantsuit by @markarian_nyc to the #oscars last night. I felt so proud to be representing such a landmark film! @cripcampfilm

Image Description: Judy Heumann, a white disabled woman with chin length brown hair smiling. She uses a wheelchair and is sitting in front of some greenery. She is wearing a pearl monochrome pantsuit with crystals and pearls studded on the jacket. The blouse underneath and the pants are a cream satin.

04/25/2021

I am getting ready to release my inner fashionista! 😉💄 can’t wait to see your red carpet looks! Repost from @cripcampfilm
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We are so excited to be in Los Angeles for #CripCampAtTheOscars! Crip the Red Carpet with hosts @maysoonzayid and @ninagcomedian, with special guest @rebirthgarments tomorrow, April 25th at 3:00pm PT / 6:00pm ET 🎬💯

Link in bio to register 🔗
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[Image description: Wavy lines in pink, black, orange, blue, and purple surround an empty round frame. White text in the center above the frame reads #CripCampAtTheOscars. In the bottom right corner is an Oscars statue in profile view protruding into the center of the frame. The Crip Camp logo is to the right, with a yellow triangular background behind. The Paul K. Longmore Institute logo is centered at the bottom.

Text reads: "Cripping the Red Carpet. A virtual pre-Oscars celebration. Sunday, April 25, 2021. 3:00-4:30pm PST | 6:00-7:30pm EST. Register at tinyurl.com/crippingtheredcarpet. ASL, Deaf Interpreters, CART, CLT and live audio description provided."]

04/23/2021

Crip Camp wins Best Documentary Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards

Crip Camp wins Best Documentary Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards

04/15/2021

Timeline Photos

Medical cannabis legislation is the topic for CTD's Chase Bearden, interviewed by LeAnn Wallace of Spectrum News. To be aired tonight! Find out why medical cannabis legislation has a great chance of passing! #txlege

04/10/2021

World’s First All-Rooms-Accessible Hotel to Open in West Virginia on New Year’s Day 2022

World’s First All-Rooms-Accessible Hotel to Open in West Virginia on New Year’s Day 2022

On January 1, 2022, a new boutique hotel will open in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia featuring 28 guest rooms and two suites. Built inside of what was an abandoned schoolhouse building, it wi…

04/03/2021

May he rest in peace! May we all follow his lead in disability rights and empowerment.

CTD bids farewell to our longest-standing CTD board member and a founding father of the CDS program in Texas, Gene Whitten-Legé.

https://www.txdisabilities.org/news-events/in-memory-of-gene-whitten-lege

04/02/2021

Misperceptions Of People With Disabilities Lead To Low-Quality Care: How Policy Makers Can Counter The Harm And Injustice | Health Affairs Blog

Misperceptions Of People With Disabilities Lead To Low-Quality Care: How Policy Makers Can Counter The Harm And Injustice | Health Affairs Blog

Explicit and implicit discriminatory bias within the health care professions represent an insidious virus against which people with disabilities have been fighting for decades. As the newly appointed chair of the National Disability Council, I believe we must respond collectively to address the disc...

03/30/2021

Written Testimony on SB 7 - Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Please read the great policy letter by Lauren Gerken regarding Texas Senate Bill 7. She correctly points out that this bill would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, if our legislature passes it in its current form. Please contact your state representatives to tell them to vote AGAINST Texas Senate Bill 7.

  Mary Durheim, ChairRobert Schier III, Vice ChairBeth Stalvey, MPH, PhD, Executive Director 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600Austin, TX 78741-7509Email: [email protected]: www.tcdd.texas.gov Phone: (512) 437-5432Toll Free: (800) 262-0334Fax: (512) 437-5434 SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS Writ...

03/29/2021

New Yosemite AutoCamp Features Custom Designed Wheelchair-Accessible Airstreams - Emerging Horizons

New Yosemite AutoCamp Features Custom Designed Wheelchair-Accessible Airstreams - Emerging Horizons

Located near Mariposa, the newly opened AutoCamp Yosemite offers five wheelchair-accessible Airstream trailiers as well as an accessible luxury tent.

03/21/2021

SXSW Honors Organizations with the 2021 Community Service Awards

Founded in 1978, CTD is the largest and oldest member-driven cross-disability organization in the state. “Cross-disability” refers to all types of disabilities and different functional needs, rather than a particular disability or subset of disabilities. CTD envisions a future where all Texans with all disabilities may work, live, learn, play, and participate fully in the community of their choice. We focus on governmental advocacy, public awareness activities, and professional disability consulting to make Texas a leader in disability-related public policy and culture.

Meet five organizations who have dedicated their missions to the betterment of their communities.

01/05/2021

Diversity and Inclusion: Committing to Disability Inclusion in the Legal Profession [CC]

Diversity and Inclusion: Committing to Disability Inclusion in the Legal Profession [CC]

Our expert panel will they discuss recruitment, retention, and advancement strategies; the importance of affinity groups in your organization; accessibility and inclusive technology; and mental healt…

12/22/2020

The Future of Olmstead: 2020 and Beyond

I was very honored to serve as a panelist on this Olmstead webinar with such great people. Thanks to ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice the ABA Commission on Disabilities Rights for producing this great webinar!

This webinar discusses some of the legal, political, and practical obstacles to full-throated enforcement and the prospects of the Disability Integration Act and explores the potential for extending Olmstead litigation into areas beyond the contours of the original case, such as children with psycho...

11/30/2020

I am very honored to represent Whitburn & Pevsner, PLLC in this ABA Olmstead CLE! Please register for this FREE CLE.

THIS FRIDAY at 2:00 p.m. ET!Join the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice and theAmerican Bar Association - Commission on Disability Rights
This webinar explores the future of Olmstead v. L.C., with a focus on the role of the Supreme Court, Executive Branch, and Congress. The webinar discusses some of the legal, political, and practical obstacles to full-throated enforcement and the prospects of the Disability Integration Act. Also explored will be the potential for extending Olmstead litigation into areas beyond the contours of the original case, such as children with psychosocial disabilities, people in nursing homes, and sheltered workshops.
Register HERE: https://bit.ly/3lNHiui

Join the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice and the American Bar Association - Commission on Disability Rights THIS FRIDAY at 2:00 p.m. ET!

This webinar explores the future of Olmstead v. L.C., with a focus on the role of the Supreme Court, Executive Branch, and Congress. The webinar discusses some of the legal, political, and practical obstacles to full-throated enforcement and the prospects of the Disability Integration Act. Also explored will be the potential for extending Olmstead litigation into areas beyond the contours of the original case, such as children with psychosocial disabilities, people in nursing homes, and sheltered workshops.

Register HERE: https://bit.ly/3lNHiui

11/12/2020

A 21-year-old man has made history as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon

A 21-year-old man has made history as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon

Special Olympics athlete Chris Nikic crossed the finish line on Saturday to become the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon.

10/12/2020

IRS Issues Final Rules For ABLE Accounts

IRS Issues Final Rules For ABLE Accounts

Federal officials are firming up rules for a relatively new type of account that allows people with disabilities to save money without jeopardizing their government benefits.

10/10/2020

Coalition of Texans with Disabilities

Our 17th annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival opens next week! We're virtual this year, so join us from wherever you are!

Saturday, 10-17, we'll screen 2 films that examine people with disabilities' roles in the Civil War: documentary THE INVALID CORPS and narrative short Union. Director Julia Myers will join us for chat following the films!

Registration is FREE, but required: https://txdisabilities.salsalabs.org/2020ctdff/index.html

08/24/2020

People with disabilities should lead discussions about their rights and needs, especially during pandemic

People with disabilities should lead discussions about their rights and needs, especially during pandemic

Advocacy organizations for people with disabilities discuss the need for equitable access to resources and centering their voices in the creation and implementation of best practices, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic

08/17/2020

Congratulations to my friend and fellow Longhorn Andy Brown! He is a genuine, great guy who will serve Travis County! Hook'em!

Yesterday, the precinct chairs elected me to be the Democratic nominee for Travis County Judge. I’m grateful for the faith they have placed in me to lead our community. I look forward to representing our party on the ballot in November. Thank you to Commissioner Travillion and Dyana for running strong progressive campaigns that advanced our shared values. Together, we will continue to work to transform the criminal justice system, prioritize quality healthcare for all, enact ethics reform, combat COVID-19, and a strong economic recovery for our community. We have an election to win in November and I look forward to making my case to all Travis County voters.

08/11/2020

NASCAR Driver With Autism Is Turning Heads At 190 MPH

NASCAR Driver With Autism Is Turning Heads At 190 MPH

Hours after he was featured on "Good Morning America" for being the first driver in NASCAR with autism, 20-year-old Armani Williams celebrated his first top 10 finish.

08/11/2020

Feds Fail To Track COVID-19 At Institutions

Feds Fail To Track COVID-19 At Institutions

Institutions serving people with developmental disabilities have been hard hit by the coronavirus, but no one knows how widespread the issue is and advocates say that needs to change.

07/24/2020

Federal Complaint Says North Texas Rationing of Care Guidelines Leave People with Disabilties at Grave Risk - Disability Rights Texas

"Rationing healthcare for people disabilities is unacceptable, and The Arc of Texas joins others to demand that harmful and discriminatory practices are prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic and all future emergencies." --Ginger Mayeaux, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for The Arc of Texas

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2020 CONTACT: Edie Surtees, Communications Director, 512-407-2739, [email protected] Laurel Goodroe, Communications Specialist, 832-681-8215, [email protected] Advocacy Groups and Five Individuals File Discrimination Complaint Over COVID-19 Treatment Rationing G...

07/15/2020

American Association of People with Disabilities

Join @aapdofficial's REV UP the Vote Festival for messages and performances from Michelle Obama, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, National Disability Rights Network's Jack Rosen, Allie Cannington, Matthew Yanez, and Wesley Hamilton! RSVP for the REV UP the Vote festival 7/16 at 7pm at bit.ly/RevUpFestival

Image Description: Dark blue square graphic with yellow, red, and blue swashes on the side. "REV UP the Vote Festival" is in large white and red letters on top. Below is white text saying "7 PM EST, 4PM PT, Thursday, July 16" and below is a list of names in white text, including, "Michelle Obama, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Matthew Yanez, Allie Cannington, Wesley Hamilton, Jack Rosen." Below this text is the AAPD logo in white on the right and the National Disability Voter Registration Week logo on the left.

06/19/2020

American Association of People with Disabilities

Join us for “The Impact of Disability Representation in Office” when Taryn Williams will interview Senator Tammy Duckworth about working on Capitol Hill as a person with a disability and the importance of representation in appointed or elected office. REGISTER to catch this panel during the virtual REV UP Summit June 22 and 23 at bit.ly/AAPDSummit2020! ASL and CC will be provided.

06/11/2020

Checking in on State Revenue - Every Texan

There are already growls...that Texas will have a terrible budget session in 2021...or not! Our friends at Every Texan nail it here. Texas has a massive Rainy Day fund, is receiving and will receive extra federal funds and can close loopholes and open revenue streams. The call to legislators is to meet the needs of its citizens. Be educated and be prepared.

Making sure every Texan has the tools they need to come through this health and economic crisis must be the top priority of state lawmakers as they make budget decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how vulnerable our state’s already underfunded health care, schools and other critical se...

06/09/2020

COVID-19 Infections And Deaths Are Higher Among Those With Intellectual Disabilities

COVID-19 Infections And Deaths Are Higher Among Those With Intellectual Disabilities

There's growing evidence of high rates of death from COVID-19 for a population that doesn't get a lot of attention: people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

06/08/2020

Housing Survey 2020

Housing survey: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
(HHSC) seeks input on the current housing situation and housing needs of people with mental health conditions, substance use histories and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
HHSC is seeking input from individuals with lived experience, families/caregivers, providers and service agencies and organizations. Your answers will help them understand the need for housing and housing supports across the state and make plans for the future.
Take the survey and share: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5381252/Housing-Survey-2020

Housing Survey 2020.

05/25/2020

Disability rights advocates' online vigil honors 'unseen and unheard' voices

“I believe all individuals with disabilities, regardless of service and support needs, should be an equal, valued and included member of their community,” she said. “That means a home integrated within the community, not segregated behind a locked gate — unseen and unheard.”

North Texas disability rights advocates called for greater autonomy for people with disabilities Saturday evening during a virtual candlelight vigil. The event, titled “Unheard,” also honored the 445 people currently

05/21/2020

$1.2 Million Awarded to Train Mental Health Policy Fellows in Texas

$1.2 Million Awarded to Train Mental Health Policy Fellows in Texas

We are excited to announce that 10 nonprofit advocacy groups received a total of $1.2 million in grants over 2 years to hire in-house policy fellows.

05/21/2020

Disability Community Check In - Mental Health · Texas Democratic Party - Organizing

Disability Community Check In - Mental Health · Texas Democratic Party - Organizing

The disability community is coming together to take a moment to check in, listen, and support one another during this pandemic. This week we will be talking about our mental health. This is a brave space to share how we have been holding up. This event is part of the "Disability Community Check In"....

05/20/2020

Air travelers should have a private right of action if discriminated against, ABA House says

Bravo to the ABA for pushing for a private right of action against commercial airlines that deny passengers with disabilities equal access.

The ABA House of Delegates approved a resolution targeting air carriers’ discrimination against people with disabilities after lengthy debate Monday at the midyear meeting in Austin, Texas.

05/11/2020

Coalition of Texans with Disabilities

05/08/2020

Candace Valenzuela for Congress

One of our guests for this week's town hall will be Val Vera!

Val was the lead organizer of the Disability Rights Rally in Denton, is the co-founder and Executive Director of Disability Inclusion Society, and serves as the Chair of the City of Denton's Committee on Persons with Disabilities.

Val's intersectional experience as a Disabled Latinx, his proven leadership and communication skills, and his ability to create messages has made him an impactful Disability Rights Activist.

To be a part of our conversation and speak with Val, Candace, and our other guests, please sign up at
https://www.mobilize.us/candacefor24/event/271049/

We will also be streaming on Facebook and Twitter Live!

05/04/2020

Willie Levi, 73, Dies; He Escaped a Life of Servitude

Willie Levi, 73, Dies; He Escaped a Life of Servitude

He was one of a group of men with disabilities who worked for substandard wages at a turkey plant but found justice. He succumbed to the new coronavirus.