Southwest ADA Center

09/23/2026

Photo of VP JD Vance speaking at a press conference.

Vice President JD Vance said efforts were underway to ensure all ACA Marketplace enrollees are legal U.S. residents

09/23/2026

Illustration shows a pair of thick black rimmed glasses.

AI glasses are a double-edged sword for disabled people, who face unique risks from surveillance.

09/23/2026

Check out our new Fact Sheet - Service Animals Under the ADA
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform a specific task for a person with a disability (a miniature horse is a possible exception for the type of animal).
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09/18/2026

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Jim de Jong, disability rights leader and retired director of the Great Plains ADA Center.

Jim led the Great Plains ADA Center from its inception in 1991 until his retirement and was a respected leader in the disability rights community. Among his many achievements as Director of the Great Plains ADA Center was founding the National ADA Symposium, a highly regarded annual conference focused on ADA implementation. His work began before passage of the ADA, including service on the U.S. House of Representatives Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities. Over more than three decades, Jim contributed greatly to advancing understanding and implementation of the ADA throughout the Great Plains region and nationally. Among his many honors were the Leadership Award from the U.S. House of Representatives Task Force on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities and the President's Award from the National Rehabilitation Association.

We extend our sympathies to Jim’s family, friends, and colleagues. His contributions and legacy will be long remembered.

Photo: A smiling portrait of Jim Dejong

09/17/2026

Photo: Austin Animal Center entrance

Shane Lilly's dog, Major, was scheduled to be euthanized this week under a state court order. Now a federal judge has temporarily blocked the procedure.

09/17/2026

Photo: Collage of Tierra Walker's life

The family of a San Antonio woman who died after allegedly being denied an abortion despite life-threatening pregnancy complications filed suit Tuesday in the District Court of Bexar County, Texas, ch...

09/15/2026

Photo: "Erica Bonn carries a favorite painting into her home at Quest Village, an independent-living community for adults with developmental disabilities in Orlando, Fla."

Leaders of 18 states are calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to abandon efforts to weaken the rights of people with disabilities to access services in the community.

09/15/2026

This Guide from DREDF explains Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), a federal civil rights law that protects disabled students at school. It also points to two other laws that protect disabled students: the ADA and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Photo: A child sits in a director's chair with a script in hand.

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

09/09/2026

Dive into the future of AI and tech designed to empower people with disabilities in this exciting virtual summit!