Disability Awareness Training

01/10/2023

"Disability is confusing. And overwhelming. And personal."

01/03/2023

3. "Don’t pressure yourself to come up with bold New Year’s resolutions."

11/28/2022

Our colleague, our friend, a leading disability policy maker, Bobby Silverstein (February 19, 1949 – November 17, 2022) died unexpectedly last week, leaving a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

10/14/2022

DREDF is outraged by the ableist criticisms directed at Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman in the wake of his recent NBC interview. During the interview, which aired on Tuesday's "NBC Nightly News" and Wednesday's "Today" show, Fetterman used closed captions to answer questions in real tim...

06/28/2022

Disabled people have the right to self-determination and bodily autonomy. We have the right to make our own decisions. Our human rights include reproductive rights. Abortion rights are disability rights.

06/01/2022

May 31, 2022 DREDF is deeply saddened by the recent deadly shootings in Buffalo, NY; Laguna Woods, CA; and most recently Uvalde, TX. Our hearts go out to the survivors, the loved ones of those lost, and the communities in mourning across our country. These acts of violence have also been particularl...

05/16/2022

Another Disability Rights Advocate's take on the current state of affairs

"While the initial impact of overturning Roe v. Wade is on people with uteruses, ultimately it is much broader. It’s about privacy, it’s about autonomy, it’s about our very ability to make decisions for our own lives."

05/11/2022

A leader in Disability Advocacy, DREDF, explains Roe v Wade in the context of disability rights

People with disabilities know what it means to be denied control over our own bodies. We have been told what is good for us and what we can and cannot do, including in the area of reproductive decision-making. Abortion bans continue this legacy. Abortion bans rob all people who can become pregnant o...

05/02/2022

Eight months after a jury ordered Walmart to pay a former employee with a disability over $125 million for failing to provide appropriate accommodations, the retailer is seeking a new trial.

03/31/2022

After a tragic violent incident, it’s important to talk. Kids need to process what is happening. The first step is opening the space for communication.

03/23/2022

"Disabled individuals just want to be able to live their lives while not being an example to or for anyone."

03/22/2022

Inspiring story from a graduate from our university

"I was able to be the light in the room on the show -- both passionate and energized.”

03/16/2022

We need more people with disabilities representing our communities in elected positions. But the process of running for an elected position can be inaccessible, intimidating, and unclear. Join this webinar to learn about the process of campaigning from people with disabilities who have done it! This...

02/28/2022

These Black leaders made history as they fought for racial equality and justice for all people. Their stories inspire Vera today in its mission to end the mass incarceration and fight for the dignity of those most directly impacted by the criminal legal system—people of color, immigrants, and…

02/26/2022

On behalf of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), Executive Director Susan Henderson issued the following statement regarding President Biden's historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States:

02/25/2022

01/20/2022

After nearly two years of caring for Covid patients, many providers are leaving the field amid hospital staffing shortages

01/19/2022

The lead accessibility designer at Mobiquity notes that accessibility is about more than just legal consequences. “What may not seem like a big deal to you could make or break another individual’s experience with your brand.”

01/19/2022

"I sit here filled with hope. Why? Because we can actually cure ALS. How? By fully and boldly funding the fight against ALS."Brian Wallach, co-founder of I A...

01/05/2022

"Disabled people don't need to be erased with euphemisms -- we need to be heard, respected, and accepted."

01/03/2022

Amy Watson says expanding the concept of lived expertise would result in a better, more culturally competent crisis response.

01/03/2022

There has never been an easier way to learn American Sign Language online. Sign up and start learning ASL today!

12/29/2021

by Hannah Soyer It’s been well proven that mental health can take a dip during the winter months, especially around the holidays, which create atmospheres of pressure and high expectations among fr…

12/17/2021

"Not sure they get how painful it is and that I can't do that..."

12/06/2021

If you have a child with a disability aged 5-11 and have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, this webinar will help you make an informed decision.

12/03/2021

December 3 marks International Day of People With Disabilities, and for this year’s celebrations, the 2021 theme ‘Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era’ will be recognised.

In 2021, we are celebrating the challenges, opportunities and overcoming of barriers for people who live with disabilities, in the context of life during a global pandemic.

Please show your support on December 3 this year by spreading awareness of the theme ‘Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era’ and celebrating the achievements of people with disability in your community and right around the world.

In a time when many are social distancing to protect their health, being able to show support on social media and digital spaces is a great way to celebrate IDPWD 2021 while keeping each other safe. For FREE downloadable materials and supporter content, please visit: https://idpwd.org/downloadable-content/

Since March 2020, people the world over have been impacted by drastic political, social and economic challenges and change as a result of domestic and international responses to COVID-19.

This year, International Day of People with Disabilities should be used to recognise that people who live with disabilities are among the most vulnerable and affected populations amid the COVID pandemic.

Where marginalisation, discrimination, vulnerability and exploitation are everyday factors for many people living with disability, the increased risk of poor outcomes have been magnified during the pandemic, along with reduced access to routine health care and rehabilitation services, more pronounced social isolation, poorly-tailored public health messaging, inadequately constructed mental health services, and a lack of emergency preparedness for people with special needs.

We call on domestic and international public health officials, political representatives, advocates, supporters, and citizens in communities right around the world to learn from the experiences of people living with disabilities during this pandemic, and push for more meaningful investments into the socioeconomic building blocks which will reduce the barriers faced by people with disabilities around the world.

11/19/2021

This is a shame. The way it was handled is embarassing

What happens when an exemplary college for significantly-disabled wheelchair users abandons its mission to provide necessary everyday living supports for those who need them most?

11/19/2021

A state executive order banning public schools from imposing mask mandates cannot be enforced because it violates federal law by putting students with disabilities at greater risk of COVID-19.

11/19/2021

Couldn't agree more

11/16/2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for people with disabilities, their families, and DSPs. I just took action to tell Congress they must pass the Build Back Better Act, a historic investment in system to expand access and to increase wages for the direct care workforce. ...

11/12/2021

"A disabled person doesn't stop being disabled because you don't see them as such."

11/02/2021

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund applauds President Biden for delivering on his campaign pledge to make government work better for disabled people in yesterday's announcement of the Build Back Better Framework which would go a long way to improve the lives of disability communities, and th...

10/13/2021

"Symptoms may come and go, but experiencing ableism day in and day out can feel defeating and physically draining."

10/04/2021

"Early detection is key."

09/22/2021

"They only see the tip of the iceberg."

08/04/2021

Please contact your legislators and encourage support

07/26/2021

President Joe Biden is expected to mark the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Monday.

07/23/2021

"Causing such harm to autistic individuals in the name of 'helping' them is misguided and wrong."

07/11/2021

Learn ASL through Sign School

There has never been an easier way to learn American Sign Language online. Sign up and start learning ASL today!

05/24/2021

"Students with disabilities are required to jump through hoops just to get their basic educational needs met."