Darren Bates
@dlbllc.bsky.social
Disability Policy Director | Global Accessibility & Disability Inclusion Strategist | Bulldog Lover | Disabled | LGBTQ+ | “If your fight for democracy doesn’t include disabled people, you’re doing it wrong.”
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenbatesll
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenbatesll
Reposted by Darren Bates
If Electronic Ballot Return is trusted for service members, it must be trusted for people with disabilities. #CripTheVote #Disabilities #Disability #Disabled
Tell your election officials: Access to Electronic Ballot Return is not optional. It's a right.
YouTube video by Disability Belongs
www.youtube.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:08 PM
If Electronic Ballot Return is trusted for service members, it must be trusted for people with disabilities. #CripTheVote #Disabilities #Disability #Disabled
If Electronic Ballot Return is trusted for service members, it must be trusted for people with #disabilities. Thank you @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social
www.linkedin.com/posts/disabi...
www.linkedin.com/posts/disabi...
If Electronic Ballot Return is trusted for service members, it must be trusted for people with disabilities.
More information from the National Coalition on Accessible Voting: https://ncavote.org/ | ...
If Electronic Ballot Return is trusted for service members, it must be trusted for people with disabilities.
More information from the National Coalition on Accessible Voting: https://ncavote.org/
www.linkedin.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM
If Electronic Ballot Return is trusted for service members, it must be trusted for people with #disabilities. Thank you @disabilitybelongs.bsky.social
www.linkedin.com/posts/disabi...
www.linkedin.com/posts/disabi...
The return of these special-education staffers is overdue — but partial fixes aren’t enough. We need fully restored federal capacity to protect #disabled students’ rights & ensure #IDEA is upheld nationwide.
#DisabilityRights @disabilityscoop.bsky.social
www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/14/a...
#DisabilityRights @disabilityscoop.bsky.social
www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/14/a...
As Government Reopens, Ed Department Brings Back Fired Special Education Staffers
A deal to end the nation's longest-ever government shutdown is reversing plans to gut the federal special education office and providing funds for other disability programs — at least temporarily.
www.disabilityscoop.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The return of these special-education staffers is overdue — but partial fixes aren’t enough. We need fully restored federal capacity to protect #disabled students’ rights & ensure #IDEA is upheld nationwide.
#DisabilityRights @disabilityscoop.bsky.social
www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/14/a...
#DisabilityRights @disabilityscoop.bsky.social
www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/14/a...
#SNAP benefits are a ‘lifeline’ — especially for people with #disabilities 19thnews.org/2025/11/snap... via @19thnews.org
SNAP benefits are a ‘lifeline’ — especially for people with disabilities
For those with disabilities who rely on the aid, its uncertainty threatens not just nutrition, but independence.
19thnews.org
November 12, 2025 at 11:04 PM
#SNAP benefits are a ‘lifeline’ — especially for people with #disabilities 19thnews.org/2025/11/snap... via @19thnews.org
Reposted by Darren Bates
Housing is a basic human need that is out of reach for hundreds of thousands of disabled people. Read the thread for some key facts, and then check out our blog post at the link below to learn more.
Image Description: An unhoused person sleeping on a sidewalk.
#Disabilities #Disability
Image Description: An unhoused person sleeping on a sidewalk.
#Disabilities #Disability
The Housing Crisis in the Disability Community - Disability Belongs™
Nearly half of unhoused individuals live with a disability, yet their unique needs are often left out of housing policy and service design.
www.disabilitybelongs.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Housing is a basic human need that is out of reach for hundreds of thousands of disabled people. Read the thread for some key facts, and then check out our blog post at the link below to learn more.
Image Description: An unhoused person sleeping on a sidewalk.
#Disabilities #Disability
Image Description: An unhoused person sleeping on a sidewalk.
#Disabilities #Disability
"Disability Advocates Cry Foul Over Dismantling Of Special Ed: ‘Our World Is On Fire’
www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/06/d...
www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/06/d...
Disability Advocates Cry Foul Over Dismantling Of Special Ed: 'Our World Is On Fire'
Efforts to gut the U.S. Department of Education's special education office and move the program to another agency are already causing "immediate harm" to students with disabilities, advocates warn.
www.disabilityscoop.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM
"Disability Advocates Cry Foul Over Dismantling Of Special Ed: ‘Our World Is On Fire’
www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/06/d...
www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/11/06/d...
Reposted by Darren Bates
Presidential elections get the spotlight. But today’s local and state elections are just as important. Why? Because every elected position impacts our daily lives as disabled people. (1/4) #ElectionDay #Disability #Disabilities #Disabled
November 4, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Presidential elections get the spotlight. But today’s local and state elections are just as important. Why? Because every elected position impacts our daily lives as disabled people. (1/4) #ElectionDay #Disability #Disabilities #Disabled
Reposted by Darren Bates
It's expensive to be disabled. Those costs can keep people working past the point where it's in their best interest, including for aging adults. www.businessinsider.com/older-americ...
She's 93 and still job searching despite 14 broken arms and other injuries. She can't afford not to work.
America's oldest workers keep clocking in — many despite health issues and disabilities. And some can't afford to retire. We talked to nearly 200.
www.businessinsider.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:58 PM
It's expensive to be disabled. Those costs can keep people working past the point where it's in their best interest, including for aging adults. www.businessinsider.com/older-americ...
Reposted by Darren Bates
Two federal courts agree that emergency SNAP fund benefits must be paid NOW. The Trump administration must act with the same speed and seriousness to get food benefits to our people that it has acted with to deport immigrants, destroy public health and bulldoze the White House. NOW.
Trump Administration Live Updates: Government Ordered to Pay Food Stamp Benefits During Shutdown
www.nytimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Two federal courts agree that emergency SNAP fund benefits must be paid NOW. The Trump administration must act with the same speed and seriousness to get food benefits to our people that it has acted with to deport immigrants, destroy public health and bulldoze the White House. NOW.
Reposted by Darren Bates
NEVER FORGET: 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP are going to starve because Donald Trump and the GOP refuse to negotiate for healthcare that cost less than the amount of money Trump gave to Argentina. Sickening.
October 27, 2025 at 12:50 AM
NEVER FORGET: 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP are going to starve because Donald Trump and the GOP refuse to negotiate for healthcare that cost less than the amount of money Trump gave to Argentina. Sickening.
Reposted by Darren Bates
NOT extending ACA subsidies will ALSO cause state economies to PLUMMET $41B.
339,100 jobs will be LOST due to health care providers being FORCED to reduce their workforces. 50% of job LOSSES will be health care–related & HIGHER in states where MORE residents are enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan.
339,100 jobs will be LOST due to health care providers being FORCED to reduce their workforces. 50% of job LOSSES will be health care–related & HIGHER in states where MORE residents are enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan.
October 26, 2025 at 9:42 PM
NOT extending ACA subsidies will ALSO cause state economies to PLUMMET $41B.
339,100 jobs will be LOST due to health care providers being FORCED to reduce their workforces. 50% of job LOSSES will be health care–related & HIGHER in states where MORE residents are enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan.
339,100 jobs will be LOST due to health care providers being FORCED to reduce their workforces. 50% of job LOSSES will be health care–related & HIGHER in states where MORE residents are enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan.
Don’t forget to breathe.
October 26, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Don’t forget to breathe.
Reposted by Darren Bates
Thinking about how poor disabled and aging people may be impacted this is a multitude of ways–they may not be able to get food, and their care workers may not either (for those who have them), leading to less good support for disabled folks as starving people don't make the best workers.
US Department of Agriculture says no food aid benefits will be issued next month reut.rs/3WohHMk
US Department of Agriculture says no food aid benefits will be issued next month
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Saturday that food benefits under one of the country's biggest social assistance programs will not be issued next month amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
reut.rs
October 26, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Thinking about how poor disabled and aging people may be impacted this is a multitude of ways–they may not be able to get food, and their care workers may not either (for those who have them), leading to less good support for disabled folks as starving people don't make the best workers.
The Social Security Administration is reportedly considering changes that would eliminate or weaken age as a vocational factor in #disability determinations for #SSDI and #SSI. I want to share why this matters to so many older workers with disabilities. #aging
www.linkedin.com/posts/darren...
www.linkedin.com/posts/darren...
#disabilitypolicy #socialsecurity #economicsecurity #agingworkforce #equity #inclusion #aging #ssdi #ssi #ssa #disability #disabilities | Darren Bates
The Social Security Administration is reportedly considering changes that would eliminate or weaken age as a vocational factor in disability determinations for SSDI and SSI. I want to share why this m...
www.linkedin.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:50 PM
The Social Security Administration is reportedly considering changes that would eliminate or weaken age as a vocational factor in #disability determinations for #SSDI and #SSI. I want to share why this matters to so many older workers with disabilities. #aging
www.linkedin.com/posts/darren...
www.linkedin.com/posts/darren...
Reposted by Darren Bates
On September 30, 2025, the federal government stopped issuing paper checks for Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Veterans’ benefits, and tax refunds and transitioned fully to electronic payments. Learn more in our Federal Policy Update at the link.
#Disability #Disabilities
#Disability #Disabilities
Federal Policy Update: Big Change — Paper Checks Have Gone Away - Disability Belongs™
Without access to digital payment methods or reliable internet, beneficiaries risk missed or delayed payments.
www.disabilitybelongs.org
October 22, 2025 at 2:52 PM
On September 30, 2025, the federal government stopped issuing paper checks for Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Veterans’ benefits, and tax refunds and transitioned fully to electronic payments. Learn more in our Federal Policy Update at the link.
#Disability #Disabilities
#Disability #Disabilities
Reposted by Darren Bates
The Radical Life of the Father of the Independent Living Movement - Mother Jones www.motherjones.com/politics/202... #a11y
The radical life of the father of independent living
A new book explores disabled activist Ed Roberts' revolutionary career.
www.motherjones.com
October 22, 2025 at 1:07 PM
The Radical Life of the Father of the Independent Living Movement - Mother Jones www.motherjones.com/politics/202... #a11y
Reposted by Darren Bates
No Kings march in Austin, Texas.
I'm in there somewhere!
I'm in there somewhere!
October 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM
No Kings march in Austin, Texas.
I'm in there somewhere!
I'm in there somewhere!
Reposted by Darren Bates
For households with disabled members, changes to SNAP in H.R. 1 mean a higher risk of hunger, more paperwork, and fewer supports. Advocates and policymakers will need to work together to ensure SNAP remains a reliable safeguard against poverty and hunger. Learn what's changing and why it matters ⬇︎
SNAP Under H.R. 1: What’s Changing and Why It Matters - Disability Belongs™
H.R. 1 makes three major changes to SNAP: tightening work requirements, shifting costs to states and counties, and eliminating SNAP-Ed, the nutrition education program.
www.disabilitybelongs.org
October 13, 2025 at 9:59 PM
For households with disabled members, changes to SNAP in H.R. 1 mean a higher risk of hunger, more paperwork, and fewer supports. Advocates and policymakers will need to work together to ensure SNAP remains a reliable safeguard against poverty and hunger. Learn what's changing and why it matters ⬇︎
Reposted by Darren Bates
Special education isn't a "nice thing to have." It isn't "charity" or doing something to make us feel better. It is a right. The right to a Free Appropriate Public Education is codified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, signed by a Republican president.
U.S. Department of Education fired nearly everyone in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in a wave of new layoffs that began Friday, according to the union representing the agency's employees. www.usatoday.com/story/news/e...
Education Department wipes out special ed office in shutdown layoffs, union says
The Education Department laid off nearly everyone at the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
www.usatoday.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Special education isn't a "nice thing to have." It isn't "charity" or doing something to make us feel better. It is a right. The right to a Free Appropriate Public Education is codified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, signed by a Republican president.
Reposted by Darren Bates
We’ve now heard that most of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at ED is being let go as well. The harm caused to students if these layoffs are allowed to proceed cannot be overstated. ED cannot carry out its statutorily required duties without these offices.
October 11, 2025 at 12:26 PM
We’ve now heard that most of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at ED is being let go as well. The harm caused to students if these layoffs are allowed to proceed cannot be overstated. ED cannot carry out its statutorily required duties without these offices.
Reposted by Darren Bates
Ugly laws: The blueprint for Trump’s anti-homeless crusade
Ugly laws: The blueprint for Trump’s anti-homeless crusade
DC’s crackdown is just the latest in a long war on being poor and disabled in public.
www.motherjones.com
October 10, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Ugly laws: The blueprint for Trump’s anti-homeless crusade
Reposted by Darren Bates
Congress is considering letting enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expire at the end of this year. These credits have lowered #healthcare premiums for millions of Americans, driving uninsured rates to historic lows.
Take Action Today! ⬇️
www.disabilitybelongs.org/2025/10/aca-...
Take Action Today! ⬇️
www.disabilitybelongs.org/2025/10/aca-...
Take Action to Protect Affordable Health Coverage - Disability Belongs™
Congress is considering letting enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits expire at the end of this year—on December 31, 2025.
www.disabilitybelongs.org
October 1, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Congress is considering letting enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expire at the end of this year. These credits have lowered #healthcare premiums for millions of Americans, driving uninsured rates to historic lows.
Take Action Today! ⬇️
www.disabilitybelongs.org/2025/10/aca-...
Take Action Today! ⬇️
www.disabilitybelongs.org/2025/10/aca-...
Affordable healthcare makes independent living possible. Enhanced ACA premium tax credits expire on Dec. 31, 2025. Disabled people and their families could face higher premiums or lose coverage.
Take action before open enrollment begins November 1.
#HealthCoverageForAll
#ACAPremiumCredits
Take action before open enrollment begins November 1.
#HealthCoverageForAll
#ACAPremiumCredits
October 2, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Affordable healthcare makes independent living possible. Enhanced ACA premium tax credits expire on Dec. 31, 2025. Disabled people and their families could face higher premiums or lose coverage.
Take action before open enrollment begins November 1.
#HealthCoverageForAll
#ACAPremiumCredits
Take action before open enrollment begins November 1.
#HealthCoverageForAll
#ACAPremiumCredits