Disability Rights Advocates
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dralegal.bsky.social
Disability Rights Advocates
@dralegal.bsky.social
130 followers 180 following 87 posts
Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) is a non-profit legal center dedicated to securing the civil rights of people with disabilities. https://dralegal.org/
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dralegal.bsky.social
Breaking news! Award-winning journeyman actor, director, & producer Danny Woodburn will be joining DRA’s 2025 NY Celebration next week!

Join us on Wed Nov 12 at City Winery West Side for an unforgettable program.

Get your tickets or sponsor the event today! dralegal.org/annual-gala/...
"New York Celebration. Nov 12" + DRA logo "Special Guest" + Portrait of Danny Woodburn + "Danny Woodburn, Award-winning journeyman actor, director, and producer" "Special Guest" + Portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton + "Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former Secretary of State and US Senator from New York" "Honorees" + Portrait of Janni Lehrer-Stein + "Janni Lehrer-Stein" + Proskauer logo + "Proskauer" + "Featured Guests" + Portrait of Emily Ladau + "Emily Ladau" + Portrait of James Ian + "James Ian"
November 6, 2025 at 2:09 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
We are thrilled to announce that DRA's incredible Wolinsky Fellow Raika Kim is now officially an attorney!

Today she was admitted to the Illinois State Bar and we are so proud of her. Congratulations!
Raika Kim smiling and holding her Illinois State Bar license
November 5, 2025 at 11:19 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
We are thrilled to announce that @hillaryclinton.bsky.social will be joining DRA's 2025 NYC Celebration on Nov 12!

The Former Secretary of State and US Senator from New York will be presenting the Edith Prentiss Award to Janni Lehrer-Stein.

Purchase tickets or sponsor: dralegal.org/annual-gala/...
Portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton + "Breaking News! A Special Guest Is Joining Our New York Celebration. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former Secretary of State and US Senator from New York"
November 3, 2025 at 5:21 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
As #NDEAM comes to a close, DRA is proud to partner with Disability:IN Chicagoland in today’s Disability Inclusion Opportunity Summit as we work to improve #accessibility throughout Chicago & the Midwest.

Featured speakers include DRA's Rachel Weisberg and Rebecca Williford. #DisabilityInclusion
DRA Advisory Board member Michele Lee and DRA team members Rebecca Williford, Rachel Weisberg, and Raika Kim smiling in front of the DRA banner and DRA’s exhibitor table at the Disability:IN Chicagoland Summit.
October 30, 2025 at 5:05 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
Check out DRA's fall newsletter! dralegal.org/newsletter/f...

-Important updates from DRA's President & CEO
-Announcements about our upcoming celebrations in NYC on Nov 12 and SF on Dec 2
-A conversation with our newest board member Jennifer Reddien
-Recent case developments and victories
"DRA Fall Newsletter"
October 24, 2025 at 4:47 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
Yesterday's Disability Pride Parade NYC was a truly uplifting event!

We had many visitors stop by our booth to learn about DRA and it was wonderful to see so many of our clients, community members, and partner organizations coming together.

#DisabilityPride #DisabilityRights
Collage image of 3 pictures: Image 1: DRA's Rebecca Williford at the DRA booth. Image 2: DRA clients from Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York marching in the parade. Image 3: DRA clients from Bronx Independent Living Services marching in the parade.
October 20, 2025 at 11:41 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
A federal court has granted final approval to a class action settlement that will ensure the Hunters Point Library in #Queens is accessible to visitors with mobility #disabilities.

Check out @gothamist.com coverage: gothamist.com/news/queens-...

#DisabilityRights #DisabilityInclusion
Queens library agrees to major accessibility upgrades after disability rights lawsuit
The Hunters Point Library in Long Island City will undergo renovations to make all areas accessible to visitors with mobility-related disabilities, following a class-action settlement.
gothamist.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:36 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
@nycdot.bsky.social is hosting the second of two town hall sessions in 2025 on #accessible pedestrian signals (APS) to collect public feedback & provide an opportunity for Q&A.

Submit questions ahead of time to APS@dot.nyc.gov.

Tue Oct 21, 5:30-7:30pm
Join with this link: on.nyc.gov/nycdotaps
Accessible pedestrian signal device on a street pole + "Accessible Pedestrian Signals Town Hall. Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) are devices generally affixed to pedestrian signal poles to assist blind or low vision pedestrians in crossing the street. APS are wired to a pedestrian signal and send audible and vibrotactile indications when pedestrians push a button installed at the crosswalk." + Same info from the post language + QR code + Logos for NYCDOT and NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
October 17, 2025 at 9:55 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
Last week a federal court granted final approval to a class action settlement that will ensure the Hunters Point Library in #Queens is accessible to visitors with mobility #disabilities.

After the hearing, we snapped this pic of DRA attorney Madeleine Reichman and our amazing client Tanya Jackson.
DRA attorney Madeleine Reichman and DRA client Tanya Jackson standing together inside the Central Islip location of the Eastern District Court of NY after the final approval hearing in Jackson v. QBPL
October 17, 2025 at 4:38 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
LEGAL VICTORY: Last week a federal court granted final approval to a class action settlement that will ensure the Hunters Point Library in #Queens is #accessible to visitors with mobility disabilities.

dralegal.org/press/hunter...

#DisabilityRights #DisabilityInclusion #LibrariesAreForEveryone
Class Settlement Approved Ensuring Access for People with Disabilities to Queens Public Library Branch - Disability Rights Advocates
October 14, 2025—Queens, New York—On October 9, 2025, Magistrate Judge Steven Tiscione granted final approval to a class action settlement of a case filed against the Queens Borough Public Library, th...
dralegal.org
October 14, 2025 at 1:52 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
DRA is so excited for the Disability Pride Parade NYC on Sunday October 19! Come by our table to say hello and share your #DisabilityPride as we come together in community!

Learn more: www.nycdisabilitypride.org
"NYC Disability Pride Parade. Sunday, October 19, 2025, 11am. Madison Square Park to Union Square Park." + NYC buildings seen from above
October 10, 2025 at 4:36 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
Last week a federal court granted final approval to a class action settlement for our case against California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) & three counties for failing to provide Medi-Cal notices in #accessible formats such as Braille

Daily Journal: www.dailyjournal.com/article/3879...
State to overhaul Medi-Cal communications with the blind after lawsuit
The Daily Journal has more journalists covering the California legal profession than any other publication.
www.dailyjournal.com
October 8, 2025 at 9:27 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
LEGAL VICTORY: On Friday a federal court granted final approval to a class settlement for our case against California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) & three counties for failing to provide Medi-Cal notices in #accessible formats such as Braille.

Press release dralegal.org/press/medi-c...
Groundbreaking Class Settlement Approved Ensuring Access to Notices for Blind Medi-Cal Recipients and Applicants - Disability Rights Advocates
October 6, 2025—San Francisco, California—On October 3, 2025, District Court Judge Maxine M. Chesney granted final approval to a class action settlement of a case filed in San Francisco Federal Court ...
dralegal.org
October 6, 2025 at 6:40 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
Today marks the groundbreaking of the New York MTA's Middletown Road subway #accessibility project!

When this project is completed, New Yorkers with #disabilities will be able to use the station equally and independently.

Check out coverage from @thecity.nyc: www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/03/n...
North Bronx Subway Station to Get Elevators, Nearly a Decade After ADA Lawsuit
Improvements to the Middletown Road stop are part of a system-wide push to increase accessibility, paid for in part by congestion pricing.
www.thecity.nyc
October 3, 2025 at 8:25 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
Today is the 52nd anniversary of #Section504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, one of the first federal civil rights laws to prohibit discrimination against people with #disabilities.

Now, Section 504 and its regulations are under attack and must be defended. Support DRA: dralegal.org/donate/
September 26, 2025 at 11:17 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
We are so grateful to everyone who joined us last night for DRA's 2025 #Chicago Celebration. Together we lifted up the importance of #DisabilityRights and the power of legal advocacy.

If you couldn’t make it, you can still attend:

-New York, Nov 12
-San Francisco, Dec 2

dralegal.org/annual-gala/
Supervising Attorney Rachel Weisberg smiles presenting an award to Nigel Telman and Bill Silverman from Proskauer. A room full of celebrating guests eating and talking at City Winery. Advisory Board Member, Cory Fosco, COO, Kate Hamilton, Edith Prentiss Awardee, Janni Lehrer-Stein and Lenny Stein smile together at the entrance of the event. Wolinsky Fellow, Raika Kim, Advisory Board Member, Michele Lee, and President & CEO Rebecca Williford pose with other Disability Lead members.
September 26, 2025 at 8:58 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
DRA's 2025 Chicago Celebration is this evening!

We are so excited to gather together and celebrate DRA’s work in #Chicago. We hope to see you tonight at City Winery, 6-9pm!

dralegal.org/annual-gala/...

Tickets available at the door, by calling 917-864-9580, or emailing jennifer@gala-office.com.
"Chicago Celebration Today!" + DRA logo
September 25, 2025 at 5:10 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
We can't wait to celebrate with our #Chicago supporters tomorrow at DRA's 2025 Celebration! See you at City Winery, West Loop, 6-9pm!

Event details: dralegal.org/annual-gala/...

All proceeds from will fund our high-impact casework. Support the event by donating here: dralegal.org/donate/
Gala 2025 - Chicago - Disability Rights Advocates
Honorees Janni Lehrer-Stein Nationally recognized disability rights advocate, retired attorney, and nonprofit leader. Former DRA Board Member and current Advisory Board member. Learn more about Janni ...
dralegal.org
September 24, 2025 at 11:54 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
DRA's 2025 Chicago Celebration is next week on Thursday, September 25 at City Winery, West Loop, 6pm-9pm!

Buy your tickets now! Ticket sales end on Monday, September 22nd.

Details, tickets, and registration for the event: dralegal.org/annual-gala/...

Additional info: jennifer@gala-office.com
"Last Chance, Purchase your tickets to our Chicago Celebration by September 22" + DRA logo
September 19, 2025 at 9:05 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
Yesterday DRA filed a class action lawsuit against #Chicago challenging its widespread and ongoing failure to make sidewalks, curb ramps, and other public pedestrian rights of way #accessible to people with mobility disabilities.

@chicagotribune.com coverage: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/10/c...
City sued for alleged ADA violations over inaccessible sidewalks, curb ramps
Chicago has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to keep sidewalks, crosswalks and curb ramps accessible to people with disabilities, a lawsuit filed against the city alleges.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 11, 2025 at 9:31 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
LAWSUIT FILED: Today DRA filed a major class action lawsuit against the City of #Chicago challenging its widespread & ongoing failure to make sidewalks, curb ramps, & other public pedestrian rights of way #accessible to people with mobility #disabilities.

Press release: dralegal.org/press/chicag...
Chicagoans with Mobility Disabilities Challenge City’s Inaccessible Sidewalks in Class Action Lawsuit - Disability Rights Advocates
September 10, 2025—Chicago, IL—Today, four Chicagoland residents with mobility disabilities filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Chicago (the City) challenging its widespread and ongoing f...
dralegal.org
September 10, 2025 at 3:23 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
The City of #Chicago is now legally required to install thousands of #Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) over the next 10 years, thanks to the landmark federal court order that DRA & @proskauer.bsky.social secured in June

FAQ: dralegal.org/faq-chicago-...

Chicago’s new APS website: chicagoaps.org
FAQ about the Court Order Requiring Chicago to Install APS at City Intersections - Disability Rights Advocates
BACKGROUND What is American Council of the Blind of Metropolitan Chicago et al. v. City of Chicago? What was the result of the lawsuit? REQUIREMENTS OF COURT REMEDIAL ORDER How many intersections in C...
dralegal.org
September 3, 2025 at 4:03 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
Rebecca Williford's new column is up on Able News!

Learn about DRA's most recent legal victory in #Chicago and the importance of fighting for #Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS).

Thanks to DRA, Chicago is required to install thousands of APS over the next 10 years.

dralegal.org/able-news-au...
Able News Column August 2025 - Accessible Pedestrian Signals: Bringing Safety to Chicago and Beyond - Disability Rights Advocates
When I was in Chicago recently meeting with local disability advocates, one topic came up again and again: Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS). People were energized—and rightfully so—about a major le...
dralegal.org
August 27, 2025 at 4:04 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
Join us to toast our shared commitment to protecting the civil rights of people with #disabilities at DRA events in Chicago 9/25, NYC 11/12, SF 12/2, & virtually.

In 2025 we’re thrilled to recognize Janni Lehrer-Stein & @proskauer.bsky.social!

Purchase tickets or sponsor: dralegal.org/annual-gala/
"2025 Celebration Honorees" + Headshot of Janni Lehrer-Stein + Proskauer logo + DRA logo
August 19, 2025 at 4:18 PM
dralegal.bsky.social
July is #DisabilityPrideMonth!

Please join us as we celebrate people with #disabilities, commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act ( #ADA35 ), and promote disability culture and visibility.

#DisabilityRights #DisabilityPride
"DRA Celebrates Disability Pride Month" + Disability Pride colors in a rainbow arc
July 10, 2025 at 10:07 PM