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dredf.bsky.social
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
@dredf.bsky.social
2.1K followers 160 following 130 posts
DREDF is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities. Website: dredf.org
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dredf.bsky.social
Mark and Lori are celebrating their 10th anniversary today. As an engaged couple, their biggest Christmas wish remains the right to celebrate their love by getting married.

Learn more and support Mark and Lori’s journey toward future Christmases as a married couple: dredf.org/vertical/mar...
Selfie of Lori and Mark, both middle-aged white people that tilt their heads toward each other. Selfie of Lori and Mark, both middle-aged white people, smile in front of a Christmas nutcracker.
December 25, 2025 at 3:25 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Why are hotels still inaccessible in 2025? We deserve accessible rooms, clear communication, and equal access, not excuses. Read this important @npr.org story: www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
35 years after ADA, people with disabilities still find hotels unaccommodating
AN NPR survey finds that people with disability still find hotels unaccommodating, even 35 years after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
www.npr.org
December 24, 2025 at 5:54 PM
dredf.bsky.social
For decades, DREDF has advanced the dignity of people with disabilities through litigation, advocacy, and education.

This moment calls for leadership and momentum.

Your support makes it possible to advance policies and strengthen rights.

Donate today: https://dredf.org/donate/
A brown graphic with the DREDF logo at the top left features large white text reading “Advancing Dignity,” with smaller yellow text below that says “With Your Support.” On the right, a smiling Black feminine presenting person wearing a yellow outfit sits in a power wheelchair, facing the camera and looking to the right and smiling.
December 23, 2025 at 5:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
We oppose the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s proposed public charge rule because it uses disability-related support needs as a proxy for “public charge.” This discourages access to care, fosters discrimination, and forces impossible choices between health and immigration security.
aapd.com AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 7d
This change harms disabled immigrants. Allowing individual DHS officers to use their personal judgment about factors related to disability could lead to inequitable outcomes for prospective disabled immigrants.

Click here to take action: https://aapd.quorum.us/campaign/150993/
Call to action urging people to tell the Department of Homeland Security not to implement the public charge rule as it harms people with disabilities.
December 19, 2025 at 7:59 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Health care access is on the line. Congress must act NOW to extend the enhanced ACA premium tax credits before they expire or millions could lose affordable coverage. Take action!
Read report: https://bit.ly/kera-aca
CHN Action’s tool: https://bit.ly/ACA-tax-credit 
Call Congress: (202) 224-3121
A dark blue graphic with the DREDF logo in the top left displays a quote in white and yellow text inside a rounded border. The quote emphasizes that health insurance and health care are essential, and highlights in yellow that tax credits are very important for low-income families. Yellow quotation marks frame the text.
December 18, 2025 at 12:40 AM
dredf.bsky.social
In a new @retroreport.org film, “How Activists Pushed for the A.D.A.,” DREDF co-founders Mary Lou Breslin & Pat Wright reflect on the activism, strategy and community power that secured one of the most important civil rights laws in U.S. history

Access the film:
DREDF Featured in Retro Report Film on the Fight for the ADA - DREDF
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
dredf.org
December 16, 2025 at 8:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
A proposed settlement in Douglass v. Husqvarna addresses allegations that Husqvarna’s website and apps were inaccessible to people with visual disabilities.
More here:
Notice to Potential Class Members: Proposed Settlement Reached in Husqvarna ADA Website Accessibility Class Action - DREDF
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
dredf.org
December 16, 2025 at 5:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
AI tools make decisions about our healthcare, transportation, jobs, housing, safety, and more. Without rules, they routinely discriminate against disabled people. 
How we combat it: https://dredf.org/dredf-opposes-ai-executive-order-restricting-state-laws-calls-for-passage-of-ai-civil-rights-act/
A feminine presenting black woman with short curly hair is shown from behind, standing in front of a large digital screen filled with vertical streams of glowing blue code. At the top left is the DREDF logo. Below the image, bold text reads: “AI Automates Disability Discrimination & Exclusion.” Smaller text underneath says: “Pass the AI Civil Rights Act for transparency, fairness, and inclusion.” Red decorative dots appear on the right side of the text block.
December 12, 2025 at 11:45 PM
dredf.bsky.social
The Judge who issued an order last month requiring real-time ASL interpretation for White House briefings understands that including millions of Americans is more important than the ‘image’ of presenters.

Read how advocates are fighting for the inclusion of all.
www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
White House raises concerns about Trump’s ‘image’ in lawsuit over sign language interpreters
The White House is appealing court orders to restore interpretation services at press briefings.
www.politico.com
December 12, 2025 at 10:42 PM
dredf.bsky.social
On the 68th anniversary of the creation of the DOJ Civil Rights Division, over 200 prior employees shared an open letter decrying the near-destruction of the division.

The letter: https://www.thejusticeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Civil-Rights-Division-Sign-On-Letter.pdf
Thumbnail image for the letter that features Dwight D. Eisenhower is seated, writing at a desk. Below, a headline reads: "An Open Letter from Former Civil Rights Division Employees."
December 12, 2025 at 5:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Intellectual disability is a lived reality, not a technicality to be redefined when the state wants a death sentence. 

Today, SCOTUS hears #HammvSmith via @americanprogress.bsky.social
The Supreme Court To Decide on How IQ Tests Can Affect the Death Penalty
In Hamm v. Smith, the Supreme Court will consider how IQ tests can be used to determine when an individual with an intellectual disability may be spared from the death penalty.
www.americanprogress.org
December 10, 2025 at 7:04 PM
dredf.bsky.social
The 2026 SARTAC Fellowship is now open! This fellowship supports self-advocates in leading projects that advance disability rights and community inclusion.

Learn more:
https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/2026-fellowship-application-copy/

@nicole1985.bsky.social
2026 Fellowship Application - SARTAC
We are accepting applications for our 2026 fellowship program! What is a Fellowship? This Fellowship is for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities or IDD. A SARTAC Fellowship is a…
selfadvocacyinfo.org
December 9, 2025 at 11:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Families are terrified.

New reporting highlights the risk federal cuts to Medicaid and the Office for Civil Rights pose to nearly one million children with disabilities in California. Read more:
Trump cuts ‘terrifying’ for students with disabilities
Trump cut funding for students with disabilities. He also gutted the Office of Civil Rights, which helps enforce disability law.
calmatters.org
December 9, 2025 at 12:31 AM
dredf.bsky.social
What would special education look like without the U.S. Department of Education?
Join DREDF and @copaafape.bsky.social on Dec 9 at 2 PM ET to learn about what you should prepare for.

Register: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__PiU7n1hQl-UFug_fAvD3Q<a href="/hashtag/%2Fregistration" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#/registration
Flyer reads 'Looking Ahead: Potential Consequences of Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 11 am Pacific and 2 pm Eastern. Learn about the role of the U.S. Department of Education, What you need to know about special education with the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. Register Soon.” Image of a parent and student in a learning setting and logos for the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund and Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
December 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
A proposed settlement in Douglass v. Husqvarna addresses allegations that Husqvarna’s website and apps were inaccessible to people with visual disabilities. More here:
Notice to Potential Class Members: Proposed Settlement Reached in Husqvarna ADA Website Accessibility Class Action - DREDF
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
dredf.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
@brandeisuniversity.bsky.social  is doing a research study about how 15 - 25 years old people with disabilities take care of their sexual health. 
Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/SRH-Study
On a bright blue background five people stand together. The people display diverse disabilities, genders, and skin tones. Flyer text invites young people with disabilities or health conditions to join a Brandeis University study on sexual and reproductive health. Participants receive a $50 gift card, and their stories will help create a sexual health website for people with disabilities. The flyer includes a QR code linking to the study page, the URL tinyurl.com/SRH-Study
December 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate disabled communities and reaffirm that disability rights are human rights. 

DREDF is honored to work alongside advocates, families, and partners to defend and advance disability civil and human rights across the nation.

#IDPWD
A graphic of a diverse group of people with disabilities with various skin tones, body types, and mobility disabilities, marching in front of a world globe. Many have their fists raised and carry orange protest-style flags. The text above them reads “International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” and the DREDF logo appears in the top right corner. The overall tone is celebratory and empowering.
December 3, 2025 at 11:31 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Every victory for disability rights is made possible by advocates, families, and allies like you.

When you give, you help DREDF sustain the movement.

We can defend, protect, and advance our rights, together. https://dredf.org/donate

#GivingTuesday
A Latine parent and child embrace. The child is a feminine-presenting young adult with Down syndrome. They are outdoors in front of green plants, smiling. Bold blue text reads: “Possibilities Begin With What We Build Here,” with a red button labeled “DONATE.” The DREDF logo appears in the top right corner, and a red and blue Giving Tuesday heart design decorates the bottom left. The image conveys warmth, support, and optimism.
December 2, 2025 at 11:01 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Together, we’ve changed laws, shaped policy, and built access that makes a more equitable and just future. When you give, you help DREDF sustain the movement.

We can defend, protect, and advance our rights, together. https://dredf.org/donate
A young Black feminine-presenting person with monocular blindness, dark braided hair, and a confident expression, wearing a maroon blazer over a gray top. Bold blue text reads: “Together, We Can Build an Inclusive Future for All,” above a red button labeled “DONATE.” The DREDF logo appears at the top right corner, and a red and blue Giving Tuesday heart design is in the bottom left corner.
December 2, 2025 at 5:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
We’re pleased to announce Michelle Uzeta as DREDF’s permanent Executive Director. Michelle brings 30+ years of disability rights leadership and has guided DREDF through a pivotal year with clarity and compassion. 

Read the full announcement here: https://dredf.org/michelle-uzeta-permanent-ed/
Announcement that DREDF has named Michelle Uzeta as Executive Director. It features a portrait of Michelle Uzeta, a mixed-race Black woman with curly brown hair. She wears glasses and a black top with a white collar. She is smiling and looking directly at the viewer. The painting behind Michelle is an original oil painting by Haitian painter Jacques-Enguerrand Gourgue that features stylized birds, plants, and a figure.
December 1, 2025 at 8:15 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Special education without the U.S. Department of Education? Join DREDF & @copaafape.bsky.social on Dec 9 to learn what’s at stake.

Register now: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__PiU7n1hQl-UFug_fAvD3Q<a href="/hashtag/%2Fregistration" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#/registration
“Flyer reads 'Looking Ahead: Potential Consequences of Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 11 am Pacific and 2 pm Eastern. Learn about the role of the U.S. Department of Education, What special education may look like if it is dismantled, What you need to know as a parent, student, or professional. Register!” Logos for the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund and Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.
November 28, 2025 at 7:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
With so much changing around the Department of Education, we’ve updated our resource page to reflect the latest information and ways to take action.

Read the updates here:
Help Stop the Destruction of the Department of Education and Attacks on Schools and Students - DREDF
This is a page about the United States Department of Education (ED), why it is important for children with disabilities, what the Trump Administration is doing to ED, schools, and students, and what you can do to help.
dredf.org
November 27, 2025 at 9:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
“Students with disabilities deserve a federal partner that protects their rights and ensures every child can learn, grow and thrive.”

New op-ed in USA TODAY:
McMahon's education plan breaks the law and denies students' rights | Opinion
What Linda McMahon dismisses as 'micromanagement' is, in reality, the implementation of our nation's special education law.
www.usatoday.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:31 AM
dredf.bsky.social
Every victory for disability rights is made possible by advocates, families, and allies like you.

Your support powers:
- Partnerships that protect essential policies and laws,
- Critical rights advocacy support,
- Parent education and training.

December 2nd support DREDF: https://dredf.org/donate
Two masculine-presenting friends smile warmly and embrace side by side in a kitchen. One with Down syndrome, grins at the camera; the other wraps their arm around the first and smiles at him. Bold white text reads: “Your Support Helps Disability Rights Through: Partnerships that protect essential policies and laws, Critical rights advocacy support, and parent education and training.” The DREDF logo appears in the top left corner, and a small Giving Tuesday heart design is in the bottom right.
November 26, 2025 at 4:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Decades of research shows no causal link between vaccines and autism. We are disappointed by the CDC’s updated page on this issue. Read the full statement we signed via @ASAN:
Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Statement on CDC's Vaccines and Autism Page
As national organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being of autistic individuals and partners across the disability and public health sectors, we are deeply disappointed by the latest update to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website on autism and vaccines. 
autisticadvocacy.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:03 AM