Disability Rights Arkansas
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disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Disability Rights Arkansas
@disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
980 followers 32 following 190 posts
Dignity. Respect. Advocacy.
Protection and Advocacy Agency for People with Disabilities in Arkansas.

Visit our website to learn more: https://disabilityrightsar.org/
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disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Due to the ongoing federal shutdown and lack of FY 2026 appropriations, DRA is facing severe funding challenges. We are pausing new case intake and implementing staff furloughs to preserve essential advocacy work. Our commitment to Arkansas’s disability community remains steadfast.
Graphic displaying Disability Rights Arkansas with text announcing that DRA is affected by the federal government shutdown. The image notes that, due to the lack of Fiscal Year 2026 funding, the organization has paused new case intake and furloughed staff in several programs. Message emphasizes DRA’s continued commitment to advocating for the rights of Arkansans with disabilities.
October 23, 2025 at 4:10 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Compassion, awareness, and respect help make the “invisible” visible.

#InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek #DisabilityAwareness #AccessibilityMatters #InclusionForAll #NotAllDisabilitiesAreVisible
Illustration of a diverse group of people standing together promoting Invisible Disabilities Week and raising awareness about unseen challenges.
October 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
This move matters because representation counts: showing children that different ways of communicating are valid, visible, and celebrated. It helps create a more inclusive world where everyone belongs.

#AAC #InclusiveMedia #Neurodiversity #AutismRepresentation #DifferentNotLess
Two animated characters, a raccoon and a pink bunny, shake hands inside a wooden room with a PBS Kids logo in the corner. Text highlights the animated series "Carl the Collector", which brings a new character Paolo who is nonverbal and autistic. The character, along with the actual voice actor, are both autistic, nonspeaking, and use an AAC device.
October 20, 2025 at 3:44 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Advocates and education experts note that these cuts could significantly affect oversight, technical assistance to states, and support for families navigating special education services.

Read More Here: 🔗 www.npr.org/2025/10/13/n...

#DisabilityRights #AccessibilityMatters
Graphic showing a shout out update. Text overlay reads: “Major Changes At The U.S. Department Of Education: Recent reports say hundreds of employees have been laid off across the agency, including nearly all staff from OSERS, the division that oversees federal special education programs and compliance with the individuals with IDEA."
October 17, 2025 at 5:28 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Together, we can build a future rooted in respect, equity, and belonging for everyone.

#IndigenousPeoplesDay #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #Accessibility #Arkansas
Text honoring National Indigenous Peoples Day by Disability Rights Arkansas, emphasizing inclusion and equal access for Indigenous people with disabilities in Arkansas and beyond.
October 13, 2025 at 4:46 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. Reach out. Speak out. We’re here.

#WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #DisabilityAndMentalHealth #YouAreNotAlone #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll #DisabilityRights
Illustration of a brain wrapped in a green ribbon over a globe, surrounded by flowers, symbolizing support for mental health on World Mental Health Day, October 10.
October 10, 2025 at 5:09 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Have you ever felt unheard in a medical setting? What helped you advocate for yourself?
#DisabilityRights #HealthcareAccessibility #ListenToDisabledVoices #MedicalAbleism #PatientAdvocacy
Text highlights challenges people with disabilities face in medical care, emphasizing the need for respect and belief in their experiences.
October 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
🎥 Watch the video here: youtu.be/Nzzw21prn8w?...

How different would the world look if inclusion was the default?

#DisabilityRightsArkansas #InclusiveDesign #AccessibilityForAll #UniversalDesign #InclusionMatters #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #AccessibilityIsEssential
Illustration of three people with disabilities, one in a wheelchair, one with a prosthetic leg holding a globe, and one with crutches, emphasizing accessibility and inclusion.
October 7, 2025 at 4:16 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Join the PAIMI Advisory Council! If you’re ready to help advance mental health advocacy and inclusion in Arkansas, we’d love to hear from you!
👉 Learn more or apply here: k4q.c18.myftpupload.com/about-dra/pa...
Text calling volunteers to join the PAIMI Advisory Council for protection and advocacy of individuals with mental illness, over a background of a person lying down.
October 6, 2025 at 3:54 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Inclusion means listening. It means supporting. It means change.

#DisabilityJustice #MentalHealthAwareness #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll #EndAbleism #DisabilityRights
Graphic with text highlighting the connection between disability and mental health. It emphasizes that disabled people need care that considers body, mind, and community, and that true inclusion is about valuing and supporting people rather than ‘fixing’ them. The message encourages listening, support, and systemic change.
October 3, 2025 at 4:15 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
At DRA, we believe inclusion isn’t optional, it’s essential. Want to stay connected and learn how you can support disability rights year-round?
👉 Join our mailing list here: disabilityrightsar.org/subscribe/

#NDEAM #DisabilityEmployment #InclusionAtWork #ValueAndTalent #DisabilityRights
Graphic explaining National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, emphasizing celebrating value and talent of workers with disabilities.
October 2, 2025 at 4:25 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Small changes make a big impact. Every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and included.

#InclusiveEducation #DisabilityInclusion #EveryChildBelongs
Teacher in a classroom guiding three students using laptops, with a chalkboard listing tips for building an inclusive classroom environment.
October 1, 2025 at 4:26 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
What does inclusion mean to you?

#DisabilityInclusion #AccessibilityForAll #DisabilityRights #EquityAndAccess
Text on a blue and white gradient background highlights the importance of disability inclusion, equal rights, and community connection, featuring Dr. Yvette Pegues' advocacy message.
September 30, 2025 at 4:38 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Have you experienced access needs that conflict? We’d love to hear your perspective.

#DisabilityJustice #AccessibilityMatters #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #DisabilityInclusion
Text explaining that accessibility needs can conflict, requiring empathy and creativity to include everyone despite differing challenges.
September 29, 2025 at 4:46 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
How do you challenge that inner voice? Share one small way you’re learning to unlearn these messages.

#InternalizedAbleism #DisabilityJustice #SelfWorth #InclusionMatters
Text explaining internalized ableism as self-criticism shaped by others' low expectations and offering a three-step practice to challenge it: notice, question, and replace negative thoughts.
September 26, 2025 at 3:54 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
The path forward? Listening to disabled people, embracing diversity, and building systems that foster acceptance, support, and joy.

#DisabilityRights #InclusionMatters #DisabilityJustice #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
Red background with graphic of table and chairs at the bottom left corner of the post. Text emphasizing that true inclusion values disabled individuals as integral members, not just allowing presence in a room.
September 25, 2025 at 3:44 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Stop framing disability as something to apologize for. Start recognizing people with disabilities as peers, leaders, and equals.

#DisabilityRights #DisabilityJustice #InclusionMatters #EndAbleism #EquityForAll #HumanRights
Illustration of diverse people with disabilities including a person with a prosthetic arm, a person using a white cane, a person in a wheelchair, and a person with a prosthetic leg, emphasizing equality and respect.
September 24, 2025 at 5:27 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
It’s time to ask: Who gets shut out by this model of work? Why are they excluded? And what would it look like if we measured success by equity and inclusion — not exhaustion?

#DisabilityRights #WorkplaceEquity #InclusionMatters #DisabilityJustice
Text graphic with the message: “Disability is not inability. The problem isn’t workers — it’s workplaces built on unrealistic ideas of productivity. True success means equity, accessibility, and inclusion.” Background is simple and high-contrast for readability. Graphic of people of varying disabilities at the bottom.
September 22, 2025 at 4:45 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
At DRA, we believe disability rights are human rights, for all people with disabilities, visible or not. 💙

#DisabilityRights #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll #EndAbleism
Light pink background titled: Disability doesn't have a "look". Body reads: Disabilities aren't always visible. Some people use wheelchairs, service animals, or communication devices. Others live with disabilities you can't see at all. Assuming someone is not disabled just because they don't "look" disabled can lead to harmful barriers and discrimination.
September 17, 2025 at 4:37 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Every student deserves the tools and supports they need to learn in an inclusive environment. DRA is here to make sure that happens. 💙

#DisabilityRights #AutismAcceptance #InclusionMatters #EducationForAll #CommunicationAccess
Text highlighting a success story about a student with autism gaining reliable access to a communication device after advocacy and investigation. Light teal background with symbols on the left-hand side of a brain, infinity sign, eye, and stars.
September 16, 2025 at 4:51 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Whether it’s by bus, train, plane, or rideshare, accessibility and safety are not optional extras. They’re rights.

#DisabilityRights #AccessibleTravel #InclusionMatters #TravelForAll
Illustration promoting safe travel for all, featuring a pink airplane, luggage, passport, headphones, sunscreen, and travel photos with a signpost and sunset postcard. Text reads: Everyone deserves to travel safely, including people with disabilities.
September 4, 2025 at 5:19 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Every journey has value, even when it looks different from what others expect.

#DisabilityRights #Inclusion #Growth #Journey
Illustration of two children with disabilities, one with a white cane and the other with crutches, surrounded by a motivational quote about growth and belonging. Text reads: Life isn't linear. It's not symmetrical. And it's not supposed to be. Disability reminds us there's no single way to grow, succeed, or belong. Different doesn't mean less, it means possible in new ways.
September 2, 2025 at 5:13 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Inclusion isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of a stronger, fairer society.

#InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #DisabilityRights #InclusiveSociety #EquityForAll #UniversalDesign #AccessAndInclusion #InclusionForAll #BreakingBarriers
Illustration highlighting four pillars of inclusivity: design for all, voices heard, fair chances, and effective support for equal participation. Pink pastel background with two graphics. Bottom left graphic are hands holding up a heart, and bottom right graphic is a group of diverse people hugging representing inclusivity. Title: What makes a society truly inclusive?
August 28, 2025 at 3:53 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
Join the Listening Sessions to share your experiences, challenges, and ideas.

📅 August 29
📍 The Restore Hub @ Arkansas State University
⏰ 3:00–4:30 PM or 6:00–7:30 PM
👉 Register by scanning the QR code or calling (870) 680-8062

#DisabilityInclusion #CommunityVoices #Arkansas
Listening sessions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families on August 29 at Arkansas State University's Restore Hub. 3 - 4:30 p.m. and 6 - 7:30 p.m. at 2301 E. Johnson Ave. The Restore Hub @ Arkansas State University. Supported by the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities Arkansas and Restore. Blue background with four reflective questions about life needs, access to services, quality of life, and worries, plus a QR code and phone number to register. Questions: 1. What needs to live your best life that aren't currently met? 2. What keeps you from accessing the services you need? 3. In what way could we help improve your quality of life and happiness? 4. What do you worry about? / What keeps you up at night? QR Code below: "scan the QR code or call 1(870)680-8062 to register."
August 26, 2025 at 4:31 PM
disabilityrightsar.bsky.social
💡 Mark off the ones you’ve used or advocated for; see if you can get BINGO!
📢 And remember: knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them.

#DisabilityRights #KnowYourRights #AccessibilityForAll #InclusionMatters
Bingo card with a pink to orange gradient background titled Disability Rights Bingo listing rights like access to public spaces, equal employment opportunities, reasonable accommodations at work or school, the right to have a service animal with you, access to accessible voting, communication aids in medical settings, accessible transportation, and freedom from discrimination. Subheading: How many rights do you know you already have? Bottom: How many are you still learning about?
August 25, 2025 at 4:55 PM