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dredf.bsky.social
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
@dredf.bsky.social
2K followers 150 following 100 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
We are now accepting Arlene Mayerson Summer Internship applications (for rising 2Ls & 3Ls). Join us at DREDF and work alongside attorneys, special education advocates, and policy analysts! Learn more at dredf.org/2026-dredf-a...
Text reads “We are hiring! 2026 Arlene Mayerson Summer Interns DREDF is looking for rising 2L or 3L law students with interest in disability rights and social justice. All law student applicants, regardless of qualifications, will be considered. This internship provides the opportunity to receive a stipend. Deadline for applications is February 7, 2026” with a photo of a white coffee mug with the DREDF logo on it.
November 10, 2025 at 8:58 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Your air travel story can spark change.

DREDF's friends at All Wheels Up are supporting research by inviting passengers with disabilities and caregivers to share their air travel experiences in a study.

Take the brief anonymous survey: https://ku.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0UMzzfiSH8Vdkq2
A blue and light-blue graphic with bold white text that reads, “Share your air travel experience! As a passenger with a disability or their caregiver.” Below, text says, “You can help increase understanding of air travel experiences, adaptations, and accommodations for passengers with disabilities.” A QR code appears in the bottom left corner, and two small megaphone icons are placed in opposite corners.
November 6, 2025 at 6:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
November is Native American Heritage Month. 

Learn how disability and Native identity intersect through first-hand stories and resources from @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social: https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/blog/entry/deaf_disabled_native_americans
November 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Cuts to special education protections are happening now.

Join DREDF + partners at a Virtual Town Hall to Protect IDEA on Nov 4 @ 4 pm ET.

Together, we can help protect the rights of children w/ disabilities.

Register https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ROjpXDrPS76Hm2y3udCXbg<a href="/hashtag/%2Fregistration" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#/registration
A square graphic with a maroon border and a white center panel. Bold red headline reads: “Cuts to Special Education Protections Are Happening Now!” Below, text says: “Join a Virtual Town Hall to Protect Children with Disabilities & Protect IDEA. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 @ 4:00 pm ET.” There are logos of participating organizations: The Center for Learner Equity, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Center for Learning Disabilities, The Arc, Council for Exceptional Children, and COPAA.
October 31, 2025 at 10:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Wondering how special ed evaluations work and why they matter?

Join us for a free virtual training on Nov. 10, 7 to 8:30 pm PT: "Special Education Evaluations: Why & How We Evaluate Students with Disabilities” to learn about tests and why they're needed.
Hosted by DREDF PTI. 
Register at dredf.org
Image description: A collage of three photos of children smiling, learning alongside an adult. Text reads: “DREDF Training Series: Special Education Evaluations - Why and How We Evaluate Students with Disabilities. Virtual Training, Monday, November 10, 2025, 7:00–8:45 pm PT.” A red button says “REGISTER.”
October 31, 2025 at 4:30 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Please join us in welcoming Drew, our new Communications Strategist! Drew will strengthen and expand DREDF's communications efforts during a critical time for disability rights. We’re looking forward to sharing more content, more often, including more videos.
Black and white professional headshot of Drew, a white woman with blue eyes and long blond hair. Two smaller photos of Drew editing videos.
October 30, 2025 at 11:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
23 years ago, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) expanded voting access for millions of voters with disabilities.

Today, we celebrate that progress and continue working toward full participation for all.

#VotingRights #Accessibility #YesAccess #HAVA
A feminine-presenting white person using a power wheelchair is beside a "Vote Here" sign and has a universal symbol of access. In the background, there is polling stations in a gym. Text reads: "The Help America Vote Act turns 23 years old today! Thanks to the Help America Vote Act, every polling place is required to include an accessible booth and voting system to ensure that your vote counts. Claim your power at the polls." The DREDF logo is in the top corner.
October 29, 2025 at 6:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Today is the #SNAPDayOfAction, and we need you to join us and act now.

42 million Americans are at risk of losing SNAP benefits on Nov 1st. USDA has a contingency fund but hasn't released it. Contact your Members of Congress today.
An illustration promoting the “SNAP Day of Action.” The image shows a green cliff edge with a grocery bag labeled “SNAP” tipping off the side. The text reads: “SNAP Day of Action — Urge policymakers to restore food assistance before SNAP falls off the cliff.” Below the image of the bag, it says in red and blue text: “Take action now before benefits run out in November.” The background is a gradient blue sky.
October 29, 2025 at 12:19 AM
dredf.bsky.social
Friends, family, and neighbors shouldn’t have to go hungry, become unhoused, and lose healthcare.

Millions are already hurting with basic needs cuts and millions more are at risk from the continuing government shutdown.

Learn how it will impact you and what you can do: dredf.org/shutdown-update/
Image has a light brown background with radiating circles. To the left is an image collage of the closeup of people’s eyes. They appear to be a variety ages, races, and genders to reflect the diversity of those impacted. Text on the image is dark blue and red to convey urgency. It says “Millions are already hurting from cuts to healthcare and basic needs. Here’s what to know and what to do as the government shutdown continues.” The DREDF logo appears in the top left corner.
October 27, 2025 at 11:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
The Trump Administration wants to reverse the Rehabilitation Act's Section 503 regulations that supports federal contractors having disabled people represent 7% of their workforce. We refuse to let that happen! On this #DisabledWomensEqualPayDay, join us in fighting back! tinyurl.com/DWEPD25
Centered over a dark green background, capitalized top header text reads “Disabled Women’s Equal Pay Day 2025 October 23” in white and yellow letters. Below, white text reads “We’re still fighting for equal pay.” Centered at the bottom are four hand-drawn people. From left to right, there is a person sitting down facing left, a person standing wearing dark sunglasses and holding a cane, a person with a prosthetic leg standing and waving, and a person sitting in a wheelchair facing left.
October 23, 2025 at 9:01 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Today is #DisabledWomensEqualPayDay, and our rights and health are under attack. Medicaid cuts are projected to deprive disabled women of life-saving health care and employment supports. Join us in fighting back! tinyurl.com/DWEPD25
○ Centered at the top over a dark green background, the capitalized header text reads “Disabled Women’s Equal Pay Day 2025 October 23” in white and yellow letters. Below is white text that reads “Tell Congress: Reverse the devastating Medicaid cuts and pass the Protecting Healthcare And Lowering Costs Act!” Below that is a light green rectangle with capitalized black text that reads “Take Action,” and a white arrow pointing to the text as if clicking on a button.
October 23, 2025 at 6:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Enhanced Premium Tax Credits protect over 20 million people from medical bills that drain savings & wreck credit.

Congress had the chance to act—instead, they chose cuts.

Join us in urging Congress to make these tax credits permanent & repeal health care cuts: commcat.io/467vrRn

#CareNotCuts
Exterior of the U.S. Capitol building with a hand in a megaphone. Text reads "Millions are already stretching every dollar - They can't afford higher premiums or more medical debt. Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) help more than 20 million people get affordable health coverage. Tell members of Congress to repeal the harmful cuts they passed and make PTCs permanent."
September 25, 2025 at 4:11 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Our 46th Anniversary Event, Celebrating Resistance, is 14 days away! The event will be held in Berkeley at the Ed Roberts Campus and livestreamed via Zoom. Learn more and get tickets now: dredf.org/event/celebr...
Text reads “Celebrating Resistance - 46th Anniversary Event - Thursday, September 11, 2025, Ed Roberts Campus, Berkeley and online. RSVP: bit.ly/DREDF-2025. An evening of fun, activism and community with keynote Keith Jones” with a portrait of Keith, a black man in his 60s, looks seriously at the camera. He’s wearing glasses and a grey t-shirt. There is an illustration of a raised fist and a QR code.
August 28, 2025 at 5:42 PM
dredf.bsky.social
We just released a statement on SB 258 and our work to ensure the bill protects the sexual autonomy of all disabled people. Our FAQ provides context on the bill, the amendments we fought for & why we took the position we did.

Our full statement: dredf.org/promoting-se...
FAQ: dredf.org/sb-258-faq/
Two people dancing, one dancer is a wheelchair user. The photo is on top of the exterior of the Sacramento Capitol building. Text reads &quot;Promoting Sexual Autonomy of Disabled People: DREDF Announces Amendments to SB 258&quot; with the DREDF logo in the corner.
August 20, 2025 at 8:41 PM
dredf.bsky.social
DREDF is collecting stories this weekend to uplift at the 60-Hour Protect Medicaid Vigil. Please submit your story here this weekend so we can have them ready to read beginning July 23rd: www.surveymonkey.com/r/protect-me...

More information on the vigil: protectmedicaidvigil.com
Graphic with the text that says, “60-hour Protect Medicaid Vigil at the national mall, begins July 23 at 9pm, ends July 26 at 9am”
July 18, 2025 at 10:06 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Yesterday, more than 50 people were arrested by Capitol police for protesting the proposed cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential lifelines. These cuts will cause immense harm to disabled and multiply marginalized people. Among those arrested was our Governmental Affairs Liaison, Carol.
Black and white photo of Carol being arrested by 3women4craft2market on instagram
June 26, 2025 at 4:54 PM
dredf.bsky.social
NEW @nlihc.org "Advocates’ Guide 2025: A Primer on Federal Affordable Housing and Community Development Programs and Policies": nlihc.org/explore-issu...

@justiceinaging.org, The Kelsey and DREDF contributed to "Federal Housing Protections for People with Disabilities": nlihc.org/sites/defaul...
Cover of the 2025 Advocates' Guide, showing five photographs of various types of housing and people. Screenshot of Federal Housing Protections for People with Disabilities article
May 29, 2025 at 7:16 PM
dredf.bsky.social
The current Administration is making decisions that hurt students w/ disabilities, students who are trans, autistic, and/or immigrants, and our communities as a whole. Learn more about what’s happening in education, what it means for our rights + how we fight back: dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Text reads “Upcoming webinar: Disability Community Fights Back: Defending Students. Thursday, June 5 at 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PT / 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm ET” with a graphic of raised fist and protest signs.
May 28, 2025 at 10:39 PM
dredf.bsky.social
🚨 Medicaid is under attack! Congress is pushing cruel cuts that could cost millions of us our care. We need your help. Call targeted California representatives NOW and tell them: VOTE NO on the House reconciliation bill. Call more than once if you can! #SaveMedicaid #ProtectOurCare
Triangle sign with an exclamation point. Text reads "WE CAN’T AFFORD TO WAIT! The time is NOW to turn up the pressure on Congress. What’s at stake →" Text reads "We are posting this urgent request on Monday, May 19, at 7 pm PT. Right now, Congress is trying to cut Medicaid. Help by calling targeted California representatives and telling them to VOTE NO on the House reconciliation bill. Call multiple times if you can. The bill will cause millions of people to lose their healthcare. It is cruel and despicable. Contact information →" Text reads "Call these California representatives NOW and tell them to VOTE NO on Medicaid cuts: David Valadao (D-23), Bakersfield. Washington DC Office (202) 225-4695, Bakersfield Office (661) 864-7736. Young Kim (D-40), Orange County. Washington DC Office (202) 225-4111, Anaheim Hills Office (714) 984-2440. Ken Calvert (D-41), Palm Desert. Washington DC Office (202) 225-2004, Palm Desert Office (760) 620-0041. Keep the pressure up!"
May 20, 2025 at 2:19 AM
dredf.bsky.social
Disability Justice = Housing Justice!

This week, our Government Affairs Liaison, Carol Tyson (they/them), joined an action with housing advocates outside of HUD.

Know Your Rights for Disabled Protestors: dredf.org/know-your-ri...
Protesting While Disabled Pocket Guide:
dredf.org/protesting-w...
Carol wearing a mask holding a sign that reads "Disability Justice = Housing Justice" in front of the large HUD concrete building.
March 8, 2025 at 1:35 AM
dredf.bsky.social
DREDF believes that Section 504 protects transgender people with disabilities, including a gender dysphoria diagnosis. The disability community includes transgender people, and disability justice cannot be achieved without trans people.
Text reads "In this moment, when the Administration is attacking transgender people, disabled people, and people living at the intersection of both identities, we need each other more than ever." with the DREDF logo in the corner
February 22, 2025 at 3:54 AM
dredf.bsky.social
#TexasVBecerra Case Update: No state Attorney General has withdrawn from the lawsuit at this time. We urge advocates in the 17 states to continue to contact their AG to ask them to drop the case to continue the campaign to #Protect504

More info: dredf.org/wp-content/u...
Text reads "On Wednesday, February 19, a Joint Status Report was filed by the 17 states and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The report does not change anything about the case. Although several Attorneys General told stakeholders that the lawsuit would be dropped or that their state would withdraw from it, all 17 states made clear in the filing that they will continue to pursue all of their original claims that Section 504 itself is unconstitutional. " Text reads "The AGs also reiterated that they will continue to challenge portions of the regulations related to community integration and Olmstead, which require states to provide services in the “most integrated setting.” The integration regulation protects our right to participate in our community with supports instead of being segregated in institutions or separate classrooms." Text reads "No state Attorney General has withdrawn from the lawsuit at this time. We urge advocates in the 17 states to continue to contact their AG to ask them to drop the case to continue the campaign to protect Section 504."
February 22, 2025 at 3:52 AM
dredf.bsky.social
Tell your members of Congress to keep their #HandsOffOurMedicaid!

¡Dígalas sus miembros del Congreso que mantengan sus #ManosFueraDeNuestroMedicaid!

More information / más información: dredf.org/hands-off-ou...
Text reads "Hands off Medicaid" El texto dice "No corten Medicaid"
February 6, 2025 at 6:35 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Join us on February 12 at 9:30 AM PT / 12:30 PM ET for a Disability Community Briefing on #TexasvBecerra — a lawsuit that threatens #Section504. Section 504 is a crucial disability rights law that ensures equal access to schools, healthcare, and more.

Register: dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Text reads: Upcoming Webinar Disability Community Briefing: What You Can Do to Stop the Attack on Section 504. February 12, 2025 at 9:30 AM Pacific / 12:30 PM Eastern. The DREDF logo is in the corner
February 4, 2025 at 8:10 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Our new toolkit for legal advocates in California outlines how disability rights laws can protect unhoused disabled individuals from discriminatory enforcement. Check out it on our website now: dredf.org/legal-advoca...
Cover page with the title “Legal Advocacy for Unhoused People with Disabilities: A Toolkit to Challenge California Laws Criminalizing Homelessness” with decorative imagery of lady justice, a wheelchair user, hand holding, and a house being crushed by a palm. The DREDF logo and the date January 2025.
January 9, 2025 at 5:11 PM