If you live in Texas, you know that a disaster can strike at any moment – it’s a question of when, not if. Because disasters and emergencies are a constant threat, it’s important for people with disabilities to be ready so you don’t have to get ready. So how prepared are you? Tell us!

Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is conducting the 2024 Disaster Resilience Survey of Texans with Disabilities. Your responses will help DRTx understand how prepared Texans with disabilities are and identify the needs in the community.

The survey is for:

• people with disabilities
• people who support people with disabilities
• other people with a connection to the disability community

The survey asks what you’re worried about, how prepared you are, what supplies you keep on hand, and more. With the survey results, DRTx could create new resources, develop education and training for the community, guide advocacy and policy initiatives, and educate emergency managers about the needs of the disability community.

American Sign Language (ASL): If you use ASL, watch this ASL video about the survey or read the information below.

ASL users can complete the survey via video phone call. To complete the survey, call DRTx at one of the video phone numbers below. The video phone lines are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. If there’s no answer, please leave a video message and we’ll call you back within a few days.

• Sign Language Video Phone: 1-866-362-2851
• Purple 2 Video Phone: 1-512-271-9391

The survey is available in English, Spanish, and ASL. The deadline to complete the survey is May 13, 2024. If you need help completing the survey, or if you need it in a different format, email disaster@drtx.org, or call 1-800-948-1824 or one of the video phone options listed above.

Surveys links:

• 2024 Disaster Resilience Survey of Texans with Disabilities
• Encuesta 2024 de resiliencia ante desastres de Tejanos con Discapacidades

Our Human Resource Team interviewed some of DRTx’s Black disability rights advocates and attorneys about Black History Month (BHM). Here are some of the things they had to say. Our sincere thanks to Marvin, LaRita, and Danielle for taking the time to share their thoughts.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Marvin: “Black History Month honors our ancestors, change-makers, and revolutionaries—both the well-known names and the unheard-of and forgotten individuals. Many of them worked tirelessly, yet the fruits of their labor often went unseen and unenjoyed. Our freedoms owe much to their efforts. While we often appreciate the stories and legends, it is essential to express our gratitude to the human side of these individuals who dedicated parts of themselves to improve our society.”

LaRita: “During the month of February, I take extra time to reflect on my life story and the stories of everyone that has helped to pave the path that I walk on. I use both the terms Black and African American history. Black History is a part of my everyday life. Whether I am talking with a relative who just happens to be the first African-American man to work as a clerk in a public bank in Falls County, Texas, or sitting down to eat lunch with three prestigious Navy officers, learning (trying to learn) Pidgin Bantu or working to convince young women, of any color, that they too can be the first person in their family to go to college. I am aware that everything that I do also becomes part of a larger history. Black History Month for me is about taking the time to acknowledge and cherish those whose hard won accomplishments made it possible for me to go forward and help pave the path for others.”

Danielle: “To me, Black History Month means an opportunity to reflect on the significant innovations that African Americans have made to the United States in the areas of Advocacy & Social Justice, Law, Education, Poetry, Health, Science, Fine Arts and Entertainment for the betterment of our society and culture.”

How are you observing this month?

Marvin: “I am being intentional about supporting Black-owned businesses, not just during this month but as part of my regular consumer choices. I am attending cultural events, performances and discussions in the Austin Metro area that provide a platform for authentic conversations about Black history and contemporary issues.”

LaRita: “This year I am working with a church group of kids between the ages of 8 to 12 who are learning about Black Trail Blazers living and gone who have helped the community as a whole here in Houston, Texas, with a “History is closer than you think” project.  I am also learning more about my genetic past and working towards one day visiting West Africa.”

Danielle: “I celebrate Black History Month throughout the month and year through my support for black owned businesses by attending ‘Black Market Vendor’ events, attending and exploring various culture events, such as Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, book readings, museum exhibits, and restaurants. Additionally, I am a proud active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated which is the oldest Greek Lettered African American Sorority founded in 1908 with a membership of over 300,000 women who are committed to providing service to all mankind throughout our communities, states, nation, and the world.”

What do you want your coworkers and colleagues to know most about BHM?

Marvin: “Black History Month means the appreciation and acknowledgement of Blackness and how it touches all aspects of our society. It is a celebration of the radical joy and resilience of Black folk, including women, nonbinary, trans, queer and disabled people. It’s a reminder that the level of respect shown during this month is something that needs to be consistent the entire year. It’s a call to action to continue to advocate for and uplift those within society who are often pushed to the margins.”

LaRita: “This month and during future Black History Months, take the time to listen to the histories of those in your local community.  It is not only the big 4= MLK, Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman and George Washington Carver. Yes, they are important and had an impact on the lives of thousands. But so are Charles Rhinehart (1^st African-American to be admitted to University of Houston in 1961, now 83 years old), Barbara Jordan (my first big hero to see in person and 1^st African-American Texas Senator) and Lee Brown (59^th Mayor of Houston, still living). You never know, your next-door neighbor may be a truly phenomenal individual. Today as so many seek to change how history is viewed and learned, always remember the old adage those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Embrace the good, the bad and the ugly parts of history and work to make a better story for everyone.”

Danielle: “Black History is a very rich culture of various depths.  Be open and curious to research the achievements of various Black Americans that have made major contributions to our beautiful and diverse United States of America. If you are ever in the Washington D.C. and surrounding areas, plan a trip to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture for an unforgettable experience through the Black Legacy: Past, Present, & Future.”

Here are some websites Danielle suggests for people to explore and learn more:

• National Museum of African American History
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• National Pan-Hellenic Council
• National Geographic Kids: African-American Heroes
• Black and African American Inventors and Inventions that Changed The World

Marvin also ask that we share this picture of Trayvon Martin while attending aviation camp, and asked that we include it with this thought, “Rest in Power, Trayvon.”

 

The Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) website now includes Google Translate, which makes our information and resources available in Chinese and Vietnamese. To use Google Translate on the website, just click the “Language” dropdown next to the globe at the very top of the website.

The majority of the DRTx website continues to be available in Spanish, having been translated by human translators. Webpages that have Spanish versions can be identified by the English/Español toggle (and the corresponding flag) that appears at the end of the website’s navigation section. Google Translate is available to translate any webpages that don’t already have a Spanish version.

Learn more about our website translation options.

With your support this year, we helped tens of thousands of Texans with disabilities know their rights, stay in their jobs, get the education and healthcare they need, move out of institutions, have their rights restored, and more. Below are highlights of what we were able to accomplish this past year because of you.

Some recent changes to voting laws in Texas could impact voting accessibility. Learn about how the changes – and accommodations that are available – could impact people with disabilities.

Curbside voting

Did you know that Texas voters who are unable to physically enter a polling place can vote curbside? Each polling place is required to have (at least) one designated curbside voting parking space. The parking space should have a sign that says “curbside voting” and there should be a way for you to let election workers know that you are there. This parking space is not one of the accessible parking spaces.

If you plan on voting curbside, you are not legally required to contact your polling place ahead of time, but it’s not a bad idea to do so.

Voting order priority

Voters with certain disabilities and impairments can ask to move to the front of the line (i.e., to be given priority) at a polling place. This includes people:

• with neurological or orthopedic conditions;
• with heart and lung disease;
• who use oxygen; and
• who use a wheelchair, walker, cane or other mobility device.

It is also possible that an election worker will see you and ask for your permission to move you to the front of line.

Election workers must allow voters with certain disabilities to go to the front of the line. If someone is assisting you at the polling place, that person should also be able to go to the front of the line with you. Election workers are not allowed to ask you about your disability in any way.

Voter assistance

You can get help (i.e., assistance) at a polling place if you need it. You can ask for help with:

• navigating the polling place,
• getting checked in, and
• reading and marking your ballot.

You can get help from an election worker or someone else that you choose.

Voting by mail

To vote by mail in Texas, you must apply for a ballot by mail. The Application for Ballot By Mail (ABBM) is available in English and Spanish. You can access the ABBM on your county’s election website (if it has a website) or on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Submit your completed application to your county’s election office. If your county can’t process your ABBM, they may contact you and you may be able to correct the problem through the online Ballot By Mail Tracker.

For the current election, the deadline to submit an ABBM was Friday, October 27, 2023.

Voting resources

See our Voting resources for more information to help you vote.

Blind and low-vision registered voters in Bexar County can vote absentee in a secure, accessible manner this year for the first time.

To vote using the new electronic accessible ballot by mail option for the upcoming election, you must apply by October 27, 2023. Here is what you need to do:

• Complete the Application for Ballot by Mail and the Declaration of Blindness.
• Print out and sign both.
• Address and mail to the Early Voting Clerk at 1103 S. Frio St., Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78207-6328.
• Submit before Friday, October 27, 2023.

Learn more about the OmniBallot Electronic Absentee Ballot and get further instructions on downloading the above forms.

Information Session via Zoom

Join the National Federation of the Blind of Texas and Disability Rights Texas on Monday, October 23 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time for an information session on the accessible Ballot by Mail and other voting changes this year. Join the meeting in one of the following ways:

• Zoom link: https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98446201963
• One tap mobile +13126266799,,98446201963#
• Phone: 1-346-248-7799

Meeting ID: 984 4620 1963. Captions and Spanish will be available.

Why This Just Became Available

In 2022, 3 blind voters – Larry Johnson, Wendy Walker and Amelia Pellicciotti – along with the National Federation of the Blind of Texas and the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, filed suit against Bexar County in federal court. The complaint alleges violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The plaintiffs are represented by Disability Rights Texas, Winston & Strawn, LLP, and Eve Hill of the Baltimore firm of Brown Goldstein & Levy.

Other federal courts have held that the ADA applies to all aspects of a jurisdiction’s voting program, including mail-in ballots specifically.

Due to these advocacy efforts, the Court issued a Permanent Injunctive Order on July 27, 2023. Bexar County only recently put the accessible electronic system in place. The order states:

“Beginning with the November 7, 2023, election, and for all future elections within the term of this Permanent Injunction, Defendants Bexar County, Texas and Bexar County Elections Administrator, Jacquelyn Callanen, in her official capacity, shall ensure that an electronic remote accessible vote-by-mail system (“RAVBM”) is available to blind voters in time for the start of absentee voting for the election in Bexar County.”

Your Voice Makes a Difference

Voting in any election is important because it provides citizens with the opportunity to voice their opinion about elected leaders and policies. Your voice matters even more this year because the success of the accessible absentee program may affect whether it is made available in future elections and in other counties.

Know Your Voting Rights

Visit the Disability Rights Texas Voting Rights Resources webpage to learn more about all of your voting rights.

Earlier this year, Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) conducted the 2023 Disaster Resilience Survey of Texans with Disabilities. We asked respondents how prepared they are for disasters and emergencies, what they’re worried about, and what they need to be more resilient. The survey – which was open to Texans with disabilities, people who support a person with a disability, and others connected to the disability community – received 426 responses.

We learned that the majority of the respondents are not prepared for disasters or emergencies.

How prepared are Texans with disabilities?

While the majority of survey respondents had some of the disaster preparedness basics covered, the majority of respondents said that they were not prepared when it comes to these items that are specific to the disability community:

• 85% don’t have a plan to continue to access healthcare services
• 66% don’t have a plan for evacuating and sheltering in place
• 71% don’t know how to get prescriptions refilled
• 61% are not registered as a critical care customer with their electricity provider
• 70% don’t have an alternate power source to keep medications refrigerated, operate durable medical equipment, or charge a cell phone
• 77% don’t have a back-up for their in-home healthcare if their provider isn’t available

The basic preparedness actions that the majority of respondents had taken included having their important information in one place (55%), being signed up to get local emergency alerts (65%), having enough food and water for five days (64%), and having a first aid kit (73%).

Gaps at the local level

Another preparedness gap the survey revealed was the disconnect between the needs of disability community, their local emergency management department, and equitable outcomes in response and recovery measures.

Local emergency management departments are required to serve all citizens – including people with disabilities – if a disaster or emergency happens. Some people with disabilities may require certain accommodations so they can access the same services as everyone else and stay safe. A significant majority of survey respondents said that they face barriers related to some services that their local emergency management department should provide. Barriers include a service not being provided, not knowing how to access a service that is provided, and not knowing if a service is provided.

Below are the services and the percentage of respondents who indicated experiencing a barrier to accessing that service.

• Places to get food, water, and supplies (79% experienced a barrier)
• Places you can go for shelter (83%)
• Shelters that are accessible (85%)
• Shelters with the healthcare staff, services, and equipment you need (92%)
• Transportation to a shelter (94%)

What worries the disability community?

With Texas being a hotbed for extreme events, the survey also gauged respondents’ level of worry related to naturals disasters and manmade emergencies. The types of events respondents were most worried about are listed below.

• Cybersecurity threats (82% are worried)
• Extreme heat (76%)
• Mass shootings (73%)
• Tornadoes (67%)
• Cold weather events (66%)
• Public health emergency (66%)

The three types of events that survey respondents were the least worried about were earthquakes (18%), wildfires (41%), and hurricanes (44%).

Striving towards a more resilient Texas

Being prepared for disasters and emergencies is everyone’s responsibility. Individuals with disabilities need to take responsibility for their own preparedness. Public entities need to ensure that the resources and services they provide are accessible for people with disabilities.

Since the survey, DRTx has published a number of Disaster Resilience resources that people with disabilities can use to improve their level of preparedness. Some of the resources directly address topics that came up in the survey, like cybersecurity, healthcare during a disaster, and extreme heat. We also launched a monthly Disaster Resilience newsletter, delivering preparedness information directly to people’s inboxes.

DRTx is also having a presence at various disability- and preparedness-related events around the state. At these events, we’re sharing important information to help people be more prepared for the next disaster or emergency.

In 2024, we’ll conduct another disaster resilience survey, and we’ll also use the feedback from that survey to identify – and address – the preparedness needs of Texans with disabilities.

Self-advocacy is when you use your voice to let others – especially decision makers – know what’s important to you. When you self-advocate, you work to influence decisions that will affect your life, instead of having other people make decisions without your input.

1. Prioritize Your Goals
What are your self-advocacy goals? Your answers to this question will help you decide your next steps.

2. Know Your Rights
It is your right to understand the laws that determine your rights. You also have the right to receive information in your primary language and in alternative formats.

3. Keep Records
It is vital that you keep accurate records. Be sure to keep important documents in one safe place.

4. Prepare and Plan
Before a meeting, reflect on your goals, review your documents, and talk with people you trust to help you prepare.

5. Be Creative and Assertive
Make sure you keep your discussion short and to the point. Share when you disagree and collaborate to find the best solution for you.

6. Get Decisions in Writing
Keep track of your progress through documentation. If you disagree with a decision, ask for it in writing.

7. Right to Appeal
If you do not get a decision that you agree with, you have the right to challenge it.

8. Interim Solutions
While you wait for a decision to be made on your case, consider other options by exploring what resources are available to help you in the meantime.

9. Review Documents
Review all agreements and action items to ensure
everyone involved is on the same page, and sign only what you agree to.

10. Follow Up
Stay on top of any final deadlines and communications. Remember to thank those who have helped you in this process.

 

For more information about these tips, see our 10 Self-Advocacy Tips handout.

 

This information is based on Disability Rights Florida’s 10 Steps to Effective Self-Advocacy.

It isn’t a question of if, but when.

The reality of the world we live in is that an event – whether natural, man-made, or a public health emergency (like the COVID-19 pandemic) – will happen. And the event doesn’t care if you are ready or not, so everyone must play a role in their own preparedness.

September is National Preparedness Month, a good time to create your own disaster preparedness plan so you’re prepared for any type of disaster or emergency.

Being ready to self-advocate – standing up for your rights and needs – is an important part of taking responsibility for your disaster resiliency. Resiliency means being able to get past a hard time more readily. At the end of the day, when a disaster or emergency strikes, you want to determine your fate as much as you can. This way, you’re less reliant on other people and you leave less things to chance.

One way to include self-advocacy in your planning is to talk with people and organizations that could impact you if there’s a disaster or emergency. This could be your local emergency management department, your healthcare provider, a local nonprofit, etc. When you connect, others will know who you are and what you’ll need to stay safe, and you’ll know what to expect from them if there’s an event.

Another way to include self-advocacy in your disaster preparedness planning is to know your rights. Learn about your rights related to housing, employment, education, and so on. When you know your rights ahead of time, you’ll already know what you can advocate for when there’s a disaster or emergency.

For more information to help you take responsibility for your preparedness and to understand your rights, see our new resource, Self-Advocacy and Being Disaster Ready.

Our recent Back to School Newsletter provides highlights of a few significant special education related bills that passed this year. Here are a few more details on those laws plus information on a new resource we have explaining many other new laws.

New laws that impact our kids

Many education-related bills that impact students with disabilities passed in this year’s state legislative session. Our new resource, Overview of Texas Special Education Bills Passed in 2023, lists several of these new laws. Here are a few highlights from that resource:

• House Bill 3928 improves special education services for students with Dyslexia and related disorders. Some of the bill’s provisions include clarification on how students with Dyslexia qualify for special education services, a requirement to update the state’s Dyslexia Handbook, and that providers of Dyslexia interventions must be appropriately trained. These are just a few of the many requirements in this new law.
• Senate Bill 133 limits law enforcement and school security personnel in the use of physical force and restraint techniques on elementary students. We started the session with a press conference at the Capitol calling on legislators to stop the violence experienced by many Texas students when being restrained. This bill is a start. It applies to students in 5th grade or below and prohibits use of a Taser, chemical irritant spray, handcuffs, and physical restraint.
• A major provision of recently passed House Bill 473 adds to legislation passed in 2019 that created school threat assessment teams. Now those teams must involve the parents of the student being assessed.
• House Bill 3 addresses physical security and safety of public schools and includes several requirements such as new guidance on emergency plans for students with disabilities; district employees being trained in mental health first aid; and TEA monitoring districts on school safety and establishing an Office of School Safety and Security. Read our resource to learn about other provisions in this new law.

These laws become effective for the 2023-2024 school year. For more on these and other bills that passed, see our new resource, Overview of Special Ed Laws Passed in 2023.

Resources for a successful school year

Don’t forget that we have several education resources to help you know your rights so you can advocate for what your student needs this year.

• IDEA Manual: A Comprehensive Guide on Special Education in Texas
• Requesting an Initial Evaluation
• How to File a TEA Complaint
• Request a Camera in Your Child’s Classroom
• Dealing with Incident Reports and Requesting Video Recordings
• Interactive Discipline Guide

For news and updates throughout the year, join our Facebook group, Keeping Tabs on TEA and State Related Special Ed Issues, and subscribe to our new Special Education News & Resources email list.