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DRTx in the News

Rejecting Call to Disband San Antonio ISD Police, Trustees Plan to Examine Discipline Policies

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“Amid the fallout from the death of George Floyd, the San Antonio Independent School District has rejected calls to disband its police department, but some trustees are pushing for a comprehensive review of student discipline and the department’s role in it. A coalition of nonprofits sent SAISD Superintendent Pedro Martinez a letter two weeks after… Continue reading Rejecting Call to Disband San Antonio ISD Police, Trustees Plan to Examine Discipline Policies

Advocates Urge Houston ISD To Disband School Police Force

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“Even before George Floyd died after being handcuffed and restrained by Minneapolis police, advocates were trying to reduce the police presence in Houston schools. Now Floyd’s death magnifies the danger of over-policing for students of color and children with disabilities, according to a letter sent to Houston school district administrators. A coalition of social justice… Continue reading Advocates Urge Houston ISD To Disband School Police Force

Families of the Disabled Worry About Loved Ones in State-Run Homes During COVID-19

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More than 100 people at the Denton State Supported Living Center — one of the largest facilities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the state of Texas — have tested positive for COVID-19. That includes at least 47 staffers. Denton County has experienced a lack of testing supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Many… Continue reading Families of the Disabled Worry About Loved Ones in State-Run Homes During COVID-19

Advocates: Houston-Area Students In Alternative Schools Need ‘Fresh Start’ After COVID

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Juvenile justice advocates are asking school districts in greater Houston to give students in alternative schools a fresh start, so that the COVID-19 crisis doesn’t prolong their punishments into the next academic year. That’s because before schools closed their doors, hundreds of Houston-area students were learning in alternative programs for things like dress code violations,… Continue reading Advocates: Houston-Area Students In Alternative Schools Need ‘Fresh Start’ After COVID

Group home operators struggle with virus as 14 locations confirm cases

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State health officials confirmed 14 group homes in Texas have had cases of COVID-19. Though the virus has hit just a fraction of the state’s 2,936 group homes, it is having a widespread impact on facilities’ ability to stay open. Group homes provide care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The homes are often… Continue reading Group home operators struggle with virus as 14 locations confirm cases

Special education students fall behind as Texas schools scramble to adapt

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“Evaluating whether a student needs to be in special education or needs a change in services can take weeks if not months; in the meantime, students aren’t learning. School district advocates are encouraging the Trump administration to waive the strict timelines for completing evaluations since districts are struggling to meet students’ basic needs and some… Continue reading Special education students fall behind as Texas schools scramble to adapt

State-run homes for Texans with developmental disabilities aren’t ready for coronavirus outbreaks, some workers warn

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“As nursing homes continue to emerge as hotbeds for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, officials and family members of residents at the state’s supported living centers are crying out for help, saying they also need more resources and staffing to protect some of the state’s most vulnerable people from spread. Officials say they’re… Continue reading State-run homes for Texans with developmental disabilities aren’t ready for coronavirus outbreaks, some workers warn

Legal troubles caused by COVID-19? These Texas lawyers are offering free help

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Those who are interested and qualify can call 800-504-7030 toll-free for help wherever they live in the state. The coronavirus pandemic has caused a cascade of issues beyond the disease itself. Many have found themselves affected by a weakened economy as many businesses close their doors and layoff or furlough workers. Whether you have a… Continue reading Legal troubles caused by COVID-19? These Texas lawyers are offering free help

Two State Residential Facilities For Adults With Disabilities Report COVID-19 Cases

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At one of the facilities, in Denton, 50 residents are sick, as well as 23 staff members. And the facility in Richmond, Texas, announced Monday that two of its residents also tested positive. Beth Mitchell is supervising attorney for Disability Rights Texas, an advocacy organization that monitors state supported living centers around the state. Mitchell says all of the state’s centers… Continue reading Two State Residential Facilities For Adults With Disabilities Report COVID-19 Cases

Two State Residential Facilities For Adults With Disabilities Report COVID-19 Cases

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Texas’ two largest state supported residential homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities now have positive cases of COVID-19. At one of the facilities, in Denton, 50 residents are sick, as well as 23 staff members. And the facility in Richmond, Texas, announced Monday that two of its residents also tested positive.  Beth Mitchell… Continue reading Two State Residential Facilities For Adults With Disabilities Report COVID-19 Cases