Staff Blog

Statement on 5th Circuit Court decision on stay in mask mandate ban lawsuit

Posted on December 1, 2021

USCA Order: Attorney General Paxton’s emergency motion is GRANTED, and the district court’s injunction prohibiting the enforcement of GA-38 in Texas public schools is hereby STAYED pending appeal. (lt) Response from Dustin Rynders, Supervising Attorney at Disability Rights Texas: “We are disappointed by the 5th Circuit’s decision allowing Texas to continue enforcing the ban on… Continue reading Statement on 5th Circuit Court decision on stay in mask mandate ban lawsuit

DRTx Executive Director Retires After Nearly 37 Years

Posted on October 27, 2021

There are some days ahead that you know are going to come. You ready your mind for that day. But then it comes and no matter how you much you think you have prepared, you aren’t. That day is here for Disability Rights Texas. After an almost 37-year career with our organization, the last 20… Continue reading DRTx Executive Director Retires After Nearly 37 Years

Hiring People with Disabilities: It’s Good for Business

Posted on October 1, 2021

October is National Disability Awareness Month. This year we have some exciting things planned, including a webinar and legal clinic on October 28, 2021 – “Asking for Workplace Accommodations: It Doesn’t Have to Be Spooky.” We’ll also be posting on social media helpful information such as employer toolkits, Know Your Disability Employment Rights resources for… Continue reading Hiring People with Disabilities: It’s Good for Business

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Posted on September 15, 2021

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage month, which kicks off today and runs through October 15th, we wanted to share about some of the Hispanic disability advocates who are doing great things in the community for disability rights. Andrea Lausell Andrea was born with Spina Bifida lipomyelomeningocele, one of the least common forms of Spina… Continue reading National Hispanic Heritage Month

Texas Lawmakers Pass COVID-19 Special Education Recovery Act

Posted on August 13, 2021

by Steven Aleman, Attorney and Education Policy Specialist for DRTx State lawmakers met in 2021 and along with other public school issues, addressed the needs of students with disabilities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with the passage of the COVID-19 Special Education Recovery Act. This Act requires the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee for… Continue reading Texas Lawmakers Pass COVID-19 Special Education Recovery Act

New State Law Regarding Behavioral Intervention Plans

Posted on August 12, 2021

Written by Steven Aleman, Attorney and Education Policy Specialist for DRTx State lawmakers met in Austin for the 87th Legislature in 2021. Among other public school issues, they addressed the needs of students with disabilities who have, or should have, a behavioral intervention plan (BIP). Updates to the Texas Education Code now require public schools… Continue reading New State Law Regarding Behavioral Intervention Plans

Doing Your Part to Create an Accessible Digital World

Posted on July 21, 2021

Our July 2021 newsletter encourages you to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act this month by doing your part in creating a more inclusive digital space. We offered basic tips on accessible documents, social media and websites, but some of you may be wondering what some of the terms like “alt… Continue reading Doing Your Part to Create an Accessible Digital World

School Matters

Posted on July 1, 2021

Changing the Life Course of Youth in the Juvenile Justice System Through Education Advocacy Youth with disabilities in the juvenile justice system face hurdles in accessing education. Schools often refer students to the system without identifying their need for special education services or providing the right academic and behavior supports. Estimates indicate that anywhere from… Continue reading School Matters

DRTx Recommends Changes Regarding Police Reform for Houston ISD

Posted on May 5, 2021

Across the state, students with disabilities are disproportionately referred to the criminal justice system. Over the past year, the Safe and Supportive Schools Collaborative provided recommendations to the HISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Lathan on ways to improve the district’s policing practices, which are harmful to students. Despite support from board trustees and… Continue reading DRTx Recommends Changes Regarding Police Reform for Houston ISD

EEOC Hearing: Workplace Civil Rights Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on April 26, 2021

On Wednesday, April 28th, DRTx Senior Attorney Brian East will be participating in a virtual Public Hearing hosted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Brian, along with several other experts, will be discussing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers, the difficulties faced by employers in navigating potential employment discrimination issues raised by… Continue reading EEOC Hearing: Workplace Civil Rights Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic