Disability Rights Texas is the protection and advocacy agency for Texans with disabilities. Their mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society.

Can you tell us about your role at Disability Rights Texas and what inspired you to work in the field of disability rights?

Attorney Willis: I am an attorney on the Juvenile Probation Education and Advocacy Team as well as the Social Justice Coordinator. My role includes advocating for students with disabilities to ensure they are provided with appropriate educational and behavioral services, supports, and accommodations. Additionally, I coordinate the intersectional issues involved in the cases at Disability Rights Texas.  

What inspires me most to do this work is my desire to ensure that all individuals, regardless of a physical or mental disability, are afforded full and equal rights in society. It is a privilege to help my clients recognize and demand these rights.

What are some of the most significant achievements of Disability Rights Texas in recent years?

Attorney Willis: In 2014, Disability Rights Texas discovered that the Texas Education Agency had placed an arbitrary cap on the percentage of special education enrollment allowed in Texas public schools. We worked with the Houston Chronicle on their 7-part series exposing this illegal practice, which is estimated to have impacted tens of thousands of students. DRTx’s advocacy efforts helped expose and end the cap.   

In 2021, Texas passed a law (Senate Bill 1) with restrictions that created voting barriers for Texans with disabilities and those of color. We teamed up with several other advocacy organizations to file a lawsuit alleging the law violates federal law. Some parts of the law have been successfully struck down, but we are still awaiting a ruling from the trial held in 2023 regarding the remaining provisions of the bill. 

In addition to special education and voting advocacy, we work on individual cases and systemic issues related to housing, employment, healthcare, institutional rights, and more. 

How does Disability Rights Texas support individuals with disabilities in their daily lives?

Attorney Willis: Every year we serve more than 3,000 people with disabilities with individual case services, and our systemic advocacy work impacts many more. We also offer a wide range of self-advocacy resources on our website so people are equipped with the knowledge necessary to stand up for their legal rights. 

Can you provide an example of a success story where Disability Rights Texas made a significant impact on an individual or community?

Attorney Willis: From one of our clients: 

“Our daughter has a rare chromosomal disorder that requires her to have 24-hour care in addition to a daily injection to help with growth. We contacted Disability Rights Texas when her Medicaid benefits were suddenly denied and asked for help with an appeal hearing. Once DRTx got involved they were able to investigate the issue and help us submit supplemental information. The decision to deny her benefits was overturned and she is now once again covered. Without the help of DRTx, we would not have been able to afford the specialized care and medications that she needs.”– Molly F.

Why is National ADA Day important, and how does Disability Rights Texas celebrate or observe it?

Attorney Willis: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is one of several important pieces of legislation passed to further the rights of people with disabilities in our country. 

Every year throughout the month of July, we celebrate the July 26th anniversary of the ADA’s signing with messaging on our website and social media, sending emails to our subscribers and donors, and participating in news media interviews. 

We also take time as an agency to look back at our history to appreciate those who fought for disability rights and also look forward to those who are still fighting today.

What are some of the biggest challenges that people with disabilities face today, and how is Disability Rights Texas addressing them?

Attorney Willis: People make assumptions about what a person with a disability can or can’t do. DRTx promotes self-determination for people with disabilities and believes alternatives to guardianship, such as supported decision-making, are often the better choice for many. We provide legal services to help individuals remove unnecessary guardianships and provide online tools to help them create supported decision-making agreements. 

How can individuals and communities get involved and support the mission of Disability Rights Texas?

Make sure your workplace, homes, community events, and any materials provided to the community are accessible to people with disabilities. 

Follow on social media and visit our website at www.DRTx.org to learn more about the issues we address and how to get involved. 

Lastly, your donations of any amount are always appreciated. Learn about all the ways to support our work at www.DRTx.org/WaysToSupport 

July 31, 2024
Jami Sabety-Atto