Manager of Public Policy & Advocacy Alex Cogan provides in-person testimony on Saturday, July 10, opposing Texas Senate Bill 1, which would make it more difficult for Texans with disabilities to participate in the democratic
process.
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Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) and House Bill 3 (HB 3) both dealing with voting, were quickly introduced on Day One of the special session, and hearings called for just two days later on Saturday, July 10. While the House accepted online comments for its bill, the Senate required in-person testimony only. Unfortunately, this left many people with disabilities and their allies little time to coordinate and make the trek to Austin.
Thank you to the many advocates who are working tirelessly to connect with their legislators to educate them about the ways in which SB 1 and HB 3 would affect their civil rights. If you would like to share your story about voting accessibility or accommodations, please contact us.
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) wants information about barriers to private and independent voting for people with disabilities. NIST, in consultation with the Department of Justice, the Election Assistance Commission, and other agencies, as appropriate, will analyze barriers, including access to voter registration, voting technology, voting by mail, polling locations, and poll worker training. Comments are due
Friday, July 16, 2021 by 4 p.m. CT.
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After marathon committee hearings over the weekend on voting legislation Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 3, each passed out of committee, despite an outpouring of opposition against provisions that would make it harder for Texans to vote.
On Tuesday, July 13, the Texas Senate voted along party lines to pass SB 1 to engrossment (meaning it passed out of the Senate Chamber, where it was filed).
Texas House Democrats proposed revisions to remove or alter harmful provisions within HB 3, and the Republican House legislators in the committee rejected those revisions. In a move that is allowed under the House rules, Texas House Representatives mobilized to break quorum on the House floor. A quorum is the minimum number of legislators who need to be present to conduct business, like voting on legislation. Read more on our blog
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Your advocacy efforts made a difference! The Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners (TSBSWE) is keeping the Social Work Code of Conduct intact, maintaining anti-discrimination protections for Texans with disabilities and based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The Arc of Texas and our allies joined the National Association of Social Workers-Texas Chapter (NASW/TX) in urging the TSBSWE to maintain its
nondiscriminatory standards despite changes recommended by Gov. Greg Abbott’s office and supported by a non-binding legal opinion by the Texas Attorney General. Read more on our blog
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It's not too late to join The Arc of Texas and Easterseals Central Texas for a virtual series training each Wednesday in July to learn about grassroots advocacy. The next session of "Texas 87th Legislative Session Lessons, Opportunities + Connections" on July 21 from noon to 1:15 p.m. CT will give you the opportunity to talk with legislative staffers and learn about how you can participate in the legislative process. You'll
also have a chance to make connections with other new and emerging disability advocates, and discuss advocacy activities you can do both during and after a legislative session. Register now to reserve your space
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The Arc of Texas Virginia Eernisse Legacy Award honors an individual’s contributions to promoting, protecting, and advocating for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The late Mrs. Eernisse believed in self-advocacy and zealously advocated for individuals with disabilities to have access to the supports and services needed to live well in the community.
People with disabilities, their family members, and their allies are all encouraged to submit nominations. Self-nominations are also accepted. Nominations are due August 15, 2021. If you need accommodations to submit your application, please call 512-454-6694 or email us. The winner will
be honored at Boots & BBQ on September 24 at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin.
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If you or someone you know is having a hard time getting a COVID-19 vaccine, you can share Disability Rights Texas new Vaccine Hotline. Call 1-800-880-8401 or email [email protected] for free assistance.
Nationally, there is a new Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) to connect callers to information about how to access the COVID-19 vaccine and related supports for people with disabilities. DIAL connects callers to vaccine sites and provides information related to barriers to vaccination by referring callers to local and national disability resources. More information is at acl.gov/dial. Call 1-888-677-1199 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT or email [email protected].
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