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dredf.bsky.social
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
@dredf.bsky.social
2K followers 150 following 110 posts
DREDF is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities. Website: dredf.org
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dredf.bsky.social
With so much changing around the Department of Education, we’ve updated our resource page to reflect the latest information and ways to take action.

Read the updates here:
Help Stop the Destruction of the Department of Education and Attacks on Schools and Students - DREDF
This is a page about the United States Department of Education (ED), why it is important for children with disabilities, what the Trump Administration is doing to ED, schools, and students, and what you can do to help.
dredf.org
November 27, 2025 at 9:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
“Students with disabilities deserve a federal partner that protects their rights and ensures every child can learn, grow and thrive.”

New op-ed in USA TODAY:
McMahon's education plan breaks the law and denies students' rights | Opinion
What Linda McMahon dismisses as 'micromanagement' is, in reality, the implementation of our nation's special education law.
www.usatoday.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:31 AM
dredf.bsky.social
Every victory for disability rights is made possible by advocates, families, and allies like you.

Your support powers:
- Partnerships that protect essential policies and laws,
- Critical rights advocacy support,
- Parent education and training.

December 2nd support DREDF: https://dredf.org/donate
Two masculine-presenting friends smile warmly and embrace side by side in a kitchen. One with Down syndrome, grins at the camera; the other wraps their arm around the first and smiles at him. Bold white text reads: “Your Support Helps Disability Rights Through: Partnerships that protect essential policies and laws, Critical rights advocacy support, and parent education and training.” The DREDF logo appears in the top left corner, and a small Giving Tuesday heart design is in the bottom right.
November 26, 2025 at 4:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Decades of research shows no causal link between vaccines and autism. We are disappointed by the CDC’s updated page on this issue. Read the full statement we signed via @ASAN:
Leading Autism and Disability Organizations Statement on CDC's Vaccines and Autism Page
As national organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being of autistic individuals and partners across the disability and public health sectors, we are deeply disappointed by the latest update to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website on autism and vaccines. 
autisticadvocacy.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:03 AM
dredf.bsky.social
If your child is in the California Children’s Services (CCS) program, the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) is interested in hearing from you with an anonymous, 15 minute survey! Survey closes on November 30, 2025.

Link: https://healthlaw.org/nhelp-ccs-family-engagement-survey/
A graphic with a soft gradient background and a photo of a smiling child writing with an adult beside them. Large text at the top reads: “Is Your Child in the California Children’s Services (CSS) Program? Take the NHeLP Survey.” A blue box below lists survey details: “Helps the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) understand CCS system challenges; Open from Oct. 15 – Nov. 30; Takes about 15 minutes; Anonymous; A chance to win $50 gift card.
November 21, 2025 at 11:01 PM
dredf.bsky.social
IDEA guarantees millions of students with disabilities, like Angela Haynes’s daughter, can learn: 

“IDEA ensured my daughter was taught, included, and believed in—now she reads, holds a job she loves, and advocates for herself and others with pride.”

Learn more at the @americanprogress.bsky.social
A graphic titled “IDEA at 50” shows rows of student desks, with three desks highlighted in yellow among many gray ones. Text reads: “During the 2022–23 school year, 7.6 million students between the ages of 3 and 21 received special education services through IDEA. That’s three out of every 20 public school students.” The CAP logo appears in the bottom right corner.
November 21, 2025 at 5:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Confused by IEP assessment reports? Join DREDF’s PTI experts on Dec 8, 7:00–8:45 pm PT, for a free virtual training to understand assessments and use them in your IEP meeting. Register at https://dredf.org/event/evaluations-and-assessment-reports-how-to-review-them-and-prepare-for-the-iep-meeting/
A collage of three photos showing diverse children and adults engaged in learning activities. Text reads: “DREDF Training Series; Evaluations and Assessment Reports: How to Review Them and Prepare for the IEP Meeting. Virtual Training, Monday, December 8, 2025, 7:00–8:45 pm PT.” A red “Register” button appears at the bottom.
November 20, 2025 at 11:01 PM
dredf.bsky.social
What happens when 16% of the world’s population is left out of health research?

The Health Equity Collaborative’s recent article in "The Lancet Regional Health – Americas" explores the need to center public health research and policy.
Read the one-page summary: linktr.ee/dredf
A news screenshot-looking image in the center has a banner that reads ‘In The News’ Below is an image of a diverse group of people in a meeting room sit in a circle, smiling and reviewing papers and laptops. Below that is the headline ‘Putting Disability at the Center of Public Health Research.' This sits over the out of focus image of a hospital campus. The DREDF logo is in the top right corner.
November 19, 2025 at 5:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Why is the IDEA important? For millions of parents, like Juliet Barraza, mother of Ben, it has been essential to a full life: "Without the IDEA, Ben's life and our life would have been dramatically different. IDEA was a light that shined on his educational needs and transformed his life and ours."
A black-and-white photo shows two students sitting at desks in a classroom, listening intently. They both wear hearing aides. Bold yellow text across the top reads, “IDEA AT 50.” Below, white text on a dark overlay states, “The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) turns 50 this year. The law ensured disabled kids would have access to public schools and promised funding for schools to make it possible.” The Center for American Progress logo is in the bottom corner.
November 19, 2025 at 1:02 AM
dredf.bsky.social
We grieve the loss of our friend, former board member, and disability justice giant, Alice Wong.

Her leadership transformed movements. Her generosity transformed people.

Read the full post on our website: https://dredf.org/in-memory-of-alice-wong-1974-2025/
Asian American woman in a wheelchair with a tracheostomy at her neck that has a tube connected to her ventilator. Her head is tilted to the left side, she is smiling, and she is wearing a magenta lip color. Her shirt is plaid with pale pink and other pastel colors and she is wearing pink pants. Behind her is a lot of greenery from bushes and trees at a park. Photo Credit: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Text reads "In Memory of Alice Wong" A poem that reads, "Alice, thank you for all you gave me: Disabled pride; new unicorn friends; a reason to write; a reason to sing; permission to express rage; "I will not apologize for my needs"; the book I recommend to everyone, Disability Visibility; "This was the next iteration of my cyborg existence"; understanding; comradeship; community; flowers; pictures of your cats; dried strawberries; love; the knowledge I wasn't alone" – Aubrie Lee with the DREDF logo in the corner.
November 18, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Reposted by Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
kff.org
Our updated calculator provides estimates of how much more people would pay in premiums in the ACA Marketplaces — both with and without the enhanced premium tax credits.

See the latest data: https://on.kff.org/4olBSa4
Calculator: ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credit
The ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2025. This calculator estimates how much out-of-pocket premiums would increase for families if Congress does not extend the credi...
on.kff.org
November 14, 2025 at 9:20 PM
dredf.bsky.social
DREDF is deeply disappointed a spending bill without extensions of ACA tax credits that makes healthcare affordable for millions passed. We will continue to advocate for healthcare for all. Read our letter:
DREDF Urges Vote NO on Spending Packages without ACA Tax Credit Extensions - DREDF
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
dredf.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
"My role has always been to push the envelope and to see where the ADA could be used in ways that weren’t obvious or explicit." - Arlene Mayerson, DREDF Directing Attorney Emerita & Of Counsel

Read more in this new @ucberkeleylaw.bsky.social article: www.law.berkeley.edu/article/arle...
Paving the (accessible) way
Disability rights lawyer Arlene Mayerson ’77 has racked up decades of legal victories and helped craft the Americans With Disabilities Act.
www.law.berkeley.edu
November 11, 2025 at 10:53 PM
dredf.bsky.social
We are now accepting Arlene Mayerson Summer Internship applications (for rising 2Ls & 3Ls). Join us at DREDF and work alongside attorneys, special education advocates, and policy analysts! Learn more at dredf.org/2026-dredf-a...
Text reads “We are hiring! 2026 Arlene Mayerson Summer Interns DREDF is looking for rising 2L or 3L law students with interest in disability rights and social justice. All law student applicants, regardless of qualifications, will be considered. This internship provides the opportunity to receive a stipend. Deadline for applications is February 7, 2026” with a photo of a white coffee mug with the DREDF logo on it.
November 10, 2025 at 8:58 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Your air travel story can spark change.

DREDF's friends at All Wheels Up are supporting research by inviting passengers with disabilities and caregivers to share their air travel experiences in a study.

Take the brief anonymous survey: https://ku.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0UMzzfiSH8Vdkq2
A blue and light-blue graphic with bold white text that reads, “Share your air travel experience! As a passenger with a disability or their caregiver.” Below, text says, “You can help increase understanding of air travel experiences, adaptations, and accommodations for passengers with disabilities.” A QR code appears in the bottom left corner, and two small megaphone icons are placed in opposite corners.
November 6, 2025 at 6:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Layoffs & cuts to special ed threaten the rights of millions of disabled students. Read @americanprogress.bsky.social's analysis:
The Trump Administration’s Recent Special Education Layoffs Will Have Major Long-Term Impacts on Disabled Children and Students
The Trump administration unlawful layoffs during the federal shutdown, in coordination with its policy changes and budget cuts, are intended to lead to closure of the Department of Education, leaving disabled children and students with fewer services and protections.
www.americanprogress.org
November 4, 2025 at 9:31 PM
dredf.bsky.social
November is Native American Heritage Month. 

Learn how disability and Native identity intersect through first-hand stories and resources from @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social: https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/blog/entry/deaf_disabled_native_americans
November 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Cuts to special education protections are happening now.

Join DREDF + partners at a Virtual Town Hall to Protect IDEA on Nov 4 @ 4 pm ET.

Together, we can help protect the rights of children w/ disabilities.

Register https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ROjpXDrPS76Hm2y3udCXbg<a href="/hashtag/%2Fregistration" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#/registration
A square graphic with a maroon border and a white center panel. Bold red headline reads: “Cuts to Special Education Protections Are Happening Now!” Below, text says: “Join a Virtual Town Hall to Protect Children with Disabilities & Protect IDEA. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 @ 4:00 pm ET.” There are logos of participating organizations: The Center for Learner Equity, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Center for Learning Disabilities, The Arc, Council for Exceptional Children, and COPAA.
October 31, 2025 at 10:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Wondering how special ed evaluations work and why they matter?

Join us for a free virtual training on Nov. 10, 7 to 8:30 pm PT: "Special Education Evaluations: Why & How We Evaluate Students with Disabilities” to learn about tests and why they're needed.
Hosted by DREDF PTI. 
Register at dredf.org
Image description: A collage of three photos of children smiling, learning alongside an adult. Text reads: “DREDF Training Series: Special Education Evaluations - Why and How We Evaluate Students with Disabilities. Virtual Training, Monday, November 10, 2025, 7:00–8:45 pm PT.” A red button says “REGISTER.”
October 31, 2025 at 4:30 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Please join us in welcoming Drew, our new Communications Strategist! Drew will strengthen and expand DREDF's communications efforts during a critical time for disability rights. We’re looking forward to sharing more content, more often, including more videos.
Black and white professional headshot of Drew, a white woman with blue eyes and long blond hair. Two smaller photos of Drew editing videos.
October 30, 2025 at 11:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
23 years ago, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) expanded voting access for millions of voters with disabilities.

Today, we celebrate that progress and continue working toward full participation for all.

#VotingRights #Accessibility #YesAccess #HAVA
A feminine-presenting white person using a power wheelchair is beside a "Vote Here" sign and has a universal symbol of access. In the background, there is polling stations in a gym. Text reads: "The Help America Vote Act turns 23 years old today! Thanks to the Help America Vote Act, every polling place is required to include an accessible booth and voting system to ensure that your vote counts. Claim your power at the polls." The DREDF logo is in the top corner.
October 29, 2025 at 6:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Today is the #SNAPDayOfAction, and we need you to join us and act now.

42 million Americans are at risk of losing SNAP benefits on Nov 1st. USDA has a contingency fund but hasn't released it. Contact your Members of Congress today.
An illustration promoting the “SNAP Day of Action.” The image shows a green cliff edge with a grocery bag labeled “SNAP” tipping off the side. The text reads: “SNAP Day of Action — Urge policymakers to restore food assistance before SNAP falls off the cliff.” Below the image of the bag, it says in red and blue text: “Take action now before benefits run out in November.” The background is a gradient blue sky.
October 29, 2025 at 12:19 AM
dredf.bsky.social
Friends, family, and neighbors shouldn’t have to go hungry, become unhoused, and lose healthcare.

Millions are already hurting with basic needs cuts and millions more are at risk from the continuing government shutdown.

Learn how it will impact you and what you can do: dredf.org/shutdown-update/
Image has a light brown background with radiating circles. To the left is an image collage of the closeup of people’s eyes. They appear to be a variety ages, races, and genders to reflect the diversity of those impacted. Text on the image is dark blue and red to convey urgency. It says “Millions are already hurting from cuts to healthcare and basic needs. Here’s what to know and what to do as the government shutdown continues.” The DREDF logo appears in the top left corner.
October 27, 2025 at 11:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
The Trump Administration wants to reverse the Rehabilitation Act's Section 503 regulations that supports federal contractors having disabled people represent 7% of their workforce. We refuse to let that happen! On this #DisabledWomensEqualPayDay, join us in fighting back! tinyurl.com/DWEPD25
Centered over a dark green background, capitalized top header text reads “Disabled Women’s Equal Pay Day 2025 October 23” in white and yellow letters. Below, white text reads “We’re still fighting for equal pay.” Centered at the bottom are four hand-drawn people. From left to right, there is a person sitting down facing left, a person standing wearing dark sunglasses and holding a cane, a person with a prosthetic leg standing and waving, and a person sitting in a wheelchair facing left.
October 23, 2025 at 9:01 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Today is #DisabledWomensEqualPayDay, and our rights and health are under attack. Medicaid cuts are projected to deprive disabled women of life-saving health care and employment supports. Join us in fighting back! tinyurl.com/DWEPD25
○ Centered at the top over a dark green background, the capitalized header text reads “Disabled Women’s Equal Pay Day 2025 October 23” in white and yellow letters. Below is white text that reads “Tell Congress: Reverse the devastating Medicaid cuts and pass the Protecting Healthcare And Lowering Costs Act!” Below that is a light green rectangle with capitalized black text that reads “Take Action,” and a white arrow pointing to the text as if clicking on a button.
October 23, 2025 at 6:02 PM