Vivian Haun

“Disrespectful” and “infuriating”: L.A.’s progress on making streets safe and accessible for disabled people stalled for decades - Streetsblog Los Angeles Curb ramps have been required when repaving a street since 1992. Why is L.A. only now saying it must follow the law?

Can only write 3,000 word pieces now, sry

The podium prior to the Governor's budget proposal presentation for the 2026-27 fiscal year, at the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento, on Jan. 9, 2026. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Opinion | California has built a reputation as a bulwark against President Donald Trump’s agenda. But when it comes to the state budget — California’s most powerful tool for change — that resistance fades. bit.ly/4aOFNqv

📝 Chris Hoene
📸 Fred Greaves

Alysa Liu Is Skating Again, Her Way This Time

Her father fled China because he organized student protests during Tiananmen. He was a political refugee. The story of this family, and Alysa Liu, would have played out very differently today. This is what we're losing. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/w...

For disabled Minnesotans, ICE surge brought heightened risk and fear As Operation Metro Surge ramped up, disabled immigrants found themselves facing additional challenges, including disruptions to their caregivers and anxiety about communicating in high-conflict encoun...

As Operation Metro Surge ramped up, disabled immigrants found themselves facing additional challenges, including disruptions to their caregivers and anxiety about communicating in high-conflict encounters.

Written by Shubhanjana Das

I'm not hung up on trying to prove I'm purer than other people, or that I'm "good," because goodness is something we create in concert with other people. It's about what we *do* and *make* and how all of that doing and making actually impacts other people living in the world.

Sign me up for that america

Unapologetic brown joy. Family love and celebration across generations young and old. Multicultural pride. Perfect for this moment.

Bad Bunny’s Sign Language Interpreter Is Ready to Make Super Bowl History It’s the first time the halftime show will feature Puerto Rican Sign Language — a win for Deaf Latino representation.

www.kqed.org/arts/1398631...

This is also an extremely common cause of death for incarcerated Americans in federal & state custody, btw. All of these systems are connected.

won't you celebrate with me By Lucille Clifton won't you celebrate with me what i have shaped into a kind of life? i had no model. born in babylon both nonwhite and woman what did i see to be except myself? i made it up here on this bridge between starshine and clay, my one hand holding tight my other hand; come celebrate with me that everyday something has tried to kill me and has failed.

“Between starshine and clay” tattooed on Chanea’s arm

Lucille Clifton’s “won’t you celebrate with me” is the poem I reach for the most as I move through the world finding joy and breaking generational curses.

I remind myself that “i made it up” when I stumble building a life I’ve never seen.

28 poems for Black History Month day 1

Disability groups are standing united for trans rights. That hasn't always been the case. Forty years ago, disability advocates abandoned the LGBTQ+ community in exchange for legal protections. Decades later, they are fighting a Trump administration rule to roll-back more safeguards for tr...

Last month, Secretary Kennedy had a press conference where he claimed that the original intent of the ADA was to exclude trans people. So I asked a bunch of experts and someone who was actually there.

Frog and Toad looked into a mirror.

“We look brave,” said Frog.

“Yes, but are we?” asked Toad.

I have never witnessed such a spiderweb of collective action, just average everyday people showing up. Not the heroism we’ve been sold by the movies but collective heroism, a fabric of care and resistance to fascism.

Graphic with a purple background featuring the title “MnNEAT RAPID ICE-RELATED COMMUNITY RESOURCES.” Below the title are three close-up photos of communication cards on keyrings, including ones labeled “READ ME” and “I am invoking my right to remain silent.” Text beneath the images explains that MnNEAT created tools to help nonspeakers or those who lose speech under stress communicate their rights if stopped by ICE. The MnNEAT logo and a link, https://bit.ly/mnneat , appear at the bottom.

A grid of 12 visual communication cards designed for adults during protests or high-stress situations. Each card uses bold symbols and phrases such as “I DO NOT CONSENT to a search,” “I need a TRANSLATOR,” “I am invoking my right to speak to a LAWYER,” and “Are you ICE?” Cards are color-coded with icons for quick reference. A caption at the bottom explains these are protest-focused tools, including one card with profanity for realistic self-expression.

A full-page visual communication board with multiple illustrated icons and phrases for nonspeakers. Includes messages like “Am I free to go?”, “I need HELP,” “I need to use the Bathroom,” “DO NOT TOUCH ME,” and “I do not feel safe.” Text at the top says “I CAN NOT SPEAK VERBALLY” and encourages pointing to needed messages. The footer explains this board bridges the gap between communication access and real-time needs but is not a replacement for individualized tools.

A layout of several foldable “READ ME” cards designed to be carried in a wallet. Each card includes personal info and tailored statements like “I AM AUTISTIC,” “I AM DEAF,” “I AM DISABLED,” or “MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION,” with instructions for how to communicate effectively and warnings such as “DO NOT TOUCH ME – I MAY BE IN DISTRESS.” A section allows for emergency contact and medication information. Text at the bottom notes these low-stimulation tools are useful when larger materials aren’t accessible.

MnNEAT created these communication tools to help nonspeakers—and people who may lose speech under stress—assert their rights if stopped by ICE.

PLEASE SHARE: bit.ly/mnneat

Gov. Newsom's budget proposal leaves more questions than answers Newsom's financial update shows he's banking on the state's economy to keep growing and the stock market to do well with growth around artificial intelligence and tech.

"Governor Newsom’s reluctance to propose meaningful revenue solutions to help blunt the harm of federal cuts undermines his posture to counter the Trump Administration," says our executive director, @chrishoene.bsky.social.
www.kcra.com/article/news...

When Volatile Work Schedules Meet SNAP Work Requirements New policies put low income workers in jeopardy of losing vital supports

New at Can We Still Govern: @agpines.bsky.social & @lizananat.bsky.social explain how the work volatility of low income service employees will make it hard for them to satisfy new SNAP/Medicaid work requirements, even when they work lots of hours. 🧵
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/when-volat...

It can seem pollyannaish to imagine wildly positive futures at times like this, but that's when they're most powerful - a light to guide our way out of the dark.

Fascism wins when we can't remember what a better world looks like. When it doesn't feel possible. Nurturing our dreams is resistance.

New Year's Day (2022)
Art Print: www.inprnt.com/gallery/ryot...

This. A thousand times this.

This Pope slaps

“[W]e owe it to ourselves to name the world we cannot live without, even as we diagnose the world we cannot live within.” (Benjamin 2022, 279)

“[T]ransformative change happens when we are willing to build the things that we know must exist.” (Hayes and Kaba 2023, 13)

“The most basic form of ableism is doubting the complexity of disability.”

I feel this deeply, in my bones, on many levels.The loneliness of being told it's all in your head. The feeling of exposure as the foxes are invited into the henhouse for polite conversation. The blank stares and eye rolls when you try to explain. The often gendered nature of it all. This nailed it.

This guy is going to be a federal judge for the next 40 years

Most daycares and private preschools won’t enroll children with disabilities. Especially for low income families, Head Start is their *only option*.

A few thoughts on new Medicaid work req guidance from CMS

Topline it says v. little so states remain in a bind with huge demands and little guidance to go on.

But some takeaways:
1. Confirms that states will have access to 90/10 fed match for new IT systems (vendors are 😀).
🧵

I had my students submit for extra credit a meme reflecting something they learned this semester, along with an accompanying paragraph connecting the meme to the course concept. There were some gems.

Gov. @gavinnewsom says he disagrees with Mayor @zohrankmamdani about the need for a wealth tax on billionaires, which he is “adamantly against” - says Dems are a “big tent party” with both views.

More on the CA proposal: www.sacbee.com/news/politic...

No Ordinary Time Eleanor Roosevelt remains a striking example of the struggle against authoritarianism in dark times.

"Losing faith altogether can feel like a rational response. However, despair, while very appealing and real, does not meet the demands of this moment." www.liberalcurrents.com/no-ordinary-...