Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

On a bright blue background five people stand together. The people display diverse disabilities, genders, and skin tones. Flyer text invites young people with disabilities or health conditions to join a Brandeis University study on sexual and reproductive health. Participants receive a $50 gift card, and their stories will help create a sexual health website for people with disabilities. The flyer includes a QR code linking to the study page, the URL tinyurl.com/SRH-Study

@brandeisuniversity.bsky.social  is doing a research study about how 15 - 25 years old people with disabilities take care of their sexual health. 
Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/SRH-Study

A graphic of a diverse group of people with disabilities with various skin tones, body types, and mobility disabilities, marching in front of a world globe. Many have their fists raised and carry orange protest-style flags. The text above them reads “International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” and the DREDF logo appears in the top right corner. The overall tone is celebratory and empowering.

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate disabled communities and reaffirm that disability rights are human rights. 

DREDF is honored to work alongside advocates, families, and partners to defend and advance disability civil and human rights across the nation.

#IDPWD

A Latine parent and child embrace. The child is a feminine-presenting young adult with Down syndrome. They are outdoors in front of green plants, smiling. Bold blue text reads: “Possibilities Begin With What We Build Here,” with a red button labeled “DONATE.” The DREDF logo appears in the top right corner, and a red and blue Giving Tuesday heart design decorates the bottom left. The image conveys warmth, support, and optimism.

Every victory for disability rights is made possible by advocates, families, and allies like you.

When you give, you help DREDF sustain the movement.

We can defend, protect, and advance our rights, together. https://dredf.org/donate

#GivingTuesday

A young Black feminine-presenting person with monocular blindness, dark braided hair, and a confident expression, wearing a maroon blazer over a gray top. Bold blue text reads: “Together, We Can Build an Inclusive Future for All,” above a red button labeled “DONATE.” The DREDF logo appears at the top right corner, and a red and blue Giving Tuesday heart design is in the bottom left corner.

Together, we’ve changed laws, shaped policy, and built access that makes a more equitable and just future. When you give, you help DREDF sustain the movement.

We can defend, protect, and advance our rights, together. https://dredf.org/donate

Announcement that DREDF has named Michelle Uzeta as Executive Director. It features a portrait of Michelle Uzeta, a mixed-race Black woman with curly brown hair. She wears glasses and a black top with a white collar. She is smiling and looking directly at the viewer. The painting behind Michelle is an original oil painting by Haitian painter Jacques-Enguerrand Gourgue that features stylized birds, plants, and a figure.

We’re pleased to announce Michelle Uzeta as DREDF’s permanent Executive Director. Michelle brings 30+ years of disability rights leadership and has guided DREDF through a pivotal year with clarity and compassion. 

Read the full announcement here: https://dredf.org/michelle-uzeta-permanent-ed/

“Flyer reads 'Looking Ahead: Potential Consequences of Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 11 am Pacific and 2 pm Eastern. Learn about the role of the U.S. Department of Education, What special education may look like if it is dismantled, What you need to know as a parent, student, or professional. Register!” Logos for the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund and Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.

Special education without the U.S. Department of Education? Join DREDF & @copaafape.bsky.social on Dec 9 to learn what’s at stake.

Register now: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__PiU7n1hQl-UFug_fAvD3Q#/registration

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.

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:

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.

“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:

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.

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

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. 

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:

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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."

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.

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/

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...

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

DREDF Urges Vote NO on Spending Packages without ACA Tax Credit Extensions - DREDF Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

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:

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.

"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...

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.

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...

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.

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

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.

Layoffs & cuts to special ed threaten the rights of millions of disabled students. Read @americanprogress.bsky.social's analysis:

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

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.

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#/registration

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Special Education Evaluations: Why and How We Evaluate Students with Disabilities - Part 3 of a 10 Part Series. After registering, you will receive a confir... Now that we know the basics of the IDEA and parent rights in the process, how do we begin? What is the first step to take to get a student an IEP, and what are the parts of the process? Come explore e...

Registration link: dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

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.”

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

Black and white professional headshot of Drew, a white woman with blue eyes and long blond hair. Two smaller photos of Drew editing videos.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Update on the Government Shutdown, Access to Healthcare, SNAP, and Essential Services - DREDF Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

Live link! dredf.org/shutdown-upd...