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DRA logo + "DRA Summer 2024 Newsletter"
Image: DRA logo + "DRA Summer 2024 Newsletter"
In This Issue
* Letter from the President & CEO (#President)
* 2024 Annual Nationwide Gala (#Gala)
* Impact Report (#Impact)

Letter from the President & CEO

Dear DRA Supporters,

Summer is here, and DRA’s high-impact legal work on behalf of people with disabilities across the nation is moving at a rapid clip. As you’ll read in the impact report below, DRA is doing important work on behalf of people with mental health disabilities who are hospitalized and denied fresh air as well as people with disabilities who are incarcerated in solitary confinement, among many other things. If you’re interested in monthly installments of DRA news (and other great disability news), I’ve recently started contributing a column to Able News and the June installment ([link removed]) is all about the importance of showing up in the courtroom (as we and so many of our dedicated clients did last month to move forward our cases against the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission and the MTA).

If DRA’s work to bring about accessible transportation, prisoners rights, equal access to healthcare, and more is meaningful to you and you’d like to see it continue, I’d like to invite you to join me. DRA, on November 13th will host our 2nd Annual Nationwide Gala. Many of you joined us for our first Nationwide gala last year: DRA’s 30th Anniversary. And I hope you had a chance to read my opinion editorial in Philanthropy News Digest ([link removed]) : a more equitable, inclusive approach to event planning, about why DRA chose to host a Nationwide Gala that everyone could access. This year, of course, we’re doing it again. We’ve got beautiful waterfront venues in San Francico and New York, a watch party in the works in Chicago, outstanding honorees, and we will, as we do every year, tell the stories of DRA clients who, alongside DRA attorneys, fight for their rights and bring about
equality for the millions of us with disabilities across the nation.
Rebecca Williford holding a microphone on-stage at DRA's 2023 Gala

No matter how you chose to join us—online, in San Francisco, Chicago, or New York, I look forward to seeing you there!
Here’s to a future with equal access to opportunity,

Rebecca Williford signature
Rebecca Williford
President & CEO, Disability Rights Advocates

Image: Rebecca Williford holding a microphone on-stage at DRA's 2023 Gala
Join Us for DRA's November 13th Gala!
“Disability Rights Advocates – 2024 Nationwide Gala, November 13, 2024, San Francisco and New York City” + Colorful abstract shapes
Image: “Disability Rights Advocates – 2024 Nationwide Gala, November 13, 2024, San Francisco and New York City” + Colorful abstract shapes

On Wednesday, November 13th, Disability Rights Advocates will host our second Annual Nationwide Gala. Building on the enormous success of our 30th Anniversary Gala last year, DRA’s 2024 celebration includes in-person gatherings in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, as well as a livestream that allows us to welcome our entire community of supporters.

In addition to celebrating DRA’s victories in 2024, we will recognize two extraordinary individuals and an outstanding corporation – all working alongside DRA to ensure people with disabilities can participate fully in every aspect of society. DRA is thrilled to announce our 2024 honorees:
Portrait of Lachi + Portrait of Yannick Benjamin + Netflix logo
Image: Portrait of Lachi + Portrait of Yannick Benjamin + Netflix logo

Yannick Benjamin

This NYC-based sommelier co-founded Contento Restaurant in East Harlem with the ethos and tagline “accessible for all.”

Lachi

This RAMPD Founder is a multi-award-winning EDM recording artist and a Grammys Board DEI Ambassador.

Netflix

This renowned streaming service has leveled the playing field for blind customers with accessible movies and television.

By celebrating these honorees with DRA, and supporting the Gala, you are ensuring that DRA will have the resources to build a truly inclusive world for the disability community nationwide.
Golden Gate Bridge drawing + "San Francisco at Pier 27" + Statue of Liberty drawing + "New York at City Winery"
Image: Golden Gate Bridge drawing + "San Francisco at Pier 27" + Statue of Liberty drawing + "New York at City Winery"

On November 13th, DRA supporters in New York will celebrate at City Winery, while those in San Francisco will party on Pier 27. DRA supporters in Chicago will revel in a watch party through the livestream portion of the Gala, which can also be viewed anywhere in the country! Gala guests will enjoy delicious cuisine, delectable beverages including DRA’s signature drink, The Curb Cut, and superb musical entertainment.

DRA was founded in 1993, and at this monumental event, we will look forward to the next 30 years of high-impact, precedent-setting legal work.
Purchase Your Table or Tickets Today! ([link removed])
Can't Attend? Make a Donation ([link removed])
Impact Report
Group photo of DRA staff, clients, and partners gathered outside the courthouse in NYC after a recent court hearing in our accessible NYC taxis case
Image: Group photo of DRA staff, clients, and partners gathered outside the courthouse in NYC after a recent court hearing in our accessible NYC taxis case
Solitary Confinement for People with Disabilities in New York

In May, DRA filed a landmark class action lawsuit to end the illegal and pervasive use of solitary confinement ([link removed]) on people with disabilities in prisons and jails throughout New York State. (New York Times ([link removed]) )

Denial of Fresh Air for Psychiatric Patients in New York City

In May, DRA released a report detailing the hardship and distress of psychiatric patients ([link removed]) subjected to uninterrupted indoor confinement and denial of fresh air access at New York City-run hospitals, often for months at a time. (Gothamist ([link removed]) )
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