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Image: "DRA Fall 2024 Newsletter"
In This Issue
* Letter from the President & CEO (#President)
* 2024 Nationwide Gala (#Gala)
* A Conversation with James Ian (#Conversation)
* Impact Report (#Impact)

Letter from the President & CEO

Dear DRA Supporters,

The leaves are changing and autumn is here: a time for reflection and planning at DRA as we map the road ahead for 2025. While this season may seem serene to some, Hurricanes Helene and Milton have devastated major swaths of our country. These natural and human disasters remind me of the great, continuing need for DRA’s work. People with disabilities remain consistently the most vulnerable when disasters strike and too often are left out of emergency response efforts. In 2025 DRA will continue fighting to protect the lives of Americans with disabilities in emergency response planning, transportation, health care, voting, and the list goes on. As evidence of DRA’s commitment to Americans with disabilities across this country, we recently received awards from two different partner organizations on separate coasts. At the end of August, DRA accepted the Community Inclusion Award from Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco. At the end of this month, Harlem Independent Living Center
in New York will present DRA with the Partnership Excellence Award. These awards underscore DRA’s unwavering commitment to our clients, and their priorities and needs.

I know that you, our supporters, are also committed to DRA and our critical work to fight for justice so that all Americans with disabilities benefit from our high-impact litigation. This autumn, you have a great opportunity to demonstrate your support for DRA’s work. On November 13^th, DRA is hosting our Nationwide Gala with in-person gatherings in Chicago, NYC, and San Francisco.

How can you support DRA, our work, and our clients? Sponsor this DRA Gala. Join us at one of the in-person gatherings. Donate, if you can’t sponsor or join, and after you think about that donation, double it. Then, tell three friends to donate. DRA needs your -and their- support to continue our fight to ensure that people with disabilities truly have equal access to exercise their civil rights and participate fully in society.
DRA attorney Jameelah Najieb, ILRCSF's Fiona Hinze and Lana Nieves, DRA attorney Jinny Kim, and DRA President & CEO Rebecca Williford smiling while Rebecca holds the Community Inclusion Award bestowed on DRA at Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco's 2024 gala.

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

Image: DRA attorney Jameelah Najieb, ILRCSF's Fiona Hinze and Lana Nieves, DRA attorney Jinny Kim, and DRA President & CEO Rebecca Williford smiling while Rebecca holds the Community Inclusion Award bestowed on DRA at Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco's 2024 gala.
DRA's 2024 Gala is Next Month!
“Disability Rights Advocates – 2024 Nationwide Gala, November 13, 2024, Chicago, New York City, & San Francisco” + Colorful abstract shapes
Image: “Disability Rights Advocates – 2024 Nationwide Gala, November 13, 2024, Chicago, New York City, & San Francisco” + Colorful abstract shapes
Only three weeks left to support the Gala!

On Wednesday, November 13th, Disability Rights Advocates will host our Nationwide Gala. Building on the success of our 30th Anniversary Gala last year, DRA’s 2024 celebration includes in-person gatherings in New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco, as well as a livestream that allows us to welcome our entire community of supporters. Learn more about the Gala ([link removed]) , make a donation to support it ([link removed]) , or join us in person on November 13th by clicking below!
Purchase Your Table or Tickets in NY ([link removed])
RSVP for the Free Chicago Watch Party ([link removed])
RSVP for the Free San Francisco Watch Party ([link removed])
A Conversation with James Ian
Image: James Ian singing into a microphone at DRA's 2023 Gala

James Ian singing at DRA's 2023 Gala

We’re thrilled to introduce you to the newest member of DRA’s Board of Directors: James Ian ([link removed]) . James is an award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, writer, and graduate of Georgetown University Law Center. He has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (“SMA”) Type 3, and is a passionate advocate for authentic representation of disabled artists in music, TV, film, and other media.

Why did you decide to join DRA’s board of directors?

I went to law school to do this kind of work. To change laws and advocate for people with disabilities. Once I learned more about DRA’s mission, I felt that with my legal background and DRA’s mission, there was a really good fit. I felt I could leverage my legal skills and my network and my artistry to elevate DRA’s mission. My parents are very happy about me coming home to the legal profession!

Read the rest of the conversation here ([link removed]) .
Impact Report
Image: Yellow taxis lined up on the street in Times Square, NYC

Accommodations for Students with Mobility Disabilities at West Los Angeles College

In July, a federal judge ordered West Los Angeles College to provide transportation accommodations for students with disabilities to access its steep, hilly campus by the start of the Fall 2024 semester. (Press release ([link removed]) and Inside Higher Ed coverage ([link removed]) )

Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis in New York City

In September, a federal judge denied New York City’s motion to free itself from its court-ordered obligation to make 50% of its taxis wheelchair-accessible, which was established by a historic 2014 settlement agreement, and ruled that 100% of all new taxis must be accessible until the 50% requirement is met. (Press release ([link removed]) and New York Daily News coverage ([link removed]) )

Unmaintained Elevators in New York’s MTA Subway System

DRA’s long-running case challenging the New York MTA’s failure to maintain the few elevators that exist in the subway system is now headed to trial after a federal judge denied its motion for summary judgment. (Press release ([link removed]) and New York Daily News coverage ([link removed]) )

Denial of Healthcare Service in Chicago

In September, DRA and co-counsel filed a federal lawsuit against Preferred Open MRI in Chicago for illegally refusing to provide healthcare service to a patient because he uses a wheelchair. (Press release ([link removed]) and Cook County Record coverage ([link removed]) )

Accessible Licensing Exams for the California Department of Insurance

The California Department of Insurance must make its insurance agent licensing exams accessible for blind applicants, thanks to a precedent-setting September settlement agreement. (Press release ([link removed]) and LexBlog coverage ([link removed]) )

Effective Communication for Deaf People Seeking Services from Tennessee State Agencies

In September, a federal judge substantially denied the State of Tennessee’s attempt to dismiss our lawsuit against two state agencies for failing to ensure effective communication to deaf people who receive services, allowing this urgent case to proceed. (Press release ([link removed]) and Tennessee Lookout coverage ([link removed]) )

Remote Attendance Accommodations for Berkeley Commissioners with Disabilities

Berkeley commissioners with disabilities who require remote attendance will no longer be excluded from participation thanks to a landmark settlement agreement with the City of Berkeley in September that provides significant policy changes for people with disabilities who require remote meeting attendance. (Press release ([link removed]) and East Bay Times coverage ([link removed]) )

Legal Protection for San Diego Residents Living in Vehicles

In October, DRA secured a groundbreaking class action settlement that protects San Diego residents who rely on their vehicles as their only form of shelter, including people with disabilities, from unjust enforcement and fines, setting a critical precedent for addressing the needs of unhoused individuals in urban areas. (Press release ([link removed]) and San Diego Union-Tribune coverage ([link removed]) )
Donate Now ([link removed])
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