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"Disability Rights Advocates: July 2021 Newsletter"
Image: "Disability Rights Advocates: July 2021 Newsletter"
In this Issue
* Letter from the President & CEO (#President)
* 2021 Virtual Gala (#Gala)
* New Board Member Profile (#Board)
* Introducing DRA's Interns (#Interns)
* Impact Report (#Impact)
Letter from the President & CEO
Image: Portrait of President & CEO Kathy Martinez
Portrait of President & CEO Kathy Martinez
Dear Friends,
Happy “ADA Day!” As you likely know, today marks the 31^st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), making it a special day for those of us here at DRA.
The ADA provides the foundation for so much of our work, and its passage and DRA’s history are closely intertwined. We opened our doors just three years after the ADA became law, and through our high-impact, precedent-setting work (#Impact) , we’ve helped make the vision of the ADA a reality on behalf of millions of Americans with disabilities.
From safeguarding the ways that people with disabilities live, learn and earn, to protecting the rights of those who are houseless, incarcerated or held in immigration detention centers, we’ve been tackling the most pressing disability equality issues of our time. And what a time this is—another era when, as Martin Luther King, Jr. put it, “We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now."
As we consider the challenges and opportunities of the post-pandemic world, as well as the long overdue racial and social justice movements sweeping our nation, we at DRA believe that the potential of the ADA is clearer than ever. We are, quite literally, rebuilding our society, and as we do so, DRA has an opportunity—and an obligation—to expand on the promise of the ADA and shape a more inclusive world.
Of course, ADA Day is important to not just DRA, but really everyone who cares about civil and human rights for people with disabilities—and I know that includes you. So, I hope you’ll take a moment out of your busy day to reflect on the wheels it set in motion, and then continue your efforts to keep them rolling.
On that note, I’m pleased to introduce three people who recently joined us on our righteous journey: board member Brian Frumkin of Bank of America and summer interns Danielle Menz and Gabrielle Birog. I’d also like to note that we are seeking new talent to join our team. I encourage you to view our current job openings ([link removed]) and share as appropriate.
Finally, don’t forget to mark your calendars for DRA’s October 7 gala, which is shaping up to be a truly sensational event. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement of several high-profile special guests and other program details. Please read on to learn more about the gala (#Gala) and its sponsorship opportunities.
With gratitude and hope for the future,
Kathy Martinez
Image: Kathy Martinez signature
2021 Virtual Gala
Image: "DRA Virtual Gala: Save the Date: 10.7.2021"
"DRA Virtual Gala: Save the Date: 10.7.2021"
There’s still time to join our growing list of generous sponsors ([link removed]) , register to attend ([link removed]) , or donate ([link removed]) to DRA’s October 7^th virtual gala.
Visit our gala web page ([link removed]) to sign-up today and stay tuned for more exciting event updates coming soon.
Portrait of Eric Holder
Special guests ([link removed]) confirmed to date include: Attorney General Eric Holder, musician Raul Midón, and former Democratic congressman, disability rights icon, and founder of The Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy & Innovation, Tony Coelho.
Image: Portrait of Eric Holder
Portrait of Raul Midón
Portrait of Tony Coelho
Image: Portrait of Raul Midón
Image: Portrait of Tony Coelho
New Board Member Profile
Image: Portrait of Brian Frumkin
Portrait of Brian Frumkin
DRA is excited to welcome Brian Frumkin ([link removed]) to our board of directors! Brian has been an attorney with Bank of America for over 30 years, specializing in consumer financial services and digital payment solutions. He also provides legal advice on accessibility matters to the retail bank and is especially proud of his work in helping the Bank maintain a leadership position in accessible banking services.
Why did you decide to join DRA’s Board of Directors?
"I felt that my experience as an ADA lawyer on the corporate side would provide a useful perspective to DRA. I’m also very proud of the leadership role Bank of America has taken in making its services accessible to persons with disabilities. As I approach the next chapter in my life, I look forward to using my experience, commitment and enthusiasm to help DRA achieve continued success on behalf of people with disabilities."
Read the Entire Conversation Here ([link removed])
Introducing DRA's Interns
Image: Portrait of Gabrielle Birog
Image: Portrait of Danielle Menz
Portrait of Gabrielle Birog
Portrait of Danielle Menz
DRA's passionate new interns are working hard to advance DRA's disability justice mission. We are excited to have them aboard!
Learn more about Gabrielle Birog ([link removed]) and Danielle Menz ([link removed])
Impact Report
Image: Inaccessible sidewalk corner in Baltimore (via Google)
Inaccessible sidewalk corner in Baltimore
Sidewalks
In June, DRA filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Baltimore for its failure to properly install and maintain curb ramps and accessible sidewalks. ([link removed]) These widespread and ongoing violations of disability law severely impact the ability of people with mobility disabilities to fully and equally participate in Baltimore civic life.
Image: Envelope being held up that says "Absent Voter Ballot Secrecy Envelope" with instructions (via Flickr)
Envelope being held up that says "Absent Voter Ballot Secrecy Envelope" with instructions
Voting
In response to a class action lawsuit filed by DRA against the North Carolina Board of Elections challenging the state’s inaccessible absentee voting program, in June, a federal court ordered that immediate steps be taken to ensure that blind voters in North Carolina will have equal access ([link removed]) to the 2021 municipal elections and all subsequent elections.
Image: Empty school cafeteria with chairs and tables (via Flickr)
Empty school cafeteria with chairs and tables
Education
Chicago Public Schools students with disabilities will now have access to free school lunches ([link removed]) just as their non-disabled peers do, thanks to a class action lawsuit filed by DRA. In June, a judge preliminarily approved a settlement that will end the discriminatory policy of excluding students with certain types of disabilities.
Image: Row of parked RVs on a street in Mountain View, CA (via Alamy)
Row of parked RVs on a street in Mountain View, CA
Housing and Houselessness
In July, DRA filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Mountain View, CA on behalf of RV residents fighting to stay in their homes ([link removed]) . The lawsuit argues that the citywide RV parking ban is unconstitutional, inhumane, and disproportionately impacts people with disabilities, in violation of federal and state law.
Business
Last week, DRA filed a landmark class action lawsuit against the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) ([link removed]) , the largest professional human resources membership association in the world, challenging its failure provide Deaf professionals reasonable accommodations that would provide them equal access to SHRM’s educational programs, professional certifications and events.
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