Thank you for making the 2026 Texas Fun Run for Disability Rights a Success!

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On behalf of ADAPT of Texas, Desert ADAPT, and Gulf Coast ADAPT and other participating groups and organizations, we would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Fun Run for Disability Rights. This past Saturday was a day filled with fun, food, and friends. Thank you to everyone who made these events possible and to all the sponsors who supported each of the participants. We would especially like to thank all of our Champion sponsors who believe in the work we do. Remember, it’s still not to late to support participants by going to https://adaptfunrun.net/ and to the Sponsor A Runner tab. Your support helps Texas ADAPT to continue advocating for disability rights.

2026 Champions for Disability Rights

Community Integration for All

Silver Champions- Livable Wages and benefits: Capital Metro, Castro-McDonal’s

Bronze Champion- Community First: Hondai- El Paso, Hanger- El Paso, United Healthcare (UHC). Representative Mary Gonzalez- El Paso, Veronica Escobar- El Paso, Lily Limcon

The ADAPT of Texas Community/ PACT wants to thank all the 2026 Disability Rights Champions.

TOGETHER WE CAN AND ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!

www.adaptfunrun.net

Join Us at the Fun Run This Saturday!

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For those of you physically coming to the ADAPT Fun Run,  it will begin  at 12pm and end at 2pm.

Recall that it is at our office this year: 1100 S IH-35 Frontage Road.  Drop off parking is there while we are using all other parking in the   Housing Authority of the City Austin which is at the next open driveway that is marked. Due to the S IH-35 construction, that access to their building is about 200 yards further down the frontage road.  There is still a sidewalk to walk/roll down next to our office.

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📣 Disability Voting Rights Week Kickoff: Vote Ready Austin

BE A ACCESS DEMOCRACY DEFENDER

Join us on Monday, September 14 at 3:00 p.m. at the ADAPT office as we kick off Disability Voting Rights Week—September 14–18—with voter information, registration support, a brief policy update, community connection, and snacks.

We will help attendees check their voter registration status and offer assistance to eligible people who want to register. Disabled voters, advocates, friends, family, and allies are welcome.

📍 Location: ADAPT Office
🗓️ Date: Monday, September 14
🕒 Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

#DisabilityVotingRightsWeek #DisabilityVote #REVUPTexas #AccessTheVote #TexasVotes

INTEGRATION MANDATE 504 THREATENED ACT NOW

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Rally Against Texas v Kennedy to Protect Disability Rights

Join ADAPT of Texas, Personal Attendant Coalition of Texas, Rolling with the Homies, public figures, and many other disability rights and civil rights organizations to demand that Texas is removed from Texas v Kennedy lawsuit which is attacking Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as the integration mandate of the US Supreme Court ruling in Olmstead v LC (Lois Curtis) and EW (Elaine Wilson) (1999).

LOCATION: Texas State Capitol South Steps, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

EVENT DATE: Friday, July 3, 2026

TIME to GATHER: Between 11:00 AM to Noon

PRESS CONFERENCE/RALLY STARTS PROMPTLY: Noon to 2PM

FOR INFO CONTACT: Bryan “Anthony” Chase Jr., cyberchase9009@gmail.com , (210) 748-0845
Cathy Robles Cranston, flacacata@aol.com , 512.650.6543

Paid Capitol Parking Garage one block east of Capitol on 12th Street between

San Jacinto BLVD and Trinity, 1201 San Jacinto BLVD., there is also street parking

Please bring a sign about 504 and what it means to you. Bring water, umbrella or hat, snack and sunscreen. It will be hot!

We must send a message and demand of Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton to take Texas off the Texas v Kennedy lawsuit. Their position is unacceptable and it is infringing on the civil rights of children and adults with disabilities, senior Texans and the families that support them. We won’t go back!

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Call AG Paxton: 1.800.252.8011, 512.463.2007

Call Governor Abbott: Main, 512.463.2000, Opinion Line, 512.463.1782

Use the Speak4 link below and an email will be sent to Governor Abbott,
AG Paxton, your state representative and state senator.

iHttps://speak4.app/lp/1601js24?ts=1780405850

ADAPT of Texas/PACT Statement on Olmstead Anniversary and DOJ’s Opinion

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Happy 27th Anniversary of the US Supreme Court’s decision on the landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C. (Lois Curtis) and E.W. (Elaine Wilson) found that individuals with disabilities have the right to live in the most integrated setting.  This decision fundamentally protects and expands the rights of individuals with disabilities and serves as the cornerstone of disability civil rights. Public entities must provide community-based services to individuals with disabilities.  This is the integration mandate that protects us by law. Not only is this the legal precedent for full community participation for people with disabilities, but it is also the intent following the Americans with Disabilities Act signed by President Bush as passed by both houses of Congress. Those who were present at the time of the signing of the ADA know that this was and is the original intent of the law and the Olmstead Decision of 1999.

Right now people with disabilities are under attack.  We can see the attempt to weaken the disability laws starting with the 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton along with 19 other states filed a lawsuit in 2024, Texas v. Becerra now known as Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit. The Slip Opinion/Memorandum of the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel:

1. Undermines the independence and freedom of people with disabilities across the United States.

2. By removing the right to integration, the result is,

a. higher death rate of people with disabilities that would be institutionalized

b. Institutionalization of people with disabilities will cost more money for taxpayers v. paying for community care which has already been shown to be more cost effective for all involved.

We who believe in FREEDOM must act at the local, state and federal level to denounce the Slip Opinion. Do something. Organize a protest or a rally. Contact your state and federal Congresspersons and tell them to publicly denounce the DOJ’s memorandum/Slip Opinion. Take action to celebrate the Olmstead Decision and our legal rights as intended by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 

Don’t Mourn, Organize!

The ADAPT of Texas and Personal Attendant Coalition of Texas Community

For Immediate Release:

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ADAPT of Texas Demands Attorney General Ken Paxton: REMOVE TEXAS FROM “TEXAS v KENNEDY”

DON’T MESS WITH OUR DISABILITY RIGHTS IN TEXAS

–FINAL RULE–

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:  

Ron Cranston                 ronniebonners@aol.com 512-903-3340   

 Nancy Crowther            Ncrowther21@gmail.com     512-808-7486                                                        

WHAT:          REMOVE TEXAS FROM “TEXAS v KENNEDY”

DON’T MESS WITH OUR DISABILITY RIGHTS IN TEXAS

WHEN:              May 19, 2026, Tuesday, 1:00pm 

WHERE:            Attorney General Building, 300 W. 15th outside

Austin, TX, ADAPT of TX/PACT, and a host of Disability Rights Advocates will gather to send a message to Attorney General Ken Paxton:  Remove Texas from “Texas v Kennedy”.

Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act is America’s oldest disability rights law. Attorney General Paxton is asking the court to make the 2024 update to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (a.k.a. THE FINAL RULE) UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

The rule contains new opportunities for internet access, accessible medical equipment and services. The rule also contains new and stronger supports for persons with disabilities at a risk of being institutionalized, the community integration mandate, and many other provisions that fulfill society’s moral obligations to persons with disabilities of All ages. Also, the final rule contains protections against infanticide and assisted suicide. Repealing it would have a devastating effect on all programs that receive Federal Financial dollars and form the cornerstone of DISABILITY RIGHTS.

“…the elimination of these rights will lead to the decimation of civil rights to persons of all ages with disabilities. Destroying basic access and the civil rights we have acquired for over 50 years.” said Ron Cranston, citizen with a disability.

Photo Opportunity: May 19th, at noon, ADAPT members will march from the left of the Price Daniel Sr. State Office Bldg., 209 W.14th St. behind the LEAD ON transportation drop off shelter.

Press Conference: Join us on Tuesday, May, 19th, gather at 1:00 pm to send a message to Attorney General Ken Paxton: Drop the Texas v Kennedy Lawsuit.

GO HERE AND TAKE ACTION NOW!

Personal Attendant Coalition of Texas (P.A.C.T.) Celebrates Attendants/ Caregivers on National Caregivers Day.

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On February 20, 2026 P..A.C.T. will join thousands of others around the country to celebrate and acknowledge the vital role that personal care attendants/ caregivers play in the lives of many people with disabilities and the elderly. We will gather to show our appreciation of the people that day in and day out show up to work so that many of us can live independent, integrated, and productive lives. We will get together to reaffirm our commitment to continue the fight so that their work will finally be valued by our elected officials. We know that having low wages, no benefits, no sick leave, no vacation time, etc…the turnover in these important jobs is high, and to those who continue to show the love that they have for your work, we thank you. We welcome you to join us.

In Austin See flier HERE

February 20, 2026, 2pm-4pm ADAPT of Texas Office, 1100 S. IH35, Austin, TX 78704

In El Paso See flier HERE

February 20, 2026, 3pm-5pm Volar CIL, 1220 Golden Key Cr., El Paso, TX 79925

Celebrating the Life of Bob Kafka

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Image of Bob Kafka's Memorial Invite

On January 31 we celebrate Bob Kafka for many reasons. We remember the Bronx kid whose strong family roots were the foundation of his lifelong sense of fairness and justice. We recall his service as a Vietnam vet. From his days at the University of Houston we relish the deep and enduring friendships that have grown richer over the decades and distance. We rejoice in Bob’s nearly 40-year marriage to Stephanie Thomas – his beloved and unflagging partner, in, well, everything.

We marvel at the chemistry that- using these experiences and more- made Bob Kafka, an incomparable warrior for people with disabilities and their rightful places in our communities. Thousands of people worldwide celebrate Bob as a friend, mentor, encourager, teacher, problem-solver, policy wonk, organizer, clever civil disobedience leader, big picture guy, and truth-to-power advocate. 

 

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US IN CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF BOB KAFKA

Our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us whether it was in person (Austin/ El Paso) on Zoom, or on Facebook. We appreciate each and every one of you.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL BOB STORIES!

Thank you all for sharing the wonderful memories you all shared with Bob. They truly spoke to the type of person Bob was.

You can read about various social media posts and articles HERE

You can see the slideshow that was shared at the memorial HERE.

You can read an obituary and some of the articles that have been written about Bob by clicking HERE.

Travis County Commissioners Court Proclamation and Proclamation Presentation in honor of Bob

Donations can be made in memory of Bob Kafka to ADAPT of Texas HERE.

If you did not get a chance to purchase a T-Shirt with Bob quotes we still have some for sale $15 each plus shipping if needed. Please get in contact with us.

“Bob Kafka Remembered”, with Nancy Crowther, Alison Barkoff — KPFT Peoples News, 1/30/26 . WATCH VIDEO HERE.

El Paso Desert ADAPT, the PACT, Volar CIL, Grupo D.I.O. and other organizations in El Paso Joined Forces to Promote the POWER of the Disability Vote in Texas.

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On Thursday, September 11, 2025 the El Paso community gathered at Volar Center for Independen Living, 1220 Golden Key Circle for an informational session on the importance of voting and the impact that the disability community can have on its outcome. Simultaneously, there was a press conference along with a voter registration drive for people interested in registering to vote.

Approximately 30 people attended the informational session where attendees learned what they could do to have an impact in the voting process. People were actively engaged in asking questions regarding how to make sure that voting was made accessible for them. From access at the how to register, where to find candidate or information of propositions that were going to be voted on, to sharing ideas on how they could promote and engage people in the power of the disability vote, the session was interactive and engaging.

Media covered the event and helped promote our message even further. Towards the end of the presentation, participants were encouraged to share their reasons for voting, which were captured in photographs for social media publication.

Attendees were provided with stickers and other resources that they could further use, to assist others in registering to vote.

We make sure that in El Paso the POWER of the disability vote spread to others in the community.

CELÉBRATE ADA 35th BIRTHDAY

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Please come and recharge your advocacy by joining ADAPT of Texas,  the Coalition of Texans w/ Disabilities & Superior Health Care, representing people of all ages, for a collaborative screening!

Double feature! Two  15 minute documentaries about the Americans with Disabilities Act, in celebration of the ADA’s 35th anniversary, with ADA. Friday, July 25, 4-7 pm at ADAPT of Texas. 

Celebrate freedom, independence, and 35 years of building access and inclusion. Access is a Civil Right!  Come recharge your  advocacy w/ music, food, film, & fun.

FRIDAY JULY 25, AT ADAPT: 1100 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78704

BUS ROUTES #7 AND #20

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a landmark legislative fight to secure rights and access for persons with disabilities, encompasses all disabilities and guarantees the right to employment, public transportation, places of commerce and recreation, essentially the right to Boldy Go Where Everyone Else Has Gone Before to participate in society on an equal basis.