Author Archives: Cathy Cranston

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.

DEATH OF COMMUNITY ATTENDANT SERVICES!

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The 85th Texas Legislature Conference Committee is making decisions about the lives of people with disabilities and the community attendants that assist them in living independently.  Neither the House nor the Senate budget addresses the issues below.  Please call the telephone numbers below and tell them to fund:               

  1. FIND FUNDING TO RAISE COMMUNITY ATTENDANT WAGES FROM $8 TO $13;
  2. RESTORE $5 MILLION FOR RELOCATION SERVICES;
  3. RESTORE $10 MILLION IN-HOME FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
  4. RESTORE FUNDING TO REDUCE WAITING LISTS FOR STARPLUS and ALL 1915C WAIVERS

BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

  1. Senator Hinojosa  512.463.0120       McAllen, Texas      District: 956.972.1841
  2. Senator Huffman  512.463.0117    Houston, Texas         District: 281.980.3500
  3. Senator Kolkhorst  512.463.0118      Brenham, Texas    District:  979.251.7888
  4. Senator  Nelson   512.463.0112      Grapevine, Texas     District:  817.424.3446
  5. Senator Schwertner   512.463.0105    Bryan, Texas     District:  979.776.0222
  6. Rep. Ashby   512.463.0508               Lufkin, Texas        District:   936.634.2762
  7. Rep. Davis   512.463.0389              Houston, Texas    District:  713.664.7095
  8. Rep. Gonzales  512.463.0670        Round Rock, Texas    District: 512.248.2558
  9. Rep. Longoria   512.463.0645        Penitas, Texas     District:  956.580.6944
  10. Rep. Zerwas    512.463.0657            Katy, Texas       District:  888.827.1560

Thank you for taking action to FREE OUR PEOPLE!

 

 

 

 

                           

 

 

Update on RESPECT and MORE Rally for Community Attendants

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On March 8, 2017 over 100 people attended the RESPECT and MORE Rally/legislative briefing. Advocates, attendants, people with disabilities, representation of Texas Independent Living Centers and many other organizations were present. We had a great time at the luncheon even though the plight of the attendant is very serious.

National disability rights attorney Steve Gold addressed the group and a video “An Indecent Arrangement: Texas Attendant Services” was seen. Mark C. spoke about his inabilities to find an attendant that led to three hospitalizations and rehabilitation due to a pressure sore. These are real lives, real people that are dealing with this issue daily. Texas’ State Legislators continue neglecting the need in addressing the difficulty in recruiting and retaining Community Attendants. With competition from stores like Buc-ees and Dairy Queen (who start their employees at $12/per hour), the Medicaid and state funded home and community based attendant programs (which start and often keep attendants at $8/per hour)  can’t meet the needs of Texans that rely on attendant services.

After the luncheon/briefing, we marched over to the Capitol for a brief rally and then legislative visits.  The group delivered copies of petitions signed by thousands of Texans who support a $13/hour base wage for the Community Attendants.