Happy 27^th 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

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. 15^th 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 19^th, at noon, ADAPT members will march from the left of the Price Daniel Sr. State Office Bldg., 209 W.14^th 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!

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