Austin, TX, Earlier this summer organizers from ADAPT of Texas joined a workgroup with the Governors Committee on Persons with Disabilities to address a lack of equitable service being provided to persons using fixed-framed wheelchairs (Electric chairs and scooters) in TNC rides (UBER-type service).

TNCs claim to be a platform that connects people to ride services and not a transportation provider. As early as 2015 WAVs (wheelchair accessible vehicles) were available on these platforms in Houston, Austin, and Dallas. Outside of these cities, TNCs refer people with disabilities who request a WAV ride to alternate providers such as taxicabs or paratransit services, if available. Paratransit service is not a viable alternative to TNC service for most passengers with disabilities. Passengers with disabilities must go through a complex and lengthy eligibility process to potentially receive paratransit services in their community. Service areas, destinations and operating times are limited compared to TNC service. Paratransit is not a demand-response service and rides must be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Texans who use fixed-framed wheelchairs have found on-demand ride services are unreliable.

Hopefully the report of this workgroup will be available to the public soon, and improvements to existing service can be made during this legislative session.

By Nancy Crowther

.In Oct., 2020 the Texas Behavioral Health Council, which oversees the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, at the suggestion of the Governor of Texas changed its CODE OF CONDUCT to no longer prohibit social workers from turning away clients on the basis of disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

ADAPT of Texas sent out the following press release:

ADAPT of Texas Calls for Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners to Resign

ADAPT of Texas is disgusted by the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners (TSBSWE) total capitulation to Governor Abbott’s demand that the Board change its code of conduct to allow social workers to discriminate by refusing to serve people based on disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.  ADAPT calls on the Board to resign.

“What the hell is good is a social worker if they can just say ‘I don’t serve your kind’?” asked Heiwa Salovitz.

Social workers help people with disabilities with many aspects of their lives, especially when people first become disabled or experience some transition in their lives related to their disabilities.  They help people apply for benefits and services, they help with hospitalizations and discharges from institutions, with finding housing, with protective services, with behavioral health (such as addiction rehabilitation, counseling), with obtaining food assistance, with re-entry after an injury related to military service, and so much more.  In many instances they serve as gatekeepers to and from these vital services.

“The fact that the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers is against this move, shows the absurdity of this maneuver” said Nancy Crowther, ADAPT Organizer and social work degree holder.  “They might as well stick a knife in the heart of the profession” she added.

“If this is the caliber of people examining and licensing social workers in Texas, they should all resign” said ADAPT member Stephanie Thomas.   

While people with differing gender identities and sexual orientation are not necessarily people with disabilities, ADAPT of Texas thinks their inclusion in this license to discriminate is equally appalling.  When you need a social worker in your life you are almost always at a vulnerable point in your life and to have Social Workers licensed to ban you based on labels is terrible policy. Has Texas really sunk this low?  I hope not” said Jennifer McPhail.  “This Board needs to go.”

~ ~ ~

Epilogue: The State Board of Social Work Examiners met on Monday, October 19^th in response to the outrage brought on when they voted to accept the Governor’s request to exclude protections of persons with disabilities and the LGMBQ community. Social workers themselves were outraged and spoke out against the change. The fury and outrage filled the public participation capacity (500) of the ZOOM aired public meeting. After a closed-door session, the verdict was revised to reverse the position and decline the recommendation of the governor.  ONWARD IN POWER!

by Nancy Crowther

In Memory
of
Frank Lozano

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Frank Lozano, who died July 25, 2020 at
the age of 70; and
WHEREAS, Frank Lozano was a treasured Texan whose fierce
advocacy for disability rights had a.positive impact on the lives
of countless individuals in this state and across the country, and
WHEREAS, Born on July 13, 1950, Mr. Lozano was totally blind and was a longtime organizer for the advocacy group American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today, also known as ADAPT; and
WHEREAS, He played an important role in establishing the Atlantis ADAPT office in Dallas before working for the organization in Denver and Colorado Springs; he left Colorado to return to his work in Texas, where he was instrumental in the success of the Desert ADAPT chapter in El Paso; and
WHEREAS, Despite his blindness, Frank was a warrior and was
fearless in confronting those who would hinder efforts to make
communities accessible for citizens with disabilities; he was a
firm believer in nonviolent protest, and he practiced it with creativity and resourcefulness, even in the face of arrests and police mistreatment; and
WHEREAS, A. man of courage and determination, he gave unselfishly to others, and his commitment to equality and social
justice will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to know him and to share in his life; now, therefore, be it
PROCLAIMED, That the Senate of the State of Texas hereby
extend sincere condolences to the many who are bereaved by the
loss of Frank Lozano; and be it further
PROCLAIMED, That a copy of this Proclamation be prepared in
honor of the life of Frank Lozano.

Rodriguez

[signed Jose Rodriguez]
Member of the Texas Senate

I hereby certify that the
above Proclamation was adopted._

[signed Pasty Spaw]
Secretary of the Senate

Austin’s RENT Assistance Program will now:

• Provide up to six months of full contracted rent payment for rent incurred between March 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. This includes rent that is due now, rent that is overdue, and future rent during this time period.
• Conduct random selection drawings at noon every Friday through the end of the year, or until the funds are expended. All applications, regardless of when they are submitted, will continue to be given equal chance in the selection process.
• Households will be allowed a one-time certification of eligibility (instead of monthly) at the time applications are submitted.

A lawsuit was filed in Harris County to limit curbside voting for the current election.  ADAPT of Texas has joined other groups, including the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, to oppose limiting curbside voting. Filing an amicus brief, the groups  point out this is blatant discrimination because it discriminates against people with disabilities.

Haven’t voted yet?  Plan your vote!  A live voting Q& A for Texas voters to get clarity on how to safely and independently cast your ballots for the November election.  This event will focus on voters with disabilities and issues of concern to us, including voting by mail, early voting, polling place accessibility, and how to report voting complaints.  Attendees can submit questions ahead of time to Rev Up TX

Or you can ask during the event via the comment section, or tag us on social media.

Thurs. October 15  1:00 to 2:00 pm CST /12:00 to 1:00 pm MT

It’s on Facebook: click here

You can also access the event live on Twitter: or    YouTube

The event is free and open to the public. ASL interpretation will be provided.  Closed caption video will be done through Facebook Live

Early in person voting starts Tuesday October 13, and runs through October 30th. Here in Travis County the locations will be open 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 pm on Sunday.  There are also 5 super centers that will be open till 9 pm Oct 28, 29 and 30.  Early in person voting has tended to be less crowded and smaller to no lines.

Voting by mail? Be sure to send your ballot back quickly to ensure it gets back in time to be counted.  If it’s getting later in the month you can also drop your ballot off (bring your ID) at a drop box in your county.  Also you can bring it to a polling place (with your ID).

www.VOTE411.org has all the info you will need on the right kinds of ID, sample ballots, polling locations, and more.  Rev Up Texas has great info too and questionnaires and interviews with the candidates that were willing to be interviewed.  They also have some great videos, captioned and audio described too. 

Click here for Informed Voter: 

 click here for Linda Mae Says Vote

The Center for Disability Studies at The University of Texas at Austin and Amerigroup is hosting the 2^nd annual Diversify Austin Job & Resource Fair on Wednesday 10/21/2020 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.  This event will be virtual and open to the public.  Join us for an exciting Zoom Panel where you will discover local resources and meet potential employers.  Please have the attendee register  To Register Click Here. 

Let’s Celebrate National Disability Awareness Month and explore your opportunities!

For ASL and captioning accommodations, please email tcdsut@gmail.com