Protecting the rights of people with mental health conditions.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this May is the 40th anniversary of the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Act.
In the past, some people with mental illness experienced abuse and neglect in institutions where there was little accountability or oversight. Then, in 1986, Congress passed the PAIMI Act, which gave organizations like DRTx the authority to investigate abuse and neglect, monitor facilities, and stand up for people’s rights.
To see why our PAIMI program matters now more than ever, visit the link in our bio.
Clearing up the confusion about STEAR.
STEAR is a voluntary Texas registry that allows people with disabilities and others to share information with local emergency planners. If there's an emergency or a disaster, local officials know where people are and what they need.
So, if you register, will help be on the way if there's an emergency? Not exactly.
To learn more, visit the link in our bio.
What worries you the most?
Take the 2026 Disaster Resilience Survey and tell us how prepared you are, what you need, and what you're worried about.
For the link to the survey, visit the link in our bio. Spanish and ASL versions also available.
School district not actin' right?
If you think your school district is violating your child’s education rights, you can try to get the issue resolved by filing a complaint.
To learn more, visit the link in our bio.
We have some good news! After a year of staff reductions because of funding uncertainties, we are excited to announce that we are hiring for several advocate and attorney positions. Visit /careers for all the deets. (Alt text for image in first comment.)
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Don't miss the vote by mail deadline.
If you want to vote by mail in the runoff elections, your application for a vote by mail ballot must be received by your Early Voting Clerk by Friday, May 15.
What’s the difference?
Identity-first language: a person considers their disability to be a core part of their identity and they prefer to put the disability first when identifying themself. “Autistic person” is an example.
People-first language: a person considers themself to not be defined by their disability and emphasizes that they're a person first. An example would be “person with a disability.”
We had a great Board meeting this weekend! We are grateful to have such a diverse, knowledgeable, and committed group of people leading us.
(Also pictured are some staff from our executive team.)
Get emergency ready, for less.
The Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend. When you buy qualified items – like flashlights, weather radios, or first aid kits – you don't pay sales tax.
Learn more on the Texas Comptroller's website: bit.ly/BePreparedTexas
Appealing an ESA decision.
This week, the first round of education savings account (ESA) award notices are going out. Additional notices will be sent in the coming weeks.
If you want to appeal a decision related to your ESA application, you must do so within 30 days of the decision. You can appeal decisions related to program eligibility, priority tier, and funding amount.
To learn more about the appeal process, visit the link in our bio.
Everywhere, for everyone.
Assistive technology (AT) helps people with disabilities and older adults live more independent, connected lives. And, most people – at some point in their lives – will either use AT or will know someone who does.
It's National AT Awareness Day and this year's theme is "Assistive Technology. Everywhere. Everyone."
For more information about AT, follow @txtechaccess .
(Warning: post contains sensitive subject matter.)
A hard truth.
You may know that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you're part of the disability community, you may also know that people with disabilities experience sexual assault at alarmingly high rates.
But why are the rates so high? And what should you do if you suspect something?
To learn more, visit the link in our bio.
#SAAM2026 #DisabilityRights
