Protecting and Advocating for the
Rights of Texans with Disabilities Since 1977
December 2020 Newsletter
Stories That Help Us See the Good
To finish off this historical and challenging year, we thought we would share a few words from our clients to help you see some of the good in our world. We do this work so that one day we can live in a world free of discrimination where all people, including those with disabilities, are treated with dignity and respect.
“Our son Ryan has cerebral palsy. For years we struggled to get him approved for benefits and kept hitting roadblocks. After years of spinning our wheels and lots of searching we found Disability Rights Texas through Facebook. With their help we were finally able to get him approved for Medicaid. Without DRTx, we would not be able to get him critical things he needs like specialized medical equipment, therapy and vital healthcare and treatments. We are so grateful that we found DRTx.” - Rochelle and Michael H.
"I am a disabled Army veteran who decided to pursue one of my lifelong dreams – getting a degree in Journalism. I was surprised when one of my college professors at a major, well-known university refused to grant my approved accommodations in a required class. Disability Rights Texas got involved and was able to ensure I received the disability accommodations I needed. Without their assistance, I would have failed that course and would not have been able to graduate.” - John P.
2020 By the Numbers
Our clients telling their own stories is one of the best ways we can explain our impact. Another way to look back at 2020 is by the numbers:
  • 6,400 requests for our services
  • More than 3,500 new cases and information and referral services to 2,800 people
  • More than 17,000 hours of staff time on COVID rights issues
  • 110,000 rights resources provided at events or through our website
  • 26 new resources published related specifically to COVID rights
  • 22,000 people trained on their rights (mostly through online venues this year)
  • Half a million people reached through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
  • 650 million people reached in local, state, and national news stories

Though this year was challenging, our staff did not let barriers resulting from the pandemic stop us in our commitment to advancing your disability rights. It was our honor to serve you this year!

Need Help?
If you are a Texan with a disability who believes your rights have been violated, please contact us to apply for services Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in any of the following ways:

Statewide Intake Line:
1.800.252.9108
Sign Language Video Intake Line:
1.866.362.2851
Purple Video Intake Line:
1-512-271-9391

Online Intake Available 24/7
Can't call during our regular intake hours or can't get through due to high call volume? You can complete our online intake form available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT OUR HOLIDAY HOURS:
Most of our staff will be off as we close for the winter holidays beginning December 23, at 3 p.m. We will reopen on Monday, January 4, at 8 a.m. 

Though our regular phone lines and online intake will be closed during this time, because of COVID-19, we will have a special toll free line and email address for taking service requests for people with disabilites facing emergency housing issues (paying rent, pending eviction, etc.) and those in the hospital experiencing rationing of care issues or refusal to allow a supporter to accompany you.

For information on how to contact us for emergency housing or hospital issues during this specific time, see the Contact Us page on our website.

For all other issues, we are happy to take your request when we reopen on January 4 at 8 am.
Disability Rights Texas (previously named Advocacy Inc.) is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency (P&A) for people with disabilities in Texas. Its mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. Visit www.DRTx.org for more information.