Protecting and Advocating for the Rights of Texans with Disabilities Since 1977
February 2021 Newsletter
Disability Rights Texas is proud to celebrate Black History Month 2021. We dedicate our February newsletter to the many Black advocates past and present who have made remarkable contributions to the disability rights movement. These are just a few of their stories. For our tribute to others, see our latest staff blog that also highlights Lois Curtis, Christopher Bell, Imani Barbarin, and Sam Gleese.

A special thank you to the National Disability Rights Network for their contribution to this edition.
Valerie Slater
Valerie is currently the Executive Director of RISE for Youth where she strives each day to dismantle the school to prison pipeline and its devastating effects on young people of color. She also worked to protect the rights of children with disabilities in community, residential and juvenile justice facilities during her time with the disAbility Law Center of Virginia. Valerie has dedicated her life’s work to advocacy that preserves and protects our most valuable resource - our youth.
Anil Lewis
Anil is the Executive Director of Blindness Initiatives at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). He has helped implement inclusive policies nationwide, and his supportive mentorship has directly impacted the lives of countless blind individuals. Anil aggressively recruits, refers, and supports other like-minded people to become active in the NFB and other organizations in the disability rights movement. He promotes social change by fostering the active participation of more people with disabilities in every facet of society.
Keri Gray
Keri’s work centers on exploring the impact of race, gender, and disability as Black young professionals mature and transition into their careers. Keri is on a mission to help Black young professionals develop their leadership and build the personal and professional skills necessary to advance in their careers. As a fierce advocate for greater inclusivity and accountability, Keri unapologetically intersects the Black community and the disability community through her work.
Jimel Wright
Jimel is a deaf man who boldly believes in a future free of violence against Cisgender women, Transgender women, and Nonbinary individuals. As the Outreach Coordinator and Prevention Specialist at Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services, Jimel works with both youth and adults to address abusive behaviors as well as toxic attitudes.
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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.