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dredf.bsky.social
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
@dredf.bsky.social
2.1K followers 160 following 150 posts
DREDF is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities. Website: dredf.org
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dredf.bsky.social
Help shape how DREDF communicates!

We’re launching our 2025 Communications Survey to learn how you want to hear from us and how we can do better. Your feedback matters! Take the survey now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SFBX699
A teal textured background with layered graphic shapes and dots. At the center is a large cream-colored speech bubble with bold black text reading, “Help Shape Our Communications.” The DREDF logo appears in red in the upper right corner of the speech bubble. A smaller pink speech bubble shape overlaps the bottom of the image, reinforcing the theme of dialogue and community input.
January 20, 2026 at 7:30 PM
dredf.bsky.social
MLK wrote these words from a jail cell, where he was held for participating in nonviolent protests and for refusing to accept injustice. His message reminds us: our struggles are bound together.

DREDF is closed in observation of Dr. King’s legacy + the ongoing fight for civil and human rights.
Graphic with a cream background and a simple line illustration of a man in a suit with likeness to Martin Luther King Jr. quote in dark blue text reads, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. - Martin Luther King Jr., from Letter from Birmingham Jail, August 1963.” The DREDF logo appears in the top right corner.
January 19, 2026 at 4:30 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Inclusion shapes expectations and what children imagine for themselves. Disability is often excluded from representation in toys. Barbie’s diversity shows progress, but real inclusion goes further. More from @autisticadvocacy.org https://autisticadvocacy.org/2026/01/asan-announces-autistic-barbie/
A close-up of a small mirrored disco ball held aloft by Barbie's plastic hands. The disco ball reflects light in sharp, geometric facets. The background is an abstract blur of vibrant warm colors of yellows, oranges, reds, and pink to create a sense of motion and energy.
January 15, 2026 at 11:30 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Join DREDF for Part 5 of our Training Series: The Importance of IEP Goals.
Learn about what IDEA requires, where goals come from, and how they support meaningful access to education. Register: https://dredf.org/event/part-5-of-10-the-importance-of-iep-goals/
Graphic for a DREDF training series. On the left, a notebook labeled “Individualized Education Program” sits on a desk with pens, clips, and sticky notes. On the right, text reads: “The Importance of IEP Goals,” Virtual Training, Monday, January 12, 2026, 7:00–8:45 pm PT, with a red “Register” button.
January 13, 2026 at 1:01 AM
dredf.bsky.social
We're proud to share the @berkeleylaw.bsky.social 7th Annual CLE Conference on Jan 29 - 30, 2026. DREDF’s Ayesha Elaine Lewis will present on Jan 30.
 - Up to 13 CA CLE credits
 - DREDF supporters get $100 off registration
Register: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=862704&
Promotional graphic for the Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality and Anti-Discrimination Law’s Conference on Gender Discrimination. Text highlights January 29–30, 2026, with in-person and Zoom options. Highlights include up to 13 California CLE credits, a $100 registration discount for DREDF supporters, and a January 30 panel featuring DREDF Senior Staff Attorney Ayesha Elaine Lewis. A portrait of a woman appears on the right, and a “Register Now” button is shown at the bottom.
January 12, 2026 at 9:45 PM
dredf.bsky.social
The House voted to extend ACA premium subsidies that keep health care affordable for millions. Now the Senate must pass it, too.
Call your Senators and urge them to pass the extension.
More info:
Bright yellow graphic with bold dark text reading, “Affordable Healthcare is Within Reach.” Below, smaller text says, “Call Your Senator and Demand They Pass ACA Subsidies.” In the top right corner is the DREDF logo. On the right side, a simple line illustration shows an outstretched hand reaching toward a smartphone, symbolizing taking action by making a call. The overall tone is urgent yet hopeful, emphasizing that affordable health care is attainable through collective action.
January 10, 2026 at 1:15 AM
dredf.bsky.social
HHS has proposed 3 harmful rules that would allow discrimination against trans people, block essential care for trans youth using Medicaid/CHIP, and bar trans youth from receiving care at hospitals. These rules aren’t final,act now. Learn more: https://dredf.org/protect-trans-rights/
A person walking in Adidas shoes holds a banner with hand-drawn images, one of which is a trans pride flag. Text reads “Comment to Protect Trans Rights: You Can help stop cruel and harmful proposed rules,” and a next arrow. Text reads “Informational Briefing on HHS’s New Anti-Trans Rules. Monday, Jan 12 10:30 - 11:45 am PT | 1:30 - 2:45 pm ET. Register Now” with a doodle of a light bulb and a DREDF logo in the corner.
January 8, 2026 at 7:15 PM
dredf.bsky.social
For students with disabilities, access to education has been shaped by civil rights, advocacy, and the belief that every child belongs.

DREDF has worked for decades to advance inclusive, equitable education so students with disabilities can succeed.

Support our work: https://dredf.org/donate/
A brown graphic with the DREDF logo at the top left features large white text reading “Accessing Education,” with smaller yellow text below that says “With Your Support.” On the right, a focused school-aged child sits in a wheelchair at a table, writing with a pencil, while an adult leans in nearby offering support and encouragement. The scene conveys inclusion, learning, and shared attention.
January 1, 2026 at 5:01 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Opportunity begins with access—to live, learn, love, and work in the community.

With your support, DREDF will continue its decades-long work to open doors, remove barriers, and build pathways to full participation in the year ahead.

Support our work: https://dredf.org/donate/
A brown graphic with the DREDF logo at the top left features large white text reading “Expanding Opportunity,” with smaller yellow text below that says “With Your Support.” On the right, a thoughtful, confident Black masculine-presenting blind person holds a white cane, looking slightly upward, conveying determination and possibility.
December 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Freedom means being able to pursue education, employment, healthcare, and community life with autonomy, access and respect.

For decades, DREDF has worked to expand freedom and remove systemic barriers. With your support, we carry this work forward.

Support us: https://dredf.org/donate/
A brown graphic with the DREDF logo at the top left features large white text reading “Securing Freedom,” with smaller yellow text below that says “With Your Support.” On the right, a smiling, confident, feminine-presenting person with short dark hair sits in a wheelchair, wearing a red top and patterned skirt, gesturing expressively with one hand. The image conveys confidence, agency, and self-determination.
December 29, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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Mark and Lori are celebrating their 10th anniversary today. As an engaged couple, their biggest Christmas wish remains the right to celebrate their love by getting married.

Learn more and support Mark and Lori’s journey toward future Christmases as a married couple: dredf.org/vertical/mar...
Selfie of Lori and Mark, both middle-aged white people that tilt their heads toward each other. Selfie of Lori and Mark, both middle-aged white people, smile in front of a Christmas nutcracker.
December 25, 2025 at 3:25 PM
dredf.bsky.social
For decades, DREDF has advanced the dignity of people with disabilities through litigation, advocacy, and education.

This moment calls for leadership and momentum.

Your support makes it possible to advance policies and strengthen rights.

Donate today: https://dredf.org/donate/
A brown graphic with the DREDF logo at the top left features large white text reading “Advancing Dignity,” with smaller yellow text below that says “With Your Support.” On the right, a smiling Black feminine presenting person wearing a yellow outfit sits in a power wheelchair, facing the camera and looking to the right and smiling.
December 23, 2025 at 5:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Health care access is on the line. Congress must act NOW to extend the enhanced ACA premium tax credits before they expire or millions could lose affordable coverage. Take action!
Read report: https://bit.ly/kera-aca
CHN Action’s tool: https://bit.ly/ACA-tax-credit 
Call Congress: (202) 224-3121
A dark blue graphic with the DREDF logo in the top left displays a quote in white and yellow text inside a rounded border. The quote emphasizes that health insurance and health care are essential, and highlights in yellow that tax credits are very important for low-income families. Yellow quotation marks frame the text.
December 18, 2025 at 12:40 AM
dredf.bsky.social
AI tools make decisions about our healthcare, transportation, jobs, housing, safety, and more. Without rules, they routinely discriminate against disabled people. 
How we combat it: https://dredf.org/dredf-opposes-ai-executive-order-restricting-state-laws-calls-for-passage-of-ai-civil-rights-act/
A feminine presenting black woman with short curly hair is shown from behind, standing in front of a large digital screen filled with vertical streams of glowing blue code. At the top left is the DREDF logo. Below the image, bold text reads: “AI Automates Disability Discrimination & Exclusion.” Smaller text underneath says: “Pass the AI Civil Rights Act for transparency, fairness, and inclusion.” Red decorative dots appear on the right side of the text block.
December 12, 2025 at 11:45 PM
dredf.bsky.social
On the 68th anniversary of the creation of the DOJ Civil Rights Division, over 200 prior employees shared an open letter decrying the near-destruction of the division.

The letter: https://www.thejusticeconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Civil-Rights-Division-Sign-On-Letter.pdf
Thumbnail image for the letter that features Dwight D. Eisenhower is seated, writing at a desk. Below, a headline reads: "An Open Letter from Former Civil Rights Division Employees."
December 12, 2025 at 5:03 PM
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What would special education look like without the U.S. Department of Education?
Join DREDF and @copaafape.bsky.social on Dec 9 at 2 PM ET to learn about what you should prepare for.

Register: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__PiU7n1hQl-UFug_fAvD3Q<a href="/hashtag/%2Fregistration" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#/registration
Flyer reads 'Looking Ahead: Potential Consequences of Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 11 am Pacific and 2 pm Eastern. Learn about the role of the U.S. Department of Education, What you need to know about special education with the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. Register Soon.” Image of a parent and student in a learning setting and logos for the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund and Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
December 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
@brandeisuniversity.bsky.social  is doing a research study about how 15 - 25 years old people with disabilities take care of their sexual health. 
Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/SRH-Study
On a bright blue background five people stand together. The people display diverse disabilities, genders, and skin tones. Flyer text invites young people with disabilities or health conditions to join a Brandeis University study on sexual and reproductive health. Participants receive a $50 gift card, and their stories will help create a sexual health website for people with disabilities. The flyer includes a QR code linking to the study page, the URL tinyurl.com/SRH-Study
December 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
dredf.bsky.social
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate disabled communities and reaffirm that disability rights are human rights. 

DREDF is honored to work alongside advocates, families, and partners to defend and advance disability civil and human rights across the nation.

#IDPWD
A graphic of a diverse group of people with disabilities with various skin tones, body types, and mobility disabilities, marching in front of a world globe. Many have their fists raised and carry orange protest-style flags. The text above them reads “International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” and the DREDF logo appears in the top right corner. The overall tone is celebratory and empowering.
December 3, 2025 at 11:31 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Every victory for disability rights is made possible by advocates, families, and allies like you.

When you give, you help DREDF sustain the movement.

We can defend, protect, and advance our rights, together. https://dredf.org/donate

#GivingTuesday
A Latine parent and child embrace. The child is a feminine-presenting young adult with Down syndrome. They are outdoors in front of green plants, smiling. Bold blue text reads: “Possibilities Begin With What We Build Here,” with a red button labeled “DONATE.” The DREDF logo appears in the top right corner, and a red and blue Giving Tuesday heart design decorates the bottom left. The image conveys warmth, support, and optimism.
December 2, 2025 at 11:01 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Together, we’ve changed laws, shaped policy, and built access that makes a more equitable and just future. When you give, you help DREDF sustain the movement.

We can defend, protect, and advance our rights, together. https://dredf.org/donate
A young Black feminine-presenting person with monocular blindness, dark braided hair, and a confident expression, wearing a maroon blazer over a gray top. Bold blue text reads: “Together, We Can Build an Inclusive Future for All,” above a red button labeled “DONATE.” The DREDF logo appears at the top right corner, and a red and blue Giving Tuesday heart design is in the bottom left corner.
December 2, 2025 at 5:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
We’re pleased to announce Michelle Uzeta as DREDF’s permanent Executive Director. Michelle brings 30+ years of disability rights leadership and has guided DREDF through a pivotal year with clarity and compassion. 

Read the full announcement here: https://dredf.org/michelle-uzeta-permanent-ed/
Announcement that DREDF has named Michelle Uzeta as Executive Director. It features a portrait of Michelle Uzeta, a mixed-race Black woman with curly brown hair. She wears glasses and a black top with a white collar. She is smiling and looking directly at the viewer. The painting behind Michelle is an original oil painting by Haitian painter Jacques-Enguerrand Gourgue that features stylized birds, plants, and a figure.
December 1, 2025 at 8:15 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Special education without the U.S. Department of Education? Join DREDF & @copaafape.bsky.social on Dec 9 to learn what’s at stake.

Register now: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__PiU7n1hQl-UFug_fAvD3Q<a href="/hashtag/%2Fregistration" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#/registration
“Flyer reads 'Looking Ahead: Potential Consequences of Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 11 am Pacific and 2 pm Eastern. Learn about the role of the U.S. Department of Education, What special education may look like if it is dismantled, What you need to know as a parent, student, or professional. Register!” Logos for the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund and Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.
November 28, 2025 at 7:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
Every victory for disability rights is made possible by advocates, families, and allies like you.

Your support powers:
- Partnerships that protect essential policies and laws,
- Critical rights advocacy support,
- Parent education and training.

December 2nd support DREDF: https://dredf.org/donate
Two masculine-presenting friends smile warmly and embrace side by side in a kitchen. One with Down syndrome, grins at the camera; the other wraps their arm around the first and smiles at him. Bold white text reads: “Your Support Helps Disability Rights Through: Partnerships that protect essential policies and laws, Critical rights advocacy support, and parent education and training.” The DREDF logo appears in the top left corner, and a small Giving Tuesday heart design is in the bottom right.
November 26, 2025 at 4:02 PM
dredf.bsky.social
If your child is in the California Children’s Services (CCS) program, the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) is interested in hearing from you with an anonymous, 15 minute survey! Survey closes on November 30, 2025.

Link: https://healthlaw.org/nhelp-ccs-family-engagement-survey/
A graphic with a soft gradient background and a photo of a smiling child writing with an adult beside them. Large text at the top reads: “Is Your Child in the California Children’s Services (CSS) Program? Take the NHeLP Survey.” A blue box below lists survey details: “Helps the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) understand CCS system challenges; Open from Oct. 15 – Nov. 30; Takes about 15 minutes; Anonymous; A chance to win $50 gift card.
November 21, 2025 at 11:01 PM
dredf.bsky.social
IDEA guarantees millions of students with disabilities, like Angela Haynes’s daughter, can learn: 

“IDEA ensured my daughter was taught, included, and believed in—now she reads, holds a job she loves, and advocates for herself and others with pride.”

Learn more at the @americanprogress.bsky.social
A graphic titled “IDEA at 50” shows rows of student desks, with three desks highlighted in yellow among many gray ones. Text reads: “During the 2022–23 school year, 7.6 million students between the ages of 3 and 21 received special education services through IDEA. That’s three out of every 20 public school students.” The CAP logo appears in the bottom right corner.
November 21, 2025 at 5:03 PM