INSIDER
Texas is slashing $607 million in Medicaid funding from program for students with disabilities
Read full article: Texas is slashing $607 million in Medicaid funding from program for students with disabilitiesSchool officials says the state decision to cut federal money likely will hurt their ability to recruit and retain critical staff for students with disabilities.
Inside the coffee shop breaking barriers with every cup
Read full article: Inside the coffee shop breaking barriers with every cupBitty & Beau's is more than just a coffee shop, it's a reminder to treat everyone with kindness and respect. With 20 locations in 13 states and counting, their aim is to promote inclusion in the workplace and change the way the world views people with disabilities. Watch their entire interview with Houston Life's Derrick Shore who stopped by for a cup.
Families and advocates for disabled Texans pushing for caregiver pay raise
Read full article: Families and advocates for disabled Texans pushing for caregiver pay raiseA state Medicaid program pays caregivers of intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals living in community-based homes. Families, advocates and providers want lawmakers to increase that hourly pay.
Kingwood family fears for safety after son with autism, epilepsy waitlisted for treatment center
Read full article: Kingwood family fears for safety after son with autism, epilepsy waitlisted for treatment centerA Kingwood family is in fear for their safety while their son is waitlisted for a treatment center to help with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Texas families could lose at-home nursing under stricter Medicaid rule
Read full article: Texas families could lose at-home nursing under stricter Medicaid ruleSome children who receive private duty nursing, a more continuous type of medical care in their homes, could lose their ability to live at home if an HHSC rule change goes into effect.
A woman’s fight to escape the hospital shows Medicaid’s limits for disabled Texans
Read full article: A woman’s fight to escape the hospital shows Medicaid’s limits for disabled TexansStaffing shortages and mismanaged care can delay when Texans on some Medicaid programs are discharged from hospitals. This can cost the state more and take a toll on patients and caregivers.
With Texas births rising post-Roe, disability advocates say child services need bolstering
Read full article: With Texas births rising post-Roe, disability advocates say child services need bolsteringTexas’ fertility rose after new abortion restrictions, raising concerns that special education and specialized health care will be stretched even thinner.
Disabled Texans face more barriers to accessing abortion
Read full article: Disabled Texans face more barriers to accessing abortionFew organizations track the number of disabled individuals trying to access abortion, but abortion providers and groups that help assist Texans obtain out-of-state abortions say they are falling through the cracks.
Sheriff’s office looking for missing teenager with disability in Fort Bend County
Read full article: Sheriff’s office looking for missing teenager with disability in Fort Bend CountyAn endangered missing alert was issued on Saturday for a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities out of Rosenberg, Texas.
“People aren’t thinking about us”: How new ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates impacts medically-vulnerable Texans
Read full article: “People aren’t thinking about us”: How new ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates impacts medically-vulnerable TexansThe ban applies to all private businesses, including health care facilities like hospitals, which can jeopardize the health of those with compromised immune systems or other underlying conditions.
Inaccessible private schools or underfunded public schools: Texas’ disabled students have few options with no change in sight
Read full article: Inaccessible private schools or underfunded public schools: Texas’ disabled students have few options with no change in sightThe few private schools that offer special education for disabled students have strict conditions and are clustered in metropolitan areas.
Disability advocates argue against school vouchers in Texas Senate hearing
Read full article: Disability advocates argue against school vouchers in Texas Senate hearingThe Senate’s main “school choice” bill would prioritize vouchers for children with disabilities, among other underprivileged groups. But advocates and parents raised concerns that voucher recipients who choose private school would no longer be protected by federal law.
Laws have changed around parking for disabled Texans over the years. Here’s how it looks today.
Read full article: Laws have changed around parking for disabled Texans over the years. Here’s how it looks today.How have new laws changed accessible parking? How are violations enforced? Here’s what you need to know about parking for people with disabilities.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes bill that would give people with disabilities new option to vote by mail
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes bill that would give people with disabilities new option to vote by mailThe bipartisan legislation was long sought by advocates for disabled voters, including some of the governor’s own allies.
Galveston creates new decking to make beaches accessible to everyone
Read full article: Galveston creates new decking to make beaches accessible to everyoneIt’s not just about traffic and construction projects in our What’s Driving Houston initiative. We are also focused on accessibility to popular destinations in our area. Galveston is a big one.
SkateTherapy.org helping to provide therapeutic on-ice experience for individuals with disabilities
Read full article: SkateTherapy.org helping to provide therapeutic on-ice experience for individuals with disabilitiesThe program also allows special needs learners to use ice skating as a means for developing physical and social skills.
Inspiration Village providing nearly 30 people with developmental disabilities with chance to learn
Read full article: Inspiration Village providing nearly 30 people with developmental disabilities with chance to learnServing six counties in rural Texas is Inspiration Village. It is a non-profit organization that provides close to 30 people with developmental and intellectual disabilities a place to learn life skills during the day.
Texans with disabilities fear new restrictions on voting help could mean criminal charges at the polls
Read full article: Texans with disabilities fear new restrictions on voting help could mean criminal charges at the pollsDisability rights advocates say the state has not provided enough guidance about the type of help people with disabilities can and cannot receive under new voting laws passed last year.
Texans with disabilities fear voting will get harder for them as special session on GOP restrictions nears
Read full article: Texans with disabilities fear voting will get harder for them as special session on GOP restrictions nearsThe extent to which Republicans’ proposed voting restrictions might affect voters of color has received much attention, but Texans with disabilities also face the prospect of new barriers to the ballot box.
Houston Newsmakers: New leadership for Houston NAACP
Read full article: Houston Newsmakers: New leadership for Houston NAACPDixon II, President-Elect, NAACP (KPRC)Dr. James W.E. Dixon II is poised to be sworn in as the new President of the Houston Branch of the NAACP. “My vision is to make this organization more relevant, more resourceful and more relatable,” he said in his appearance on Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall. See much more on this week’s Houston Newsmakers EXTRA when he says :“The authentic message of the Gospel is a social justice message”“We need more than a poetic message that inspires. Dixon II, President-Elect Houston Branch, NAACP· Website: https://naacphouston.org/· Twitter: @NAACPHOUDee Dee Dochen, Producer ReelAbilities Virtual Concert· Website: https://www.reelabilitieshouston.org/· Website: http://www.dddmc.com/· Twitter: @ReelAbilityHouRhonda Abbott, Sr. VP & CEO TIRR Memorial Hermann· Website: https://www.reelabilitieshouston.org/· Website: https://memorialhermann.org/services/specialties/tirrAd· Twitter: @ReelAbilityHouVernita Harris, Co-Author Pinch-Dash-Done· Website: https://pinch-dash-done.com/· Facebook & Instagram: Pinch-Dash-DoneBeatrice Moore, Co-Author Pinch-Dash-Done· Website: https://pinch-dash-done.com/· Facebook & Instagram: Pinch-Dash-Done
Local rapper Toni Hickman gets chance of a lifetime thanks to Netflix’s ‘Rising Phoenix’
Read full article: Local rapper Toni Hickman gets chance of a lifetime thanks to Netflix’s ‘Rising Phoenix’Her name is Toni Hickman and she explained the personal reason why she is using her voice to inspire others. This multitalented singer/songwriter mixes singing, poetry, and rap in the song “Rising Phoenix,” written and performed by herself and fellow disabled artists GeorgeTragic and Keith Jones. Toni Hickman performing at ReelAbilities Houston (ReelAbilities Houston)“I’ve always had this attitude of being stubborn. “Rising Phoenix” is ReelAbilities 2021 Opening Night Film on Feb.16 and Toni Hickman will be performing at ReelMusic, their music event happening on Feb. 24th at 7 PM. All ReelAbilities music, art, and film events are completely free and open to the public, you just have to sign up at ReelAbilitiesHouston.org.
Im so much more than just a chair High School para-athlete finds strength in track and field
Read full article: Im so much more than just a chair High School para-athlete finds strength in track and fieldHOUSTON Sports can have positive lifelong effects on a young person's life that go far beyond health or fitness. Thats the case for Skylar Herrera, a soon-to be sophomore whos part of the track and field team at George Ranch High School in Richmond. The 15-year-old has found confidence, a new outlook on life and platform to advocate for people with different abilities. Being in track is really fun. When Im on the track its really freeing to be going that fast.
Year-round camp breaks down barriers for children with special needs
Read full article: Year-round camp breaks down barriers for children with special needsHOUSTON – A year-round camp in Washington County is changing the way people with special needs experience camp. Camp For All is a 206-acre campus in Burton that specializes in activities for disabled children and adults without any barriers, said President and CEO Pat Sorrells. Sorrells said the camp splits the $1,000 per person cost in half with its 65 community partners. “Campers come here and discover what they can do as opposed to out in the real world what they can’t do. For more information on Camp For All on how to sign up or how to donate, click here.