Independence, Inc.

02/26/2026

Parents of elementary-age youth with disabilities - your participation in this study would be greatly appreciated!

What a fabulous opportunity for parents, families or other guardians of children with disabilities, to offer perspective and insight into your lived experience with asessing and activating self-determination skills in your elementary-aged children.
This volunteer opportunity will involve a 30-45 minute one-on-one virtual interview between a parent and researcher fromthe KUCD - Kansas University Center on Disabilities, to discuss your thoughts and experiences on your child's self-determination journey, that may help shape culturally diverse and relevant supports.

Interested? email altin@ku.edu for more information or to register as a participant.


Image Description: Informational flyer with a bright blue background with a logo for the Kansas University Center on Disabilities, an icon-style image of an adult holding the hand of a child. The headline reads: Are you the parent of an elementary school child with disabilities? Text on the flyer includes all of the information listed above in this post.

02/26/2026

It's with great sadness that we share our condolences and personal loss over the passing of a dear colleague and friend, Brian Ellefson. Brian was a kind and gentle man who was fully invested in the disability community, the independent living movement and the rights of people with disabilities. He was a strong leader, mentor, volunteer and advocate who served tirelessly and invested deeply in all he did and in those he knew. What a legacy and what a loss. You will be missed.

Celebrate the life of Brian Ellefson, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of McGilley & Hoge.

02/23/2026

Need information about your enforcement options under the employment part of the ADA? Check out our fact sheet here to learn more: https://adata.org/factsheet/enforcement-options-employment-provisions

02/23/2026

Nine states are once again trying to weaken Section 504 and roll back our right to live in the community.

In Texas v. Kennedy (2026), Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, South Dakota, and Texas are asking the court to say that updated Section 504 rules are unlawful.

At stake is the integration mandate that codifies the right of disabled people to live in their community with needed supports.

Join us to learn what this lawsuit means and how we can fight back.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026
10:30 am PT / 1:30 pm ET

Register here: https://dredf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Q1oN3icfRrCY36saLlwgJA #/registration

02/23/2026

Please. Please stop using this word.

02/23/2026

Black history is disability history.

Black disabled people navigate racism and ableism at the same time — in healthcare, education, employment, and beyond. That layered reality is called intersectionality, and it’s why representation matters.

This Black History Month, we’re honoring 10 Black disability rights leaders whose activism, art, and advocacy reshaped civil rights and accessibility in America.

Their stories remind us: justice must be inclusive.

Read the blog here: bit.ly/4aUoIwi

02/23/2026

Dyscalculia is one of the lesser-talked about and misunderstood disabilities - yet it affects an estimated 507% of people - affecting a person’s ability to understand, process, and remember math concepts, numbers, and quantities. Learn how to recognize the signs!

02/23/2026

I see people with disabilities every day. I see their needs and their hopes and dreams. Let's make their lives easier, not harder

02/23/2026

Wow! What an incredible way to experience the Super Bowl!

02/23/2026

When was the last time you noticed whether a sidewalk or bus stop was actually accessible?

With a major nor’easter and blizzard forecast from the Mid-Atlantic into New England, communities are bracing for 1-2 feet of snow and dangerous travel conditions.

As heavy snow approaches again, it’s worth asking: When weather exposes gaps in access, who is left behind?

In many cities, snow-packed sidewalks, blocked curb ramps, and uncleared transit stops turn a winter storm into a barrier — not just an inconvenience. Real accessibility isn’t about meeting minimum standards when conditions are perfect; it’s about actual access in all conditions.

Accessibility requires intention, investment, and accountability — especially when the weather makes it harder for people to get around. Inclusion isn’t automatic; it’s something we choose every day, in every season.

Read More: https://wbur.fm/4b5WX3Z

02/23/2026

Great to know! This can be such a huge help for those just needing a replacement card!

If you need an original Social Security number or a replacement card, you can now complete your request online, and if needed, schedule an appointment for faster service.
Learn more on today's blog at https://ow.ly/eGqS50YkkG3.