Progressive Independence, Inc.

10/04/2025

OKADAPT will begin meeting again in October. Please email me at jeffokrights@gmail.com if you would like to be an active member.

08/15/2025

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/disabilityrights/news/trumps-executive-order/

The ABA Commission on Disability Rights opposes the sweeping misuse of federal power to promote a policy that segregates individuals with disabilities from society.

08/05/2025

Progressive Independence extends its congratulations to Liberty Resources, staff, board, and advocates for its hard work in focusing on creating homes that are not just affordable, but accessible to our communities as well. We recognize the challenges and effort that it takes to educate state and local leaders on our needs, including the challenges of addressing HUD's policies and priorities.

Great work!!

07/12/2025

Some exciting news is cooking - we will post updates as developments unfold. We are excited - stay tuned!

07/12/2025

Here is a question for folks within IL -

Should all programs funded with Title VII funds have to adhere to the “consumer-control” “disability-led” requirements for staff? If so, should there be any exception?

I’d love to hear thoughts on this.

06/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZJzRUd5LJ/

A group of Deaf Americans who previously forced the White House to provide American Sign Language interpreters during press briefings is asking a federal judge to again intervene after President Donald Trump halted their use in January.

In a lawsuit filed May 28, the National Association of the Deaf argued that the Trump White House's removal of ASL interpreters at press conferences and briefings violates federal law.

The same group previously forced the White House to provide interpreters for COVID-19 briefings during Trump's first presidency, and former President Joe Biden expanded their use when he took office.

Read more at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/29/deaf-americans-sue-trump-asl-translators-briefings/83924322007/

05/31/2025

Congratulations, Senator Kirt! HB 1833, which creates a pathway to phase out sub-minimum wages for people with disabilities, became law without the governor's signature earlier this month!

04/28/2025

Disability and aging advocates are taking action to protect access to Social Security.

In a powerful new lawsuit, the American Association of People with Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, Deaf Equality, and others are standing up against harmful cuts that threaten the rights of disabled people and older adults. Mass layoffs, office closures, and restrictive policies are making it harder for people to access the benefits they’ve earned—but this coalition is fighting back.

This legal challenge is about more than stopping the damage—it’s about restoring fairness, accessibility, and dignity in the systems we all depend on.

Read the full press release: https://buff.ly/5TJ930f

04/22/2025

Great news for high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students with disabilities who want to pursue media, communications, and/or entertainment careers: the AAPD NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship application is open for 2025!

Named for Representative Tony Coelho, a former House Representative from California and primary author of the ADA, this scholarship provides $5,625 to 8 disabled students who are enrolled in a college or university in the Fall of 2025.

Be sure to apply by May 30 at 5 PM ET. All the details and the application can be found on AAPD’s website:

https://www.aapd.com/nbcuniversal-tony-coelho-media-scholarship/

Image description in alt-text and comments.

04/22/2025

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is the first federal civil rights law protecting people with disabilities. In the fight to secure and enforce Section 504, activists with disabilities occupied a federal building for nearly a month. We are once again called to fight for Section 504 and Equip for Equality is proud to be in community with advocacy organizations continuing the fight for the civil rights of people with disabilities across the country.

If you would like to learn more about the sit-in read the "Short History of the 504 Sit-in" written by a key organizer from the 1977 protest, Kitty Cone.
Link: https://dredf.org/short-history-of-the-504-sit-in/

Original post credit: Disability Rights California



ID: Black and white photograph of a crowded room full of activists with an array of disabilities protesting for their rights under the headline "Anniversary of the Start of the 1977 Section 504 Sit-In."

04/22/2025

Join in and speak up! It is critical that our community get engaged and support our right to services such as housing, wages and all services!

01/28/2025

UPDATE (January 30, 2025): Together we sent over 3,500 messages! Read more about what’s happening now at https://bit.ly/3WE0or4

Protect Independent Living Funding: Stop the Freeze on Federal Programs

Dear Members and Allies,

NCIL is aware of the news overnight that the Trump Administration has issued a “Temporary Pause on Agency Grants, Loans and other Financial Assistance Programs.” We are currently reaching out to our contacts in Congressional offices and in the Trump Administration for guidance and information on what this means for Centers for Independent Living and Statewide Independent Living Councils. As of right now, the Payment Management System (PMS) login appears to be frozen.

How You Can Help

Your voice is powerful, and together we can make an impact. Here’s what you can do:

- Take action at the NCIL Advocacy & Action Center: https://bit.ly/4g8sx0X . Select “Protect the Independent Living Funding: Stop the Freeze on Federal Programs”.

- Share this Action Alert.

- Tell Congress and the Trump Administration to resume funding for the Independent Living Program.

- If you receive any guidance from your state or from the federal level, contact NCIL and share what you are hearing.

NCIL is working on guidance for CILs on how to respond if this freeze remains in place and we are considering options for opportunities for CIL and SILC directors to come together to discuss impact and response. If you have any questions or have any information you can share, please contact NCIL Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Jessica Podesva by email at jessica@ncil.org or by phone 202-864-4251.

Image: ADVOCACY & ACTION Center Logo – National Council on Independent Living Advocacy and Action Center graphic features two abstract letters A, reflected horizontally in purple and green.