Disabled in Action of Pennsylvania, Inc.

01/26/2026

Yes!!! 🙌

After more than 30 years of advocacy, Liberty Resources, disability rights activists, Disabled in Action of Pennsylvania, Inc. and PA Adapt are celebrating the closure of Philadelphia Nursing Home.

What began decades ago as an institution to isolate tuberculosis patients from the community had grown over the years to an obsolete and costly long-term care facility where thousands of people with disabilities were unnecessarily institutionalized even after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. For the past three decades, staff from Liberty Resources, Inc (LRI) worked tirelessly to relocate PNH residents to integrated settings in the community.

Our NHT transition team has successfully transitioned countless residents from PNH to live full and independent lives in their own homes with community-based services and supports,” says a joyous Norma Robertson-Dabrowski, the administrator of nursing home transition services at Liberty Resources. The desired closure of PNH has spanned over 30 years and the frequent target of protests led by Disabled in Action of PA and members of Philly ADAPT who even staged a several day-long sleep out protest during Mayor Nutter’s tenure. “City or County Nursing facilities have become obsolete and costly models of long-term care of the past, and the community-integration mandate of the ADA, our civil rights, requires LTC services in the most integrated setting for PWD.” Proclaimed Nancy Salandra, a long-time activist and member of Philly ADAPT.

This announcement is wonderful, but long overdue, as cities, counties and municipalities across the country have realized the cost savings of community-based long-term care services and supports. “The danger of congregate setting services has sadly been highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of fatalities from Covid-19 for people with disabilities. Many of these deaths have been low-income people of color who have been deprived of services and accessible, affordable housing options in the community. This is why our city has to do more for seniors and people with disabilities trying to live independently in their own homes and apartments.” Says Thomas Earle, CEO of Liberty Resources. The Housing Trust Fund can only help so much, “we need more systemic and permanent solutions like Councilmember Jamie Gauthier recently introduced land justice legislation to require the city’s Land Bank give priority to large accessible and affordable housing permanent projects sought by committed non-profits like Liberty Housing Development Corporation.

ID: Image of Philadelphia Nursing Home behind a black iron gate. Red text "CLOSING" across the photo. Original photo courtesy of Philadelphia Inquirer

01/08/2026

Image description:
A graphic flyer with a photograph of Bob Kafka in the upper left corner. Bob has light skin, bushy white hair, and a gray beard and mustache. He is wearing a mint green ADAPT t-shirt with a person-in-a-wheelchair symbol. The text at the top reads,
"Celebrating the Life of Bob Kafka"

COME IN PERSON
January 31, 2026 / |-4 pm./ADAPT of Texas HQ
S. IH-35 Frontage Road,Austin, TX 78704 Bus routes #7 and #20
WATCH ONLINE*
January 3 I, 2026 2 -3 p.m.
Go to the ADAPT of Texas page

JOIN ON ZOOM #
January 3 I, 2026 2 -3 p.m.
Get instructions on ADAPTS homne page: adaptoftexas.org *For the memorial stories part of the program only.

On January 31, we celebrate Bob Kafka for many reasons.VWe remember the Bronx kid whose strong family roots were the foundation of his Iifelong sense of fairess and justice. We recall his service as a Vietnam vet. From his days at the University of Houston, we relish the deep and enduring friendships that have grown richer over decades and distance.We rejoice in Bob's nearly 40-year marriage to Stephanie Thomas his beloved and unflagging partner in, well, everything We marvel at the chemistry that using these experiences and more made Bob Kafka an incomparable warrior for people with disabilities and their rightful places in our communities. Thousands of people worldwide celebrate Bob as a friend, mentor, encourager, teacher, problem-solver, policy wonk, organizer; clever civil disobedience leader, big picture guy and truth-to-power advocate.

SHARE YOUR BOB STORY! Share your favorite memories of Bob in a short video (three minutes max!). The videos will be shown during the memorial. Anyone can do a video. Here's how:
Record your own video using your phone or desktop camera.
IMPORTANT: If you do this, call or send email to Linda Litowsky for video tips and how to submit:
Phone: 5 I2-750-3 303 Email:
lindalitowsky@gmail.com

Get help recording a video. IMPORTANT; To set up a recording time, contact Josue Rodriguez: Phone: 9I5-449-3834
Email: adaptoftexas.media@gmail.com

Videos must be done by Friday, January 23, 5 p.m., CT.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MEMORIAL? Email ronniebonners@aol.com

12/19/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/19/2025

Contact:
Kristin Auer
Philadelphia ADAPT
PhillyAdapters@gmail.com

Cuts to HUD Programs Threaten Access to Affordable, Accessible Housing for People with Disabilities

Philadelphia, PA — Philadelphia ADAPT / DIA today expressed deep concern over proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), warning that reductions in funding will have devastating effects on people with disabilities who already face limited housing options.

In 2023, 86,000 people lived in subsidized housing in Philadelphia County, PA. Approximately 23,000 of those Philadelphians are people with disabilities that rely on HUD-supported programs to access safe, affordable homes. Despite longstanding shortages in accessible and integrated housing, recent budget proposals threaten key initiatives such as Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities, Housing Choice Vouchers, and public housing modernization funds.

The lack of affordable, integrated housing continues to be one of the greatest barriers to community living for people with disabilities. “Housing isn’t a luxury, but a human right for everyone,” said a spokesperson from Philadelphia ADAPT.

HUD’s programs have long provided lifelines—funding construction and rehabilitation of accessible housing, ensuring compliance with the Fair Housing Act, and supporting rent assistance programs that make community living possible. Budget reductions would roll back years of progress toward inclusion and independence.

Philadelphia ADAPT joins disability advocates nationwide in urging Congress and the Administration to protect and expand HUD funding. Investments in housing are investments in equity, independence, and human rights.

Fully funding HUD programs is essential to upholding the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We call on policymakers to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring all Americans, regardless of disability, have access to affordable, accessible, and integrated homes.

About Philadelphia ADAPT/ DIA
Philly ADAPT, as a program of Disabled in Action of PA and a chapter of ADAPT National, is an organization that focuses on advocating for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities. They employ nonviolent direct action techniques, including civil disobedience, to advance their cause and promote the freedom and independence of individuals with disabilities.
National ADAPT is a prominent organization that has been working tirelessly to fight for the rights of people with disabilities at a national level. Philly ADAPT's affiliation with National ADAPT strengthens their mission and provides a broader platform to address the issues faced by individuals with disabilities.
The practice of nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, is a strategy often employed by advocacy groups to draw attention to their cause and pressure decision-makers to implement change. By engaging in such actions, Philly ADAPT members actively demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.

More information can be found at https://www.disabledinaction.com/programs. For more information or to speak with a representative, please email phillyadapters@gmail.com.

Image description: An accessible home. Text on home reads: ADAPT DEMANDS
Meet with ADAPT: 1. ADAPT demands that our Senators protect Housing First so disabled people are not forced back into institutions. 2. ADAPT demands that our Senators defend the civil rights and fair housing protections our community fought for and ensure HUD cannot roll back these rights or discriminate against disabled people. 3. ADAPT demands that our Senators support and advance the Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act to ensure all new federally funded housing includes basic accessibility so disabled people can live and visit freely. Contact us at PhillyAdapters@gmail.com. Philly Adapt logo, a wheelchair user breaking chains. Text reads: Free our people.

12/19/2025

12/19/2025

12/11/2025

Philly ADAPT is a chapter of ADAPT National. We use grass-roots community organizing to advocate for civil and human rights of Philadelphians with disabilities.

Image description: ADAPT logo of a wheelchair user breaking chains on white background with black lettering that says Philly ADAPT and Free Our People.

12/11/2025

BREAKING ABLE NEWS EXCLUSIVE! Staff reporter Christopher Alvarez sat down with NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani today for an exclusive on how he and his administration will address critical issues for disabled New Yorkers, including housing, transportation and employment. Stay tuned for a sneak peek at the conversation and a full story follow up. Don't miss insider scoop like this! Sign up now at AbleNews.com to receive Able News directly to your inbox for free… we bring you disability news like no other source!

10/29/2025

PA ADAPT showed up at the Capitol today to let Governor Shapiro know we need to talk.
We’ve asked for a meeting through the proper channels and heard crickets. His Deputy Chief of Staff said she’ll push for a meeting and share our demands.

We spoke with the Appropriations Committee chair offices about why Medicaid must be protected and why any cap on attendant care hours in our Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) would be devastating.
We also raised the attendant care wage gap and shared our personal stories.

Special thanks to Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Senator Katie Muth, and Rep. Jordan Harris for showing support today!

🗝️ Our Demands:
1️⃣ Protect Medicaid
2️⃣ Raise Home Care Wages for all workers
3️⃣ Protect HCBS Hours – No caps, no cuts

PA ADAPT – Our Homes, Not Institutions.


Image descriptions:
ID1: Group of nine smiling people, some using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, gathered together indoors in a hallway. Several people are leaning in close for the photo, and one person in the foreground is making a peace sign.

ID2: A group of people gathered in an indoor setting, with several individuals using power wheelchairs. In the foreground, two people in wheelchairs face towards a woman standing behind a wooden receptionist desk, holding a piece of paper. The woman has long brown hair and is dressed in dark clothing. There are bookshelves and lamps providing light in the background. Another person, wearing a baseball cap, sits on a wooden bench along the wall, watching the interaction. A sign next to the desk reads "Authorized Personnel Only."

ID3: Wooden door with a glass pane, revealing a well-lit office interior. Etched on the glass are the words:

"REP. JIM STRUZZI
62nd District
Indiana County
Republican Appropriations Committee Chair"

Inside the office, several people are visible, some in wheelchairs, gathered and seemingly engaged in conversation or a meeting. The setting appears formal, with ornate lighting and decorative molding visible in the room. The door features shiny brass handles and a rich, dark wood finish.
ID4: Group of people inside a grand building hallway, with columns and ornate lighting. Several individuals are in wheelchairs or mobility scooters, gathered near a police officer who is standing to the left with arms crossed. Others are standing behind the group. The atmosphere seems serious or tense. The photo is taken as a selfie by a person in the foreground wearing glasses and a cap, capturing everyone in the frame. There’s a sign on a wooden easel in the background, and a few people are seated along the hallway wall.

10/16/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSyxVE0WnbE

Disabled peoples' fight for accessible buses, as part of the campaign for recognition of discrimination. UK wheelchair users and other disabled people chaini...