Access Press

03/16/2026

Paralyzed Veterans of America and and Stripes have issued statements urging careful consideration in guardianship decisions, but Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) says STOP.

Disabled veterans deserve housing, community-based services, decision-making support, and continuity of care. They should not be pushed into systems that take away autonomy with forced guardianship and potential involuntary confinement.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced that they are entering into a new agreement that gives the DOJ the authority to appoint VA attorneys with the legal authority to initiate and participate in state court guardianship or conservatorship proceedings for veterans.

This is being framed as a way to improve care. But for disabled veterans, guardianship and conservatorship likely means losing the right to make decisions about one’s own life and the freedom to choose.

Veterans who need help should receive it in ways that respect their rights, dignity, and self-determination.

Contact Congress and demand that they push back against these efforts to take away the rights and freedom of veterans. Guardianship is not a substitute for the support and care they have earned.

03/15/2026

They'll do it themselves: The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that it will transition the processing of medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) from states to its federal site called Disability Case Review (DCR). "Bringing in-house CDRs will improve service to our most vulnerable Americans."
https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-03-12.html

03/14/2026

in action. Power in our voices and action.

03/14/2026

Calling all Washington . This would be a good place to be on Tuesday afternoon.

It wasn't enough to cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act – now Congress is using accusations of fraud as a reason to take away even more care from older adults, people with disabilities, family caregivers, and care workers.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee will be holding a hearing, "Safeguarding Taxpayer Dollars: The Role of CMS in Combatting Medicare and Medicaid Fraud", on Tuesday, March 17,2026 at 2:00 PM in Room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

A coalition is working to fill the hearing room with advocates and Medicaid recipients, including people with disabilities and older adults who receive services, and the family caregivers and care workers who provide care. Please let us know if you can join us! You can fill out this form to let us know: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScG7bkL1a9OfHzgaP1uyRDGHn4IMnJYwCRylLPaOjsqfA5dzQ/viewform Once you are signed up, you will receive more logistics details.

03/14/2026

On PI Day, during Month, some call attention not to apple or pizza, but Pulsatility Index, a significant clinical measure in assessing brain injury.

During Brain Injury Awareness Month, help the 5.3 million people in the U.S. who are living with a permanent brain injury-related disability.

03/14/2026

For the lawyers and policy wonks among us.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17zQ9Zpi8D/

There is still time to register for our upcoming webinar titled "ADA Litigation Update."

How courts interpret the ADA can significantly affect all ADA stakeholders. This session will provide an in-depth review of some of the most significant ADA cases from the past year. In addition to reviewing the specific facts and ruling of each case, there will be a discussion of how these cases may affect future ADA litigation. The webinar will cover a wide variety of issues under Titles I, II, and III. Join us to have a better understanding of what courts across the country are saying about the ADA.

Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time Zone.
Registration: https://bit.ly/4uoaVWM.

03/14/2026

Thoughtful pre-Oscars piece from Patrick Hosken at WXXI in Rochester, NY on another movie that gets emotional energy from .

Film journalist Kristen Lopez says Kate Hudson’s Academy Award nomination in "Song Sung Blue" is the latest occurrence of what’s been called “cripping up,” a term she defines as “able-bodied actors playing disabled people.”

03/13/2026

Ever heard of looping? This group of disabled actors formed a company to provide background dialogue and crowd noises in film. Turns out it's a great gig.

Sony Pictures Animation's 'GOAT' made history as first major studio film voiced by an all-disability loop group.

03/12/2026

Do you think doors should be locked on scared children?

When you picture a safe space for a student in distress, you probably imagine a calming sensory room with bean bags, toys, and an adult there to help. You probably don’t picture a 5-by-6-foot concrete cell with a heavy metal door and magnetic locks.

Unfortunately, according to a powerful new report from the Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC), these stark "seclusion rooms" are a reality for many vulnerable students across Minnesota schools.

Learn why this is still happening and share with your network so others are aware.

Legal Aid - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

When parents envision a special room for a child in distress, they likely picture beanbag chairs, soft lighting, and toys. […]

03/12/2026

15% of Medicaid recipients are Individuals with disabilities, and 30% of the Medicaid budget goes toward their needs. Another way of seeing howc Medicaid cuts fall heaviest on disabled Americans.
https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-financing-the-basics/ -45c3-4465-8b9a-ae0eea487dcf

03/11/2026

Sam Walker's parents in Ottumwa, Iowa got the letter: will mean $3,500 less per month for home care services. The only choice seems to be "some kind of care facility." The awful and higher-cost future is here. In Iowa, in Minnesota. Throughout the U.S.

Iowa patient advocates say that in the face of federal Medicaid cuts, the state is quietly reducing in-home services that help people avoid being institutionalized. National groups are bracing for similar cuts elsewhere.

03/10/2026

Can Do Canines has certified over 900 teams and will celebrate these inspiring partnerships at its annual Fetching Ball Gala, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, at 6 p.m., at Radisson Blu Mall of America. Participants will enjoy dinner, inspiring stories, games, and silent and live auctions. KARE 11 Anchor Lauren Leamanczyk will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Tickets must be purchased by April 1. All proceeds help Can Do Canines continue to provide free, specially trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities.

Learn more -

Transforming people’s lives by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs is the mission of Can Do Canines, and […]