National Disability Rights Network

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social

We are the national membership association for the congressionally mandated Protection & Advocacy Systems and Client Assistance Programs. https://linktr.ee/ndrnadvocates

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Oct 9, 2026, 5:25 PM

Too many people with disabilities don't have jobs or are stuck in unstable jobs. Many jobs do not treat people with disabilities fairly.

We must make workplaces more accessible for people with disabilities.

#NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Oct 7, 2026, 7:20 PM

What would change in your life if you couldn’t drive?

For one week, Oct 1-8, we invite you to navigate your community without driving. Experience the challenges that the nondrivers in your community face every day.

Learn more: https://weekwithoutdriving.org/.

#WeekWithoutDriving 🚫🚙

@chadd-adhd.bsky.social Oct 1, 2026, 8:14 PMReposted by @ndrnadvocates.bsky.social

ADHD Awareness Month is here. 💚

Explore how accurate information, trusted people, professional resources, and connections with others can help you build a community of support that works for you.

chadd.org/adhd-awarene...

#ADHDAwarenessMonth #ADHD #CommunityOfSupport #ADHD2026 #ADHDCommunity

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Oct 5, 2026, 6:50 PM

Voting is one way we shape the decisions that affect our lives.

You wouldn't leave for a road trip without knowing the route. Don't leave your vote to chance either. Take a quick minute to map out your voting plan: NationalVoterEducationWeek.org/vote

#NationalVoterEducationWeek

Image of hand writing with a pen. Text next to it reads: Vote on your own schedule!
Vote when its convenient for you! Most states have early-voting options, so you can vote on your own schedule.
You never know what you’ll be up to on Election Day!
NationalVoterEducationWeek.org

Image of hand filling out a form. Text reads: Make sure your ballot counts!
You may have to cast a “provisional ballot” if:
- You don’t have the right ID
- You don’t show up on the registration list.
- You showed up to the wrong polling location.

Image of people standing in line at a polling place. Text states: Know when & where you should vote! Always double check your polling location and its hours before you head to the polls! If you’re voting on Election Day, you may not have the same polling location as your friends or family.
If possible, vote early to avoid the rush.

Smiling person holding an ID card. Text next to image states: Do you have the right ID?
Many states require identification in order to cast a ballot. Check the rules for your state and specific kinds of ID you can use at VoteRiders.org.
NationalVoterEducationWeek.org

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Oct 2, 2026, 4:35 PM

Congratulations to disabled icon and friend-of-NDRN Lachi - Musician. Disability Culture & Inclusion. GRAMMYs Board. for being featured in Forbes for the very important disability representation work she's advancing through her music. 🥳

Read all about it: https://ow.ly/4pFS50ZTCGA

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 30, 2026, 7:10 PM

As election day approaches, disability advocates across the country are protecting: ✉️ mail-in voting, 📋 absentee voting, 🗳️ voting rights for adults under guardianship, and ♿ the voter accommodations process. Read more about these disability voting rights wins at the link in our bio.

Image of Polly Triblle, Executive Director of Disability Rights Mississippi. Text reads: Press Release: DRMS Celebrates Supreme Court Decision Protecting Access to the Ballot. "People with disabilities already face significant barriers to participating in our electoral system. They should not lose their right to vote because of postal delays they cannot control,” said Polly Tribble...

Image of Donald Natzke, Plaintiff in this case. Text reads: In victory for voting rights, court rules Wisconsin’s absentee voting system illegally discriminates against voters with print disabilities. "The lawsuit, Disability Rights Wisconsin v. Wisconsin Elections Commission... ruled that the state’s absentee ballot program, which requires voters to ask another person for assistance when completing and returning a paper ballot denies disabled people “the equal opportunity to vote absentee..."

Image of Tonya Millin, Executive Director, at The Arc of VA. Text reads: Virginia’s disabled community praises new voting rights protections. "Advocates for the disabled community say it's a wrong that’s long been in need of correction. Tony Milling is with the Arc of Virginia...'There are many kinds of decisions we make in life, medical, financial,' Milling told Radio IQ. 'And it doesn’t mean we’re not able to look at this issue and make the decision that’s important to use.”

Image of Rocky Nichols, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas. Text reads: Court Blocks Kansas Law Eliminating Mail Ballot Grace Period, Protecting Thousands of Voters from Disenfranchisement. "“For thousands of Kansans with disabilities, voting by mail is not a convenience but the only safe and accessible way to exercise their right to vote. Today’s ruling helps ensure that Kansans’ voting rights will not be stripped away by an unfair and arbitrary deadline.”

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 29, 2026, 6:00 PM

As a child, Nanette Opperman learned to navigate a world that often underestimated her. Today, the author and C2 spinal cord injury survivor helps others understand disability through storytelling and self-advocacy.

Learn more:
https://youtu.be/1y_PmTRfNt4?si=maY1MGWQGkPlKyc-

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 28, 2026, 8:35 PM

Census data severely undercounts people with disabilities. So when leaders make funding or policy decisions, people with disabilities are left out.

Learn more: https://www.ndrn.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Make-it-Count-Census-Report-2026-1.pdf

Image of a woman in a wheelchair smiling at the person pushing the wheelchair. Text reads: Why does the census matter?
Leaders use the data from the Census to decide how to spend billions of dollars in federal funding on programs that support: healthcare,
education, transportation, housing, and
employment. Undercounting means
less funding for these programs.

Images of arrows pointing down. Text reads: What's the problem?
People with disabilities are undercounted in current Census data because:
- The survey questions assume that disability only means you are completely incapable of living or caring for yourself.
- Some questions on these surveys are inaccessible or hard for people with disabilities to complete.
- Many people are afraid to complete the Census. They do not know how their data will be used and don’t trust the government...

Text reads: What's the solution?
Data needs to be more detailed, inclusive, and accurate. That means:
- Redesigning the Census disability questions.
- Collecting more data at the local level.
- Making surveys accessible and easier to complete.
- Being transparent about how data will be used and protected.
- Partnering with trusted community partners to encourage people with disabilities to respond to surveys.

Image of a disabled person with a prosthetic arm filling out a form. Text states: What can you do to help?
1. Learn more about the Census and why it’s important by reading our full report, Make It Count.
2. Show your support for more inclusive Census questions by educating state or federal leaders on the importance of survey accessibility.
3. Find trusted organizations in your community who are working for better disability Census data.

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 25, 2026, 8:50 PM

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act applies to any place that gets money from the U.S. government. These places can't mistreat people because of their disabilities and must give reasonable accommodations.

For help with your #Section504 rights, find your P&A: https://ow.ly/t9IM50ZQOWT

Background image of the 504 sit-ins. Text on the image reads: Disabled people fought for the Rehab Act. September 26, 1973.

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 22, 2026, 5:15 PM

For decades, Kenneth Shiotani has worked to make transportation, housing and community life more accessible for people with disabilities. As an expert on all things ADA, Ken has advanced the disability rights movement through his contributions. Thank you, Ken, for your years of dedicated service!

Image of Ken, an Asian man who is smiling in glasses and a suit, standing outdoors. Text on image reads: In honor of Kenneth Shiotani's retirement.

Solid dark purple background with light pink text that reads:
In his 21 years at the National Disability Rights Network, Ken has fought zealously for disability rights across the United States.

Text states: Ken is NDRN's resident 'train guy' as her has been advocating for accessible transit for decades. Text is followed by several screenshots of news articles in which Ken is quoted, ranging from 2019-2021. The articles discuss in accessible restrooms, discriminatory ticket sales, inadequate between-car barriers on light rail systems, and other accessibility concerns on trains.

Image of Marlene Sallo, Chief Executive Officer at NDRN. Marlene is a Cuban woman with short brown hair smiling at the camera. Marlene is quoted, stating: Ken's wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to disability rights have made a lasting impact on so many people. I'm grateful to have worked alongside him and wish him all the best in this exciting next chapter.

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 18, 2026, 4:14 PM

#DisabilityVotingRightsWeek may be coming to an end, but the community action continues year-round.

Get started with this polling place accessibility checklist from AAPD: docs.google.com/document/d/1... 🧵 4/4

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 18, 2026, 4:14 PM

How can you support the people in your community, especially those with disabilities? 🗳️ Help someone register to vote and make their plan. 🗳️ Share information about accessible voting. 🗳️ Report polling place barriers to the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE. 🧵 3/4

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 18, 2026, 4:14 PM

One in 6 eligible voters have a disability. That’s over 40 million disabled voters. And nearly a third of all eligible voters either have a disability themselves or live with someone who does. 🧵 2/4

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 18, 2026, 4:14 PM

The disability vote has power. Voters with disabilities are part of every community and live in every county – including yours. That’s why we need you to Be an Accessible Democracy Defender. 🧵 1/4

Photo of a voting site where the accessible parking space is unable to be used due to a table, chairs, and tent being place on top of it. This makes the voting site inaccessible. Text on the image reads: Report barriers! 1 in 6 eligible voters have a disability.

Text at the top of image states: Be a defender! Report barriers. Image of several signs posted on the same metal pole. One sign showcases the accessible parking symbol while the other sign states "curbside voting." These are supposed to be separate parking spaces, which makes this voting site inaccessible. Besides the signs is a checklist of what polling places should be: safe, accessible, barrier-free, and encourage others to vote. Text below the checklist reads: If you see a barrier to voting, tell a poll worker or call the election protection hotline! The Election Protection Hotline number is 866-OUR-VOTE or 866-686-8683.

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 17, 2026, 7:20 PM

An accessible democracy is mandatory. Disabled people are everywhere. So we must be included in every part of decision-making.

Watch the full Accessing Democracy mini-documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkhSCIyRai4&t=1s

#DisabilityVotingRightsWeek #DisabilityVote #RevUp2026

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 16, 2026, 9:50 PM

Voting should be accessible to everyone. How can you make sure your vote counts?

✅ Register early & verify your info
✅ Plan your voting method (early, mail-in, or in-person)
✅ Bring help if needed
✅ Report barriers to access at 1-866-OUR-VOTE

#DisabilityVotingRightsWeek #DisabilityVote #RevUp2026

Text on image reads:
Fiction: I don't need to register early.
Fact: Every state has different voter registration deadlines, laws, and requirements. Registering early reduces stress, prevents last-minute barriers, and ensures that your vote will count.

Image of a laptop showcasing an online voter registration website. Text teads:
Fiction: I don’t need to check my voter registration.
Fact: People are sometimes “unregistered” to vote: mistakenly removed from the voter roll during clean-up. Double-check your voter registration before Election Day so you have time to fix any problems.

Image of a person writing a plan and a voting return envelope. Text states:
Fiction: I don't need a voting plan.
Fact: Planning ahead helps you choose the voting method that fits your needs. Decide in advance if you will vote early, by mail, or in-person on election day.

Image of an accessible voting device. Text reads:
Fiction: Polling places don’t have to provide accommodations.
Fact: Federal law requires every polling place to be accessible to people with disabilities. But many polling places don’t meet these requirements. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and demand equal access if you face barriers on Election Day. Report inaccessibility to the Election Protection Hotline (1-866-OUR-VOTE).

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 15, 2026, 10:00 PM

Be part of the solution: get your community #VoteReady on #NationalVoterRegistrationDay today.

@natlvoterregday.bsky.social 🧵 4/4

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 15, 2026, 10:00 PM

But there’s a problem. As many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans aren’t registered to vote or don’t know their registration status. And in 2022, more than 15 million eligible voters with disabilities did not turn out to vote. 🧵 3/4 (Source: @rutgersupress.bsky.social, @usvotefoundation.bsky.social)

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 15, 2026, 10:00 PM

When we vote, we can unlock: 💳 Public assistance 🚊 Transportation access 🏠 Housing opportunities 🏥 Access to healthcare 💼 Employment rights All of that starts with registering to vote. 🧵 2/4

@ndrnadvocates.bsky.social Sep 15, 2026, 10:00 PM

Many people feel defeated and powerless right now. But small actions can make a big difference. We CAN make decisions to protect and improve our local communities. Voting is one way to support our community. And voting isn’t just about candidates. 🧵 1/4

Text in a green circle reads: My vote matters. Around the perimeter of the circle are several keywords with corresponding icons, representing why voting matters. These keywords include: employment, healthcare, education, mental health, community, and justice.

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