New Disabled South

New Disabled South

@newdisabledsouth.org

Working to achieve liberation and justice for all disabled people in the South.

6.2K followers62 following107 posts

It’s Disabled Women’s Equal Pay Day! Did you know disabled moms make just 44 cents on the dollar to nondisabled dads? They are still doing more with less, caring for kids, themselves, and often even parents. Abolish the subminimum wage to ensure more disabled moms can thrive.

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month — and this year, we’re marking it by standing with Amazon workers who have reported pregnancy loss due to Amazon’s abuse of pregnant employees. 1/

Over 2,000 workers have come forward. A federal lawsuit has been filed. Now it’s time to show up. Join us on TONIGHT (October 15) at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT for Amazon Workers Fight Back: Mass Call for Pregnancy Justice 2/

This is a virtual rally announcing a new coalition to build power, bear witness, and demand accountability from one of the largest employers in the country. 3/ RSVP: tinyurl.com/pregnancy-oct15 #ExposeAmazon

"These hiring tools [like Criteria Corporation] pose an unacceptable risk of amplifying existing discrimination in the workplace and exacerbating harmful barriers to employment for people with disabilities” - Brian Dimmick

Disabled people belong in their communities, NOT on waiting lists. We’ve partnered with @1NationOverchgd because we don't believe in institutionalization. Disabled people deserve the support they need to live and thrive at home and in their communities. ALT Embedded.

Disability rights gave us protections. Disability justice asks us to imagine and build something bigger. Do you know the difference between the two? Read below to learn more ⬇️

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Disability rights focuses on legal protections, access, accommodations, and equal opportunity. Disability justice goes further by centering those most impacted by ableism and other systems of oppression, while valuing interdependence, collective care, access, and community.

Disability rights asks, “Are our rights being protected?” Disability justice asks, “Who is still being left behind?” There is no one without the other, and it's up to all of us to make sure the work of both continues.

Disability rights gave us protections. Disability justice asks us to imagine and build something bigger. Do you know the difference between the two? Read below to learn more ⬇️

The disability rights movement has roots in the 1800s, but gained major momentum alongside the civil rights movements of the 1960s and 70s. Laws that shaped disability rights today include Section 504, IDEA, the ADA, the Architectural Barriers Act, and the Air Carrier Access Act.

Disability Justice emerged in 2005 through Sins Invalid and activists including Patty Berne, Mia Mingus, and Stacey Milbern. Its 10 principles center disabled people across race, gender, class, and sexuality, and show how ableism connects to other systems of oppression.

28 million Americans say they skipped a meal to pay for medical expenses. We’ve partnered with @1NationOverchgd because healthcare is a right, and no one should have to give up one basic need just to afford another. Healthcare justice cannot be compromised. Alt Embedded.

Election terminology isn’t always easy to understand or access, so we created this plain-language voting terminology guide to help people understand their rights before heading to the polls. 🗳️ 1/9

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Down-ballot — Also called: lower-ballot races. National or statewide races and issues that appear below major contests on your ballot. These races can include local officials, judges, school boards, and ballot measures. What appears on your ballot depends on where you live. 8/9

Election terminology isn’t always easy to understand or access, so we created this plain-language voting terminology guide to help people understand their rights before heading to the polls. 🗳️ 1/9

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Ballot measure — Also called: ballot initiative, ballot referendum, or proposition. A proposed law, question, or issue that voters get to vote on directly. Ballot measures can cover things like new laws, taxes, funding, or changes to a state constitution. 6/9

Provisional ballot — Also called: a fail-safe ballot. A ballot you can use when there’s a question about whether you’re eligible to vote. A provisional ballot is kept separate until election officials can confirm you’re eligible to vote and haven’t already voted. 7/9

Election terminology isn’t always easy to understand or access, so we created this plain-language voting terminology guide to help people understand their rights before heading to the polls. 🗳️ 1/9

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Primary election — Also called: a primary. An election where voters help choose which candidate will represent a political party in the general election. Rules depend on your state. Some let any registered voter participate, while others may require party registration. 4/9

General election — Also called: the general. An election where voters choose who will hold an elected office. General elections usually happen after primary elections, when voters choose between the candidates who moved forward. 5/9

Election terminology isn’t always easy to understand or access, so we created this plain-language voting terminology guide to help people understand their rights before heading to the polls. 🗳️ 1/9

Absentee voting — Also called: vote-by-mail. Voting without going to your polling place on Election Day, usually by mail. In some states, you can also vote absentee in person before Election Day. This may be called in-person absentee voting or early voting. 2/9

Incumbent — Also called: current officeholder. A person who currently holds an elected office and is running to keep that position for another term. An incumbent, or current officeholder, can still be challenged by other candidates in a primary or general election. 3/9

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If you have questions or need support at school, reach out to your special education team, 504 coordinator, counselor, or district student services office to learn more about your rights and options. 8/8

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Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) An LRE is a federal IDEA requirement that disabled students should learn alongside nondisabled students as much as possible, with the support they need. 6/8

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Individualized Education Program (IEP) An IEP is a plan that lays out the support, services, and goals a disabled student needs to access their education. IEPs can include services like therapy, assistive technology, or classroom support. 3/8

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) IDEA is a federal law that protects the rights of disabled students who receive special education services. It supports IEPs and learning in the least restrictive environment. 4/8

A 504 Plan is an accessibility and accommodations plan meant to support students with disabilities at school. 504 plans protect students under the civil rights law called Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 2/8

The South’s got something to say, and we're saying it on National Voter Registration Day! 🗳️ Disabled people make up one of the largest voting blocs in the country. Our votes hold power! Let’s make sure they hear us at the ballot box. Check your registration. ⬇️💥

Southern Disability Voting Events you should know about! 🗳️💥 Big thanks to AAPD and REV UP for putting these events together and helping Disabled voters across the South claim their voting power! 🔥

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Southern Disability Voting Events you should know about! 🗳️💥 Big thanks to AAPD and REV UP for putting these events together and helping Disabled voters across the South claim their voting power! 🔥

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Nuestra Voz, Nuestro Voto: South Texas Disability Voting Rights Summit 2026- Wednesday, September 16 from 10 AM-12 PM. Virtual.

mobilize.usNuestra Voz, Nuestro Voto: South Texas Disability Voting Rights Summit 2026 · REV UP, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)The Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL) proudly invites the community to Nuestra Voz, Nuestro Voto: South Texas Disability Voting Rights Summit 2026, a hybrid event held in recognition of National Disability Voting Rights Week. In South Texas, the voices of people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, older adults, and multilingual communities are essential to shaping the future of our region. Yet too many people continue to encounter barriers to participating in our democracy: from inaccessible polling places and transportation challenges to language access and a lack of accessible election information. At VAIL, we believe that disability justice means ensuring every eligible voter has the opportunity, resources, and confidence to make their voice heard. Rooted in the Independent Living philosophy of self-determination, consumer control, and community inclusion, this summit will bring together people with disabilities, family members, advocates, election officials, educators, students, and community organizations from across the Rio Grande Valley to strengthen civic engagement through education, connection, and leadership. Participants will explore their voting rights, learn about accessible voting options available in Texas, hear directly from disabled leaders with lived experience, and connect with trusted community resources that support informed and meaningful participation in the electoral process. Through interactive discussions, an accessible voting demonstration, and opportunities for dialogue, attendees will leave better prepared to advocate for themselves, support others in their communities, and participate in shaping policies that impact their lives. This nonpartisan event reflects VAIL's commitment to building communities where people with disabilities are not only included in democracy but are recognized as leaders whose lived experiences strengthen our region. Together, we will celebrate the power of civic participation and reaffirm that every voice matters, every vote matters, and every community is stronger when everyone has the opportunity to participate. Accessibility Features To ensure meaningful participation for all, VAIL will provide: - American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation - Online Captioning - Spanish language interpretation - Accessible digital materials - Mobility Device-accessible venue - Quiet space - Hybrid participation through Zoom - Reasonable accommodations upon request Whether attending in person or online, participants will join a welcoming, inclusive space where the disability community can learn, connect, and lead together in advancing an accessible democracy across South Texas. Lidia Fonseca, she/her/ella, Alamo, TX is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81151729840?pwd=WHrdBSZdNSnbFiEdzy9AHQeQTToyOq.1

Southern Disability Voting Events you should know about! 🗳️💥 Big thanks to AAPD and REV UP for putting these events together and helping Disabled voters across the South claim their voting power! 🔥

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Southern Disability Voting Events you should know about! 🗳️💥 Big thanks to AAPD and REV UP for putting these events together and helping Disabled voters across the South claim their voting power! 🔥

Alabama— it's time to claim your voting power!💥🗳️ On Sept. 16, join disability-led organizations for a free, interactive event to build voting confidence and practice self advocacy. Register below!👇🏼 bit.ly/AccessibleVoting-HSV

What does disability justice look like at school? 🎒 Disability justice at school goes beyond accommodations. It’s about making sure disabled students have the access and support they need, while still having autonomy, belonging, and room to thrive. 1/6

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Inclusion means belonging. Disabled students deserve to be included in all parts of school, not just the classroom. That means field trips, clubs, sports, school events, and activities too. They deserve to build friendships, find community, learn, and have fun. 5/6

Disabled students deserve more than access to education. They deserve to belong, experience joy, learn, dream, and thrive. Disability justice belongs everywhere, especially at school. 💜 6/6

What does disability justice look like at school? 🎒 Disability justice at school goes beyond accommodations. It’s about making sure disabled students have the access and support they need, while still having autonomy, belonging, and room to thrive. 1/6

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Disabled students deserve autonomy and support. Disabled students deserve a voice in decisions about their education, bodies, communication, and support. Needing support or assistive technology doesn’t take away someone’s autonomy or independence. 3/6

Mobility aids, AAC, and assistive technology should never be moved, taken away, or controlled without consent. Support should help strengthen a student’s autonomy, not take away their choices. 4/6

What does disability justice look like at school? 🎒 Disability justice at school goes beyond accommodations. It’s about making sure disabled students have the access and support they need, while still having autonomy, belonging, and room to thrive. 1/6

Access should be built in, not fought for. Access should be considered from the start, not only when a student or guardian asks. Classrooms, materials, technology, and activities should already be accessible, and students shouldn’t have to keep proving or explaining their access needs. 2/6