Dignity. Respect. Advocacy. It’s our “why”.
Please allow us to (re)introduce ourselves: who we are – and what we’re about. These days, we’re sporting a new look! You may notice on our website and in social media, we’ve got a fresh, modern new logo. But this is far from a superficial glow-up. We wanted our new...
FIRST PERSON: Down Syndrome: What it is…and WHO it is
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. And because I love someone with Down syndrome, I'd like to share a little bit about it. Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome...
Web accessibility case could have a “Domino” effect for people with disabilities
As we await a Supreme Court decision that will determine whether the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to websites as well as to physical locations, it’s worth revisiting why accessibility of online content is so critically important for people with...
FIRST PERSON: Suicide is hard to talk about. We should talk about it anyway.
September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Despite science supporting a neurobiological basis for mental illness, suicide is still shrouded by stigma. It’s a taboo subject - the prevailing attitude still seems to be that death by suicide is shameful...
Mental Health America releases 2020 State of Mental Health report
For the 6th year in a row, Mental Health America (MHA) released its annual State of Mental Health Report, which ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on several mental health and access measures. The report also takes a look back on the trends of the...
“Mad in America” sparks critical discussion about mental health care
"Mad in America" is a webzine that provides news, research, and a forum for discussion about the existing paradigm of psychiatric care. The topic of psychiatry is viewed through a social justice lens. The site advocates a focus on more psychosocial modalities for...
DRA announces our FY2020 Priorities and Objectives
At the beginning of each fiscal year, the DRA Board of Directors adopts priorities based on feedback from individuals with disabilities, family members, advocates, and professionals. The priorities adopted by the Board determine the activities for the fiscal year. We...
A service animal walks into a bar…
A service animal walks into a bar...accompanied by an individual with a disability. The manager says the bar does not allow pets. After explaining the animal is a service animal, the manager asks to see documentation proving that the animal is a service animal. There...
Parents: a child’s first and best advocate, at any age
On January 26, 1992 I started a journey of unknown distance. I didn’t have a map, a flashlight, or a compass. What I did have was an unrelenting commitment to make it to the finish line and learn all I could along the way. I wanted to see everything I could. I wanted...
Important SSI information for transition-aged (14-17) youth
This week, Social Security has mailed a notice to more than 347,625 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients (transition-aged youth) between the ages of 14 and 17 and their adult representatives to help them identify policies and other resources to assist youth...