Portlight – Disaster Relief for People with Disabilities

Today at Pacific Standard, I have an interview with Paul Timmons, co-founder of Portlight Strategies. They provide inclusive disaster response to make sure that emergency responders respect the civil rights of disabled folks, they repatriate people with their mobility devices, and they coordinate relief. I’ve been watching on social media as Portlight has been helping … Continue ReadingPortlight – Disaster Relief for People with Disabilities

What Happens When You Cut Medicaid? – Texas

New from AP today on the time Texas cut 350 million from Medicaid: Some Texas children with special needs like Addison have lost critical services since the state implemented $350 million in Medicaid cuts to speech, occupational and physical therapy in December. In Texas, reimbursement offered to providers fell up to 50 percent for certain … Continue ReadingWhat Happens When You Cut Medicaid? – Texas

Restraint and Death of Disabled Civilians in Texas

The New Statesman reports on deaths in restraint or otherwise in custody of mentally ill civilians in Texas. There’s a new bill pending, the Sandra Bland Act. The paper reports on the bill, but also investigated deaths. Excerpts: Klessig is one of at least 33 people with histories of mental illness who died after being … Continue ReadingRestraint and Death of Disabled Civilians in Texas