Annual reports of the CTD

CTD Annual Reports

Fall 2006 - Summer 2007

Contents:

Advocacy: 2007 Texas Legislative Session and More
Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work
CTD Appointments/Affiliations
Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

I. Advocacy: 2007 Texas Legislative Session and More

It was supposed to be a friendlier Texas Legislature. For the first time in years, the State had a budget surplus and it seemed time to address priority funding issues for Texans with disabilities. CTD worked tirelessly through the days and nights of the 140 days of the 80th session to help assure that Texans with disabilities had a seat at the political poker table. With the help of individuals calling and writing their Senators and Representatives, along with the help of our partner advocacy groups, positive outcomes were achieved. Attached is the 2007 Legislative Report of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities. We’ve split our report into three categories: State Budget Issues, Voting Legislation, and Diverse Disability Legislation.

CTD was actively involved in all the issues listed. Our role and the organizations with which we partnered are identified. CTD is deeply appreciative of ADAPT, Advocacy Inc. and the Texas Center for Disability Studies; our partners in broad-based disability advocacy. We thank AARP for their strong effort on the waiting list, utility and voter ID issues. CTD efforts included:

Testimony at public hearings
Direct contacts to legislative offices
Supplying and reviewing language for legislation
Written position papers distributed to the Legislature
Implementation of Raise Your Voice! (click the link on www.cotwd.org), a web-based tool to communicate to legislators. CTD members sent legislators over 2,200 emails.
Collaborative organization of two legislative rallies at the Capitol
We held our annual convention just blocks from the Capitol in April, bringing in folks from around the state
CTD sponsored the Capitol visit of the national Road to Freedom ADA bus tour, combining the event with a press conference on the Capitol steps.
CTD organized the Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas, a 25-day public awareness event to draw attention to pressing legislative issues. CTD member and polio survivor Mikail Davenport handcycled 950 miles from El Paso to Beaumont, attracting a national documentary film crew as well as national, state and local media along the route.

Budget: The Legislature chose to leave Austin with $6.5 billion unspent despite the unmet needs of the disability community. Though we did not get everything we wanted, at the end of the day the results are that thousands of additional people with disabilities will get services and benefits in the community. In this difficult state, the outstanding legislator is Senator Judith Zaffirini, whose hard work, legislative acumen and commitment to Texans with disabilities secured most of these funds.

Voting Legislation: We won this tough fight…numerous bills were filed to water down or eliminate the accessible voting rights gained under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). As CTD has done HAVA outreach and education, we heard many times of the value given to a private ballot, accessible polling places and modern accessible voting technology. CTD developed close working relationships with the election committees in both chambers, expressing the strong will of Texans with disabilities to never return to the days of disenfranchisement. And “voter ID” became a high profile challenge; if passed it would have harmed the voting participation of people with disabilities, elders and minorities.

Diverse Disability Legislation: On top of the budget and voting legislation, CTD was actively involved in over 21 diverse bills with an impact on the community of people with disabilities. Two bills were filed at CTD request: HB2216 passed and will ensure that structurally modified vehicles will continue to be available in Texas. The ADA bill did not pass, though we were heartened to advance it further in the process, passing it through the House Civil Practices committee and raising more awareness to the State’s offensive practice of claiming immunity for its acts of disability discrimination. CTD was among the primary advocates for successful bills on consumer directed services, workers comp extended coverage, judicial review of Medicaid decisions, property tax cuts for homeowners with disabilities, accessible parking and protection from abuse, among the diverse issues. We were surprised at the public interest in HB308, which became known as the “blind hunters bill”. The bill legalized the use of laser sighting devices for hunters with blindness. CTD got behind HB308 because it was about a reasonable accommodation and a good, though offbeat, example of inclusion into all activities.

Thanks to all the CTD members, volunteers, friends, legislators and Capitol staffers who helped us in our mission.

Major Advocacy Project: State Services Privatization:

Privatization has been a big change for Texans with disabilities. Reduction of agency field workers with a privatized integrated eligibility system, relying on call centers and websites, did not work on a number of levels and was scrapped by the State. CTD has long advocated that call centers may not prove accessible to all people with disabilities. This is not the end of privatized eligibility. We will closely monitor the State’s next steps.

Medicaid managed care is expanding from its one location in Houston to eight more urban areas. Known as ICM (Integrated Care Management) in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and as STAR Plus in the other areas. CTD believes that managed care merits close attention. Activities:

CTD sits on the advisory councils of 3 of the HMOs—Superior, Amerigroup, Evercare—for direct dialogue.
CTD has trained new staff for Evercare and Superior on effective interactions with people with disabilities.
CTD set up over 40 consumer outreach and education events.
CTD participates in the State’s managed care stakeholders meetings.

Major Advocacy Project: Protecting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott continues to fight for the State’s immunity from the civil rights protections of the ADA. His position: Texas has sovereign immunity from the ADA and may discriminate based on a person’s disability without recourse. CTD is at the forefront of this battle.

At this time, we believe that Texas state legislation is still needed to definitively resolve this critical issue. In the meantime, the ADA information on the CTD home page at www.cotwd.org gets more comments than anything else on the site.

Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work

CTD worked on strategies to strengthen the framework of disability advocacy. The strategies were not issue-specific, but instead designed to improve resources for any ongoing policy issues.

Political Leaders to CTD: CTD’s 2007 convention drew Rep. Patrick Rose, Chair of House Human Services Committee, Rep. John Davis, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services, and Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams, all of whom have been key players in making disability issues front and center.

Raise Your Voice! Web Communications: CTD's on-line communications system to policy makers was introduced and proved successful in linking members with their decision makers in Austin. Raise Your Voice! logged over 2,200 emails to legislators from February through May.

Brain Injury Association of Texas: BIATX continues to be co-located at CTD. In 2007, CTD and BIATX combined their annual conventions. Many BIATX members were very positive about the advocacy orientation provided at the convention.

Texas Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America: PVA and CTD partnered significantly on advocacy and the Austin chapter of the PVA is now co-located at CTD.

The CTD Messenger e-newsletter: Now distributed most months, our electronic newsletter continues to expand its reach. There is no cost to subscribe. Anyone interested can email wgreer@cotwd.org to be added to our mail list.

IV. CTD Appointments/Affiliations

CTD works to place its staff and individual members on a variety of committees, workgroups, task forces and boards that have influence over issues of importance to Texans with disabilities. Once at the table, CTD staff and members are active participants.

Staff placements:
Gubernatorial appointee, The State Independent Living Centers (SILC) Board CTD is working to increase SILC involvement in policy education and advocacy and take a proactive stance in planning the long term future of independent living services in Texas.

HHSC Executive Commissioner Appointee, Promoting Independence Advisory Council CTD is using this policy forum to ensure that Texas’ promoting independence initiative continues to move forward.

Appointee, Consumer Directed Services Workgroup
CTD promotes that people with disabilities control the recruitment, hiring, management, and firing of their personal assistants, which results in lower attendant turnover rates. The committee makes recommendation directly to the Legislature.

Appointee, HR 3295 Help America Vote Act Advisory Committee, Office of the Secretary of State. CTD is working with the Office of the Secretary of State, helping to develop the Texas implementation and continue to conduct outreach to thousands across the state. CTD has submitted substantive comments that ensure that Texans with disabilities may vote freely and privately.

Appointee, Direct Services Workforce Workgroup, DADS. This workgroup is charged with coming up with ways to recruit and retain community direct care providers without a wage increase. CTD promotes the position that wage increases are an absolute necessity.

Invitee, HHSC DRA Proposal advisory/ MFP Advisory Group. CTD pushes for rebalancing the long term services and supports system and money-follows-the-person for the ICF/MR population.

Board Member, CORE Foundation. Start-up non-profit whose first project is an accessible fishing pier on Lake Lady Bird in Austin.

Invitee, Wheeled Mobility Workgroup, Senator Zaffirini. Legislative workgroup on wheelchair fitting issues. Invitee, TX Dept of Agriculture Home Meals Program. Under this new funding source, CTD pushed for inclusion of people with disabilities who are too young to receive home meals under the Older Americans Act.

Waiting List Stakeholders CTD is regularly attending these meetings to ensure that reduction of community services waiting lists is progressing.

Invitee, Medicaid Waiver Optimization Workgroup, DADS. CTD promotes consistency, equity and consolidation of the waivers.

Member, Goodwill Central Texas Community Advisory Council CTD advises on state advocacy issues related to employment of people with disabilities.

CTD Member placements:

Appointee, Architectural Barriers Adv. Committee, Texas Dept. of Licensing and Registration
Gubernatorial Appointee, Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities
Appointee, Consumer Directed Services Workgroup
Gubernatorial Appointee, Rehab Council of Texas, DARS
Appointee, Board of Directors, Advocacy, Inc.
Appointee, Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities
Appointee, Relay Texas Advisory Board

IV. Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

Raising the Vote of the Community of People with Disabilities

CTD aggressively worked to promote voting by people with disabilities and to spread the word about new accessible voting machines and requirements for accessible polling places.

Worked with Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams to ensure that voters with disabilities are the priority of his statewide VOTEXAS project. Provided technical assistance to Williams and his staff.
Facilitated trainings on Help America Vote Act (HAVA) throughout Texas
Presented a HAVA workshop at the 5-state IL conference in Little Rock, AR and another at the Brain Injury Association’s fall 2006 conference.
Invited presenter, Secretary of State Election Law Seminar, “Polling Place Accessibility”, to 800+ county judges and election officials.

Producer, nationally-released web-based video training for poll workers on interactions with voters with disabilities. CTD started a consumer directed services agency (CDSA): Consumers in Travis and the surrounding counties can now obtain CDSA services from CTD, providing them more choice and control over their community services.Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas: Without the use of his legs, CTD uber-member Mikail Davenport hand cycled 950 miles, from El Paso to Beaumont to raise awareness of CTD’s priority legislative issues. Davenport kicked off the El Paso marathon, cycling through dozens of small communities, which welcomed him and his messages of educating Texans on public policy issues. This journey, widely covered by media all across the country, culminated on day 25, resulting in a large celebration in Beaumont, TX.

Bryson goes national! CTD’s Bryson Smith was one of the lead on-screen persons in ACLU’s multi-state documentary on proposed laws that would disenfranchise voters.

Round Table on relocation from institutions to community: CTD provided planning, outreach and logistical support for this well-attended training event in August 2007.

Website accessibility: CTD conducted an extensive hands-on product test of a state agency's new website, making design recommendations to improve accessibility to people with disabilities.

Help obtaining prescriptions: CTD participates in the Partnership for Prescription Access. Instead of each drug company having a separate program to help consumers get free prescriptions, the Partnership combines over 150 patient assistance programs into a single system. Consumers who need help should contact 1-888-477-2669 or go to www.pparx.org

Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival: Using the media of film, CTD showed how cinema has reflected the changing societal role of people with disabilities. The third year of what is believed to be the first Texas film festival focusing on people with disabilities took place in October 2006. Former Austin Mayor Bruce Todd, a traumatic brain injury survivor, was the featured speaker. The film festival received substantial coverage in newspapers, internet, radio and TV. The 4th Annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival was held in Austin in October 2007.

Cutting-edge technology to help people with disabilities: CTD is working with Motion Tech, a tech development start-up with a patented design that would improve the ability of people with disabilities to control their environment.

CTD’s Team Everest: Public Awareness of the Potential of People with Disabilities: The full-length documentary, “Team Everest, A Himalayan Adventure” had its world premiere in Seattle and has been screened at film festivals in New York, Austin and Boston. Advocacy presentations were delivered at the state independent living conference and the statewide meeting of the Texas Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Keynote speaker, Goodwill Industries of Central Texas annual awards event.

Breaking Boundaries on the radio: CTD staff were featured guests numerous times on this disability issues talk show on Austin’s KOOP.

Are you ready? Or not? CTD organized a focus group of people with disabilities for input into the State’s emergency preparedness project.

Shooting the Grand Canyon Rapids: CTD sponsored and participated in a panel discussion and presentation of Right to Risk, a documentary film of a team of people with disabilities river rafting the Grand Canyon.

Disability Mentoring Day: Served on Steering Committee 2006-07. Supported the local effort and hosted a mentee.

Information and Referral: Each year CTD provides hundreds of Texans with disabilities information and referral services relating to financial, legal, housing, transportation, accessibility and employment issues.

Awards:

The Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas won the Austin Mayor's Media Award in fall 2007.
ADAPT presented CTD with its Disability Champion Award.
CTD and partners’ Help America Vote Act statewide outreach campaign called “VOTEXAS” won the Best Public Affairs Campaign 2006 Award from the American Public Relations Society of America, Austin Chapter.
The Amerigroup Foundation awarded CTD the 2007 Healthy Hero Award.
CTD Executive Director Dennis Borel was selected to receive the national James Neubacher Award from the University of Michigan, given to an individual for working on rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. Borel graduated from Michigan more years ago than he will admit.

Fall 2006 - Summer 2007

Advocacy: 2007 Texas Legislative Session and More
Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work
CTD Appointments/Affiliations
Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

Fall 2005 - Summer 2006

Advocacy: All Year, Every Year
Raising the Vote of the Community of People with Disabilities
Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work
CTD Appointments/Affiliations
Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

I. Advocacy: All Year, Every Year

There is no longer an “interim year” for public policy advocacy, the year between Texas legislative sessions. Advocacy work is now year-round, every year. With the Legislature not in regular session, advocacy is focused on state agencies, interim committees of the Legislature and in preparation for the 2007 legislative session. While we work with numerous organizations on a variety of issues, CTD particularly appreciates the consistent partnership on broad-based disability advocacy of the Texas Center for Disability Studies, Advocacy Inc. and ADAPT.

Major Advocacy Project: State Services Privatization:

Integrated eligibility also known as the call centers system. The State of Texas is moving forward with replacing several thousand of its field workers with a privatized integrated eligibility system relying on call centers and web sites. CTD has closely monitored the pilot effort in central Texas, continually meeting with federal agency and state agency leaders. Recognizing that people with disabilities will turn to the Centers for Independent Living for assistance, CTD advocated for additional funding for the centers, achieving success when the Health & Human Services Commission released a $10 million RFP to support community-based organizations for this assistance.

Medicaid managed care is expanding from its one location in Houston to eight more urban areas. CTD has been very active in design meetings and legislative efforts. Not preferring one version over the other, CTD focused on the priorities for any managed care system to effectively serve people with disabilities. Results:

In response to advocate concerns that simultaneous expansion in all areas would create excess confusion, the expansion will be a staggered schedule, with four areas to start on January 1, 2007.
In response to our request for consumer education and outreach, the State has implemented an outreach program through the Center for Disability Studies.
To promote consumer directed services, the managed care organizations have contract requirements to increase the utilization of consumer directed services.
Effective relocation practices are a contract requirement for the managed care organizations.
Appropriate community long term services to all who are SSI eligible without a waiting list remains in the STAR Plus model and is a requirement in the Integrated Care Management concept.
Several of the managed care organizations —Superior, Amerigroup, Evercare—are implementing mechanisms for advocate input through advisory councils.

Major Advocacy Project: Protecting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In his official capacity as the state’s top lawyer, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott is fighting for state immunity from the civil rights protections of the ADA. He is taking the position that Texas has sovereign immunity from the ADA and is therefore allowed to commit acts of discrimination based on a person’s disability without recourse. CTD is at the forefront of the battle.

Members will recall CTD’s involvement in the notorious Miller v. Texas Tech ADA case, Miller had requested that high contrast tape be placed along stairs at Texas Tech University as a safety measure for the legally-blind professor. Tech refused the reasonable accommodation and was sued by Miller. Attorney General Abbott, acting as defense counsel, argued that Texas’ immunity from the ADA rendered any discriminatory act moot. CTD strongly supported Miller through media activities and an amicus brief filed pro bono by ADA attorneys Cirkiel and Associates. After five years, Miller got her day in court. Miller won her case, though the ADA was not part of the court decision. Will this ruling finally end the State’s claims of immunity and allow Texans the basic civil right of being free from discrimination based on disability? We think not. The ruling was narrow and cited other legal prohibitions against discrimination, not the ADA.

The McCarthy v. Hawkins case was based on the complaint that community services waiting lists were discriminatory under the ADA. The recent settlement, though positive, stopped short of the State waiving immunity to the ADA.

At this time, we believe that Texas state legislation is still needed to definitively resolve this critical issue. This is an issue that is in the interim, awaiting the 2007 Legislative Session. In the meantime, the ADA information on the CTD home page at www.cotwd.org gets more comments than anything else on the site.

Advocacy: Futile Care: Don't Pull the Plug

CTD has been invited by State Representatives Rodriguez and Hughes to get involved in the Advanced Directives Futile Care debate. Doctors and hospitals can now give a patient and the family a ten day notice that all care will be terminated. Our issues: that people with disabilities would be judged to have a low quality of life therefore less “worthy” of a full effort and that doctors simply are not always right in their diagnoses. CTD’s position is that care must not be cut off, but provided pending transfer to another care setting. At an interim hearing of the House Public Health Committee, CTD's John Morris and William Greer testified to their own histories and how each has exceeded doctors' predictions. Legislation is expected in 2007.

Advocacy: Keeping the Ride with Texas Mobility Dealers:

CTD formed a working relationship with a group of mobility dealers, businesses that do vehicle conversions, adding ramps, lifts and other accommodating devices. The group is examining out-of-date state regulations that are hampering the delivery of this important transportation service to Texans with disabilities. A change in State law is required and CTD has secured a Senate sponsor for the legislation.

Advocacy: Fighting for Accessible Voting

CTD gave invited testimony before the House Elections Committee, contending that federal HAVA requirements must apply to all elections in Texas. Some are proposing that accessible voting needs to be denied in elections that don't have a federal election.

Advocacy: Medicaid Estate Recovery: Correcting Communications

Implementation of the new Medicaid Estate Recovery program caused an undesired result: eligible recipients were turning down needed services because they thought it involved signing over title to their homes. A federal requirement, Estate Recovery is not that bad and Texas has adopted a reasonable program. Most Texans would not have their estates ever repay Medicaid. In response to advocacy from CTD and its partners, the State agreed to go back to everyone who had turned down Medicaid and make sure they understood Estate Recovery. Then, CTD participated in a focus group to redesign the State's materials about the program.

Advocacy: Expanding the Preferred Drug List

CTD testified before the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics committee to include highly effective drugs for late stage renal disease. The “P and T” committee approves the drugs that Medicaid will pay for. CTD believes that drug companies, doctors and pharmaceutical representatives dominate the P and T process and that the intended beneficiaries should be heard from.

II. Raising the Vote of the Community of People with Disabilities

CTD aggressively worked to promote voting by people with disabilities and to spread the word about new accessibility voting machines and requirements for polling places.

Worked with Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams to ensure that voters with disabilities are the center of his statewide VOTEXAS project. Technical assistance to Williams and his staff.
Facilitated trainings on Help America Vote Act (HAVA) throughout Texas and provided funding to 21 disability organizations to support the trainings.
Organized representation from people with disabilities at VOTEXAS kick-off media events.
Invited Presenter, Secretary of State Election Law Seminar, “Polling Place Accessibility” to 300+ county judges and election officials.
Producer, web-based video training for poll workers on interactions with voters with disabilities.

III. Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work

CTD worked on strategies to strengthen the framework of disability advocacy. The strategies were not issue-specific, but rather designed to improve resources for any ongoing policy issues.

Political Leaders to CTD: CTD’s best-ever lineup of political speakers is at the 2006 Convention, with gubernatorial candidates Carole Strayhorn, Chris Bell and Kinky Friedman, US Senate candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky and Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams. Gubernatorial candidate Gov. Rick Perry sent a customized video message. Through the successful invitations, CTD has elevated issues of concern to Texans with disabilities.

Raise Your Voice! Web Communications: CTD's on-line communications system to policy makers is introduced, allowing advocates to easily identify and communicate with their decision makers in Austin.

Brain Injury Association of Texas: CTD is solidifying this partnership. BIATX is now co-located at CTD and we have hosted the regional BIATX conference.

VISTA!: CTD is now a VISTA site, gaining four VISTA volunteers for our work.

Livable Communities: A collaboration between advocates for people with disabilities and older Americans: In its third year, CTD collaborated with AARP on community organizing and technical assistance in El Paso, San Antonio and Houston.

IV. CTD Appointments/Affiliations

Staff placements

Gubernatorial appointee, The State Independent Living Centers (SILC) Board

CTD is working to increase SILC involvement in policy education and advocacy and take a proactive stance in planning the long term future of independent living services in Texas.

HHSC Executive Commissioner Appointee, Promoting Independence Advisory Council

CTD is using this policy forum to ensure that Texas’ promoting independence initiative continues to move forward.

Appointee, Consumer Directed Services Workgroup

CTD promotes that people with disabilities control the recruitment, hiring, management, and firing of their personal assistants, which results in lower attendant turnover rates. Expansion of consumer directed services in all waiver programs will likely add durable medical equipment and respite care to consumer directed services. The committee makes recommendation directly to the Legislature.

Member, SB1055 Workgroup on Personal Assistance Services

This group studied whether a residential complex that restricts providers of personal assistance services may escape regulation. CTD pushed that such complexes are actually assisted living centers and must be subject to regulations.

Appointee, HR 3295 Help America Vote Act Advisory Committee, Office of the Secretary of State.

CTD is working with the Office of the Secretary of State to implement this federal legislation. CTD has submitted substantive comments that ensure that Texans with disabilities may vote freely and privately.

Member, DADS Service Delivery System Design Project

CTD had representatives in all the workgroups giving major recommendations for DADS to improve service delivery.

Appointee, Advisory Council, SB 95 Evaluation of Personal Attendant Training Programs

CTD provides pilot project grantees across the state with technical assistance, support, and procedural guidelines for systems change goals affecting three community care projects.

Waiting List Stakeholders

CTD is regularly attending these meetings to ensure that reduction of community services waiting lists is progressing.

Member, DADS Commissioner Candidate Forum

CTD participated in questioning the finalists for the DADS Commissioner position.

V. Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

Website accessibility: CTD conducted an extensive hands-on product test of a state agency's new website, making design recommendations to improve accessibility to people with disabilities.

People with disabilities and juvenile probation officers: CTD trained the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission on interacting with youth offenders with disabilities.

Help getting prescriptions: CTD joined in the Partnership for Prescription Access. Instead of each drug company having a separate program to help consumers get free prescriptions, the Partnership combines over 150 patient assistance programs into a single system. Consumers who need help should contact 1-888-477-2669 or go to www.pparx.org

Youth Leadership Project: the Kenny Murgia Memorial Scholarship: CTD awards the Kenny Murgia scholarship annually to one high school senior with a disability whose leadership skills have enhanced the lives of people with disabilities in their community. This year’s winner is Christian Ramirez of El Paso.

Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP): For the last seven years CTD has operated outreach, providing financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, so that they may purchase specialized telephone equipment at no cost to them.

Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival: Using the media of film, CTD showed how cinema has reflected the changing societal role of people with disabilities. The second year of what is believed to be the first Texas film festival focusing on people with disabilities took place in October 2005. Highlights included the world premiere of “350 Miles...7 Days...By Hand!” and the participation, by speakerphone and video, of actress Darlene Cates, the star of “What's Eating Gilbert Grape”. The film festival received substantial coverage in newspapers, internet, radio and TV. The 3rd Annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival was held in Austin in October 2006.

Cutting-edge technology to help people with disabilities: CTD is working with Revelations in Design, a tech development start-up with a patented design that would improve the ability of people with disabilities to control their environment.

Beyond Ed Roberts: CTD hosted California filmmaker Scott Cooper, creating an on-camera movie set. Cooper lined up several interviews for his documentary on the independent living movement pioneered by Ed Roberts.

Team Everest: Public Awareness of the Potential of People with Disabilities: CTD’s multimedia presentation on Team Everest was given several times this year. The presentations featured slides, video and first hand accounts by Gary Guller of the internationally recognized expedition. “The Making of Team Everest” multimedia presentation was introduced, describing how a small non-profit and a mountaineer with a disability accomplished the historic feat.

Texas PHA Project: This project provided training and technical assistance to Public Housing Authorities in Texas to increase integrated housing for people with disabilities, especially those individuals moving from institutions. Completed in December 2005, 18 trainings were presented statewide during the 3-year project. An advocacy presentation was delivered at the state independent living conference.

Test Case Advocacy: In situations where advocating can produce a systemic change, CTD will take on an individual’s complaint.

John S. makes AutoZone accessible:: John is a person with visual and mobility impairments. He lives independently and uses a modified vehicle and driver to get around. When John could not enter his local auto parts store, he contacted CTD. After contacting state enforcers and AutoZone corporate headquarters, the auto parts store was remodeled to accessible standards.
Michael, no longer pinned on the Galveston ferry:: A person who uses a wheelchair, Michael drives onto a state-operated ferry from Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula. He remained stuck in his car because there is no accessible space and other cars are tightly parked around him. CTD advocated to TXDOT to adopt new procedures so drivers with disabilities can have safe exit from their vehicles.
Jim M. lights on!:: Jim, a low-income veteran with a significant disability, lives independently in a rural area. For years, Jim made payments on his electric bill, never able to pay in full, but always paying something. With his medications requiring refrigeration, Jim was considered a customer with a medical necessity. No more. His power company terminated his service and published a new policy that medical necessity was no longer a reason to continue service. CTD involved Jim’s state representative and other officials. Result: Jim gets his electricity back.

Awards:

CTD was a finalist for Government Technology Magazine’s Best of Texas Award for our work on HB2819 and was featured in their e-publication.

Capitol Ride '05CTD's public awareness event where Mikail Davenport cycled from South Padre Island to the steps of the Capitol without the use of his legs, won the Austin Mayor's Media Award in fall 2005.

CTD Executive Director Dennis Borel was selected to receive the national James Neubacher Award from the University of Michigan, given to an individual for working on rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.

Borel graduated from Michigan more years ago than he will admit.

2005 Annual Report

Fall 2004- Summer 2005

Advocacy: 2005 Texas Legislative Session and more
Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work
CTD Appointments/Affiliations
Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards
2005 Legislative Report

Advocacy: 2005 Texas Legislative Session and more

In 2005, the Texas Capitol was a place where patience was a needed skill. Committees met early in the morning and late at night, on weekends and holidays. One memorable committee meeting began in the evening and it was 5 a.m. when testimony was taken.

Attached is the 2005 Legislative Report of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities. CTD was actively involved in all the issues listed. Our role and the organizations with which we partnered are identified. I want to especially thank Advocacy Inc., AARP, ADAPT and the Texas Center for Disability Studies for always being there. CTD efforts included:

Testimony at public hearings
Direct contacts to legislative offices
Supplying language for legislation
Written position papers distributed to the Legislature
At least ten media events/interviews
Email blasts and phone calls to advocates around the state
Collaborative organization of two legislative rallies at the Capitol
We held our annual convention just blocks from the Capitol in March, bringing in folks from around the state.
We pulled off Capitol Ride ’05, a seven-day public awareness event to draw attention to pressing legislative issues. CTD member and polio survivor Mikail Davenport handcycled 350 miles from South Padre Island to the steps of the Capitol, distributing position papers and attracting media all along the route.

Thanks to all the CTD members, volunteers, friends, legislators and Capitol staffers who helped us in our mission. — Dennis Borel, CTD Executive Director

Major Advocacy Project: Protecting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) In his official capacity as the state’s top lawyer, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott is fighting for state immunity from the civil rights protections of the ADA. He is taking the position that Texas has sovereign immunity from the ADA and is therefore allowed to commit acts of discrimination based on a person’s disability without recourse. CTD is at the forefront of the battle.

SB1128, the ADA bill, was originated by CTD: this important civil rights legislation would have waived the state’s immunity to ADA violations. Texas Attorney General Abbott opposed our efforts. CTD was offered a chance to pass SB1128, if we would accept Abbott’s new language that would’ve gutted the bill. We rejected the deal and the bill later died. Though politics is the art of compromise, when it comes to the basic civil right to be free from discrimination based on a person’s disability, CTD will never compromise.

The notorious Miller v. Texas Tech ADA case recently received a favorable ruling. Miller had requested that high contrast tape be placed along stairs at Texas Tech University as a safety measure for the legally-blind professor. Tech refused the reasonable accommodation and was sued by Miller. Attorney General Abbott, acting as defense counsel, argued that Texas’ immunity from the ADA rendered any discriminatory act moot. CTD strongly supported Miller through media activities and an amicus brief filed pro bono by ADA attorneys Cirkiel and Associates. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, considered among the most conservative benches in the country, ruled against the State and sent the case back to be heard. After five years, Miller will get her day in court. Will this ruling finally end the State’s claims of immunity and allow Texans the basic civil right of being free from discrimination based on disability? We think not. The ruling was narrow and cited other legal prohibitions against discrimination, not the ADA. At this time, we believe that Texas state legislation is still needed to definitively resolve this critical issue.

Major Advocacy Project: State Services Privatization

Privatization will be a big change for Texans with disabilities. The State of Texas is moving forward with replacing several thousand of its field workers with a privatized integrated eligibility system relying on call centers and web sites. CTD originated and advocated passage of HB2819 which requires the State to improve its accessibility standards for web sites and telecommunications. Recognizing that people with disabilities will turn to the Centers for Independent Living for assistance, CTD advocated for additional funding for the centers, however this was not approved by the Legislature. CTD is researching other means to support the centers.

Medicaid managed care is expanding from its one location in Houston to eight more urban areas. CTD has been very active in design meetings and legislative efforts. Among advocates, the different positions taken by HMOs and doctors/hospitals became known as the Battle of the Titans. Not preferring one version over the other, CTD focused on the priorities for any managed care system to effectively serve people with disabilities including:

contracting with local community based organizations for education, outreach and relocation from institutions,
service coordination and use of the social, not medical, model,
promotion of consumer directed services
sustainability of the community direct care workforce, and appropriate community long term care services to all who are eligible without a waiting list.

II. Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work

CTD worked on strategies to strengthen the framework of disability advocacy. The strategies were not issue-specific, but rather designed to improve resources for any ongoing policy issues.

Political Leaders to CTD:

CTD’s March ‘05 Convention drew DARS Commissioner Terry Murphy, Representative Elliot Naishtat and AAPD Executive Director Andy Imparato.

Livable Communities: A collaboration between advocates for people with disabilities and older Americans: In its second year, CTD technical assistance has secured participation of the influential 2-million member AARP-Texas on numerous pieces of legislation. CTD collaborated on community organizing and technical assistance in El Paso. CTD and AARP jointly presented the project at the Texas Conference on Aging. CTD is currently working with AARP to identify two other Texas cities for Livable Communities.

Texas Mobility Dealers : CTD formed a working relationship with a group of mobility dealers, businesses that do vehicle conversions, adding ramps, lifts and other accommodating devices. The group is examining out-of-date state regulations that are hampering the delivery of this important transportation service to Texans with disabilities.

III. CTD Appointments/Affiliations

Staff placements:

Gubernatorial appointee, The State Independent Living Centers (SILC) Board: CTD is working to increase SILC involvement in policy education and advocacy and take a proactive stance in planning the long term future of independent living services in Texas.
HHSC Executive Commissioner Appointee, Promoting Independence Advisory Council: CTD is using this policy forum to ensure that Texas’ promoting independence initiative continues to move forward.
Appointee, Weatherization Policy Advisory Council, Texas Dept of Housing & Community Affairs: CTD reviews the state plan to ensure that people with disabilities are a target group for this free home weatherization program.
Appointee, HR 3295 Help America Vote Act Advisory Committee, Office of the Secretary of State.: CTD is working with the Office of the Secretary of State to implement this federal legislation, which has provisions regarding accessible voting and secret ballot for all Texans with disabilities. CTD has submitted substantive comments that ensure that Texans with disabilities may vote freely and privately.
Invited Presenter, Secretary of State Election Law Seminar: " Polling Place Accessibility " to 300+ county judges and election officials.
Appointee, Advisory Council, SB 95 Evaluation of Personal Attendant Training Programs: CTD provides pilot project grantees across the state with technical assistance, support, and procedural guidelines for systems change goals affecting three community care projects.
Appointee, Consumer Directed Services Workgroup: CTD promotes that people with disabilities control the recruitment, hiring, management, and firing of their personal assistants, which results in lower attendant turnover rates. Expansion of consumer directed services in all waiver programs will likely add durable medical equipment and respite care to consumer directed services. The committee makes recommendation directly to the Legislature.
Invitee, Law Enforcement and Mental Health in Strategy Conference, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health/Office of Governor: CTD sat with law enforcement, judges, and political leaders to develop a response to high profile incidents between police and local law enforcement.
Appointee, Goodwill Central Texas Community Advisory Council: CTD advises on state advocacy issues related to employment of people with disabilities.
Participant, Alliance for Full Participation: CTD worked in an idea exchange session to develop a blueprint for systems change that was forwarded to a national conference..
Judge, Lego Robotics Competition, with theme of disability assistive technology, for Texas middle school students.
CTD Member placements:: Appointee, Architectural Barriers Adv. Committee, Texas Dept. of Licensing and Registration; Gubernatorial Appointee, Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities; Appointee, Consumer Directed Services Workgroup; Appointee, Rehab Council of Texas, DARS; Appointee, Board of Directors, Advocacy, Inc.; Appointee, Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities; Appointee, Relay Texas Advisory Board

IV. Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

Texas PHA Project: This project provides training and technical assistance to Public Housing Authorities in Texas to increase integrated housing for people with disabilities, especially those individuals moving from institutions. 18 trainings were presented statewide during the 3-year project.

People with disabilities and weatherization contractors: CTD trained weatherization contractors from 10 states, who work in homes, on interacting with homeowners with disabilities.

Invited speaker: Brain Injury Association’s State Conference: CTD presented issues surrounding violence against persons with disabilities, including red flags and how families can help their family member with a brain injury.

Youth with disabilities in the juvenile probation system: CTD trained juvenile probation workers from throughout Texas on interacting with youth with disabilities.

Capitol Ride ’05: Police escorted Austin Mayor Will Wynn, CTD member Mikail Davenport, and kids with disabilities using racing wheelchairs down Congress Avenue as Davenport finished a seven day 350 mile journey from South Padre to Austin without the use of his legs. Davenport went on this handcycle marathon to raise awareness of current public policy issues and the capability of people with disabilities, cancer survivors and older Americans. The cycling trek down Congress ended on the south steps of the State Capitol.

"350 Miles…7 Days…By Hand!" Released: This documentary short about Capitol Ride ’05 is by filmmaker John Cates. Cates shadowed Davenport on the grueling 350 mile trip that alternated between unrelenting heat and drenching rain storms, often shooting film from the back of a moving pickup truck. Cates examines why Davenport would attempt a feat at the limits of human capacity, culminating with the finishing stretch up Congress Avenue accompanied by kids in racing wheelchairs and Austin Mayor Will Wynn. The documentary’s world premiere was at CTD’s Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival.

Team Everest: Public Awareness of the Potential of People with Disabilities: CTD’s multimedia presentation on Team Everest was given multiple times this year. The presentations featured slides, video and first hand accounts by Gary Guller of the internationally recognized expedition. A very special presentation was at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, home of the army rehab hospital for soldiers seriously injured in the Middle East. Making of Team Everest multimedia presentation was introduced, describing how a small non-profit and a mountaineer with a disability accomplished the historic feat.

Second Annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival: The second year of what is believed to be the first Texas film festival focusing on people with disabilities. Using the media of film, CTD showed how cinema has reflected the changing societal role of people with disabilities. The film festival received substantial coverage in newspapers, internet, radio and TV.

Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP): For the last six years CTD has operated outreach, providing financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, so that they may purchase specialized telephone equipment at no cost to them.

HAVA-Help America Vote Act: CTD developed and conducted statewide trainings on this new federal law that makes is easier than ever for voters with disabilities to participate in this basic right privately and independently.

Advocacy presentations were delivered at the Texas Paralyzed Veterans conference, the state independent living conference, the Enable America town hall meetings in Dallas and Austin and the Our Lives conference in El Paso.

Information and Referral
Each year CTD provides hundreds of Texans with disabilities information and referral services relating to financial, legal, housing, transportation, accessibility and employment issues.

Awards: The First Annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival won the 2004 Barbara Jordan Media Award "for excellence in the communication of the reality of disabled people" in the category of Special Contributions by an Organization.; The First Annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival also won the Austin Mayor’s Media Award for 2004.; Capitol Ride ’05 won the Austin Mayor’s Media Award for 2005.; CTD was a finalist for Government Technology Magazine’s Best of Texas Award for our work on HB2819 and is featured in their e-publication.

BILL & SPONSORS	CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS	WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
SB1 (budget bill) Funding for community services	CTD testimonies, letter writing, direct visits with legislative offices, lead organizer of Capitol Day of advocacy, 10 presentations/ work shops/ press conferences Partners: all disability advocacy organizations, AARP	Restoration of cuts to community services. Preserved attendant care hours for current clients. Restoration of eyeglasses, hearing aids, mental health counseling for adults on Medicaid. Preserved In-Home and Family Support funding, very at risk. Additional $54 M for demographic growth in community waivers.
SB1 (budget bill) Reduce community services waiting list by 10%	CTD among lead advocates. Testimonies, letter writing, direct visits with legislative offices, Capitol Day of advocacy, presentations/ work shops/ press conferences. Partners: Advocacy Inc., ADAPT, TX Center for Disability Studies, AARP, other disability	$300 M in total new funding to reduce the waiting lists.
SB1 (budget bill) Family-based alternatives	CTD lead advocate. Direct to Governor Partner: TX Center for Disability Studies	Funded and moved into base budget
SB1 (budget bill) End wait lists for Comprehensive Rehab Services and Independent Living Services	CTD and Brain Injury Assn. of TX as lead advocates Partner: Advocacy Inc., SILC	$5.7 M in new funding to end the waiting list for CRS (intensive early rehab of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries) and Independent living services.
SB1 (budget bill) Rider for pilot of money follows the persons to move kids from institutions	CTD in strong support with testimony, legislative office visits Partners: Texas Center for Disability Studies, Advocacy Inc.	Will allow 50 kids in ICFs/MR to move out and have their services funding transferred to community based services.
SB1128 Hinojosa ADA rights	CTD originated and wrote bill and was primary advocate Partner: AARP	NOT PASSED This bill would have held the State of Texas accountable for violations of the ADA. Opposition by Attorney General Abbott. CTD rejected a compromise bill as inadequate. CTD succeeded in publicizing this little-known issue and will continue to work on guaranteeing the right to be free from discrimination.
HB 2819 Rose/Madla Electronic accessibility	CTD originated bill and was primary advocate.	PASSED Will improve accessibility for people with disabilities by aligning Texas standards for state websites, telecommunications and information technology with the federal 508 standards.
HB 1771 Delisi/Nelson Integrated Care Management	CTD among the lead advocates, testimonies, negotiating bill language, direct visits with legislative offices, obtained legislative intent letter Partners: ADAPT, AARP, Advocacy Inc., Texas Center for Disability Studies, TCDD	“The Battle of the Titans” on the expansion of Medicaid Managed Care to most urban areas. Advocates for aging and disability communities actively engaged both sides: the doctors and Hospitals v. the HMOs. Secured safeguards for consumer education and outreach. Worked with Sen. Zaffirini to record a statement of legislative intent in the Senate journal that managed care should end CBA wait lists. Next Steps: CTD and disability organizations are monitoring this monumental change in service delivery. Particular interest: CBA services, relocation, consumer education and outreach.
SB187 Zaffirini/Rose Protection of Comprehensive Rehab Services funding stream	CTD and Brain Injury Assn. of TX as lead advocates. Partner: Advocacy Inc.	PASSED Reversed a provision passed in 2003 that would have allowed the CRS (intensive early rehab of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries) funding stream, based on traffic fines, to be diverted. The CRS funds are now much more secure.
SB566 Deuell/Delisi Medicaid Buy In	CTD on design team, supporting advocate, testimony Partners: Texas Assn. of Goodwills, Advocacy Inc., Center for Disability Studies, Natl. Multiple Sclerosis Society, DD Council	PASSED Important employment bill allows working people to retain Medicaid coverage despite exceeding income threshhold. Removes the huge disincentive to work for people with chronic illness and permanent disability. $6M in budget to fund the program.
HB1867 Naishtat/Zaffirni Money Follows the Person	CTD supported with testimony, office visits. Partners: Advocacy Inc., ADAPT, AARP, Center for Disability Studies, Natl. Multiple Sclerosis Society, DD Council	PASSED Places into state law the expiring money follows the person riders for people moving from nursing facilities to community placements.
HB1706 Denny Voter ID bill	CTD strongly opposed, testimony. Partners: Advocacy Inc., AARP	NOT PASSED Extra ID requirements and procedures would’ve made it more difficult to vote.
HB 768 Villarreal Vote by mail	CTD Supported with testimony Partner: Advocacy Inc	NOT PASSED Authorizing county clerk to mail an application to vote by mail to all voters with disabilities or 65+. Would have would made voting system more easily accessible for voters unable to vote at polls.
HB 1994 Talton Offense of assisting voters	CTD strongly opposed with testimony Partner: Advocacy Inc.	NOT PASSED Relating to the offense of assisting multiple voters who cast a ballot by mail. Would disproportionately affect voters with disabilities needing assistance.
HB1391 Leibowitz Accessible floor plans	CTD in strong support, testimony Partner: TX Paralyzed Veterans	NOT PASSED This bill would have required that any large builder in the Veterans Housing Assistance program have at least one accessible floor plan available. Next Steps: CTD and the TX Paralyzed Veterans will work in the interim with the state agency.
SB1586 Carona CBA wait list	CTD in strong opposition. Partners: ADAPT, TX Center for Disability Studies, Advocacy Inc., AARP	NOT PASSED This bill would have allowed residents of certain assisted living centers to move to the top of the CBA wait list ahead of those staying in their own homes.
HB481 Hochberg/Zaffirini Unemployment benefits	CTD in support, testimony.	PASSED Allows a person with a disability to collect unemployment benefits based on past employment, while looking for part-time work.
SB626 Zaffirini/Davis Eliminate cost caps	CTD in support Partners: ADAPT, Advocacy Inc., TX Center for Disability Studies	PASSED Allows a person with high needs to remain in the community even if more costly than an institutional placement.
HB 315 Olivo State school admissions	Opposed by CTD by testimony, legislative office visits Partners: ARC of Texas, ADAPT, Advocacy Inc., TX Ctr for Disability Studies	NOT PASSED This bill would have promoted the institutional bias by easing admission standards and requiring that only state school information be provided to families.
HB385 Naishtat State Court judicial review	Supported by CTD, legislative office contacts. Partner: Texas Legal Services Center	NOT PASSED This bill would have streamlined dispute resolution between Medicaid recipients and the State, saving money and time for both.
SB40 Zaffirini/Dukes Permanency planning	CTD in support Partners: Advocacy Inc., TX Center for Disability Studies	PASSED Allows for independent planners to work with kids “aging out” of children’s programs.
SB325 Zaffirini/Naishtat	CTD in support, testimony Partners: Advocacy Inc., TX Center for Disability Studies, ADAPT	PASSED Prohibits asphyxiating choke holds and face-down physical restraints for people in institutions.
HB2579 Rodriguez/Zaffirini Parental involvement	CTD in support Partners: Advocacy Inc., TX Center for Disability Studies	PASSED Strengthens parental involvement of minor children in institutions.
HB765 Menendez/Van de Putte	CTD in support Partner: Natl Multiple Sclerosis Society CTD in support Partner: Natl Multiple Sclerosis Society	PASSED Requires disclosure of benefits under employer health plans.

2004 Annual Report

Fall 2003- Summer 2004

Contents

Advocacy: Community Services, the ADA and more

2004 is an interim year, when the Legislature does not meet in regular session. Yet advocacy was our principal work and CTD was deeply involved in two major issues with huge influence on Texans with disabilities.

Major Advocacy Project: Community Cuts Restored: Advocacy Success Reinstates Attendant Care for 100,000 Texans

The state budget: 100,867 Texans of all ages with disabilities receiving services under the Primary Home Care and Community Attendant programs were scheduled to have their community attendant care hours cut by 15% in September 2003 and an additional 15% - 35% in September 2004. Not proposed cuts, not considered cuts, but planned and scheduled cuts.

CTD has been actively working on restoring the cuts for over a year. CTD had been instrumental in restoring the cuts scheduled for September 2003, including a private advocacy meeting with Governor Rick Perry. With cuts still scheduled for September 2004, CTD received numerous calls from consumers who would have been affected, all in great distress, some in panic. Several callers said they received the minimum hours of service to remain in their homes as it is, and a cut would force them into a nursing facility.

A diverse group of organizations for people who are elderly or have disabilities joined together in an initiative called Save Our Services, or S.O.S. At a May 12 meeting, DHS Commissioner Jim Hine told S.O.S. representatives the State had a plan to transfer $140 million to restore the cuts, yet approvals had not been obtained. On May 27, representatives from CTD, AARP, ADAPT and Advocacy Incorporated spoke at a Capitol press conference, calling on state leaders for rapid approval of the plan. One day later, we received confirmation of full restoration of the scheduled cuts.

Major Advocacy Project: Progress on Protecting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Some of our actions on this critical issue:: * January 9 press conference at the Texas Supreme Court building in Austin: advocates for civil rights, older Americans and people with disabilities; gathered to urge Abbott and Governor Perry to support the federal ADA. ADAPT, the ARC of Texas and CTD were joined by civil rights attorneys to denounce Abbott’s position.; * Presented our position to the State Bar of Texas.; * Filed an amicus brief in Miller v. Texas Tech plus co-signed several other briefs in ADA cases.; * Coordinated an email blast to the Governor’s Office.; * Gave media interviews.; * Proposed and drafted improved legislation to remove state immunity.; * Met with the offices of the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House and Attorney General.; * Gained the support of the Governor for state legislation to protect the ADA.; * Working with VOLAR advocates Eric Reed and Luis Chew, gained the support of the Attorney General for state legislation to protect the ADA.

Restoration of Assistive Technology to Far West and Southeast Texas: The state discontinued outreach on the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Project (STAP) to two regions of Texas. CTD enlisted the help of a state senator and state representative to get this important service restored.
Reorganization of health and human services in Texas: CTD has supplied public comment on several aspects of the reorganization, most recently targeting the expansion of Star-Plus managed care.

Housing for People Leaving Nursing Homes

CTD advocated for solutions to issues related to housing vouchers targeted to the Olmstead population.

Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

CTD is promoting self-employment as a vocational rehabilitation strategy.

Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work

CTD worked on strategies to strengthen the framework of disability advocacy. The strategies were not issue-specific, but rather designed to improve resources for any ongoing policy issues.

Political Leaders to CTD: CTD’s Sept 2003 Convention drew Comptroller Strayhorn, Congressperson Sheila Jackson Lee and National Council on Disability Chair Lex Frieden.

Livable Communities: A collaboration between advocates for people with disabilities and older Americans: This multi-level cooperation of CTD and AARP-Texas has great promise. In its first year, CTD technical assistance has secured participation of the influential 2-million member AARP-Texas on the issues of community attendant care restoration and the ADA. We have also collaborated on community organizing in El Paso and Corpus Christi.

III. CTD Appointments/Affiliations

Staff placements:: Gubernatorial appointee, The State Independent Living Centers (SILC) Board
CTD is working to increase SILC involvement in policy education and advocacy and take a proactive stance in planning the long term future of independent living services in Texas.; Appointee, SB 367 Housing Task Force, Texas Dept of Health and Human Services
CTD is using this policy forum to promote a more active role for public housing authorities in providing accessible, affordable, integrated housing.; Appointee, Institution to Community Coordination Pilot, Texas Rehabilitation Commission
CTD advocated for adoption by TRC of a plan to address the movement of people with disabilities out of institutions into the community, including the purchase of relocation services and strategies to provide service “bridges” while in the process of transferring out of institutions.; Appointee, New Accessibility Standards Task Force, Texas Dept of Licensing and Regulation
CTD is reviewing proposed changes in the state’s accessibility codes.; Invitee, Architectural Barriers Focus Group, Texas Dept of Licensing and Regulation
CTD participated in identifying areas of concern in the architectural barriers program.; Appointee, Weatherization Policy Advisory Council, Texas Dept of Housing & Community Affairs
CTD reviews the state plan to ensure that people with disabilities are a target group for this free home weatherization program. Convinced weatherization providers to offer training on interacting with people with disabilities at their next state meeting.; Appointee, HR 3295 Help America Vote Act Advisory Committee, Office of the Secretary of State.
CTD is working with the Office of the Secretary of State on drafting rules to implement this federal legislation, which has provisions regarding accessible voting and secret ballot for all Texans with disabilities. CTD has submitted substantive comments that ensure that Texans with disabilities may vote freely and privately.; Invited Presenter, Secretary of State Election Law Seminar
“Polling Place Accessibility” to 300+ county judges and election officials.; Appointee, Advisory Council, SB 95 Evaluation of Personal Attendant Training Programs, Department of Human Services
CTD provides pilot project grantees across the state with technical assistance, support, and procedural guidelines for systems change goals affecting three community care projects.; Appointee, SB1586 Consumer Directed Services Committee
CTD promotes that people with disabilities control the recruitment, hiring, management, and firing of their personal assistants. Expansion of consumer directed services, including durable medical equipment and respite care are a part. The committee makes recommendation directly to the Legislature.; Invitee, Mental Health in the Community Round Table, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health
CTD sat with law enforcement, judges, and community leaders to develop a response to high profile incidents between police and local law enforcement.; Appointee, Goodwill Central Texas Community Advisory Council
CTD advises on state advocacy issues related to employment of people with disabilities.; Appointee, State Self-Determination Policy Planning Group
CTD works to develop a blueprint for systems change so that people with disabilities may have more independence and control in their community living situation.
CTD Member placements:: Appointee, Architectural Barriers Adv. Committee, Texas Dept. of Licensing and Registration; Gubernatorial Appointee, Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities; Appointee, SB1586 Consumer Directed Services; Appointee, Rehab Council of Texas, DARS; Appointee, Board of Directors, Advocacy, Inc.; Appointee, Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities; Appointee, Relay Texas Advisory Board

Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

Texas PHA Project:

This project provides training and technical assistance to Public Housing Authorities in Texas to increase integrated housing for people with disabilities, especially those individuals moving from institutions. Presentations included the conference of the National Association of Housing Resource Officials.

People with Disabilities and the Criminal Justice System:

CTD trained the Travis County District Attorney’s staff on interacting with witnesses, perpetrators and crime victims with disabilities.

"Team Everest '03: Shattering Stereotypes on Mt. Everest" Released:

This 19 minute documentary chronicles how Team Everest twice made history: first becoming the largest cross-disability group to reach Mt. Everest Base Camp at 17,500 feet, then Expedition Leader Gary Guller becoming the first person with one arm to summit Mt. Everest at a dizzying 29,000+ ft!

Team Everest: Public Awareness of the Potential of People with Disabilities:

CTD developed a multimedia presentation on Team Everest that was given ten times this year. The presentations featured slides, video and first hand accounts by Gary Guller of the internationally recognized expedition. Presentations included the Inclusion Works! conference, the state independent living conference and the National Barristers Convention.

Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival:

CTD created what is believed to be the first Texas film festival focusing on people with disabilities. Using the media of film, CTD showed how cinema has reflected the changing societal role of people with disabilities. CTD recovered a copy of an 1898 short by Thomas Edison called "The Fake Beggar", considered the first movie portrayal of disability. Long thought to be lost, this 45 second film was publicly screened for the first time in over 100 years. Nationally known filmmaker Tim McCanlies spoke at the festival. The film festival received substantial coverage in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV.

Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP):

For the last five years CTD has operated outreach, providing financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, so that they may purchase specialized telephone equipment at no cost to them.

HAVA-Help America Vote Act

CTD developed and conducted 10+ trainings on the new federal law that makes is easier than ever for voters with disabilities to participate in this basic right.

Advocacy workshops were delivered in Sherman and the state independent living conference and an advocacy presentation was given in El Paso. CTD was a sponsor of the 2 “Opportunity Knocks” advocacy/public relations workshops in Dallas and Houston.

Youth Leadership Projects: the Kenny Murgia Memorial Scholarship and the CTD Internship Program:

CTD awards the Kenny Murgia scholarship annually to one high school senior with a disability whose leadership skills have enhanced the lives of people with disabilities in their community.

This year’s winner is Mario Gonzales Jr., a young man with epilepsy from Pasadena. Mario is a freshman at Texas A&M.

CTD also offers young people with disabilities the opportunity to intern at CTD offices in Austin, TX. This year’s intern is William Greer, who graduated from college with a degree in political science. William’s successful internship will turn into a part-time job with CTD in January 2005.

Improving Accessibility to the Austin City Limits Music Festival

The nationally known music festival is held in a park and generally has good accessibility once inside the grounds. Getting to the front gate was the problem. CTD worked with Austin City Limits to redesign the transportation access so that people with disabilities can enter with out having to deal with ditches and slopes.

Information and Referral

Each year CTD provides hundreds of Texans with disabilities information and referral services relating to financial, legal, housing, transportation, accessibility and employment issues.

Awards

* Team Everest was the big winner at the 2003 Barbara Jordan Media Awards "for excellence in the communication of the reality of disabled people". Three awards were won, for Photojournalism, News Articles and Special Contributions by an Organization. These awards recognized the extensive positive media garnered by Team Everest.

* CTD received the Partnership Award from the Austin Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. * CTD’s Livable Communities cooperation with AARP was recognized as one of the “20 Texas Accomplishments to Celebrate in 2003” by the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities.

2003 Annual Report

I. Direct Legislative Advocacy: CTD and the 78th Legislature

2003 was a very difficult year for Texans with disabilities. The dominant issue was the state budget. Facing a shortfall of $10 billion, the state's elected leadership chose not to seek a balance of revenue increases and spending cuts, as many other states have done, but rather chose to balance the budget entirely with spending cuts.

Funding for health and human services, including services for people with disabilities, was targeted for major cuts. The first budget passed by the House eliminated community services for 85,000 current recipients. By the end of the session, almost all of those individuals were restored, largely in response to round-the-clock advocacy. Attached is the 2003 Legislative Report of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities. CTD was actively involved in all the issues listed. Our role and the organizations with which we partnered are identified. You'll see a number of issues including CTD's effort to recover lost ADA civil rights. We raised issues, won some, and lost others. Committee chairs scheduled hearings at 7 a.m., late into the evening, on weekends and even on ice days when central Texas roads were undrivable. CTD was there for Texans with disabilities, working for you. CTD efforts included:

Testimony at public hearings
Direct contacts to legislative offices
Supplying language for legislation
Written position papers distributed to the Legislature
Media interviews
Collaborative coordination on three statewide teleconferences. Participants received up-to-the minute legislative information and had opportunities to seek specific guidance and disability related expertise from CTD and other conference speakers.
Collaborative organization of two legislative rallies at the state capital, drawing hundreds of individuals from across the state. Forged new partnerships with the state employees, mental health advocates, and senior citizens' organizations. CTD's Collaborative "Capital Day" Rally and press conference in February, and "No Budget Cuts Day" in May received media coverage from local English and Spanish radio, newspaper, and television stations.
CTD instituted a statewide "Action Alert" listserv via Texas independent living centers, disseminating important legislatively-related information, allowing for immediate action from all across the state.

II. Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work

CTD worked on strategies to strengthen the framework of disability advocacy. The strategies were not issue-specific, but rather designed to improve resources for any ongoing policy issues.

Political Leaders to CTD: CTD's Sept 2002 Convention drew top-of-the-ballot Democrats, U.S. Senate candidate Ron Kirk and Gubernatorial candidate Tony Sanchez, as well as a personalized video message from Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Community First Coalition: Working with ADAPT and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, CTD convened Community First, specifically for legislative coordination and collective advocacy. A highly successful Candidate Survey received statewide media attention. Over 30 candidates responded to this disabilities issues survey, with answers published side-by-side and distributed electronically.

Leveraging Mt. Everest: CTD succeeded in inserting awareness of disability issues into the extensive media coverage of the Team Everest '03 expedition. Several news articles noted the fight to keep basic human services in the Legislature. One called attention to the thousands projected to lose services in the first House budget. Another reported on the sit-in at the governor's office. "On a Roll", a nationally syndicated radio show, did an hour-long interview program on public leadership that can get behind a disabilities expedition while simultaneously pushing to cut the services that permit people with disabilities to conduct daily activities. E-mail dispatches from Nepal almost always included specific reference to current issues. Lastly, CTD was able to leverage an invitation by the governor into a direct, private conversation on the restoration of attendant care cuts.

New and Diverse Partners: AARP, the Texas Forestry Association, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Santos Alliances, American Electronics Association, Provan and Associates, Texas State Employees Union, State Bar of Texas

Continuing On: Several legislative issues, including budget cuts, reorganization of health and human services agencies, accessibility and ADA erosion are demanding ongoing work and advocacy.

III. CTD Appointments/Affiliations

Gubernatorial appointee, The State Independent Living Council (SILC): CTD is working to increase SILC involvement in policy education and advocacy and take a proactive stance in planning the long term future of independent living services in Texas.

Medicaid Buy-In Workgroup, Texas Department of Health and Human Services: CTD advocates for a user-friendly system to allow people with disabilities to enter the workforce without loss of critical Medicaid coverage.

Appointee, SB 367 Housing Task Force, Texas Dept of Health and Human Services: CTD is using this policy forum to promote a more active role for public housing authorities in providing accessible, affordable, integrated housing.

Appointee, Independence Initiatives Advisory Board, Texas Rehabilitation Commission: CTD advocated for adoption by TRC of a plan to address the movement of people with disabilities out of institutions into the community, including the training of people with disabilities to work as personal assistants and strategies to provide service "bridges" while in the process of transferring out of institutions.

Appointee, New Accessibility Standards Task Force, Texas Dept of Licensing and Regulation: CTD is reviewing proposed changes in the state's accessibility codes.

Appointee, Weatherization Policy Advisory Council, Texas Dept of Housing & Community Affairs: CTD reviews the state plan to ensure that people with disabilities are a target group for this free home weatherization program.

Appointee, HR 3295 Help America Vote Act Advisory Committee, Office of the Secretary of State: CTD is working with the Office of the Secretary of State on drafting rules to implement this federal legislation, which has provisions regarding accessible voting and secret ballot for all Texans with disabilities. CTD has submitted substantive comments that ensure that Texans with disabilities may vote freely and privately.

Appointee, Violence Against Women Prevention Advisory Council, Texas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Because women with disabilities are disproportionately affected by violence, it is especially important that they have a voice at the table as the state seeks to develop strategies to make the prevention of violence against women a public health priority.

Appointee, Advisory Council, SB 95 Evaluation of Personal Attendant Training Programs, Department of Human Services: CTD provides pilot project grantees across the state with technical assistance, support, and procedural guidelines for systems change goals affecting three community care projects.

Appointee, SB1586 Consumer Directed Services Committee: CTD promotes that people with disabilities control the recruitment, hiring, management, and firing of their personal assistants. The committee makes recommendation directly to the Legislature.

Chair, Statewide Grassroots Building Advocacy Committee, Disability Policy Consortium: CTD is working with a number of diverse disability organizations in an effort to stimulate individual level advocacy efforts while acknowledging the changing legislative landscape of budget challenges and varying leadership priorities.

IV. Other Projects and Programs

Biennial Report to 78th Legislature: CTD conducted extensive research and synthesized existing data for "PAS, Present and Future: An analysis of the need for and availability of Personal Assistance Services in Texas and the United States." The report provided lawmakers with crucial information concerning the importance of adequate personal attendant services for people with disabilities.

Texas PHA Project: This project provides training and technical assistance to Public Housing Authorities in Texas to increase integrated housing for people with disabilities, especially those individuals moving from institutions.

<Team Everest '03: CTD's Team Everest '03 was arguably the highest profile disability event of 2003. As a result, we believe that potentially millions have radically changed the way they perceive individuals with disabilities. A recent media search disclosed over 100 state and national newspaper and magazine articles, plus numerous state, local and national TV reports plus international coverage in Nepal, China, Canada and Europe. Team Everest '03 twice made history: first becoming the largest cross-disability group to reach Mt. Everest Base Camp at 17,500 feet, then Expedition leader Gary Guller becoming the first person with one arm to summit Mt. Everest at a dizzying 29,000+ ft! The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities awarded CTD the 2002 Barbara Jordan Media Award "for excellence in the communication of the reality of disabled people".

Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program: CTD operated outreach in over 100 Texas counties, providing financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, so that they could purchase specialized telephone equipment. During the course of these grants CTD's combined outreach and telecommunications assistance reached over 750,000 individuals in the state.

Youth Leadership Projects: the Kenny Murgia Memorial Scholarship and the CTD Internship Program: CTD awards the Kenny Murgia scholarship annually to one high school senior with a disability whose leadership skills have enhanced the lives of people with disabilities in their community. This year's winner is Michael Beukencamp, a young man with blindness from Amarillo.

CTD also offers students with disabilities the opportunity to intern at CTD offices in Austin, TX. CTD's Summer 2003 intern recently graduated from college with a degree in political science. Michelle, an individual with Myasthenia Gravis, is currently pursuing her dream of teaching junior high in the Valley.

V. Individual Level Advocacy

Mrs. Fair: Reconnection An Austin area man feared for his elderly mother's well being. She enjoyed living independently, but never answered the phone, which worried family members living some distance away. CTD helped the mother apply for a free amplified telephone, then installed a loaner telephone until she received her own. Now Mrs. Fair can hear the phone ring and has a vital lifeline in the event of an emergency.

Mr. Thompson: Staying Independent After a stroke and Alzheimer's disease left Mr. Thompson unable to continue working, he began to receive social security disability insurance (SSDI). Though small, these checks kept Mr. Thompson independent in a small apartment. Due to a complicated procedural error, Mr. Thompson received notice from the Social Security Administration that his benefits would be greatly reduced. CTD assisted Mr. Thompson through a lengthy and complicated appeals process at both the agency and administrative judge levels. Mr. Thompson credits CTD's determination for helping him make it through an 18 month ordeal.

Mr. Gonzalez: Rolling Again On an infrequent shopping trip to a large department store, Mr. Gonzalez' power wheelchair became tangled in a rack of hanging clothes. Finally breaking loose, he crashed into a wall, shattering the battery housing on his chair. The store refused to pay for the repair, leaving Mr. Gonzalez confined to home. After CTD intervened with corporate headquarters, the store committed to fully repair the chair.

Information and ReferralIn addition to providing intensive individual level advocacy for individuals needing assistance, each year CTD provides hundreds of Texans with disabilities information and referral services relating to financial, legal, housing, transportation accessibility and employment issues.

What People Say About CTD

Yoshiko and I are proud to be life members of CTD. CTD has made monumental contributions to the quality of life in Texas – fighting to liberate Texans with disabilities from nursing homes, institutions, welfare, and backroom poverty. It is one of the best coalitions of any type in the world. We urge you to join.

The late Justin Dart, Jr., known as “the father of the ADA” – Nov. 2001

As a parent of a child with disabilities, I greatly appreciate the work of CTD. Their tireless advocacy efforts have done much to promote opportunities for children with disabilities to live in families with the supports they need to meet their potential. Thanks CTD!

Colleen Horton, Austin,

You remind us that society should never place limits on the ability of the human mind or the potential of the human spirit.

The Honorable Rick Perry, Texas Governor

I wish to extend to you, the board and all of the members my most sincere thanks for an absolutely excellent convention. I learned more about what is happening in Texas and ways in which I can engage both cognitively and politically in 2 ½ days than I have learned in the past three years!

Dr. Elaine King Miller, Amarillo, TX

I appreciate the tremendous positive difference you are making in our great state! I welcome your good advice and wise counsel at any time. Please let me know if I can ever be of assistance. Thanks for all that you do for Texas.

Carole Keeton Strayhorn, Texas Comptroller

Thank you for giving my daughter the opportunity to participate at the CTD conference and submit her resolution. She was very excited about it, and I was so proud of her taking her first steps in the advocacy world.

Laila Kawar, mother of Rasha, a nine year old with cerebral palsy, Coppell, TX

CTD does a great job advocating for laws that benefit people with disabilities.

Linda Pickle, CTD President, Houston, TX

I look forward to our continued productive working relationship. Feel free to contact me whenever I can be of assistance.

Senator Judith Zaffirini

I congratulate (CTD) on your outstanding expedition to Mt. Everest by a team of people with disabilities. The participants’ determination helps to dispel the myth that a disability is a barrier to personal achievement.

Lynn Swann, Pro Football Hall-of-Famer and Chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

HB 3484 Delisi Medicaid study for working people

2003 Legislative Report
BILL & SPONSORS	CTD’S ROLE/ partners	WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
HB1/SB1 (budget bill)Funding for community services	CTD testimonies, letter writing, direct visits with legislative offices, one of lead organizers of Capitol Day of advocacy, panel member of 3 state teleconferences, convened roundtable of state advocates, instituted CIL list serve on issues Partners: all disability advocacy organizations	Cuts to community services. No reduction of wait lists. Potential cut in attendant care hours for current clients. Elimination of eyeglasses, hearing aids, mental health counseling for adults on Medicaid. Elimination of MH In-Home and Family Support. What did we accomplish? In an environment with a $10 billion budget shortfall and no revenue increase, CTD and all disability advocates worked to improve the first budget as passed by the House, which would’ve cut 85,000 people off of community services. It is estimated that our collective efforts saved almost all of these individuals from losing services. We also raised questions on the high cost of MHMR institutions, resulting in a mandated study on facility closures. Next Steps: CTD is actively advocating for use of last-minute federal monies to restore proposed cuts in attendant care. CTD is facilitating a media campaign featuring stories of real people suffering from budget cuts.
HB1/SB1 (budget bill) DHS Rider 28 for money to follow the individual from an institution to community based services	CTD involved in drafting legislation to codify the rider, testimony. Partners: Advocacy Inc., ADAPT, Center for Disability Studies, other disability organizations	Originally passed as a budget rider in 2001, this promoting independence initiative would have expired in 2003. CTD worked on legislation to make the transfer of funds from the institutional budget to the community services budget permanent and to extend the practice to persons leaving MHMR facilities. Though the legislation did not pass, a new rider to extend current practice was adopted.
HB1/SB1(budget bill) Family-based alternatives	CTD testimonies, visits to legislative offices. Partners: Center for Disability Studies, Advocacy Inc., ADAPT	This program helps kids in institutions move to alternative family settings and did not receive line item funding. Next Steps: CTD is actively advocating for use of last-minute federal monies to restore funding.
HB 3188 Uresti/ Hinojosa ADA rights	CTD originated and wrote bill and was primary advocate. Partner: Santos Alliances	NOT PASSED This bill would have held the State of Texas accountable for violations of the ADA Passed as an amendment in the Senate, it died in the House. Next Steps Considered an extremely difficult bill to pass in a legislative session that restricted legal options, CTD succeeded in publicizing this little-known issue and enlisted key supporters for a bill in 2005.
HB 1784 McReynolds/West Parking bill	CTD originated and wrote bill and was primary advocate.	PASSED it is illegal to park in a striped access aisle next to a handicapped parking space.
HB 2292 Wohlgemuth/Nelson Reorganization of health and human services agencies	CTD testimonies, letter writing, direct visits with legislative offices, one of lead organizers of rally at Capitol Partners: all disability organizations	The full impact of this huge bill is not yet understood. It reorganizes 12 state agencies into 5, makes it more difficult to get prescriptions, reduces the CHIP program, cuts some mental health services, encourages cost-sharing. Many advisory committees, which have allowed for consumer input into policy and practice decisions, have been eliminated. The bill was going to pass and most advocates sought to negotiate changes. Next Steps CTD and disability organizations are advocating the governor to appoint a consumer representative to the Transition Council which will oversee the reorganization.
HB 1330 McReynolds/Staples Driver's License bill	CTD supplied language to the bill and was primary advocate. Partner: Texas Forestry Association	PASSED Allows a person to voluntarily disclose a disability or chronic illness via a code on a driver’s license. Law enforcement officers will be able to scan the license to learn of a communication disability and avoid misunderstandings.
CTD on design team, supporting advocate Partners: Texas Assn. of Goodwills Advocacy Inc., Center for Disability Studies, Multiple Sclerosis Society, DD Council	PASSED Establishes a work group on health care options for people with disabilities who become employed.
SB 1115/HB 2765 Shapleigh/Dukes Technology access clause	CTD negotiated language change to recover accessibility requirements Partners: American Electronics Assn., Motorola	PASSED Restored accessibility (visual) requirement for state purchased wireless communications devices for all uses excepting peace officers, firefighters and EMS personnel.
HB 2479/SB 990 Olivo/Armbrister State school admissions	Opposed by CTD by testimony, media interviews, legislative office visits Partners: ARC of Texas, ADAPT, Advocacy Inc.	NOT PASSED This bill would have promoted the institutional bias at MHMR by easing admission standards and requiring that only state school information be provided to families.
HB 2707/SB 1548 Dawson/Janek School confinement of kids with disabilities	Opposed by CTD by testimony and visits to legislative offices. Partners:Center for Disability Studies, Advocacy Inc.	PASSED WITH CHANGES Advocates prevented the relaxing of regulations on confinement of students with disabilities.
SB 153 Zaffirini Consumer-directed services	CTD is a member of the current committee on consumer-directed services.	PASSED Previously known as the voucher and vendor fiscal intermediary work groups, this bill extends the work group until 2007. Originally, its scope was consumer-directed. The bill allows the development of policy and practice recommendations beyond PAS to other services, such as durable medical equipment.
Architectural barriers clause in SB283/HB1790	Supported by CTD with testimony, letter writing Partner: Texas Society of Architects	CTD supported a reduction in the square footage in construction projects that would require the services of an architect. Architects have added training and continuing education in accessibility and can be held accountable for their work. The clause was strongly opposed by designers without architect certification and deleted in the final bill. Next Steps: CTD serves on the New Accessibility Standards Task Force of the Texas Dept. of Licensing & Regulation and will continue to promote ways to improve accessibility and remove architectural barriers.
HB 4/HJR 3 Nixon Lawsuit reform	Opposed by CTD in letter writing Partners: Numerous consumer organizations	This legislation puts cap on damages to injured parties and restricts access to jury trials and class action lawsuits. Would allow irresponsible nursing homes, hospitals and medical professionals to more easily get away with abusive behavior and neglect. Next Steps: To be enacted, HJR 3 must be approved by voters as Proposition 12 in an election on September 13, 2003 CTD has signed on with Texas Watch to educate voters

CTD Annual Reports

Fall 2006 - Summer 2007

I. Advocacy: 2007 Texas Legislative Session and More

Major Advocacy Project: State Services Privatization:

Major Advocacy Project: Protecting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work

IV. CTD Appointments/Affiliations

CTD Member placements:

IV. Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

Raising the Vote of the Community of People with Disabilities

Awards:

Fall 2006 - Summer 2007

Fall 2005 - Summer 2006

I. Advocacy: All Year, Every Year

Major Advocacy Project: State Services Privatization:

Major Advocacy Project: Protecting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Advocacy: Futile Care: Don't Pull the Plug

Advocacy: Keeping the Ride with Texas Mobility Dealers:

Advocacy: Fighting for Accessible Voting

Advocacy: Medicaid Estate Recovery: Correcting Communications

Advocacy: Expanding the Preferred Drug List

II. Raising the Vote of the Community of People with Disabilities

III. Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work

IV. CTD Appointments/Affiliations

Staff placements

Gubernatorial appointee, The State Independent Living Centers (SILC) Board

HHSC Executive Commissioner Appointee, Promoting Independence Advisory Council

Appointee, Consumer Directed Services Workgroup

Member, SB1055 Workgroup on Personal Assistance Services

Appointee, HR 3295 Help America Vote Act Advisory Committee, Office of the Secretary of State.

Member, DADS Service Delivery System Design Project

Appointee, Advisory Council, SB 95 Evaluation of Personal Attendant Training Programs

Waiting List Stakeholders

Member, DADS Commissioner Candidate Forum

V. Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

Awards:

2005 Annual Report

Fall 2004- Summer 2005

Advocacy: 2005 Texas Legislative Session and more

Major Advocacy Project: State Services Privatization

II. Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work

Political Leaders to CTD:

III. CTD Appointments/Affiliations

IV. Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

2004 Annual Report

Fall 2003- Summer 2004

Advocacy: Community Services, the ADA and more

Major Advocacy Project: Community Cuts Restored: Advocacy Success Reinstates Attendant Care for 100,000 Texans

Major Advocacy Project: Progress on Protecting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Housing for People Leaving Nursing Homes

Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work

III. CTD Appointments/Affiliations

Public Awareness, Other Projects, Programs and Awards

Texas PHA Project:

People with Disabilities and the Criminal Justice System:

"Team Everest '03: Shattering Stereotypes on Mt. Everest" Released:

Team Everest: Public Awareness of the Potential of People with Disabilities:

Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival:

Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP):

HAVA-Help America Vote Act

Youth Leadership Projects: the Kenny Murgia Memorial Scholarship and the CTD Internship Program:

Improving Accessibility to the Austin City Limits Music Festival

Information and Referral

Awards

2003 Annual Report

I. Direct Legislative Advocacy: CTD and the 78th Legislature

II. Strengthening the Foundation of CTD Public Policy Work

III. CTD Appointments/Affiliations

IV. Other Projects and Programs

V. Individual Level Advocacy

What People Say About CTD

2003 Legislative Report

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