CTD's Executive Director Dennis Borel watches on as finalist Brandon Rummel is interviewed by CBS 42 news.
Josh Tate’s “Forgotten Lives”, a documentary about the abuse of people with disabilities in state schools, took first place in the college division at the competition at CTD’s Fourth Annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival. Judge Chris Garcia, film critic for the Austin American-Statesman, called the film “truly eye opening and alarming”. Sergio Carvajal took 2nd place with “Los Ojos de Javier” and J. Anthony Hernandez placed third with “OMG Zombies.”
“Forgotten Lives” will have an official preview and panel discussion presented in cooperation with Community Now! on Sunday, November 25th at 7pm in the Texas Union Theatre on the University of Texas campus. Admission is free. For more information, or to set up a free screening and discussion where you live, please contact Community Now! at communitynowfreedom@gmail.com
In the secondary schools division, Brian Birdwell’s film about the life of a student at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, “Making Johnny’s Movie” took first prize. Though without vision, Johnny did all camera work and interviews in the film. Brandon Rummel’s “Beatle-Rama” was second and “Believe It. Live It.” by the Capitol Area Council Boy Scouts placed third. Judge and former Secretary of State Roger Williams said, “These conscientious young filmmakers raise disability issues that result in positive public awareness.”
The Festival received widespread media coverage, was standing-room-only both nights and also showcased a variety of short and feature films, highlighting the role of disability in film. CTD thanks our Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival community partners who made it possible:
| CORE Healthcare |
| KCL Foundation |
| Chevron | Superior Health Plan |
| Pfizer | Adaptive Driving Access |
| GSD&M | Amerigroup | Continental Batteries | Evercare |
| In Home Attendant Services | Enviromedia | Anonymous | JP Morgan Chase |
| Samson Investments | St. David’s Community Health Foundation | Touch of CLASS | Texas Society of Architects |
| Advanced Mobility Systems | Lift Aids | Leadership Austin, Class of 2006 | |
| Capital Area Dental Society | Goodwill Industries of Central Texas | Maxwell Locke & Ritter, LLP | Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities |
| Emeritus Assisted Living | Go 9 Media | Cirkiel & Associates | Victoria Ford |
| Vinson & Elkins, LLP | Arrowhead Films | Griffin Davis | Anonymous |
| St. David's Rehabilitation Hospital | Pets America | Molina Healthcare | |
| Tea Embassy | Travis Medical | Mikail Davenport | Northwest Hills Eye Care |
| BAH! Design | Trey Halbert | Lavaca Street Deli | Candice Carter |
| Dennis Borel | Joe Bill and DeDe Watkins | John Langmore | Rodney Hanneman & Chris Reyes |
| Maudie’s Tex Mex | Austin Film Society | Capital Metro | Hickory Street Bar & Grill |
| Vulcan Video | Scholz Garten | McDonalds | Spaghetti Warehouse |
| Austin Java | McCormick & Schmick’s | KOOP Radio | Uncle Billy's |
| VSA of Texas | |||
This proposed amendment would authorize the Legislature to exempt up to 100% of the ad valorem taxes on the homestead property of veterans with 100% or total disability resulting from military service. It would also apply to the surviving spouse and to surviving minor children. The proposition also authorizes a sliding scale of tax exemptions for veterans certified as partially disabled.
Problems with accessing polling places or casting ballots? Call Advocacy Inc. at 1-888-796-VOTE (1-888-796-8683). People with disabilities can also ask general questions about the voting process. Be sure to protect the voting rights of all Texans by reporting any difficulties.
CTD's Executive Director Dennis Borel and Bryson McCall Smith accepting award from Austin City Council Member Lee Leffingwell along with presenters Tanya Winters and William King Brown
The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), has received the prestigious media award from the Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities at the 28th Annual Disability Employment Awards for their role in the Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas event. CTD managed and promoted the tour nationwide through television, radio, internet, and print media.
As the winner of the Austin Mayor’s Media Award, CTD is automatically nominated for the statewide Barbara Jordan Award from the Office of Texas Governor Rick Perry.
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