Disability News - February 21, 2026
Editor's Note: The disability community is increasingly preferring to use identity-first language (disabled person) in place of person-first language (person with a disability). This is because many in the community view disability as being a core component of identity, much like race and gender. Some members of the community, such as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, still prefer person-first language. Both should be considered valid. Articles shared in this newsletter may contain one or the other (or both) depending on the author's preference, and if they themselves have a disability.
Immigrant Rights are Disability Rights: ICE & Law Enforcement Violence Must End posted by Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund on February 18, 2026
"The cruel treatment of our disabled and non-disabled Black, brown and immigrant community members by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents and law enforcement is an outrage. The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) expresses solidarity with those impacted, including those who receive caregiving services from immigrants."
DHS Axed Its Civil Rights Staff—And Opened the Door to a Major Lawsuit by Julia Métraux on February 18, 2026 at Mother Jones
"The agency is now barely pretending to follow disability law. Its former civil rights head says that makes ICE vulnerable."
Ed Department Dismissed 90% Of Civil Rights Complaints Alarming Disability Advocates by Michelle Diament on February 20, 2026 at the Disability Scoop
"The Office for Civil Rights has traditionally served as a key resource for families who can file complaints if their children with disabilities experience discrimination at school. The office can investigate claims related to accessibility of buildings, classrooms and playgrounds as well as exclusionary discipline, testing accommodations, harassment and much more."
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