Disability News - July 11, 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.
Mapping Disabled Americans’ Access to Democracy by Casey Doherty and Mia Ives-Rublee on July 9, 2026 at the Center for American Progress
"A wave of restrictive voting laws and regulations proposed or enacted in recent years has only exacerbated these barriers to voting. Between 2021 and 2024, states passed a total of 79 restrictive voting laws, including measures in Texas and Georgia that limit who may assist disabled and older adult voters with completing and returning their ballots. And federally, the Trump administration is increasing barriers to voting through executive action, administrative changes, and legislation—including by requiring proof of citizenship to obtain a mail-in ballot. Disabled voters are disproportionately affected by these restrictive policies because many rely on mail-in ballots due to the barriers they may face voting in person."
Lawsuit Accuses ICE and Private Prison Contractors of Abusing a Disabled Detainee by Julia Métraux at Mother Jones
"During Peña López’s transfer to California City Detention Center last August, the lawsuit says, “detention staff denied Ulises timely administration of his daily medication, violated his disability rights, and subjected him to unnecessarily harsh conditions,” such as not getting adequate medical care. At the facility operated by CoreCivic, Peña López also struggled to get his medications. As a result, Peña López’s health worsened before he was deported."
Families Across US Are Suffering From the Fallout of GOP’s 2025 Megabill by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities on July 4, 2026 at TruthOut
"Already, the law is raising costs for families and taking away health coverage, food assistance, and other essentials from people who are already struggling to afford to meet their basic needs — all while showering more tax breaks on the wealthiest households and funding a violent immigration detention and deportation agenda."
In private call, Education Dept. tried, but failed, to reassure disability advocates by Jonaki Mehta on July 9, 2026 at NPR
"While department officials have been pitching this move as a way to streamline federal bureaucracy in education, advocates think it is doing the opposite. "This proposal appears to add another layer of bureaucracy while creating additional confusion and uncertainty for families, educators, and state agencies," says Denise Marshall, CEO of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)."
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