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Protecting and Advocating for the Rights of Texans with Disabilities

satellite view of hurricane
Special Message Regarding Hurricane Laura
With Hurricane Laura predicted to strengthen and make landfall over the next few days, Southeast Texas coastal residents are bracing for high winds, tidal surges, flooding, and power outages that frequently result from storms of this intensity.
 
So we're sending some information to help you through this time. Even if you are not in the path of the current storm, Texas weather can bring similar situations anywhere in the state at any time, so it's always good to be ready.
 
If you are facing accessibility issues in the disaster due to your disability, please contact us. There is no charge for our services. Reach us in any of the following ways:
  • Call our Intake Line at 1-800-252-9108 (M-F, 9 am to 4 pm)
  • Call our Sign Language Video Intake Line at 1-866-362-2851 or Purple 2 Video Intake Line at 512-271-9391
  • Apply online 24/7 at intake.DRTx.org
  • Call our Disaster Hotline: 1-800-948-1824
In case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Also, visit the American Red Cross website for a list of shelters in your area. 
New Disaster and Disability Resource from DRTx

We've recently added a new resource to our website called Accessibility and Safety During and After a Disaster or Emergency that may answer many questions you have right now. It covers the following issues:
  • Accessible emergency and disaster communication with governments and other entities
  • Shelter accessibility and acceptance of service animals
  • Trouble filing for FEMA assistance because of inaccessibility of its system
How to Register for FEMA Assistance
  • Phone: Call 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-621-3362
  • Recovery Centers: Due to COVID-19, FEMA Region 6 leadership will make a determination whether to set up physical and/or virtual recovery centers. Visit FEMA's website at www.fema.gov or call the number above the latest information on locations as they become available and for other updates.
Resources to Help You with FEMA Registration

You can view and share these videos from FEMA to learn about FEMA's Individual Assistance Registration process:
Important Note about Question 24 on FEMA Registration

Please pay special attention to question number 24 about people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. Answer "yes" to this question if you have a disability, special needs, or another health or medical condition.
 
This is the best way to note any additional disability-related losses and/or needs such as medical support assistance, durable medical equipment repairs, or replacement of assistive technology that was lost or damaged as a result of the disaster. (Examples include wheelchair, scooter, walker, CPAP machine, hearing aids, eyeglasses, screen reader). 
 
This question will also help applicants identify other services for which they may be eligible to receive reimbursement. 
Please Stay Safe
Our thoughts are with those of you who are about to face this hurricane. Please follow guidance and precautions provided by emergency management authorities.  
Need Help?
If you are a Texan with a disability who believes your rights have been violated, please call us:
  • Statewide Intake Line: 1-800-252-9108
  • Sign Language Video Intake Line: 1-866-362-2851
  • Purple 2 Video Intake Line: 512-271-9391
Intake phone line hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Online Intake Available 24/7
Can't call during our regular intake hours or can't get through due to high call volume? Use our online intake form available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DRTX Quick Links
Our Website: www.DRTx.org
Disability Rights Texas (previously named Advocacy Inc.) is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency (P&A) for people with disabilities in Texas. Its mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. Visit www.DRTx.org for more information.