Protecting and Advocating for the Rights of Texans with Disabilities Since 1977
pumpkins, fall leaves, scattered around border, text says, "thank you"
November 2021 Newsletter:
The All in Y'all

DRTx started a new tradition a few years ago. We begin the giving season by giving thanks to all of you who work alongside us to protect and advance the rights of Texans with disabilities.

This year our theme is "The All In Y'all" because so many have worked in partnership with us to ensure all Texans with disabilities have equal access to all parts of life. It's because of "you all" that we are creating a more accessible Texas. You put the all in y'all.
Our Clients
“It is an honor to be able to serve the people of Texas and advocate for their disability rights,” said Dustin Rynders, DRTx Supervising Attorney. “We thank them for trusting us to help them in some of the most important aspects of their lives.”
Our Financial Supporters
“Because of the support of generous individual donors as well as federal and state funders, DRTx is able to provide legal services that protect the rights of children and adults with disabilities," said Karina Pichardo, parent of one of our child clients."They helped my family and thousands others like mine every year. Thank you to all of you who financially support their work.”
Our Board of Directors
Our dedicated Board of Directors have the critical role of governing our work. They give many hours of their own personal time to attend meetings, participate in committees, and review and approve organizational initiatives and budgets. “Our Board’s vision, expertise, compassion, and generosity are critical to our agency's success,” said Mary Faithfull, DRTx Executive Director. “We are grateful for the valuable knowledge and passion they bring to our organization.”
Our PAIMI Advisory Council
Our Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council guides the agency in understanding the unique mental health advocacy needs of Texans. “The insight of our PAIMI Council is invaluable,” said Mary Faithfull, DRTx Executive Director. “Their input into our advocacy work helps us to remain focused on the most critical issues in our state. I am incredibly grateful to all of the Council members who served in the past year for the contributions they have made.”
Our Pro Bono Partners
“Pro bono attorneys are critical to our work,” said Richard LaVallo, Legal Director for DRTx. “Every year we receive more requests for our services that we can fulfill due to limited funding and staff. But private law firms who donate their time, pay for court costs, and provide legal expertise to our clients allow us to serve more people and make a bigger impact on the lives of Texans with disabilities. We thank them for their ongoing commitment and support.””
Our Nonprofit Partners
"Our partner organizations are a tremendous network of dedicated groups who work alongside us to fulfill our mission,” said Patty Anderson, Deputy Director for DRTx. “Some serve as co-counsel or plaintiffs on complaints and lawsuits. Many work with us to educate lawmakers about policies that impact people with disabilities. Others expand our public outreach by featuring our staff in webinars and trainings. Working together, we expand our ability to educate more people about their rights and our capacity to bring large scale changes that advance the rights of more Texans with disabilities.”
Our Law Clerks and Interns
During the summer months, the conference rooms and law libraries in our offices throughout the state are filled with law students. They work on important research projects, reports, and other activities that support our attorneys' casework.

“It’s exciting to see the next generation of disability rights lawyers rising up,” said Lia Sifuentes Davis, Litigation Attorney at DRTx who oversees the law clerks in the Austin office. “As a result of their time with us, our law clerks gain a solid background in disability rights and take that knowledge with them as they begin their legal careers, and some even return to work for us.”
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Take a few minutes to complete our community survey to let us know what issues you are current facing because of your disability. Your answers help us plan our work for the next few years and allow us to focus on what is most important to you.

Statewide Intake Line:
1.800.252.9108

Sign Language Video Intake Line:
1.866.362.2851

Purple Video Intake Line:
1-512-271-9391

If you can't call during our regular intake hours which are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. or can't get through due to high call volume, you can complete our online intake form available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
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.