November 2023 Newsletter

School shouldn’t hurt

Thelma knew something was wrong when her happy little four-year-old boy started having nightmares, grinding his teeth, and experiencing meltdowns. She eventually learned that he and other students in his special education class were regularly being dragged, forced into chairs, and strapped down. She filed allegations of abuse with Child Protective Services which concluded no abuse took place.

Scared and frustrated, she called DRTx. We filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), arguing that the school failed to provide behavioral supports and unlawfully restrained him. TEA found in favor of Damian, and we were able to secure compensatory education services for him.

“I don’t want any more children to experience the trauma my son did,” said Thelma. “Texas needs to do more to protect our children.” She went on to work with other parents and organizations like DRTx to educate lawmakers on this issue. Texas legislators eventually passed a law this year to protect young children from dangerous restraints.

She can breathe again

For 33 years, Linda had taken care of herself and her four children. A few years ago she entered a mental health facility and was placed under guardianship. After recovering, she wanted to have the guardianship removed. After trying unsuccessfully for more than a year to contact the court and her court-appointed lawyer, she eventually contacted DRTx. We were able to represent her and get her rights restored.

“I feel like I can breathe again,” said Linda. “I have my freedom back. I have my family back.” DRTx continues to help others like Linda. We also educated Texas lawmakers in the past legislative session about people like her, and a new law passed that helps people with disabilities remove unnecessary guardianships that severely restrict their rights.