Sometimes we say it with statistics: One quarter of Americans, many millions of Texans, live with a disability.
Sometimes we seek to tug at heartstrings, telling stories of overcoming obstacles – of the inspiration that we gain from learning about someone else's experience.
Some people live with disabilities their whole lives. Others find themselves navigating life differently after illness or injury.
Encompassing the wide array of these experiences in just one program would be impossible. That's why Texas Standard is treating The State of Disability in Texas as the kickoff of our yearlong commitment to featuring the voices of and covering the topics important to disabled Texans.
And we want to hear from you. What stories should we tell? Which Texans should we celebrate? Explore The State of Disability in Texas below, and let us know what's on your mind.
- 'We're slowly getting there:' The legal landscape around disability rights in Texas Experts weigh in on where things stand after the 2023 legislative session.
- Baylor program breaks new ground in autism treatment by focusing on sibling relationships Parents often act as caregivers for their children. But when it comes to those who require lifelong assistance, a big question emerges: Who will take on this role in the later years?
- Lack of transportation options limits opportunities for people with disabilities Those living in rural areas have an especially difficult time accessing transit.
- 'We can still do great things that other people can do,' says young novelist Holly Foster, a 10-year-old born with congenital muscular dystrophy, has written her debut novel, 'Camp Misty Woods.'
- Audio description for dance brings movement, emotion to visually impaired audiences The practice is a verbal translation of visual information.
- 'Often the disabilities are invisible' for long COVID patients experiencing a range of symptoms Seventeen percent of Texas adults have experienced or are currently experiencing long COVID, according to a recent CDC survey.