National Disability Rights Network

It takes a special person to put in the heavy lifting work behind the scenes to makes advocacy happen.

For decades, Kenneth Shiotani has worked zealously to make transportation, housing and community life more accessible for people with disabilities. Over the years, Ken has been known to many as NDRN’s resident “train guy.” In this capacity, he helped advance critical conversations about transportation barriers.

As an expert on all things ADA, Ken has advanced the disability rights movement through his contributions in legal, policy and coalition-building work. He coordinated countless Amicus Briefs, authored investigative reports, and used his voice and expertise in the media, all in hopes of creating a more inclusive world.

Ken has consistently brought thoughtfulness, integrity and empathy to his work as an advocate for people with disabilities.

Congratulations and a great big thank you to Ken for his dedicated years of service!

The disability vote has power. One in 6 eligible voters have a disability. That’s over 40 million disabled voters. And nearly a third of all eligible voters either have a disability themselves or live with someone who does.

Voters with disabilities are part of every community and live in every county – including yours. That’s why we need you to Be an Accessible Democracy Defender.

How can you support the people in your community, especially those with disabilities?

🗳️ Remind a friend to register to vote and make a plan.
🗳️ Help someone navigate their voting options or review their ballot.
🗳️ Share accessible voting resources with your community.
🗳️ Report polling place barriers to the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

may be coming to an end, but the community action continues year-round. Keep taking action to make sure that everyone in your community can participate in elections.

Check your polling place for accessibility using this checklist from American Association of People with Disabilities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1htYpj-g1O_C2_ysVxrizyZurX41IDPGP36Z5NgoqHFg/edit?tab=t.0 =h.k5saer5qv6pd

Images adapted from the disAbility Law Center of Virginia 2026 Elections Report.

Voting is a right. But voters with disabilities are 3 times more likely to face barriers to accessing this right. Voting should be accessible to everyone.

Today, we’re myth busting some fictions about accessing your right to vote.

How can you make sure your vote counts?

✅ Register early & verify your info
✅ Plan your voting method (early, mail-in, or in-person)
✅ Bring help if needed
✅ Report barriers to access

Knowledge is power. Know your rights and don’t be afraid to self-advocate if your needs aren’t being met. Remember: it’s your right to demand equal access on election day.

📞 Have questions or need help? Call the Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

Learn more about voting with a disability: https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/disability

Many people feel defeated right now. But we can make decisions to protect and improve our community, especially on the local and state levels.

Voting isn’t just about candidates. When we vote, we can unlock:

💳 Public assistance
🚊 Transportation access
🏠 Housing opportunities
🏥 Access to healthcare
💼 Employment rights

And all of that starts with registering to vote.

As many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote or are unsure of their registration status. And in 2022, nearly 50% of eligible voters with disabilities did not turn out to vote.

Be part of the solution: get your community on today.

Register to vote or check your registration: https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/register-to-vote/

National Voter Registration Day

When we vote, we make decisions that impact the lives of everyone around us. But many people with disabilities can’t participate in making these decisions. Inaccessibility makes it difficult, and sometimes impossible, for disabled people to cast their vote.

That’s why we’re joining American Association of People with Disabilities in , a cross-disability, cross-movement week of nonpartisan action and celebration. Join us in becoming an Accessible Democracy Defender.

❓ What does it mean to Be an Accessible Democracy Defender?
💬 It means advocating for accessibility, celebrating your community, and building power with your neighbors.

❓ Why Be an Accessible Democracy Defender?
💬 Our communities are stronger when everyone can participate. Accessibility makes participation possible. And accessibility is everyone’s responsibility.

❓ How can you Be an Accessible Democracy Defender?
🗳️ Register to vote - and make a voting plan.
🗳️ Report accessibility barriers at your local polling places.
🗳️ Help a friend register and make a plan to vote!

We’ll be sharing resources all week so you can take action to make sure that everyone in your community can participate in elections.

We’re hiring! Are you our new Chief Operating Officer?

Our national team is growing, and we’re on the lookout for passionate, advocacy-minded individuals. 🔍

As COO, you’ll set NDRN’s strategic goals with the CEO, help NDRN measure our impact, and empower NDRN to advance disability rights nationwide.

More details:
📍 Location: Hybrid (DMV area)
💼 Qualifications: 10+ years of work experience
💰 Salary range: $190,000 - $200,000

🔗 Explore the listing and apply today: https://www.ndrn.org/about/careers/

Talking about su***de isn’t harmful – silence is. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, and no one should face them alone.

People with disabilities are at least twice as likely to have thoughts of su***de than those without disabilities. But many providers don’t take disabled people’s concerns about mental health seriously.

Su***de is preventable. Isolation, shame, and forced hospitalization are not the answers. Prevention begins with community care, informed consent, and supported decision-making.

If you are having thoughts of su***de, remember:

❤️‍🩹 You are not alone.
❤️‍🩹 Suicidal thoughts are not your fault.
❤️‍🩹 You have the right to make decisions about your care.

We’re always looking for more resources to share. If you have more su***de prevention resources, don’t hesitate to share them with us.

Featuring messaging, data, and resources from:
NAMI
Project LETS
American Foundation for Su***de Prevention
Center for Public Representation

***dePreventionDay

Video games are a valuable way to tell stories. That’s why disability representation in games is so important. They're a powerful way for anyone, but especially young people, to learn about other people’s experiences.

To celebrate Video Game Day, we’re spotlighting some games featuring people with disabilities. 🎮

The games on this list include representation from across the disability community: physical disabilities, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and mental health conditions.

Like books, games can be:
🪞 a mirror to reflect disabled players’ identities, or
🪟 a window for non-disabled players to learn about disabled experiences.

We’re grateful for developers creating games that feature diverse stories about people with disabilities.

Learn about accessibility in video games: https://gameaccessibilityguidelines.com/

See adaptive technology for disabled gamers from TechOwl in action: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbJlWJEApiB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsi=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Featuring games by:
Freebird Games (To the Moon)
Extremely OK Games (Celeste)
Witchbeam Games (Unpacking)
Tea is for Toby (PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE)