Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

New Disabled South is a tax-exempt nonprofit, exempt since 2022, that runs Dual: The True Cost of Care, Black Disability Institute, Care Webs and the Plain Language Policy Dashboard, and reported $2,159,529 in revenue for 2023.

Accessible Voting: Claim Your Voting Power

Eeoc Training

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Hello world!

Dom Kelly

Kehsi Iman Wilson

Amanda Miles

Alice Wong

Election Day is over and access was on the ballot all over the country. That's Amanda Miles, our Chief Development Officer, in her Access Is on the Ballot tee after voting in Georgia. We asked her what this election meant to her: "For me, this is about more than winning an election. It's about the millions of disabled people across the South whose lives are directly shaped by decisions made at the ballot box. Our access to healthcare, economic security, independence, and dignity are all on the line during elections. When more people show up and make their voices heard, it creates opportunity to build a democracy that includes all of us." Whatever yesterday looked like where you live, if you showed up, show us. Post a photo of how you did it (sticker, merch, a sign, your face) and tag @newdisabledsouth, or DM it to us, and you're entered to win every Access Is on the Ballot item in our store. Amanda works here, so she's not eligible. You probably are! Entries close Tuesday, November 10 at 11:59 PM Central. One winner, drawn at random, messaged from this account and only this account. We will never ask you for money or card details. Wear disability justice wherever you go. No purchase necessary. You don't have to vote to enter. US 18+. Full rules at the link in our bio. Not sponsored by or associated with Instagram or Meta.

Thank you, Virginia, for showing up at the polls and making it clear that disabled opinions matter. Last night's wins will not be enough for the more than 300,000 Virginians who face losing Medicaid coverage due to current laws. The next step is to help us increase the number of folks we can reach to provide services and resources in this increased time of need. Please give today!

Polls are open. Access is on the ballot. If you're voting today: hours vary by state, so check yours before you go. If you can't get into the building, ask a poll worker about curbside voting. Many Southern states offer it. If you get turned away, the accessible machine isn't working, or nobody will help you, call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). It's free and nonpartisan, and the people who answer are trained for exactly this. Then take the photo. Your sticker, your line, your merch, your sign, your face. Post it and tag @newdisabledsouth, or DM it to us, and you're entered to win every Access Is on the Ballot item in our store. That's our friend Elizabeth Zibilich with Terrance Osborne, the New Orleans artist who painted this year's Louisiana I Voted sticker, and the original it came from. He painted what Louisiana would look like if you could see its sound. Yours doesn't have to be this fancy. A phone and a sticker will do. Voted early or by mail? You're not left out. Any photo or description of how you showed up counts, sticker or no sticker. Entries close Tuesday, November 10 at 11:59 PM Central. One winner, drawn at random, messaged from this account and only this account. Wear disability justice wherever you go. No purchase necessary. You don't have to vote to enter. US 18+. Full rules at the link in our bio. Not sponsored by or associated with Instagram or Meta.

Access is on the ballot. Show us where you stand or how you roll! We’re giving away every Access Is on the Ballot item in our store to one person. To enter: follow us, post a photo of how you’re showing up this election (sticker, merch, a sign, your face) and tag @newdisabledsouth, or reply here with the photo. Closes Nov 10, 11:59 PM CT. No purchase or vote required. US 18+. Not affiliated with Meta. Rules: https://newdisabledsouth.org/access-is-on-the-ballot-giveaway-official-rules/

It’s Disabled Women’s Equal Pay Day! Did you know disabled moms make just 44 cents on the dollar to nondisabled dads? They are still doing more with less, caring for kids, themselves, and often even parents. Abolish the subminimum wage to ensure more disabled moms can thrive.

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month — and this year, we’re marking it by standing with Amazon workers who have reported pregnancy loss due to Amazon’s abuse of pregnant employees. Over 2,000 workers have come forward. A federal lawsuit has been filed. Now it’s time to show up. Join us on TONIGHT (October 15) at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT for Amazon Workers Fight Back: Mass Call for Pregnancy Justice — a virtual rally announcing a new coalition to build power, bear witness, and demand accountability from one of the largest employers in the country. RSVP: tinyurl.com/pregnancy-oct15 #ExposeAmazon

Disabled people belong in their communities, NOT on waiting lists. We’ve partnered with One Nation Overcharged (onenationovercharged) because we don't believe in institutionalization. Disabled people deserve the support they need to live and thrive at home and in their communities. Fund care, not institutions. ALT Embedded. Image Descriptions: S1- Purple woven graphic from New Disabled South and One Nation Overcharged. A raised hand holding a lightbulb appears beside a cream colored box that reads, “Did you know? Over 76% of all disabled adults in the U.S. on the waiting lists for Home and Community Based Service waivers are located in the South.” Credit: KFF, 2025. At the bottom reads, “Join the fight for health justice. Sign up today. Link in bio. Get updates and ways to take action.” S2- A raised hand holding a megaphone appears beside a green colored box that reads, "Disabled people belong in their communities, NOT on waiting lists. Before you vote, know where your candidates stand on Home and Community-based Services." At the bottom reads, “Sign up today. Link in bio. Get updates and ways to take action.”

There is no disability rights without disability justice, just as there is no disability justice without disability rights. Today, we’re taking a look at the disability rights movement, how it helped lay the groundwork for disability justice, and how its limitations pushed the movement toward a broader, more intersectional framework. We’ll break down some of the differences between disability rights and disability justice, and why we need both in the fight for access, equity, and liberation. ALT Embedded. IDs: S1- A purple graphic with black-and-white photos from disability rights protests and organizing. Text reads: “From Disability Rights to Disability Justice.” A small line reads: “Swipe to learn more.” The New Disabled South logo is near the top center. S2- The same purple and pink graphic theme carries across the remaining slides. Text reads: “There is No Disability Justice Without Disability Rights.” Below: “The disability rights movement has roots going back to the 1800s, but gained major momentum in the 1960s and ‘70s. The Civil Rights Movement helped spark a wave of political and social organizing across marginalized communities, with disabled people organizing for equal rights and access.” Below that: “Below are a few key pieces of legislation that helped shape the disability rights movement.” A timeline includes: “1968 Architectural Barriers Act,” “1973 Rehabilitation Act-Section 504,” “1986 Air Carrier Access Act,” “1990 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),” “1990 Americans with Disabilities Act,” and “2008 ADA Amendments Act.” Source: EBSCO.com. S3- Text reads: “Enter Disability Justice.” Below: “After recognizing that the disability rights movement often left out disabled people at the intersections of race, gender, class, and sexuality, the Disability Justice framework emerged in 2005 through the work of queer disabled women of color. Patty Berne, Mia Mingus, and the late Stacey Park Milbern were key to coining and developing the framework through Sins Invalid.” An image of Stacey, Patty, and Mia is shown at the bottom. Source: Calling Up Justice. Descriptions continued in comments.

No one should have to choose between skipping meals or paying for medical expenses. That’s why we’ve partnered with One Nation Overcharged (@OneNationOvercharged). We believe that healthcare is a right, and no one should have to give up one basic need just to afford another. Healthcare justice cannot be compromised. ALT Embedded. Image Description: S1- Purple woven graphic from New Disabled South and One Nation Overcharged. A raised hand holding a lightbulb appears beside a cream colored box that reads, “Did you know? 28 million Americans say they skipped a meal to pay for medical expenses.” Credit: West Health Gallup, 2026. At the bottom reads, “Join the fight for health justice. Sign up today. Link in bio. Get updates and ways to take action.” S2- A raised hand holding a megaphone appears beside a green colored box that reads, "Healthcare justice is non-negotiable. Before you cast your ballot, know where candidates stand on healthcare access and affordability." At the bottom reads, “Sign up today. Link in bio. Get updates and ways to take action.”

Election season is coming up! 🗳️ Here is a plain-language dictionary of a few voting terms to know this election season. Disabled people should have access to voting information that is clear, accessible, and easy to understand so they can know their rights and make informed choices at the polls. ALT Embedded. IDs: S1- A purple graphic with geometric shapes and an illustration of a ballot going into a ballot box. Text reads: “Voting Terms You Should Know” and “A Plain-Language Dictionary.” The New Disabled South logo is in the top right. S2- The same purple geometric design continues. Text reads: “Absentee Ballot. Also called: vote-by-mail.” Below: “Voting without going to your polling place on Election Day, usually by mail.” A note explains that in some states, people can also vote absentee in person before Election Day and that this may be called in-person absentee voting or early voting. Source: AAPD.com. S3- The same purple geometric design continues. Text reads: “Incumbent. Also called: current officeholder.” Below: “A person who currently holds an elected office and is running to keep that position for another term.” A note explains that an incumbent can still be challenged by other candidates in a primary or general election. Source: AAPD.com. S4- The same purple geometric design continues. Text reads: “Primary Election. Also called: a primary.” Below: “An election where voters help choose which candidate will represent a political party in the general election.” A note explains that primary election rules depend on the state and may require party registration. Source: AAPD.com. S5- The same purple geometric design continues. Text reads: “General Election. Also called: the general.” Below: “An election where voters choose who will hold an elected office.” A note explains that general elections usually happen after primary elections, when voters choose between the candidates who moved forward. Source: AAPD.com. Descriptions continued in comments.

Class is in session! 📚 Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a 504 Plan and an IEP? We know school and disability language, especially all the abbreviations, can sometimes feel overwhelming. So we put together a short, plain-language guide to a few disability terms you should know this school year. ALT Embedded. IDs: S1- A purple chalkboard-style graphic with lined paper, a pink paperclip, and small school doodles. Text reads: “Back to School. Know the Terms! Disability Justice Edition.” The New Disabled South logo is in the top right. S2- The same purple back-to-school theme carries across the remaining slides. Text reads: “Disabled students’ rights are constantly under threat. Here is a list of school disability terms every student, family, and advocate should know.” S3- Text reads: “504 Plan.” Below: “A 504 Plan is an accessibility and accommodations plan meant to support students with disabilities at school.” Additional text reads: “504 plans protect students under the civil rights law called Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.” Two black-and-white school-related photos are included. Source: Understood.org. S4- Text reads: “Individualized Education Program (IEP).” Below: “An IEP is a plan that lays out the support, services, and goals a disabled student needs to access their education.” Additional text reads: “IEP’s can include services like therapy, assistive technology, or classroom support.” A black-and-white photo shows a student using a laptop. Source: Understood.org.

The South’s got something to say, and we're saying it on National Voter Registration Day! 🗳️ Voting rights and access are under attack across the country, with new restrictions making it harder for people to exercise their right to vote, including efforts to limit accessible voting options like curbside voting. Disabled people make up one of the largest voting blocs in the country, and our votes hold power. Today, let’s take some of that power back: check your voter registration, make your voting plan, and share this reminder with your community. Let’s make sure they hear us at the ballot box. 📢 Alt Embedded. Image Description: Orange graphic with a radiating background and illustrated green hands holding ballots with check marks. White text reads, “Today’s the day! Celebrate National Voter Registration Day by:” followed by three purple buttons that read, “Checking your registration,” “Making your voting plan,” and “Sharing this reminder.” At the bottom, text reads, “Visit feelgoodaction.org.” Feel Good Action logo appears at the top.

Alabama— it's time to claim your voting power!💥🗳️ On Wednesday, September 16, disability-led and disability-centered organizations are hosting a free, interactive event to empower voters with disabilities, build confidence navigating the voting process, and practice self advocacy skills. Learn more about Accessible Voting: Claim Your Voting Power by scanning the QR code or visiting the link in our bio! ALT Embedded. ID: Light blue flyer titled "Accessible Voting: Claim Your Voting Power!" Text reads: Join us on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 3 PM–5 PM for an interactive afternoon of learning, conversation, and hands-on practice. Register today using the QR code or go to bit.ly/AccessibleVoting-HSV or call (256) 921-7883 RSVP. Practice using the ExpressVote voting machine. Share your voting experiences and discuss ways to overcome barriers to the ballot. Learn disability etiquette and self-advocacy skills. Location: University of Alabama Huntsville Exhibit Hall Conference Training Center at 1410 Ben Graves Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35816. Everyone is welcome! Your voice. Your vote. Your power.” A QR code is off to the right of the registration information. Logos at the bottom include: Rocket City Chapter- National Federation of the Blind Alabama, AIDB, Huntsville Regional Center, Disability Resource network, REV UP!, SOAR, the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, League of Women Voters of the Tennessee valley, and Vote411

Disability justice belongs everywhere, especially at school. 💜 We put together this guide on what disability justice can look like in the classroom, and how we can better support disabled students so they have the opportunity to learn, experience joy, belong, and thrive. Disability justice at school goes beyond accommodations. Tune in next week for our plain-language breakdown of disability school terms! 📚 ALT Embedded. IDs: S1- A purple chalkboard graphic with a stack of colorful books and an apple. Text reads: “Back to School. Disability Justice Edition.” The New Disabled South logo is in the top right. S2- The same purple chalkboard design continues with a small stack of books and an apple in the bottom left. Text reads: “What does disability justice look like at school?” Below: “Disability justice at school goes beyond accommodations. It’s about creating spaces where disabled students have the access and support they need, with autonomy, belonging, and room to thrive.” S3- The same purple chalkboard design continues with an image of fingers reading braille in the bottom right. Text reads: “Access Should Be Built In, Not Fought For.” Bullets read: “Access should be considered from the start, not only when a student or guardian asks.” “Classrooms, materials, technology, and activities should be accessible to disabled students.” “Students shouldn’t have to repeatedly prove or explain their access needs.” “Access needs look different for every student and can change over time.” Source: microcredentials.digitalpromise.org Descriptions continued in comments.

The Disability Justice movement has continued to grow and thrive over the years—and we are so grateful and proud to be in community and collaboration with so many incredible leaders. We wanted to take the time to shout out organizations doing incredible work for our communities. Make sure you check them out and support! 💥 Disability Culture Lab The Named Advocates The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network Communication First The Disability Policy Foundry ALT embedded Image Descriptions: Slide 1: a split orange and purple graphic that says: "5 Disability Organizations to Support Right Now". Highlighted in lime green is text that says: "photo source: Disability Culture Lab" and "support their work". There is also orange highlighted text that says: "swipe for our list". The NDS logo is in the bottom left corner, and in the right corner of the graphic is a black-and-white photo of a young man speaking into a microphone while holding cue cards. Slide 2: a multi-colored graphic with an ivory upper half, with a photo collage of multiple people: some embracing, one speaking into a microphone, and another smiling. The collage has Disability Culture Lab custom stickers that say: "cure ableism" and "Disability Community is revolutionary" and multi-colored brushstrokes. In the upper left corner of the graphic is the DCL logo, and in the upper right of the graphic is neon green highlighted text that says: "photosource: Disability Culture Lab". The bottom half of the graphic has a title that says: "Disability Culture Lab" with text underneath that says: "Disability Culture Lab is a nonprofit disability media and narrative lab building communications infrastructure by and for the disability community. DCL amplifies and supports disabled leaders to achieve big wins and shift narratives around disability and ableism." The NDS logo is in the bottom left of the graphic. Descriptions continued in comments.

Disaster response is disability justice. Disabled people are among those hardest hit by natural disasters, especially across the South, from emergency alerts and evacuation to shelter and recovery. A safer South means building a disaster response that involves all of us, not just some of us. ALT Embedded. IDs: S1- A purple graphic with a black-and-white photo of a wheelchair user facing a long line of people outside the Superdome. Text reads: “Hurricane Katrina Was a Disability Justice Issue.” Below: “21 Years After, Disabled Southerners Are Still Fighting for Disaster Justice.” The New Disabled South logo is in the top right. S2- The same purple graphic theme with a hurricane image underneath carries across the remaining slides. Text reads: “Katrina Was Only the Beginning.” Below: “On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. Communities were not only exposed to the devastating impacts of the hurricane, but also to the systemic failures in disaster response that followed, leaving disabled people and other marginalized communities especially vulnerable.” A black-and-white satellite image of Hurricane Katrina is in the bottom right. Photo: NESDIS.NOAA.GOV. S3- Text reads: “What Hurricane Katrina Exposed.” Below: “The National Council on Disability estimated that around 155,000 disabled people over age 5 lived in Biloxi, Mobile, and New Orleans, the three cities hardest hit by Katrina. That was roughly 25% of their combined population, or about 1 in 4 people.” Additional text reads: “Hurricane Katrina exposed how deeply disaster response systems can fail disabled people. From evacuation to sheltering and recovery, disabled people were left vulnerable not only to the storm, but to systems that failed to plan, protect, and support them.” A black-and-white photo of a damaged building is in the bottom right. Source: NCD.gov. Descriptions continued in comments.

It’s Women’s Equality Day! 💜 Disabled women are among the most marginalized people in society, yet their leadership and contributions have helped shape movements throughout history. Today, we’re honoring a few disabled women from the South whose work helped pave the way for disability rights, disability justice, and liberation. Their work deserves to be remembered, celebrated, and carried forward. ALT Embedded. IDs: S1- A purple graphic with three black-and-white photos of disabled women. Text reads: “Aug. 26th is Women’s Equality Day. Empowering Disabled Women You Should Know.” The New Disabled South logo is in the bottom left. S2- The same purple graphic design continues. A black-and-white photo shows a Black woman speaking at a podium with a microphone. Text reads: “Fannie Lou Hamer. Mississippi.” Below: “Fannie Lou Hamer was a disabled Black woman and legendary civil rights leader. She spent her life fighting racial oppression, voter suppression, and social injustice, leaving a lasting impact on the South and the fight for equality before her death in 1977.” Source: fannielouhamersamerica.com. S3- The same purple graphic design continues. A black-and-white portrait of a white woman with short hair is on the left. Text reads: “Elaine Wilson. Georgia.” Below: “Elaine Wilson was a disabled woman and one of the plaintiffs in the landmark Olmstead v. L.C. case. After she and Lois Curtis were kept in a Georgia institution even after being cleared for community-based care, they challenged the state under the ADA and fought for the right to receive services in their communities. Elaine was able to live in her own home and community until her death in 2004.” Sources: ancor.org and olmsteadrights.org. Descriptions continued in comments.

July may be over, but Disability Pride never ends! We're excited to announce the release of our newest merch collection, beautifully designed by Jennifer White-Johnson (@jtknoxroxs), a Black and Puertorriqueña Disabled, AuDHD artist and mama.💥 Inspired by our southern disability community and the people we work every day to represent, this collection reflects what we believe: we take care of each other, we choose community over greed, and we believe accessibility should be the standard. Our new storefront is officially live! Shop the collection through the link on our profile and support our mission!💜 🔥 ALT Embedded. ID: Purple distressed graphic with bold text in the upper right corner that reads, "New Merch Alert!" Centered below are 4 NDS merchandise items: a T-shirt, a long sleeve, sweater, mug, hat, and a button. Each item features the a different design. A T-shirt with large purple text that reads, "Fund Care, Not Billionaires," over an illustration of hands holding a blooming lime green sunflower. A white long sleeve large orange text that reads, "Disability Justice Means Southern Justice" with a large white lotus and two wheelchair users on each side speaking through a megaphone. A white mug with the New Disabled South logo of a purple and orange quilt. A grey sweatshirt with large center text that reads accessible is irresistible in purple and orange, below is an three illustrations of a disabled person using crutches. A white button with blue text that reads, "Access is on the Ballot" with an orange cane going across. A white NDS quilt logo appears in the bottom.

Disability Pride Month may be over, but the need for accessible, quality, and affordable healthcare in the South doesn't end in July. Here's what one disabled Southerner wants people to know about healthcare access. "Since the South is home to a third of all disabled people in the U.S., it's imperative that we have access to quality, affordable health care, yet 7 of the 10 states that refused to expand Medicaid are in our region, leaving hundreds of thousands of us without that care. Additionally, limited funding and low wages resulting in a care-worker shortage has left many disabled Southerners without access to home and community-based services (HCBS), forcing some into institutions. Our rural residents also experience healthcare deserts, with some lacking accessible transportation to reach providers who may be far away. I'm proud to be in the fight for disability justice, including expanded health care access!" ALT Embedded. IDs: S1: A graphic with a landscape background featuring a blue sky and a green grassy plane. In the upper right corner, in ivory text, the graphic says: "Healthcare is a disability justice issue". In the center is a dark purple rounded rectangle with the prompt: "As a disabled southerner, I want people to know:" in response to the prompt reads: "The South is home to a third of all disabled people in the U.S., it's imperative that we have access to quality, affordable health care." The NDS logo is in the lower left corner of the graphic. S2: A light purple graphic featuring a quote from a disabled Southerner about how the South is home to one-third of all disabled people in the United States, the need for quality, affordable healthcare, care worker shortages, and healthcare deserts and limited accessible transportation in rural communities. An illustration of the Earth is in the bottom right. Description continued in the comments below

Today is the last day to join Atlanta People’s Campaign, Barred Business, and New Disabled South for a FREE non- cooperation training happening August 21-23! Link in our bio! Let’s learn the authoritarian playbook, build strategy, and take action - TOGETHER!! 🍽️ Meals Provided 👶🏽 Childcare available upon request 🗓️ August 21 6-9pm | August 22 9am-6pm | August 23 10am-3pm 📍The Murph | 561 W Whitehall St SW Atlanta GA 30310 ✍🏽 bit.ly/AUGNCT1 ⚠️Register by AUGUST 14th 2026 at 11:59pm #atlantapeoplescampaign #noncooperationtraining #Atlantaactivism #takeaction #fightback ALT Embedded. Image Description: A dark red graphic with purple accents and yellow, white, and purple text. At the top of the graphic in yellow, it says: "New Disabled South, Barred Business, and the Atlanta People's Campaign present". Below the yellow text is a white box with a black-and-white photo of a protester with a raised fist shouting into a megaphone. Next to the photo of the protester is text that says: "Participants will: Know the authoritarian playbook, understand the pillars of support, and build noncooperation skills. Below the text are the logos for New Disabled South, Barred Business, and the Atlanta People's Campaign. Below the box with text is the title: "Non-Cooperation Training August 21-23, 2026. The Murph, 561 W Whitehall St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Register by August 14th, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST. In a yellow box with a dark purple outline is the bit.ly link: https://bit.ly/AUGNCT1. Next to the link is a black and white photo of a masked protester holding their fist in the air. There is another masked protester in front of the one with the raised fist.

We want to thank our friends at Play Spark (@play_spark) for highlighting NDS during Disability Pride Month, and for their generous donation! Play Spark has been an NDS supporter for a long time, and we are proud to work alongside them to celebrate our community. They continue to inspire us with their devotion to a more accessible South, and we love wearing their designs! ALT embedded. Image description: A light purple graphic thanking Play Spark. In the center is a photo of the founders, Serena and Kylie, smiling at each other outdoors in front of green trees. Below the photo is a hand holding a sticker that reads “Disability Rights are not Optional” and the Play Spark logo. The New Disabled South logo is at the bottom right.

It's not just August —it's Black August. Black August was started by the Black Guerilla Family in 1979 at San Quentin State Prison in response to the deaths of brothers Jonathan P. Jackson and George Jackson at San Quentin State Prison. Black August is an annual commemoration honoring the lives and struggles of Black revolutionaries and activists. Abolition and disability justice are not separate, but rather deeply interwoven movements that unpack how mass incarceration, over-policing, criminalization, and institutional neglect disproportionately target and endanger Black disabled bodies. Join NDS and other organizations this month as we study, fast, train, and fight for the collective liberation of people with intersected marginalized identities. ALT Embedded. Image Descriptions: A charcol colored graphic with multi-colored text. At the top of the graphic in multi-colored text, it says: "study, fast, train, and fight". Below the text is a black-and-white photo of the Soledad Brothers (L-R): Fleeta Drumgo, John W. Cluchette, and George Jackson with a red border. In the photo are three Black men with afros making different faces. Under the photo is yellow text that says: "Black August," and in the lower left corner of the graphic is the NDS logo.

As a disabled southerner, I want people to know.... "Disability justice has always been deeply tied to environmental justice and climate change. Heat and dramatic weather changes can be a huge trigger for many disabled and chronically ill people. For me, I experience massive symptom flares during heat waves, when there is a lot of smoke from fires, dust storms, during sudden barometric pressure drops, you name it." As one of the hottest recorded summers in history winds down, and as we close out Disability Pride Month, we want to make it clear that our movement is intersectional: disability justice is environmental justice. Environmental factors contribute substantially to disability, chronic conditions, recurring symptoms, illness incidence rates, and health care access, especially in the South. A liberated world is one in which our environment keeps our communities safe, nourished, and as healthy as possible. Are you a disabled Southerner? If so, what do you want people to know? Let us know in the comments, and if you haven't already, make sure you visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter. Just because Disability Pride Month is over does not mean our conversations have to be. ALT Text Embedded Image Descriptions in comments

Happening today! Join @gaequality and the Atlanta EEOC Office for a virtual training focused on workplace rights, protections, and opportunities for LGBTQ and minority communities. Training starts today at 2:00 pm EST. There is still time to register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EvKoK8EKQD6_piGxzBUkDQ#/registration Image Descriptions in the comments. ALT text embedded.

Created by the incredible people at @travelunity, the Travel Unity Individual Certificate (TUIC) combines self-paced learning with a live session and provides a broad foundation for people working in, studying, or interested in the travel industry. Want to learn more about the TUIC? The next live session is happening today, on Wednesday, July 29, from 3:00–4:30 PM ET. Scholarships are available for people for whom the full cost is currently a barrier. Register: https://lnkd.in/gEKufYkY Apply for a scholarship: https://lnkd.in/d6VXQWp8 Questions? Email tuic@travelunity.org

Happy Disability Pride Month! We are still celebrating by reading powerful pieces like Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century and Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life. These books were edited and written by the late Alice Wong, and both titles explore disability, community, resilience, interdependence and the ongoing struggle for collective liberation. “One of the biggest things that's so toxic about ableism and capitalism is this idea that our worth is based on our productivity. We are interdependent. We know there's more to our worth than just whether we're taxpayers or whether we can work forty or more hours a week” -Alice Wong: Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life. As we remember Alice, we are overwhelmed with deep gratitude for her wisdom and generosity. Alice has taught us so many compelling things over the years. So many lessons and reminders that center our humanity and acknowledge the unique challenges disabled people of color are moving through regularly. That is why we wanted to share two pieces deeply informed by Alice's organizing work and lived experience. Have you read either of the books mentioned? If so, let us know your favorite quote in the comments. ALT Embedded. Image Description: An ivory and purple graphic with ivory and dark purple text. At the bottom of the graphic in purple text is: Disability Pride Month Recommendation. In the center of the graphic is a photo of Alice Wong smiling surrounded by the covers of two books: Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century and Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life. There is also a multi-color line work pattern behind the photo of Alice. Under the photo of Alice, there is text that has the titles of the books and a brief description of the books: "Edited by the late Alice Wong, Disability Visibility is a collection of first-person writing on the joys and challenges of the modern disability experience. In Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life, Alice talks about building community and strengthening the Disability Justice movement."

On July 26th, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is a landmark civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination and one that too many had to sacrifice for to make a reality. While we celebrate the ADA, there is still much more progress to make to ensure that access and inclusion are central in the maintenance of our society. And, under this administration in particular, we have so much work to do to protect what little gains we have made. Image descriptions are in the comments.

This Disability Pride Month, we are continuing to uplift the stories of the activists, leaders, artists, and community members who make up our struggle for collective liberation. Today we invite you all to stream New Disabled South's original series, DUAL: The True Cost of Care. This 14-episode series follows the lived experiences of disabled people in the South navigating our broken health care landscape. Visit the link in our bio for details! #DisabilityPrideMonth ALT Embedded. Image Description: An ivory and green graphic with ivory and dark purple text. At the bottom of the graphic in dark purple text is: Disability Pride Month Recommendation. In the center of the graphic is a collage photo with the people featured in the Dual series. There are people of different races and gender groups, along with a multi-colored line-work background behind the photos of people. Under the photo collage of people there is an orange button that says: "Watch for free on YouTube" and under that in all caps is text that says: "Dual: The True Cost of Care". Below the title, there is ivory text that says: "In the 14-episode series, disabled people in the South share their real experiences navigating the intentionally confusing health care landscape with Medicare and Medicaid". The NDS Logo is in the upper right corner and the Weeby awards nomination logo is in the upper left corner.

While July is Disability Pride Month, it is also BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. It is no secret that Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color are subject to disproportionate amounts of discrimination, mental health access limitations, and other social determinants of health that make it harder to maintain positive mental health outcomes. Let us be clear: disability rights must include mental health access, and we have an obligation to center BIPOC mental health in our movement. Please follow organizations like BEAM, Latinx Therapy, the Asian Mental Health Collective, and StrongHearts Native Helpline for resources today! ALT embedded. IDs: S1: A brown textured graphic includes a multi-color silhouette of 3 people representing BIPOC Mental Health. In the upper right corner is the NDS logo. In the upper left corner of the graphic is ivory text that says: "July is also BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month". S2: An ivory graphic with brown text says: "Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) experience unique barriers when it comes to receiving adequate mental health care. BIPOC people are also more likely to experience intersecting disadvantages (like poverty, discrimination, and housing insecurity) at the same time, worsening the barriers. These conditions are worse for BIPOC in the South due to cost, provider shortages, and limited physical care sites." The NDS logo is in the lower left corner, and in the lower right, there is a photo of a Black person expressing sorrow. S3: A brown graphic says: "Everyone is entitled to adequate resources to achieve and maintain the best mental health conditions, especially those of us living on the margins of oppression. At New Disabled South, we are committed to collective access and collective liberation. We will not experience an improved health care landscape if the mental health of BIPOC people, especially disabled BIPOC in the South, is centered in our organizing and activation efforts. BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to strengthen that commitment, because disability rights include mental health". The NDS logo is in the lower right. IDs continued in comments.

Happy Disability Pride Month!✨ We are still celebrating by reading powerful pieces like: Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann and Kristen Joiner. “Change never happens at the pace we think it should. It happens over years of people joining together, strategizing, sharing, and pulling all the levers they possibly can. Gradually, excruciatingly slowly, things start to happen, and then suddenly, seemingly out of the blue, something will tip.” -Judith Huemann Today, Judith reminds us that change takes time, takes strategy, and takes community. With interdependence as one of our core values, we are so grateful for the tenacity and bravery of our disabled ancestors who built the framework and infrastructure for our movement. Have you read Being Heumann? If so, let us know your favorite quote in the comments! ALT Embedded. Image Description: An ivory and purple graphic with ivory and dark orange text. Around the graphic in dark orange text is: Disability Pride Month Recommendation. In the center of the graphic is a black-and-white photo of Judith Heumann speaking into a microphone during the 504 sit-ins. Behind the black-and-white photo of Judith is a yellow book cover featuring another photo of Judith, posing surrounded by flowers in the center. On the book cover is the book title: "Being Heumann—an Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist. The title of the book is also on the graphic. In the upper left corner of the graphic is a quote from the book: "Our anger was a fury sparked by profound injustices. Wrongs that deserved ire. And with that rage, we ripped a hole in the status quo.” In the bottom right corner is the NDS Logo.

It's Disability Pride Month! ✨ This month, and every month, disabled people deserve to be seen, celebrated, believed, fought for, and valued. Disability rights are not conditional. Here's to building a South where disability pride has a place in every community. A South where disabled people can flourish, not just survive. A South where access and dignity are the standard, not an afterthought. A South where justice and collective liberation are possible. Here's to us. 💛 ALT embedded. IDs: S1- Periwinkle blue graphic with a faint woven layer. Left centered in large white words reads: Southern Disabled & Proud. In the bottom left corner of the graphic in small capitalized text reads, “July is Disability Pride Month. Bottom right corner is the New Disabled South logo. S2- Deep purple graphic with a faint woven layer. Left centered in large white words reads: Southern Chronically Ill & Proud. In the bottom left corner of the graphic in small capitalized text reads, “July is Disability Pride Month. Bottom right corner is the New Disabled South logo. S3- Burnt orange graphic with a faint woven layer. Left centered in large white words reads: Southern Hard of Hearing & Proud. In the bottom left corner of the graphic in small capitalized text reads, “July is Disability Pride Month. Bottom right corner is the New Disabled South logo. S4- Cream colored graphic with a faint woven layer. Left centered in large purple words reads: Southern Low Vision & Proud. Next to text is an orange line illustration of glasses. In the bottom left corner of the graphic in small capitalized text reads, “July is Disability Pride Month. Bottom right corner is the New Disabled South logo. S5- Lilac graphic with a faint woven layer. Left centered in large white words reads: Southern Neurodivergent & Proud. In the bottom left corner of the graphic in small capitalized text reads, “July is Disability Pride Month. Bottom right corner is the New Disabled South logo. Descriptions continued in next comment.

Happy Disability Pride Month! We are so excited to announce the launch of New Disabled South's new branding and website! ✨ We are so grateful for the support and hard work of everyone involved in helping us with this rebrand. This website was made for all those in the fight for disability justice. At a time when disability justice is under attack, it is now more important than ever that those impacted and those in the fight with us have the resources they need. Please swipe to learn more about our new branding, updated website and what you can expect from New Disabled South moving forward. ➡️ ALT Embedded. IDs: S1: A dark purple graphic with orange, blue, and ivory elements, text, and motifs. In the lower right corner is an orange and blue photo of a nonbinary person with glasses holding a microphone. The text on the graphic says: "Hey, is this thing on? New Disabled South has something to say". S2: An ivory graphic with text, elements, and multicolored motifs has text that says: "We have rebranded. Welcome to (the new) New Disabled South". The text below the headers says: "Last week, we teased an announcement by sharing some of our values and hopes for this moment and for our disabled communities in the South. Today, we are proud to announce that after years of surveying, planning, and building, we have finally developed new branding for New Disabled South. Centering interdependence and unity of oneness, we want to invite you not just to join us as an organization, but to join us as your political home". In the brochure, the right color is multicolored motifs of people with disabilities, using mobility aids and masks. The graphic also teases part of the new NDS logo. S3: Header: "Starting with our new logo, with multiple variants." Underneath the headings is the second half of the NDS logo. Below the new logo is text that says: "Starting with our new logo, inspired by interdependence, intersectional quilting, woven together by the boldness of protest and the warmth of fresh pies, we are proud to share it with you, our NDS logo". Throughout the graphic, there are several examples of the updated logo. Descriptions continued in comments.

It's still Pride Month! Across the South, queer and trans people organized, protested, and fought back against discrimination, police raids, and anti-LGBTQ+ violence. From Atlanta's Lonesome Cowboys Raid in 1969 to the UpStairs Lounge Fire in New Orleans and the protests against Anita Bryant's anti-LGBTQ+ campaign, these moments sparked movements, built community, and changed history. These stories are also part of disability history. Many survivors carried lasting physical injuries, trauma, and disabilities that are too often left out of conversations about LGBTQ+ liberation. One of those survivors, Abby Drue, is the last known survivor of the Lonesome Cowboys Raid that helped launch Atlanta's LGBTQ+ activist movement. This Pride Month, we're highlighting some of the "Stonewalls of the South" and honoring the queer and trans Southerners whose resistance, organizing, and courage helped build the movement we know today. Swipe to learn more! ➡️ Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈 ALT Embedded. IDs: S1: A purple textured graphic with the New Disabled South logo at the top. Large white text in the center says: “Stonewall Riots of the South.” Surrounding the title are historical black-and-white photographs of LGBTQ+ protests, organizing efforts, and community gatherings across the South. A button at the bottom left says: “Georgia Gay Liberation Front.” A banner at the bottom says: “Swipe to learn more.” S2: A purple textured graphic. Yellow highlighted text at the top says: “Stonewall Sparked the LGBTQ Liberation Movement.” The graphic text says: “Stonewall inspired a wave of LGBTQ+ resistance across the South, where people organized, protested, and built the foundations of the movement we know today. Police raids, brutality, hate crimes, and anti-LGBTQ+ violence left many queer and trans people dead, injured, or permanently disabled. As a disability community, we believe these stories matter. Disability is part of queer history, and we cannot fully honor our past without remembering those who carried its lasting impacts.” Highlighted text at the bottom says: “Swipe to learn more about some of the ‘Stonewalls Of The South’.” Descriptions continued in comments.

We are deeply disappointed in the SCOTUS ruling on Title IX and transgender athlete participation in sports. This is a devastating blow to the queer and transgender community. This is what we have to say about it. ALT embedded. IDs: S1: A dark purple graphic with an orange border has ivory and green text, a black and white photo of the SCOTUS building with a pink, white, and light blue trans flag behind the photo. The text says: "SCOTUS Decision Update: States can exclude transgender students from school sports" and "This is going to negatively affect all students, especially queer and trans students in the South". In the left corner is text highlighted in pink that says "swipe for NDS' statement on this". S2: A dark purple graphic with an orange border has ivory and green text, and the NDS logo in the right corner. The graphic has the date and says: "SCOTUS Decision Update: Today, the SCOTUS upheld a rule that allows states to ban transgender student athletes from participating in P-12 and collegiate sports. This ruling is going to have a very negative impact because it removes protections for transgender athletes to participate in school sports and increases the surveillance and criminalization of all students for any perceived iteration of gender nonconformity. Students with intersecting marginalized identities, especially those in the South who are also queer and disabled, will be the most negatively impacted." In the bottom left corner it says: "Statement continues on the next slide" Image description continued in comments.

The South’s got something to say... and we’ve got a new look to say it with! Meet New Disabled South’s reimagined look, leading us into the next chapter of disability justice and liberation across the South ✊🏼 Oh wait… you thought that was it? Oh no, the new look is just the beginning. We’ve got bigger and bolder things cooking up your way 🔥 ALT embedded. IDs: Purple grain graphic with a neon green border. Centered at the top is a quilt-inspired logo featuring interwoven orange and cream strips, forming a geometric square pattern. Stacked beneath it, thick, bold white text reads, “New Disabled South.” Audio: Instrumental music with low beats

"Accessibility matters; access is life-saving." -Amanda, New Disabled South Thank you all so much for being with us on this journey. Tomorrow is the big day! 🎉 So much time and energy have been put into showing you all what we have prepared. In the meantime, meet Amanda, our Chief Development Officer. This is what Amanda had to say about Accessibility. Photo silhouettes courtesy of Disabled and Here ALT embedded. Image Descriptions: Slide 1: A neon orange graphic with dark purple words, motifs, and the silhouette of a disabled person using a wheelchair. The text at the top of the graphic says: "Announcement: TOMORROW" and the text at the bottom says: "New Disabled South Values: Accessibility" Slide 2: A neon orange graphic with a photo of Amanda, a white woman with blonde layered hair. She is wearing a black shirt and a textured necklace. There is dark purple text that says: "New Disabled South Values: Accessibility". The text below says: "Accessibility matters; access is life-saving. When environments are accessible, they are safer, more inclusive, and put the needs of disabled people at the forefront of our communities rather than at the end of our decision-making. When we prioritize accessibility, we prioritize everyone's humanity, especially disabled people. At NDS, we are dreaming and scheming for a world where disabled people are positioned to thrive, and access is the mode to make that possible. " The name "Amanda" is written in dark purple text, and under that text, it says: Chief Development Officer.

We got to catch up with Loren and AJ to get their perspective on Collective Liberation. Inspired by the work on @Sininvalid, AJ reminded us that "The liberation of others cannot exist without the liberation of Disabled People, especially those in the South." It's almost time for our announcement! Visit the link in our bio to sign up for our newsletter! Photo silhouettes courtesy of Disabled and Here ALT embedded. IDs: S1: An ivory graphic with dark purple words, motifs, and a neon silhouette of a disabled person with their fingers posed upward. There is text in the silhouette that says: "Announcement in 2 Days," and the text at the bottom says: "New Disabled South Values: Collective Liberation" S2: An ivory graphic with a photo of Loren, a mixed-race person smiling with short hair, a septum ring, and blue jacket. The text below says: "Collective Liberation is the hallmark of our Disability Justice movement. It ensures that none of us will be left out, a reminder that true freedom requires the complete abolition of inequity. The liberation of others cannot exist without the liberation of Disabled People, especially those in the South. Our fates are connected; we are interdependent, and nobody is free until every single one of us is free." Name "Loren" is underneath with text following: Associate Director of Development. S3: An ivory graphic with a photo of AJ, Black man with a beard in a patterned button-up shirt. There is dark purple text that says: "New Disabled South Values: Collective Liberation". The text below says: "Sins Invalid outlined Collective Liberation as one of the founding principles of the Disability Justice movement. It is a reminder that freedom and liberation for disabled people are intertwined with the liberation of all peoples from every form of oppression. The liberation of others cannot exist without the liberation of Disabled People, especially those in the South. At New Disabled South, we understand and internalize the fact that none of us can truly be free until all of us are free. And we move with that intention in our work every single day." The name "AJ" is written in dark purple text, and under text says: Director of Policy.

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