Maria Town
@mariatown.bsky.social
Disability Advocate. Cat Mom.
Disability Voting Rights Week kicks off on Monday Sept 14 and goes through September 18. During this time, people across the country come together through events, trainings, webinars, & rallies to highlight the power of the more than 40 million eligible disabled voters. www.aapd.com/disability-v...
Disability Voting Rights Week - AAPD
Join us September 11-15, 2023 to make sure disabled voters in your community are registered and ready to vote.
www.aapd.com
September 13, 2026 at 11:54 PM
Disability Voting Rights Week kicks off on Monday Sept 14 and goes through September 18. During this time, people across the country come together through events, trainings, webinars, & rallies to highlight the power of the more than 40 million eligible disabled voters. www.aapd.com/disability-v...
Thank you to the random green haired person who complimented my jewelry as you exited the DC metro. You made my night.
September 8, 2026 at 1:59 AM
Thank you to the random green haired person who complimented my jewelry as you exited the DC metro. You made my night.
Reposted by Maria Town
“We know that people with disabilities and older adults have better outcomes and live longer lives when they are served in the community and not in institutions. So this could have extremely dire consequences.” — @mariatown.bsky.social, president and CEO of @aapd.com
June 30, 2026 at 1:35 PM
“We know that people with disabilities and older adults have better outcomes and live longer lives when they are served in the community and not in institutions. So this could have extremely dire consequences.” — @mariatown.bsky.social, president and CEO of @aapd.com
Reposted by Maria Town
“We know that people with disabilities and older adults have better outcomes and live longer lives when they are served in the community and not in institutions. So this could have extremely dire consequences.” — @mariatown.bsky.social, president and CEO of @aapd.com
June 30, 2026 at 1:21 PM
“We know that people with disabilities and older adults have better outcomes and live longer lives when they are served in the community and not in institutions. So this could have extremely dire consequences.” — @mariatown.bsky.social, president and CEO of @aapd.com
Reposted by Maria Town
I am looking for women of color, particularly BIPOC, to interview about early Alzheimer’s diagnosis — That is, diagnosis before symptoms progressed significantly and how it has changed how you live your life. 1/3
June 29, 2026 at 1:55 PM
I am looking for women of color, particularly BIPOC, to interview about early Alzheimer’s diagnosis — That is, diagnosis before symptoms progressed significantly and how it has changed how you live your life. 1/3
The Supreme Court just ruled to protect mail-in ballots. This is a big win for voters with disabilities, who often rely on vote by mail because of the multitude of barriers that can occur when voting in person.
www.aapd.com/american-ass...
www.aapd.com/american-ass...
American Association of People with Disabilities Applauds Supreme Court Protecting Mail Ballot Grace Periods - AAPD
For Immediate Release: June 29, 2026 Contact: Naomi Hess, [email protected]; 202-873-4011 WASHINGTON, DC – On June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in RNC v. Watson upholding the r...
www.aapd.com
June 29, 2026 at 6:28 PM
The Supreme Court just ruled to protect mail-in ballots. This is a big win for voters with disabilities, who often rely on vote by mail because of the multitude of barriers that can occur when voting in person.
www.aapd.com/american-ass...
www.aapd.com/american-ass...
Reposted by Maria Town
I get the impulse for autistic people to want to respond by saying that they DID go to college or play baseball or date and work. But that still plays into ableist narratives. Even if an #ActuallyAutistic person does none of these, they still have worth.
RFK Jr: Kids with autism will never hold a job. They'll never play baseball. They'll never write a poem. They'll never go out on a date.
June 17, 2026 at 12:21 AM
I get the impulse for autistic people to want to respond by saying that they DID go to college or play baseball or date and work. But that still plays into ableist narratives. Even if an #ActuallyAutistic person does none of these, they still have worth.
Reposted by Maria Town
Truly awful.
Our SPED students are already at so many disadvantages. Putting the leadership of their care in the hands of these eugenicist ghouls is a nightmare.
Our SPED students are already at so many disadvantages. Putting the leadership of their care in the hands of these eugenicist ghouls is a nightmare.
Moving special education to the Department of Health and Human Services will not help students with disabilities. It will not help families. It will not help teachers. It will send us back, 50 years if not more. This will re-segregate students with disabilities. www.aapd.com/ed-transfer-...
AAPD Outraged by Unlawful Transfer of Special Education, Civil Rights Offices From Department of Education to Other Agencies - AAPD
For Immediate Release: June 16, 2026 Contact: Jess Davidson, [email protected]; 202-465-5528 WASHINGTON, DC — The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) strongly condemns today’s ...
www.aapd.com
June 17, 2026 at 1:46 AM
Truly awful.
Our SPED students are already at so many disadvantages. Putting the leadership of their care in the hands of these eugenicist ghouls is a nightmare.
Our SPED students are already at so many disadvantages. Putting the leadership of their care in the hands of these eugenicist ghouls is a nightmare.
Moving special education to the Department of Health and Human Services will not help students with disabilities. It will not help families. It will not help teachers. It will send us back, 50 years if not more. This will re-segregate students with disabilities. www.aapd.com/ed-transfer-...
AAPD Outraged by Unlawful Transfer of Special Education, Civil Rights Offices From Department of Education to Other Agencies - AAPD
For Immediate Release: June 16, 2026 Contact: Jess Davidson, [email protected]; 202-465-5528 WASHINGTON, DC — The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) strongly condemns today’s ...
www.aapd.com
June 17, 2026 at 1:43 AM
Moving special education to the Department of Health and Human Services will not help students with disabilities. It will not help families. It will not help teachers. It will send us back, 50 years if not more. This will re-segregate students with disabilities. www.aapd.com/ed-transfer-...
Reposted by Maria Town
Medicaid work requirements were always going to be cruel. Then, the White House intervened (likely) and made the definition of who can be exempt based on disabilities/health much stricter. This is going to kill people. New from me at @motherjones.com. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
The White House just made Medicaid work requirements even worse
"It’s hard not to think that the cruelty of the policy is the point."
www.motherjones.com
June 4, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Medicaid work requirements were always going to be cruel. Then, the White House intervened (likely) and made the definition of who can be exempt based on disabilities/health much stricter. This is going to kill people. New from me at @motherjones.com. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Maria Town
“There are going to be so many disabled people and chronically ill people who lose access to their health care and other kinds of supports that Medicaid provides,” said @mariatown.bsky.social, the President and CEO of @aapd.com.
June 4, 2026 at 9:02 PM
“There are going to be so many disabled people and chronically ill people who lose access to their health care and other kinds of supports that Medicaid provides,” said @mariatown.bsky.social, the President and CEO of @aapd.com.
Reposted by Maria Town
“Despite Congress’ promises that people with disabilities will be exempt from these requirements, not all people with disabilities are exempt. Disabled people will lose access to Medicaid” - @mariatown.bsky.social @aapd.com
#ProtectMedicaid
www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/06/03/m...
#ProtectMedicaid
www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/06/03/m...
Medicaid Changes Will Push People With Disabilities Off Program, Advocates Warn
The Trump administration is unveiling long-awaited details about new, more stringent Medicaid eligibility rules and raising fresh concerns about implications for people with disabilities.
www.disabilityscoop.com
June 4, 2026 at 1:23 PM
“Despite Congress’ promises that people with disabilities will be exempt from these requirements, not all people with disabilities are exempt. Disabled people will lose access to Medicaid” - @mariatown.bsky.social @aapd.com
#ProtectMedicaid
www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/06/03/m...
#ProtectMedicaid
www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/06/03/m...
Reposted by Maria Town
By tightening an exception for people with serious illnesses, more of them may lose coverage.
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/u...
Trump Administration Announces Stricter Rules for Medicaid Work Requirement
www.nytimes.com
June 2, 2026 at 1:44 AM
By tightening an exception for people with serious illnesses, more of them may lose coverage.
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/01/u...
CMS will publish interim final rule on Medicaid work and community engagement requirements. This is a part of the changes and cuts ushered into Medicaid via HR 1 last year. There will be a comment period through July 31st. Work requirements cut people off of healthcare. www.aapd.com/work-require...
Important Update on Medicaid Work Requirements - AAPD
New Federal Guidance Implements Policy That, Research Shows, Will Not Increase Employment and Unenrolls Eligible Individuals From Medicaid Coverage For Immediate Release: June 1, 2026 Contact: Jess Da...
www.aapd.com
June 2, 2026 at 2:02 AM
CMS will publish interim final rule on Medicaid work and community engagement requirements. This is a part of the changes and cuts ushered into Medicaid via HR 1 last year. There will be a comment period through July 31st. Work requirements cut people off of healthcare. www.aapd.com/work-require...
Reposted by Maria Town
“You shouldn’t need to be a high-visibility person to get a response when an airline breaks your mobility device or something you rely on to go about your day.” @mariatown.bsky.social , on constant, blithely neglectful wheelchair+ damage by airline personnel:
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
Her scooter was damaged on a flight. She says it keeps happening
Maria Town, a professional disability advocate, said her mobility scooter was damaged on a flight. It wasn't the first time, either.
www.usatoday.com
May 28, 2026 at 3:10 PM
“You shouldn’t need to be a high-visibility person to get a response when an airline breaks your mobility device or something you rely on to go about your day.” @mariatown.bsky.social , on constant, blithely neglectful wheelchair+ damage by airline personnel:
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
Advocacy works! The Attorney General of Indiana has dropped out of the lawsuit against the Section 504 disability nondiscrimination healthcare regulations. Great news to share on 504 day. The force is with us.
Indiana Attorney General dropped out of the Texas v. Kennedy case which would protect people with disabilities from discrimination in healthcare and human services. From 17 states to 8. S/o The Arc of Indiana for local advocacy!
https://www.arcind.org/news/ag-rokita-withdraws-from-texas-v-kennedy/
https://www.arcind.org/news/ag-rokita-withdraws-from-texas-v-kennedy/
May 4, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Advocacy works! The Attorney General of Indiana has dropped out of the lawsuit against the Section 504 disability nondiscrimination healthcare regulations. Great news to share on 504 day. The force is with us.
Reposted by Maria Town
Starting May 1, many people covered by Medicaid in Nebraska have to prove they are working. It's a requirement most states will have to implement under President Trump's budget law, beginning in January. n.pr/48BKnrP
It's Day 1 of Medicaid work requirements in Nebraska. People are worried
Starting May 1, many people covered by Medicaid in Nebraska have to prove they are working. It's a requirement most states will have to implement under President Trump's budget law, beginning in January.
n.pr
May 1, 2026 at 10:47 AM
Starting May 1, many people covered by Medicaid in Nebraska have to prove they are working. It's a requirement most states will have to implement under President Trump's budget law, beginning in January. n.pr/48BKnrP
Reposted by Maria Town
I seem to have a bunch of new followers—hello, all!
I hope that you’ll check out a report that @ksavin.bsky.social, @calliefreitag.bsky.social, and I wrote about how it’s gotten even harder to claim disability benefits under Trump 2.0 and DOGE.
The thread below sums up key points. Thx for reading!
I hope that you’ll check out a report that @ksavin.bsky.social, @calliefreitag.bsky.social, and I wrote about how it’s gotten even harder to claim disability benefits under Trump 2.0 and DOGE.
The thread below sums up key points. Thx for reading!
In this new report, @ksavin.bsky.social, and @calliefreitag.bsky.social and I explain how Trump 2.0 and DOGE built up new barriers to the already-difficult process of getting disability benefits.
Let's talk about what we found, and what we recommend to address the issues. 🧵
Let's talk about what we found, and what we recommend to address the issues. 🧵
“In the last year, it’s gotten a lot worse” A Qualitative Investigation of Barriers to Disability Benefits in 2025 - DREDF
This report is based on interviews with 52 benefits professionals serving over 8,000 disability claimants nationwide. The independent research finds that recent Social Security Administration administ...
dredf.org
April 27, 2026 at 6:22 PM
I seem to have a bunch of new followers—hello, all!
I hope that you’ll check out a report that @ksavin.bsky.social, @calliefreitag.bsky.social, and I wrote about how it’s gotten even harder to claim disability benefits under Trump 2.0 and DOGE.
The thread below sums up key points. Thx for reading!
I hope that you’ll check out a report that @ksavin.bsky.social, @calliefreitag.bsky.social, and I wrote about how it’s gotten even harder to claim disability benefits under Trump 2.0 and DOGE.
The thread below sums up key points. Thx for reading!
Reposted by Maria Town
In this new report, @ksavin.bsky.social, and @calliefreitag.bsky.social and I explain how Trump 2.0 and DOGE built up new barriers to the already-difficult process of getting disability benefits.
Let's talk about what we found, and what we recommend to address the issues. 🧵
Let's talk about what we found, and what we recommend to address the issues. 🧵
“In the last year, it’s gotten a lot worse” A Qualitative Investigation of Barriers to Disability Benefits in 2025 - DREDF
This report is based on interviews with 52 benefits professionals serving over 8,000 disability claimants nationwide. The independent research finds that recent Social Security Administration administ...
dredf.org
March 3, 2026 at 11:20 PM
In this new report, @ksavin.bsky.social, and @calliefreitag.bsky.social and I explain how Trump 2.0 and DOGE built up new barriers to the already-difficult process of getting disability benefits.
Let's talk about what we found, and what we recommend to address the issues. 🧵
Let's talk about what we found, and what we recommend to address the issues. 🧵
Reposted by Maria Town
You can condemn Trump without making the incorrect insinuation that evilness is associated with aging/mental illness.
April 7, 2026 at 1:41 PM
You can condemn Trump without making the incorrect insinuation that evilness is associated with aging/mental illness.
Reposted by Maria Town
Hundreds of immigrants have been arrested at immigration courthouses. It is unclear whether the federal government's admission could lead to some of those arrests being overturned. n.pr/4t3NCzU
DOJ admits ICE courthouse arrests relied on erroneous information
Hundreds of immigrants have been arrested at immigration courthouses. It is unclear whether the federal government's admission could lead to some of those arrests being overturned.
n.pr
March 26, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Hundreds of immigrants have been arrested at immigration courthouses. It is unclear whether the federal government's admission could lead to some of those arrests being overturned. n.pr/4t3NCzU
Reposted by Maria Town
"Many disabled people in media, myself included, owe a
debt of thanks to Alice, whether she helped us personally
or indirectly by fundamentally reshaping the culture around
us."
Very much agree with these words by @sesmith.lol on Alice Wong.
disabilityvisibilityproject.com/celebration-...
debt of thanks to Alice, whether she helped us personally
or indirectly by fundamentally reshaping the culture around
us."
Very much agree with these words by @sesmith.lol on Alice Wong.
disabilityvisibilityproject.com/celebration-...
Celebration of Life
Welcome & Introduction On November 14, 2025, our beloved Alice Wong became an ancestor. In her own words, she told us: “Hi everyone, it looks like I ran out of time. I have so many dreams that …
disabilityvisibilityproject.com
March 25, 2026 at 5:20 PM
"Many disabled people in media, myself included, owe a
debt of thanks to Alice, whether she helped us personally
or indirectly by fundamentally reshaping the culture around
us."
Very much agree with these words by @sesmith.lol on Alice Wong.
disabilityvisibilityproject.com/celebration-...
debt of thanks to Alice, whether she helped us personally
or indirectly by fundamentally reshaping the culture around
us."
Very much agree with these words by @sesmith.lol on Alice Wong.
disabilityvisibilityproject.com/celebration-...
In case anyone is wondering, many US Presidents likely had dyslexia and other learning disabilities. I’m not saying that having these conditions makes someone a better or worse leader, but it certainly does not preclude someone from seeking and ultimately being successful in the office. #Disability
March 17, 2026 at 2:16 AM
In case anyone is wondering, many US Presidents likely had dyslexia and other learning disabilities. I’m not saying that having these conditions makes someone a better or worse leader, but it certainly does not preclude someone from seeking and ultimately being successful in the office. #Disability
Reposted by Maria Town
If you purchase a countertop with little or no silica, you can save a life.
Hundreds of young men are developing silicosis, exposed as the cut, grind and polish artificial stone slabs to make your kitchen countertops.
@celinegounder.com explains the way to prevent it - buy the safer product.
Hundreds of young men are developing silicosis, exposed as the cut, grind and polish artificial stone slabs to make your kitchen countertops.
@celinegounder.com explains the way to prevent it - buy the safer product.
Lung disease becomes more frequent among engineered stone workers
YouTube video by CBS News
www.youtube.com
March 14, 2026 at 12:49 AM
If you purchase a countertop with little or no silica, you can save a life.
Hundreds of young men are developing silicosis, exposed as the cut, grind and polish artificial stone slabs to make your kitchen countertops.
@celinegounder.com explains the way to prevent it - buy the safer product.
Hundreds of young men are developing silicosis, exposed as the cut, grind and polish artificial stone slabs to make your kitchen countertops.
@celinegounder.com explains the way to prevent it - buy the safer product.