What Do You Think He Had To Say?
Former DRAC Executive Director with Senator Orrin Hatch (ret.), August 26, 2010
Photo description: two men, one in a black suit and tie, one in a green checked shirt, smile for the camera.
What's so funny?
DRAC founder, Barbara Toomer and Jerry Costley share a joke after meeting with Representatives.
Photo Description: woman with hat, orange sweatshirt, seated in wheelchair laughs as a man in hat and green shirt reading "Accessible, Affordable, Integrated Housing" tells a story to the camera.
"This ain't no tourist stop!"
Still at it, protesters block the gate to the White House in their on-going fight to bring awareness to disabled rights.
Photo description: a large crowd of variously disabled folks stand at the gate to the White House. White House security watch.
Taking to the streets of Salt Lake
Barbara Toomer (founder), Jerry Costley (former ED), and Lopeti Penima'ani (former chair) lead marchers from across the nation through the streets of Salt Lake City to the State's Capitol to protest Medicaid cuts.
Photo description: three men and one woman lead a group up State street. The woman and one man (with a dog) are in wheelchairs. The other men walk. Behind them is a large blue banner reading: "Free Our People; ADAPT."
A Packed Room
Activists from across the nation occupy Utah's State Capitols and it's offices demanding Medicaid Expansion.
Photo description: two individuals in wheelchairs, one wearing a skeleton mask and holding a sign reading "My Medicaid Matters" in a congressperson's office with several other individuals.
Senator Hatch, Don't Kill Us
Once an advocate for disabled rights, Orrin Hatch spent much of 2017 trying to overturn the ADA, essentially taking insurance away from individuals with pre-existing conditions. In protest, activists blocked State Street in front of his office.
Photo description: a group of activists hold a large banner reading "Don't Kill Us!" They are standing inside the lines of a crosswalk and block the street.
Fun and Games
DRAC board chair, Psarah Johnson let's loose at the 29th Anniversary Celebration of the ADA.
Photo description: disabled woman with evident hand contractures in black top holds up a blue and orange polka dot octopus balloon.
Meeting with Mitt
Mere days before the COVID-19 shutdown, ADAPT Utah meets with Romney staffer to discuss the rising concern of institutionalization as disabled folks find themselves trapped in high-risk nursing homes. Romney was asked to support the Disability Integration Act which would allow any federal Medicaid dollar spent for institutionalization by eligible for Home and Community Based Services.
Photo description: Three women and two men (one in his wheelchair) stand in the Federal Building for a photo.
Pledge to Mask Up!
Following Governor Herbert's COVID-19 "shelter in place" order, Disabled Rights Action Committee commits to getting PPE to vulnerable communities, turning their office into a temporary donation and redistribution center.
Photo description: a black mailer containing 2 masks and a personal-sized hand sanitizer lies on a desk ready for distribution.
Masked and Vaxxed!
In Spring of 2021, the Utah Parent Center, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council and Disabled Rights Action Committee partnered to host a special vaccine clinic for people with disabilities.
Photo description: three masked individuals stand outside the Utah Parent Center proudly displaying their vaccine cards.