2024-12 CTD Newsletter

December 6 2024

Just a quick update before we get into full-blown holiday mode! We have some board updates to announce, and if you haven't already, please consider including CTD in your end of year giving plans!

Board Update

Our Board elections took place last month, and we are excited to announce that we have some new Board Executives! Sean Pevnser (Arlington) has been elected Board President and Kenneth Semien Sr. (Beaumont) has been elected Board Secretary.

If these names ring a bell, it's because Sean and Kenneth have been very involved with CTD and other disability advocacy groups for years, even before they joined our board. If you've ever attended a Raise Your Voice! call or Film Festival, you've probably noted Sean and Kenneth in attendance!

A note from Sean (below, left) on why he stepped up to serve as President:

"My name is Sean Pevsner. My experiences as a native Texan with a disability will assist CTD to further its goals to protect and enhance the civil rights of Texans with disabilities. CTD deserves more resources to continue its legislative initiatives to further disability rights in this state. I am serving as the CTD President to help this great disability rights organization to improve and enhance its legislative advocacy for the citizens with disabilities of Texas."

A note from Kenneth (above, right) on how he sees his new role as Secretary:

"It has been my pleasure to work with CTD as an advocate participating in Capitol days; rallies, letter writing campaigns; Disability Issues Forums, personal advocacy efforts in support of successful outcomes within the Texas Legislature and participating in various disability related conferences for educational purposes since 2006. As Secretary during a time of transition at CTD, sharing my organizational and communication skills, along with knowledge gained through my years of business and community work is sure to be an asset."

We are also thrilled to have four at-large members re-elected to serve another 2 years: Alina Arredondo (El Paso), Darren Bates (Austin), Marshall Burns (Corpus Christi), and Maria Palacios (Houston). Again, these are folks who have been deeply engaged in disability advocacy in their own communities, at the local, state, and even national levels, in addition to serving with CTD. Our staff is so grateful for their on-going guidance and support. Congrats all!

Double your end-of-year donation!

It's that time, CTD's end of year giving campaign is underway! We're raising funds to support our work at the 89th Texas Legislature, which convenes in January. We're anticipating a very difficult session, but we're not backing down on our priorities, like protecting special education in public schools, defending the hard-won voting rights of Texans with disabilities, and raising wages for all community attendants.

Your support sustains our work, so we ask you to consider CTD in your year-end giving plans. Plus, through the end of the year, our immediate past Executive Director Dennis Borel, is generously matching your donations, up to $5,000!

DONATE

Why give to CTD?

"Even in retirement, CTD's work of breaking down barriers to Texans with disabilities remains incredibly important to me. 2025 is going to be tough. But I know the current CTD team is up to the task, and they have my full support."

Dennis Borel, CTD Executive Director 2000-2024

Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival

The 2025 Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival is in the works! We've got some tentative dates, which we'll share when they're confirmed, and big plans for MORE screenings over the course of the year! The 2025 Short Film Competition will open in January. Stay tuned!

READ THE 2024 WRAP UP!

Capitol Care CDS

Did you know? CTD operates Capitol Care CDS, a program that allows Medicaid STAR+PLUS and STAR Kids recipients to hire and manage the people who will provide their attendant services.

If you, a loved one, or a friend have attendant care needs, Capitol Care CDS may be the answer!

LEARN MORE