2025-10 CTD Newsletter

Oct 29, 2025

Next Tuesday, November 4, is Election Day for the 2025 Uniform Election, and Early Voting is happening now, through Friday, October 31! We've got some things to know before heading to the polls (or preparing your mail in ballot).

End of Year Match!

Before the holidays sneak up on us, we're kicking off our year end giving campaign now—with a $10,000 match! Thanks to CTD's Board Treasurer Jet Schuler and former Executive Director Dennis Borel, all donations to CTD through the end of 2025 will be matched, up to $10,000.

From continuing the fight to raise attendant wages, to bringing Cinema Touching Disability films to the big screen, and so much more, your support sustains all of CTD's work. Double your donation now!

DONATE

Uniform Election Nov. 4

We are in the SECOND week of early voting for this year's uniform election! Read on for resources and things to know before you vote this year.

What's on the ballot?

Statewide, there are 17 constitutional amendments for Texas voters to consider. The League of Women Voters of Texas has guides in multiple language, as well as videos, on each of the constitutional amendments.

Depending on where you live, local races or propositions may appear on your ballot as well! Visit Vote411.org to see what to expect.

Changes in the law

For voters with disabilities, there have been a few changes to the law since this year's legislative session. Here's the rundown:

Curbside Voting

Requires anyone using curbside voting to sign a form swearing under penalty of perjury that they are unable to enter the polling place without personal assistance or a likelihood of injuring their health.
Requires election officials to ask anyone providing transportation to a user of curbside voting whether they have done so for multiple voters. The transportation provider will need to sign a form, with their name and address, stating that they are assisting a voter.
The Secretary of State's office has created a video to explain the changes in procedures for curbside voters and those assisting them (about 17 minutes).

Application for Ballot by Mail (“ABBM”)

Election officials are directed to call and email voters to notify them of errors before their application or ballot is processed, and it allows voters to correct the errors by mail or in person.
Instructions on a vote-by-mail application to be printed in larger type.
Available in various languages, “appropriate to the demographic composition of this state.”

As laws change and time passes, it's always a good idea to check your voter registration status before you make your voting plan.

For more details about all the changes to Texas election law, view the Secretary of State's video on 2025 legislative updates (1 hour).

Problems at the polls?

If you have an issue with curbside or any problem at the polls, call an election protection hotline:

Disability Rights Texas Hotline: 888-796-8683
Local League of Women Voters: 866-687-8683

After Nov. 4

Primary elections are coming up in the spring! Statewide races won’t be on this ballot, but now is a great time to start getting acquainted with the candidates running for Governor, Attorney General, and Senate!

Speaking of which, the Legislature made another important change, regarding Early Voting, that won't take effect until primary elections in the spring.

A law passed by the Texas Legislature retains the required 12-day early voting period, but starts it later, and eliminates a three-day gap between the end of early voting and Election Day.
That schedule gives voters an extra weekend of access to early voting. And the bill requires that voting be available for nine hours on Sundays, instead of six, and that voting be open on any holidays during the early voting period.
This may cause election results to come later than before.

Finally, a development we're watching very closely: the Republican Party of Texas is suing the Secretary of State to close Texas primary elections. A closed primary would mean that only registered members of a political party could vote in that party's primary election. Currently, anyone can vote in any primary. Our Chase Bearden explains why closing Texas primaries would raise barriers for disabled voters in an Austin American-Statesman op-ed.

Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival

On September 20th, 2025, film lovers and friends of CTD gathered at the Long Center in Austin, Texas for the 22nd annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival. Attendees enjoyed a full night of entertainment, including three blocks of short films, live music, a panel with disability advocates, and a filmmaker Q&A.

READ THE 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

Coming up at CTD & in the community!

Community Party at ADAPT, Oct. 31

Start your Halloween celebrations at ADAPT of Tx's monthly party, with food, games, community, and more! They're always a great time, and this month, we're bringing 3 spooky short films from CTDFF! 4-6 pm at 1100 S IH 35, Austin, no RSVP needed.

ADAPT OF TEXAS

Lion & Pirate virtual open mic, Nov. 1

Join CTD and Art Spark Texas the first weekend of each month on Zoom for our virtual inclusive open mic! We're open to work in any genre: music, spoken word, improv, skits, storytelling, dance, poems, prose... Anything you can perform!

LEARN MORE + RSVP

Stages of Grief: Crip Hearts on Fire, Nov. 12-19

Nov. 12 - 19, the performance collective Sins Invalid hosts the virtual release of their 2024 show Stages of Grief: Crip Hearts on Fire. In addition, join a virtual artist Q&A on Saturday, November 15. Free. Stream, Q&A, and sign up available in English, Spanish, and ASL.

LEARN MORE + REGISTER