|  | | Jan 26, 2026 As we start a new year, we've got some Board updates, the date of our first Raise Your Voice! call, and other upcoming events. First, a few words for a CTD founder, long-time advocacy partner, mentor, and friend, Bob Kafka. | | | |
| | Remembering Bob Kafka The day after Christmas, our staff started receiving the somber news that a pillar of our community, Bob Kafka, had died. Bob was one of those visionary advocates who founded CTD back in the 70s, and he continued to advocate with us and with many other groups until the end of his life. For those of us at CTD today, Bob was already a civil rights legend when we got into this work. To be assigned to your first project with Bob was intimidating, but that feeling never lasted long. Bob had no interest in sitting at the top of the hierarchy. His heart was in the disability rights movement and bringing people into that work. Our Chase Bearden recalls, "One thing that Bob was really good at, and I don't think most people even realize this, is what kind of mentor he was to people... It came natural to him. Any young person that was starting in the field of advocacy, he would spend time with, and he treated you like you were the smartest person in the room. And you don't always get that. Usually, there's kind of a divide between groups and ages, even within the advocacy world. But Bob seemed to always realize there was a need for bringing up the younger people, the next generations. And that was something that was extremely helpful for so many people." While many are recalling the phrases that Bob often used—"Don't Mourn, Organize" or "Onward!"—there's one more we want to celebrate: "Y'all Come!" At the end of any invitation, whether it was to a rally, webinar, or party, Bob's sign off was, unsurprisingly, warm and welcoming to all. Just a few memories of our work with Bob: |
| | | From local news to national organizations, the disability community has been remembering Bob and paying their respects. Here are a few pieces to read or listen to, if you haven't already: Finally, ADAPT of Texas is holding a Celebration of the Life of Bob Kafka on Saturday, Jan. 31, in Austin and online. More details. |
| | | We're welcoming Maria R. Palacios (right) to our Board's Executive Committee, as Vice-President! A poet, author, disability activist, and professional presenter, you might know Maria as the Goddess on Wheels. She has represented the Houston area on CTD's board since 2022. About her service with CTD, Maria says: "It is a pleasure to serve on the CTD board and bring to the table the passion of artistic advocacy and my love for disabled people. It is my hope to inspire the younger generation of disabled revolutionaries to want to also serve through participation and involvement with us. As we know, our great State of Texas is vast and diverse. Disabled people in the most marginalized communities deserve representation and a chance to contribute from their own wealth of disabled life experience and culture." In 2026, we're also bidding a fond farewell to long-time CTD board members Crystal Lyons and Darrell Wilson. Crystal (right, standing), representing the Rio Grande Valley, joined our board in 2003. She served as Board President from 2008-2012, and the Vice-President from 2013-2025. A disability advocate and self-advocate, Crystal was particularly focused on transportation issues. We are grateful for her years of dedication to CTD's mission and support of our staff! Thank you, Crystal! Darrell Wilson (right, seated) joined our board in 2013, representing South Texas. We first met Darrell through his advocacy work with the Paralyzed Veterans of America Texas Chapter. His professionalism and penchant for details will be missed on our board, but we wish him well as he pursues his love of travel! Bon voyage and thank you, Darrell! |
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| | Raise Your Voice! is back! |
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| Our advocacy calls are re-launching for 2026! Join our advocacy team and self-advocates from around the state on Tuesday on Zoom, January 27 at 10 am CT/ 9 am MT. With primary elections coming up in March, we'll be focusing on voting and elections, including law changes, upcoming key dates, and other helpful information. Free, CC provided. Recording will be provided to all who register. Learn more! |
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| | 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! |
| | | Coming up at CTD & in the community! |
|  | Texas Cannabis Policy Conference, Jan. 29–31 Our Chase Bearden will be speaking at the Texas Cannabis Policy Conference on Friday, Jan. 30. Join the Texas Cannabis Policy Center for all three days of unpacking new regulations, sharing best practices, and preparing for the next phase of reform in Texas. TICKETS + MORE INFO |
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 | Celebrating the Life of Bob Kafka, Saturday, Jan. 31 Join ADAPT of Texas to celebrate the life of Bob Kafka. The gathering will take place at ADAPT HQ in Austin (1100 S I-35 Frontage Rd.) 1-4 pm. Storytelling will be broadcast on Zoom, Facebook, and ADAPT's website 2-3 pm CT. LEARN MORE + SHARE YOUR BOB STORY |
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 | Lion & Pirate virtual open mic, Sunday Feb. 1 Join CTD and Art Spark Texas on zoom as we launch the 12th year of our inclusive open mic! We're open to work in any genre: music, spoken word, improv, skits, storytelling, dance, poems, prose... Anything you can perform! Free! LEARN MORE + RSVP |
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| Thank you to our major 2026 Supporters! Borealis Philanthropy The Boatright family Jet Schuler Dennis Borel Perna Family Charitable Fund |
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| | Contact Us info@txdisabilities.org | 512-478-3366 |
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