Disabilities Resource Center of Siouxland

06/03/2026

For many disabled people, including veterans and survivors of trauma, emotional support animals are vital to managing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disabilities so they can safely remain in their communities.

And for nearly two decades, under the Fair Housing Act and through guidance and enforcement from the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), disabled tenants were protected from being denied housing or charged extra fees because of their Emotional Support Animals (ESAs).

Now, HUD has abruptly reversed course and announced it will stop pursuing many ESA housing discrimination complaints.

The Fair Housing Act itself has not changed. Disabled people still have rights. But HUD has signaled it no longer intends to meaningfully enforce this law.

This policy shift could leave countless disabled renters more vulnerable to discrimination, housing instability, and displacement.

DREDF breaks down what changed, what protections still exist, and what tenants can do next.
Read more: https://dredf.org/huds-esa-policy-reversal/

06/03/2026

Every year, more than 105,000 students are subjected to restraint and seclusion at school. A vast majority of those cases involve students with disabilities, and students of color are disproportionately impacted.

These practices can be dangerous, traumatic, and right now, there is no federal law to protect students from the abusive use of seclusion and restraint.

Congress can change that by passing the Keeping All Students Safe Act.

Sign the petition today and tell Congress: It’s time to end seclusion and restraint in schools. https://bit.ly/4fRPpEL

06/03/2026

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.

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

Tickets are NOW AVAILABLE for Hear Us Roar 2026!

Join us Tuesday, August 4 at Blank Park Zoo for a statewide celebration of Disability Pride, connection, leadership, and belonging.

Last year, more than 500 individuals with disabilities and their loved ones joined us for an unforgettable day together. This year, our goal is even bigger — welcoming 1,000 attendees from across Iowa.

Your day may include:
• FREE parakeet and giraffe feeding experiences
• Train rides and petting zoo fun
• Advocacy and community experiences
• Wear Your Roar Showcase & prizes
• Ice Cream Social
• Community lunch options
• Youth Leadership Academy Graduation Celebration

Whether you are an individual with a disability, family member, self-advocate, provider, educator, volunteer, or supporter — this event is for YOU.

Disability Rights are Human Rights.

Reserve your Disability Pride Pass today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hear-us-roar-celebrating-disability-pride-at-the-blank-park-zoo-tickets-1990816866840



https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hear-us-roar-celebrating-disability-pride-at-the-blank-park-zoo-tickets-1990816866840

06/03/2026

Words Matter: Disability is not a bad word. Avoid euphemisms like “differently-abled."

Using vague or softened language can minimize real experiences and barriers. Be clear, respectful, and accurate–say “disability.”

06/03/2026

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is a global set of standards for making websites and digital content accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

Today, we want to share a great resource from AAArdvark called “WCAG in Plain English.” It provides easy-to-understand guidance on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), where you can explore different aspects of digital accessibility requirements in plain language.

Learn more: bit.ly/wcag-pe.