Category Archives: disability rights

In Memoriam: Bob Kafka: Pivotal National Disability Rights Advocate Passes Away at 79

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Not Dead Yet, we express profound sadness at the news that legendary ADAPT organizer, first ally of Not Dead Yet, and pivotal disability rights advocate, Bob Kafka has passed away at his Austin, Texas home on December 26, 2025. First, our deepest heartfelt condolences to Stephanie Thomas, Bob’s … Continue reading In Memoriam: Bob Kafka: Pivotal National Disability Rights Advocate Passes Away at 79

Kristi McGarity: The Disability Rights Case Against Mask Bans

In August 2024, Disability Rights New York filed a legal challenge to Nassau County’s Mask Transparency Act, a new law intended to deter hate crime by making it illegal for groups gathered in public to wear masks to hide their identity. The law allows exceptions for religious and cultural purposes and “to protect the health … Continue reading Kristi McGarity: The Disability Rights Case Against Mask Bans

NDY In Solidarity: Speaking Out Against Racism

NDY’s Director of Minority Outreach Anita Cameron is often interviewed by both disability and mainstream press. She has a long history of activism on behalf of disability rights, especially in her decades of work with ADAPT to get lifts on buses as well as major increases in home and community-based services that help older and … Continue reading NDY In Solidarity: Speaking Out Against Racism

NDY Celebrating 20 Years in the Fight for Our Lives

Dear Disability Rights Supporter: Twenty years ago, on April 27th, at a disability rights gathering in Dallas, Bob Kafka, one of the leaders of ADAPT, said to me, “I’ve got a name for your group.” For years, ADAPT had been supportive of disability advocacy to challenge the assisted suicide movement and other deadly forms of … Continue reading NDY Celebrating 20 Years in the Fight for Our Lives

It’s (Long Past) Time for the U.S. To Ratify the United Nations Disability Treaty

I want to pass on a message I received about activities tomorrow in support of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).  The rally is being sponsored by the National Council on Independent Living, one of NDY’s closest allies.  Here’s the information I received (excerpts): PLEASE Call your Senators!  And … Continue reading It’s (Long Past) Time for the U.S. To Ratify the United Nations Disability Treaty