Dear Friends,
I reach out to share my gratitude for your past support of our work and ask for your consideration again this year. Last year I shared a celebratory message of Disability Rights Iowa’s 40th Anniversary. This year, I am happy to be able to build on that and share a message of DRI’s focused and steadfast commitment to disability rights advocacy.
Right now, DRI needs your help. As you may know, our agency is federally funded, meaning that the funding we use to provide vital advocacy for Iowan’s like you is given to us by Congress through various Protection and Advocacy grants. Currently, DRI’s funding is uncertain as Congress decides on the appropriate amount of funding for our agency. The funding we receive directly impacts the amount of advocacy we are able to provide on your behalf.
This uncertainty has caused us to put a pause on reviewing cases under two of our Federal Protection and Advocacy Programs already. Without this funding, DRI is unable to accept new cases under these programs. I have included the following video to better share how funding delays and lack of funding impacts DRI’s advocacy and Iowans rights. (Emily’s video)
The silver lining is the strength of DRI through uncertain times like these. I am proud to share that our advocacy on behalf of Iowans with disabilities in 2025 included;
- Advocating against cuts to Medicaid.
- Increasing Access to Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports.
- Keeping students with behavioral disabilities steadily enrolled and advancing in school.
DRI has been Iowa’s Protection and Advocacy Agency for 41 years. With your support DRI will continue to advance disability rights and to protect Iowans with disabilities for many more years to come. Please consider donating to our Giving Tuesday campaign, knowing it directly benefits Iowans in need. If you are not able to donate financially, here are other meaningful ways you can help DRI.
Share this message, even if no one you know can donate or act. Sharing our message not only gets it seen by more people but also gives others an opportunity to donate if they’re not already on our mailing list.
Follow us on social media. We are constantly posting updates about our funding and important disability rights issues and news – every interaction ensures that the people who need us can find us.
Contact Congress. Congress is still making decisions – you can let your representatives know how important our services are to you and to your neighbors by filling out this form below. BUTTON
I am so deeply grateful for your continued support that helps to advance the civil and human rights of thousands of Iowans with disabilities. DRI is an organization that exists to serve you. Your support is vital to our ability to achieve our mission, our vision of growth and to meet the evolving needs of Iowans with disabilities. Donations and acts of support like yours directly contribute to our mission; and allow us to grow our disability rights advocacy and resources for Iowa’s Disability Community.
You can continue your support of Disability Rights Iowa by sending a check to our office at 606 Walnut St., Suite 2220, Des Moines, IA 50309, or you can visit our website to make a payment online and learn about the various ways you can make a gift that supports DRI.
Disability Rights Iowa is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization (Tax ID: 42-1235407), any financial contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Thank you for your commitment to disability rights and your commitment to Disability Rights Iowa.
With Gratitude,
Catherine E. Johnson
Executive Director
Disability Rights Iowa
