Purpose

To study the concerns of Texas lawyers and legal professionals with disabilities, as well as clients and members of the public, make recommendations to the State Bar Board of Directors concerning ways in which the role of people with disabilities in Texas can be enhanced by improvement in programs and initiatives sponsored by the State Bar and to develop and promote such programs as appropriate.

2023-2024 Projects and Objectives

• To inform current Texas law and paralegal/legal assistant students on reasonable accommodations in the classroom and on examinations.

• To facilitate the creation of a coalition of lawyers to assist other lawyers who need reasonable accommodations in the courtroom.

• To inform lawyers and legal professionals on mental health and self-care.

• To inform members of the Texas general public on courtroom access.

• To provide the public with a database of special education law attorneys across the State of Texas who are willing to provide their services pro-bono and/or for a reasonable fee.

• To encourage local bar organizations to create and sustain disability section committees which host CLEs, community events, and a space for mutual networking and collaboration.

• To work with other State Bar of Texas committees to address and prevent multiple forms of bias and discrimination in the profession and general society.

Chair
Daphne Silverman
(512) 975-5880

Staff Contact
Ben Walter
(512) 427-1517