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Andy Imparato

andydrc.bsky.social

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Leader & follower in the disability movement for over 30 years | CEO of Disability Rights California since 2020 | Collector, connector & supporter of other leaders | Views expressed are personal | Virgo | Harkinista | Bipolar Bear | Chaotic Good | he/him

Joined November 2024

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Jan 2
#FF @mariatown.bsky.social @neilmilliken.bsky.social @karentamley.bsky.social @habengirma.bsky.social @crosbycromwell.bsky.social @mgmpoppop.bsky.social @christinamills.bsky.social @eligelardin.bsky.social @xoulwing.bsky.social @disabilityrightsca.bsky.social @claudiasf.bsky.social @aapd.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Dec 28, 2025
www.npr.org/2025/12/27/g...
Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79

Bob Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group which advocates for policy change to support people with disabilities.

npr.org

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Dec 2, 2025
How Rosa Parks' legacy inspired a new fight over who could ride the bus 19thnews.org/2025/12/rosa... via @19thnews.org
How Rosa Parks' legacy inspired a new fight over who could ride the bus

Decades after the Montgomery Bus Boycott, these activists in Chicago turned to Parks’ playbook to broaden disability access.

19thnews.org

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 26, 2025
Disability Rights Center launches investigation into New Hampshire’s disability care system newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/11/25/d...
Disability Rights Center launches investigation into New Hampshire's disability care system • New Hampshire Bulletin

The Disability Rights Center-NH has launched an investigation into New Hampshire’s disability care system following a series of articles published by the Bulletin earlier this month, the agency said M...

newhampshirebulletin.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 26, 2025
Disability Rights Center launches investigation into New Hampshire’s disability care system newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/11/25/d...
Disability Rights Center launches investigation into New Hampshire's disability care system • New Hampshire Bulletin

The Disability Rights Center-NH has launched an investigation into New Hampshire’s disability care system following a series of articles published by the Bulletin earlier this month, the agency said M...

newhampshirebulletin.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 21, 2025
#FF @sabrinaep.bsky.social @jasmineeharris.bsky.social @mariatown.bsky.social @christinamills.bsky.social @icarszoey.bsky.social @neilmilliken.bsky.social @anjalifp.bsky.social @disabilityrightsca.bsky.social @crenny75.bsky.social @mgmpoppop.bsky.social @crosbycromwell.bsky.social @akwyz.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 16, 2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/15/u...
Alice Wong, Writer and Relentless Advocate for Disability Rights, Dies at 51

nytimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 14, 2025
#FF @mariatown.bsky.social @rylinrodgers.bsky.social @sabrinaep.bsky.social @icarszoey.bsky.social @neilmilliken.bsky.social @disabilityrightsca.bsky.social @anjalifp.bsky.social @crosbycromwell.bsky.social @mgmpoppop.bsky.social @sfdirewolf.bsky.social @imanibarbarin.bsky.social @aapd.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 13, 2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/u...
Trump Administration Expected to Drastically Cut Housing Grants

nytimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 12, 2025
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Poll shows rising concern about healthcare in California

Californians are overwhelmingly concerned about the costs of healthcare, and most want better access to mental health services, according to a new poll.

latimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 11, 2025
newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/11/10/a...
A series of tragedies exposes patterns of abuse and neglect in New Hampshire’s disability system • New Hampshire Bulletin

A video recorded at a Dunbarton care home for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in February 2019 captured caretakers pinning Lucas Houle to the ground and slapping him repeatedly...

newhampshirebulletin.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 11, 2025
www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
Accessible sets aren't 'a luxury.' A new film starring 'Wicked's' Marissa Bode shows the way

With the help of Inevitable Foundation’s Visionary Fellowship, disabled artists like Bode and filmmaker Katherine Craft offer a template for accessibility in Hollywood.

latimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 7, 2025
#FF @anjalifp.bsky.social @crosbycromwell.bsky.social @rylinrodgers.bsky.social @mgmpoppop.bsky.social @jasmineeharris.bsky.social @xoulwing.bsky.social @christinamills.bsky.social @eligelardin.bsky.social @angelamswinca.bsky.social @drsamischalk.bsky.social @disabilityrightsca.bsky.social

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 6, 2025
www.k12dive.com/news/special...
Why shifting special ed oversight could be ‘a public education crisis’

Though there's still no official plan to transfer the duties out of the Education Department, advocates are voicing concerns against such a move.

k12dive.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 4, 2025
www.fresnobee.com/news/califor...
CA’s largest ICE facility ‘unnecessarily’ uses solitary confinement, report says

A disability rights group observed 27 migrants had been placed in solitary confinement during a late September inspection of the ICE facility.

fresnobee.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 3, 2025
www.npr.org/2025/11/01/n...
How one legal team is building support for people with cognitive disabilities

The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office has an unusual unit at its office: A team dedicated to working with defendants who have cognitive disabilities. The office helps these people access tre...

npr.org

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Nov 1, 2025
www.latimes.com/science/stor...
Health insurance premiums for 1.7 million Californians on Obamacare will soar as federal subsidies end

Healthcare plans under Obamacare will skyrocket 97% on average in 2026 if enhanced tax credits aren't renewed, experts said.

latimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 31, 2025
#FF @icarszoey.bsky.social @xoulwing.bsky.social @mariatown.bsky.social @jasmineeharris.bsky.social @mgmpoppop.bsky.social @rollwithrussell.bsky.social @christinamills.bsky.social @adenaishii.bsky.social @konstantineinca.bsky.social @habengirma.bsky.social @sfdirewolf.bsky.social @akwyz.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 29, 2025
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Report questions why LAPD mental health specialists must defer to armed officers

The city controller’s office has raised questions about the effectiveness of the LAPD’s signature crisis response program, saying clinicians trained in de-escalation are too often forced to defer to a...

latimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 28, 2025
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
For this Bay Area mother and son, Trump’s Medicaid cuts could shred a lifeline

As Medicaid cuts loom, a Sebastopol mother fears losing support that keeps her 5-year-old with epilepsy living at home.

sfchronicle.com

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Reposted by Andy Imparato
Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren judgewren.bsky.social · Oct 24, 2025
An honor to present at Council of State Governments in Redlands, Ca. & meet amazing MH advocates with lived-experience from Disability Rights California! Thank you Vanessa Ramos for your inspiring advocacy 🙏🏻 @andydrc.bsky.social @lorilevin.bsky.social @marcietimmerman.bsky.social @akwyz.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 24, 2025
#FF @mariatown.bsky.social @icarszoey.bsky.social @xoulwing.bsky.social @jasmineeharris.bsky.social @sabrinaep.bsky.social @habengirma.bsky.social @mychal3ts.bsky.social @anjalifp.bsky.social @rollwithrussell.bsky.social @lauraigomez.bsky.social @sfdirewolf.bsky.social @mgmpoppop.bsky.social

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 23, 2025
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Congress is running out of time to meet a crucial health care deadline

Lawmakers express little hope for the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies before open enrollment begins.

washingtonpost.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 22, 2025
www.einnews.com/pr_news/8604...
NDSC and Nation-wide Coalition Call on Administration & Congress to Protect Children with Disabilities & Reverse Layoffs

NDSC joined over 800 organizations from all 50 states in a statement urging the Administration to reverse firings that have gutted U.S. Dept. of Education.

einnews.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 22, 2025
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
Millions may lose food stamp benefits if shutdown continues, states warn

Texas, New York, California and other states say lower-income families risk losing access to SNAP assistance if the government shutdown continues into November.

washingtonpost.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 22, 2025
citizen-network.org/news/what-do...
What does Citizen Network believe?

The Citizenship Manifesto was published in Bratislava on 7th October.

citizen-network.org

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 22, 2025
www.washingtonpost.com/education/20...
Trump administration seeks to move special education to different agency

The move would affect the $15 billion IDEA program and comes as the administration seeks to close down the federal Education Department

washingtonpost.com

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Reposted by Andy Imparato
Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren judgewren.bsky.social · Oct 21, 2025
So inspiring to hear Vanesa Ramos of Disability Rights Ca. advocate for persons with lived-experience and consumer rights at The Council of State Governments 2025 CSG Public Health Policy Academy. @andydrc.bsky.social @icarszoey.bsky.social @lorilevin.bsky.social @marcietimmerman.bsky.social

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 21, 2025
The uneasy history of horror films and disability theconversation.com/the-uneasy-h...
The uneasy history of horror films and disability

For decades, various kinds of disability have been used as ‘scary’ metaphors in horror. But a new wave of filmmakers is challenging this problematic framing.

theconversation.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 21, 2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/u...
No Education Department? No Problem, Trump’s Education Secretary Says.

nytimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 21, 2025
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Newsom warns Californians' SNAP benefits could be delayed because of federal shutdown

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said Californians could see their benefits delayed if the federal government shutdown is not ended by Thursday.

latimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 18, 2025
Food Stamp Benefits May Run Out in November, Officials Warn www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
Food Stamp Benefits May Run Out in November, Officials Warn

nytimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 17, 2025
#FF @xoulwing.bsky.social @mariatown.bsky.social @sabrinaep.bsky.social @elenahung.bsky.social @icarszoey.bsky.social @mgmpoppop.bsky.social @joannesansome.bsky.social @angelamswinca.bsky.social @neilmilliken.bsky.social @rylinrodgers.bsky.social @crosbycromwell.bsky.social @akwyz.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 17, 2025
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
Contributor: Cuts to Medicaid and to insurance subsidies will push ERs past the brink

The financial logic is delusional: Eliminating coverage for 33 million residents doesn't cure their ills. They can either be managed inexpensively in doctors’ offices and clinics — or at orders of magnitude greater expense in ERs and hospitals.

latimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 15, 2025
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Who will lose out when ACA health insurance subsidies expire?

Here’s a look at who could be affected by the end of the Affordable Care Act credits and how much prices could change.

washingtonpost.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 15, 2025
White House Guts Education Department With More Layoffs www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/u...
White House Guts Education Department With More Layoffs

nytimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 13, 2025
www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Students With Hearing and Vision Loss Get Funding Back Despite Trump’s Anti-DEI Campaign

Following public outcry, the Department of Education has reversed its decision to cut funding for students who have both hearing and vision loss, opting instead to reroute grants to an organization th...

propublica.org

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 13, 2025
www.npr.org/2025/10/13/n...
Amid shutdown, Trump administration guts department overseeing special education

Multiple sources tell NPR that, as part of the Trump administration's latest reduction-in-force, the U.S. Department of Education has gutted the office that handles special education.

npr.org

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 12, 2025
abcnews.go.com/Politics/spe...
Special education staff decimated after Trump administration shutdown firings: Sources

The nation’s special education services have been significantly damaged after Fridays’s mass layoffs within the Department of Education, sources told ABC News.

abcnews.go.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 10, 2025
#FF @habengirma.bsky.social @christinamills.bsky.social @angelamswinca.bsky.social @xoulwing.bsky.social @rollwithrussell.bsky.social @sabrinaep.bsky.social @sfdirewolf.bsky.social @eligelardin.bsky.social @disabilityrightsca.bsky.social @jasmineeharris.bsky.social @akwyz.com @icarszoey.bsky.social

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 6, 2025
www.kqed.org/news/1205872...
Following Medicaid Cuts, Californians With Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities Face Uncertain Future | KQED

Programs that help Californians with disabilities could face a significant cut in Medi-Cal funding.

kqed.org

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 6, 2025
www.cbpp.org/blog/trump-a...
Trump Administration Abruptly Cut Off Highly Effective Support for Disabled People Experiencing Homelessness | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

The Trump Administration abruptly ended federal support for a highly effective intervention that helps disabled people experiencing or at risk of homelessness access benefits to help them stabilize...

cbpp.org

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 5, 2025
wapo.st/4qa8yoq
Trump plan would limit disability benefits for older Americans

Trump administration officials are considering eliminating age as a factor in deciding whether someone is capable of working.

wapo.st

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 5, 2025
A Freeze on Medicaid Payments Is Forcing Cuts to Rural Health Care www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/u...
A Freeze on Medicaid Payments Is Forcing Cuts to Rural Health Care

nytimes.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 4, 2025
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
WIC funding could run out in weeks, as government shuts down

More than 6 million Americans rely on WIC for food assistance, breastfeeding support and nutrition education.

washingtonpost.com

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Reposted by Andy Imparato
Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren judgewren.bsky.social · Oct 4, 2025
www.cbsnews.com/video/25-of-... @cbsnews.com.web.brid.gy @andydrc.bsky.social @icarszoey.bsky.social @lorilevin.bsky.social @marcietimmerman.bsky.social
25% of American adults with mental illness aren't receiving treatment, report finds

A new report finds that 25% of American adults suffering from a mental illness aren't receiving treatment. Mary Gilberti, interim president and CEO of Mental Health America, the nonprofit who conducte...

cbsnews.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Oct 3, 2025
#FF @jasmineeharris.bsky.social @mariatown.bsky.social @crenny75.bsky.social @akwyz.com @neilmilliken.bsky.social @debraruh.bsky.social @judgewren.bsky.social @sabrinaep.bsky.social @xoulwing.bsky.social @icarszoey.bsky.social @yep4rights.bsky.social @disabilityrightsca.bsky.social @aapd.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Sep 29, 2025
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
Opinion | Lessons from faulty evacuation alerts in the California fires

Los Angeles County just released an audit on mistakes during January’s blazes. Other places can learn.

washingtonpost.com

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Sep 28, 2025
www.npr.org/2018/01/20/5...
In Their Own Words: People With Intellectual Disabilities Talk About Rape

In the final piece of NPR's series on the sexual assault epidemic against people with intellectual disabilities, we hear from victims themselves about how these experiences shape their lives.

npr.org

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Reposted by Andy Imparato
Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren judgewren.bsky.social · Sep 26, 2025
After federal cuts, California schools could lose hundreds of mental health clinicians edsource.org?page_id=741367 @namicalifornia.bsky.social @andydrc.bsky.social @edsource.org @drmikeatwater.bsky.social @lorilevin.bsky.social @stuckonsw.bsky.social
After federal cuts, California schools could lose hundreds of mental health clinicians

The Trump administration slashed nearly $168 million that was appropriated for school districts with severe shortages of social workers and counselors.

edsource.org

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Sep 26, 2025
#FF @angelamswinca.bsky.social @jasmineeharris.bsky.social @mariatown.bsky.social @xoulwing.bsky.social @judgewren.bsky.social @crenny75.bsky.social @rylinrodgers.bsky.social @akwyz.com @yazminelaroche.bsky.social @icarszoey.bsky.social @yep4rights.bsky.social @disabilityrightsca.bsky.social

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Sep 26, 2025
source.washu.edu/2025/09/amer...
Americans favor voluntary mental health care amid federal push for forced treatment

A public health researcher at Washington University in St. Louis found that there is bipartisan backing for crisis hotlines, walk-in centers and peer support — diverging from federal policies expandin...

source.washu.edu

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Sep 23, 2025
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
States Are Cutting Medicaid Provider Payments Long Before Trump Cuts Hit - KFF Health News

North Carolina and Idaho are cutting their Medicaid programs to bridge budget gaps, raising fears that providers will stop taking patients and that hospitals will close even before the brunt of a new ...

kffhealthnews.org

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Andy Imparato andydrc.bsky.social · Sep 22, 2025
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Disability Bias Complaints Peak as the Office That Investigates Them Is Gutted - KFF Health News

Get our weekly newsletter, The Week in Brief, featuring a roundup of our original coverage, Fridays at 2 p.m. ET.

kffhealthnews.org

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