Disability Rights Mississippi

02/03/2026

When someone faces a mental health crisis and doesn’t receive the care they need, they can end up in overcrowded emergency rooms, experience homelessness, become involved in the criminal justice system – or worse, lose their life. To change this costly and tragic dynamic, we need readily accessible, effective, and timely crisis care as an essential component of our mental health service system to ensure that everyone can access help when they need it.

Together Toward Tomorrow 2026 registration is now open! Don't miss out on early bird savings and an unforgettable experience! Join us in Hattiesburg, MS, April 30–May 1, alongside hundreds of dynamic voices committed to advancing mental health and crisis response.

Lock in your place at namims.org

Mississippi CIT Association

02/02/2026

Are you looking for job support? Have you been affected by Long COVID?

The Career Horizons Project (CHP) at Mississippi State University is seeking to help Mississippi residents between the ages of 16 - 70 who have disabilities accompanied by or resulting from Long COVID successfully get back to work and maintain their employment.

Learn more & submit a referral for yourself or someone you know who may benefit from our services on our website at careerhorizonsproject.msstate.edu or call our office at 662-325-8248.


Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240107.

01/29/2026

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services Announces Upcoming Listening Session

On January 28, 2026 from 12:00-3:00PM EST, OSERS invites parents, students, teachers, paraprofessionals, school staff, individuals with disabilities, and other disability stakeholders across the nation to participate in a virtual listening session. You are invited to share your personal experiences with special education and vocational rehabilitation, including stories of success and challenges and any matters you would like the U.S. Department of Education to hear as we work to empower parents, teachers, and local leaders and return education to the states.

OSERS leadership will be in attendance to hear from participants. The Department intends only to listen to feedback; no information will be shared, and Department staff will not engage in discussion. Please note that opportunities to speak are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will include a 3-minute max time per speaker. For registered participants unable to participate due to time constraints, listening session remarks may be submitted by email to a designated inbox. Consistent with the structure of the listening session, the Department will not respond to emailed session remarks. This session will be closed to the press and strictly off the record.

Please register here: https://events.zoomgov.com/.../AkxJmtZeb4zY7wOJ0yHZ32u003...

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services Announces Upcoming Listening Session

On January 28, 2026 from 12:00-3:00PM EST, OSERS invites parents, students, teachers, paraprofessionals, school staff, individuals with disabilities, and other disability stakeholders across the nation to participate in a virtual listening session. You are invited to share your personal experiences with special education and vocational rehabilitation, including stories of success and challenges and any matters you would like the U.S. Department of Education to hear as we work to empower parents, teachers, and local leaders and return education to the states.

OSERS leadership will be in attendance to hear from participants. The Department intends only to listen to feedback; no information will be shared, and Department staff will not engage in discussion. Please note that opportunities to speak are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will include a 3-minute max time per speaker. For registered participants unable to participate due to time constraints, listening session remarks may be submitted by email to a designated inbox. Consistent with the structure of the listening session, the Department will not respond to emailed session remarks. This session will be closed to the press and strictly off the record.

Please register here: https://events.zoomgov.com/ev/AkxJmtZeb4zY7wOJ0yHZ32u0038ivsipaiUoY0dmbhDnrMx20xAB~AvSqWUoosMeZH4NElEerjEfzAjv-uMiGfywnmIe3m8nVbSVD3Q0ijvMOxw

01/27/2026

A great webinar available today at lunchtime!

📢 New Training Announcement 📢
Webinar: Understanding Long COVID as an Emerging Disability: What VR Counselors Need to Know
🗓️January 27, 2026 ~ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST ~ Microsoft Teams

Long COVID presents new challenges—and new learning opportunities—for vocational rehabilitation counselors. Join the Mississippi State University Career Horizons Project for this timely webinar focused on building foundational knowledge, understanding disability implications, and strengthening communication strategies to better serve individuals navigating the realities of Long COVID.

🔗 Register here: https://careerhorizonsproject.msstate.edu/pages/NewsEvents/EventCalendar/7/

01/26/2026

A great opportunity for folks up north!

***Camper must have completed first grade to attend Camp Bold 2026*** Camp Fee: $100.00 for all 4 shows. Once your child is approved and a camp spot is available, you will receive an email with instructions to hold your child’s spot. Families may either: -Pay a $25 deposit (applied toward the $100...

01/26/2026

Stay safe and warm, friends! Here is a list of warming shelters open around the state (as well as information regarding service animals at each shelter): https://www.msema.org/get-assistance/disaster-resources/shelters-and-safe-rooms

01/22/2026

01/22/2026

DRMS's "Blue Bird," which is given to a team member who has gone above and beyond, has flown to Beverly! Beverly works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our finances and operations running smoothly. On top of guiding us through a year of funding uncertainty, Bev just completed our program reports and went straight into an audit...all while keeping her cool AND keeping up with the Seahawks! 💚💙 Thanks for everything, Bev!

01/21/2026

Career Horizons Project for Individuals with Long COVID

01/20/2026

Starkville area friends, Night to Shine is coming to Bridgeway Church on February 13!

Register here: https://bridgewaystk.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1069338

01/19/2026

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For a glimpse at how Dr. King impacted the disability community, visit tinyurl.com/MLKdisabilityrights.

DRMS offices will be closed today.

01/16/2026

Please note: our office will be closed on Monday.