Robyn Powell

Robyn Powell

Robyn Powell, PhD, JD is a visiting assistant professor at Stetson University College of Law and a senior research associate at the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University. As a proud disabled woman, Dr. Powell’s scholarship studies the intersection of disability law, reproductive justice, health law, and public policy.

Photo of wheelchair with a bag that reads Our rights, our future, our power, our courts

Abortion Is a Disability Issue

Robyn Powell

Disabled people’s bodies have been policed even when abortion has been a right. In a post-Roe world, we must protect their abortion rights, too.

[PHOTO: Joe Biden sits behind a desk reading his briefing]

Trump Made Disability Rights a Partisan Issue. Can Biden Fix That?

Robyn Powell

Disability rights have traditionally been considered a bipartisan issue. Swift and significant action will undo the damage of the last four years.

Amy Coney Barrett’s Confirmation Would Be Devastating for Disabled People Like Me

Robyn Powell

Reproductive rights are already quite precarious for people with disabilities. Justice Amy Coney Barrett will only put them more at risk.

[Photo: Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders smiles as he addresses a crowd.]

Here’s How Bernie Sanders’ Disability Policy Changed From 2016 to 2020

Robyn Powell

Joe Biden is now the only top-polling Democratic presidential candidate not to issue a comprehensive disability policy proposal.

[Photo: Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar speaks during a campaign stop.]

Some With Disabilities Don’t See Themselves in Amy Klobuchar’s Disability Plan

Robyn Powell

“I'm not sure who the campaign consulted with on this plan, but it sure as hell wasn't self-advocates.”

[Photo: Democratic presidential hopeful Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren smiles during an event.]

Elizabeth Warren Just Proved She’s Serious About Disability Rights

Robyn Powell

People with disabilities are praising Warren’s plan for being comprehensive, inclusive of the perspectives of people with disabilities, and intersectional.

[Photo: Illustration of a mother protecting her son as she pushes away a hand holding a letter.]

An Oregon Couple Can Get Their Kids Back From Foster Care. But Many Disabled Parents Don’t Get That Chance.

Robyn Powell

At least 40 percent to 80 percent of parents in the United States with intellectual disabilities will lose custody of their children to the state.

[Photo: An overhead view of demonstrators, many with signs, during a disability rights non-march.]

For the First Time, Disability Rights Are a Major Campaign Issue

Robyn Powell

The notable attention from 2020 candidates, especially so early in the election season, comes as a welcome change.

[Photo: Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaks during an event.]

Buttigieg’s Plan for Parents With Disabilities Is a Blueprint for Other 2020 Candidates

Robyn Powell

Buttigieg’s plan covers a range of issues facing disabled people. But unlike other platforms released to date, his plan also includes the rights of parents with disabilities.

[Photo: A young, Black disabled man in a wheelchair cuts lumber at work.]

It’s Disability Employment Awareness Month. Here’s What Voters Need to Know.

Robyn Powell

The disability vote is powerful and should not be overlooked.

Robyn Powell

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