Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities

06/09/2026

This Pride Month, we’re remembering one of our own. 🌈

L. Thomas Mangrum Jr. was a disability and LGBTQ rights champion, a lifelong Washingtonian, and a man who never stopped showing up — for his community, for justice, and for everyone who needed a voice in the room.

Thomas was valued member of Project ACTION!—testifying before the D.C. City Council and on Capitol Hill. He also volunteered for years with Capital Pride. He shared his lived experience as a Black man with a disability who was gay — and he used that experience as fuel for change.

He often said: “Nothing About Us, Without Us.”

We carry that forward this month and every month. Rest well, Thomas. 🕊️

06/04/2026

Quality Trust is deeply saddened by the passing of Robert Kennedy, Jr., a dedicated self-advocate, community leader, and longtime friend of our organization.

Robert devoted his life to advancing inclusion, equality, and respect for people with disabilities. Throughout more than 30 years of federal service, over five decades as a Special Olympics DC athlete, and countless leadership roles on boards, committees, and advocacy initiatives, he worked tirelessly to ensure that people with disabilities were heard, valued, and empowered.

As a committed leader of Project ACTION! and a passionate advocate in the disability community, Robert’s impact extended far beyond the organizations he served. He touched countless lives through his humor, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to self-advocacy and person-centered support.

We are grateful for Robert’s friendship, leadership, and the example he set for all of us. His legacy will continue to inspire our work and the broader disability rights movement for years to come.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Robert. Your voice, spirit, and advocacy will never be forgotten.

05/30/2026

A contribution to Quality Trust helps us to support people with developmental disabilities to live full, independent lives. You can give $25 a month or $25 TODAY. Give what you can to help us continue to be a force for change!

Donate: bit.ly/SupportQualityTrust.

05/28/2026

It's International Day of Action for Women's Health, a time to advocate for women's reproductive rights and address healthcare disparities. Women and girls with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve information and services to manage their health and make decisions about their bodies and their relationships with support. People with IDD also experience desire and many want to create healthy s*x lives.

People with disabilities also have s*x, experience desire, and build intimate relationships. Inclusive, bias-free contraceptive, prenatal and postpartum care are critical to bodily autonomy -- and women and girls with IDD have the same right to bodily autonomy!!

THERE IS NO REPRODUCTIVE OR GENDER JUSTICE WITHOUT DISABILITY JUSTICE!

05/27/2026

Please join us in welcoming two new legal interns to Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities this summer!

Kari Schwink is a rising 2L at Georgetown University Law Center. She grew up in rural Illinois and earned her undergraduate degree in linguistics and Slavic studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before law school, Kari spent two years serving as a home caregiver for a family member following a stroke—an experience that deepened her commitment to disability advocacy and ultimately guided her toward the legal field. She is excited to continue developing as a legal advocate this summer and to support Quality Trust’s mission.

Zach Myers is a rising 2L at Georgetown University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the College of Wooster and brings a strong commitment to disability rights and autonomy. His interest in this work is informed both by his own lived experience with autism and by observing the barriers faced by friends and family navigating inaccessible systems. Zach also previously worked with EnAble India, supporting efforts to expand employment opportunities and inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities. This summer, he is especially looking forward to contributing to Quality Trust’s work on alternatives to guardianship and supported decision-making.

We are excited to have Kari and Zach join the team and support their growth in disability rights advocacy this summer.

05/23/2026

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed every May to celebrate the historic contributions, cultural richness, and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This absolutely includes the many AAPI folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities who contribute to our communities each and every day.

Cultural stigma and language barriers can make it harder to get services and support folks need. Quality Trust can assist people with information, resources and supports in schools and in the community - and we have interpreters available upon request!

Accessing culturally competent care can feel difficult, but you’re not alone. Quality Trust’s team is here to help!

-(202) 448-1450
[email protected]
-www.DCqualitytrust.org/contact/

05/17/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. An estimated 35% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) also have a mental health condition. That's why it is so important that mental health systems and supports are accessible for all people who need them! There is help out there - Quality Trust can help you find it!

---> dcqualitytrust.org/legal-services/form/
---> (202) 448-1450

05/16/2026

Monthly giving week may be over, but we're working hard every day to ensure people with developmental disabilities have the information and support they need to thrive! YOU can help. A small gift each month makes a big impact.

Give today - learn more: https://conta.cc/4uV1w8G.

05/15/2026

We recently celebrated the retirement of our Deputy Director of Programs, Jimi Lethbridge. Jimi recently shared reflections on his 30 years as an advocate in the developmental disabilities field. It is definitely worth a read: "Over my career I’ve learned that too many people with IDD, have too little of the things that the rest of us take for granted."

I have reached the end of my nearly forty-year career. Retiring makes one reflect, and memory is a strange thing. […]

05/15/2026

Quality Trust's Sherry Teycer,“Monthly giving allows organizations to plan for the future and achieve the goals they set out for themselves.” In honor of Quality Trust’s 25th anniversary, become a $25 monthly donor today! Your recurring donation allows us to support our IDD community for years to come.

Donate today: https://bit.ly/SupportQualityTrust.

QT's Sherry Teycer,“Monthly giving allows organizations to plan for the future and achieve the goals they set out for themselves.” In honor of Quality Trust’...