Two Important Disability News Stories You Should Know
- Margaret Breihan, LMSW
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
During Black History Month, I have been contemplating how to share an uplifting message, but recent news has evoked feelings of concern and frustration.
There are two remarkable stories of Black women committed to serving the disability community that deserve greater rage and advocacy.
Dr. Linda Davis
On February 16, an undocumented immigrant, Oscar Vasquez Lopez, attempted to evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in his pickup truck. During the incident, he collided with the vehicle of Dr. Linda Davis, a special education teacher. Lopez has since been charged with multiple driving violations and homicide by vehicle, according to USA Today.
The crash happened close to Herman W. Hesse K-8 School where Dr. Davis taught kindergartners and first graders with special needs. According to PBS reporting, Dr. Davis started teaching in Georgia back in 2022. CBS news quoted a social media tribute from Davis’s sister Felicia Jackson.
"The preventable, sudden, and violent loss of her presence and love has created a vacuum of compounded grief so vast it feels as though it fills the Mariana Trench," Jackson wrote.
Herman W. Hesse K-8 School Principal Alonna McMullen released a statement to the press, saying in part,“…[Dr. Davis] dedicated her career to ensuring that every child felt supported, valued, and capable of success. Her kindness, patience, and enthusiasm created a nurturing environment for her students and inspired those around her. She was a source of encouragement and positivity among her peers. Her contributions to the students and staff will not be forgotten."
Dr. Davis’s death is a terrible loss to those who knew her as well as to the disability community at large that she uplifted through her work.
This deadly traffic incident with ICE is getting press attention, but residents in Savannah, Georgia, say that ICE agents have been using traffic stops as a form of intimidation for some time, according to PBS’ reporting.
Latavia Sturdivant
Latavia Sturdivant is this year's Ms. Wheelchair America. She’s a black woman and the first New Yorker to win the title. As part of her work in this role, Sturdivant travels the country doing advocacy work for the disability community. On a recent flight using Delta Air Lines, her power wheelchair was destroyed. She spoke to several news stations about this horrible but all too common experience.
Sturdivant reports to the press that she is stuck in her home until her wheelchair is repaired. She outlined the damage to ABC 7 stating that the back of the chair is being held together by two screws. Furthermore, her foot joystick pedals are broken.
Delta Air Lines issued a formal apology and have said that they will pay for repairs. They also mentioned in their statement that Sturdivant declined their offer of a loaner wheelchair. This choice may seem unreasonable to people unfamiliar with power wheelchairs, but Sturdivant gave a very good explanation for her decision to ABC 7.
“There is no other chair that I can use because it keeps my body in proper alignment, prevents me from having contractions and so Delta needs to do better in taking proper care of our wheelchairs," Sturdivant explained to the press.
Wheelchairs getting destroyed is a dreadfully common problem for travelers with disabilities. The Biden administration attempted establishing a Department of Transportation rule in 2024, which would establish a presumption of airline liability when wheelchairs or scooters are damaged.
The current Trump Department of Transportation has decided to pause implementation of this rule that would provide incentives for airlines to handle mobility devices with proper care and would also fundamentally protect travelers with disabilities, including Ms. Wheelchair America.
Sources:
School releases statement after Savannah ICE chase crash that killed teacherhttps://www.wjcl.com/article/dr-linda-davis-savannah-ice-chase-crash/70390860
Teacher killed after man fleeing ICE crashes into her car, police say
Cherished teacher Linda Davis mourned after deadly crash with driver fleeing ICE
Aggressive ICE stops in Savannah raise fears among residents
Delta damaged customized wheelchair during flight, Ms. Wheelchair America 2026 says
Delta Apologizes to Ms. Wheelchair 2026 After She Says Airline Damaged Her Mobility Device in 'Devastating' Incident
Despite DOT Rollbacks of Consumer Protections, Airline Wheelchair Damage is Still Covered
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