Refuted objections to warrant articles 14 & 15
Who I Am
I'm Dawn Oates—an advocate, organizer, and mother working to advance disability rights, housing justice, healthcare access, and educational equity across Massachusetts. Rooted in my experience as a caregiver, I lead grassroots campaigns, draft legal arguments, and build coalitions to challenge discriminatory policies and inaccessible systems. I do this work because no one should have to fight so hard to be seen, heard, or protected by the institutions meant to serve us.
Active Campaigns
Ruth Barkley Elevator Crisis
Elderly and disabled residents have been trapped or isolated for over 19 months in public housing without reliable elevator service. I’ve documented every outage, filed formal complaints, and brought media and legal attention to this crisis.
Zoning & Accessibility in Brookline
After years of delays, litigation, and flawed Town policies, I’m advocating for a bylaw to protect disabled residents’ right to reasonable accommodations under federal law. The fight for a wheelchair-accessible garage has become a broader battle for civil rights in zoning.
Public Access & ADA Rights
From zoo admission policies to trash collection, I’ve helped push public spaces and programs to comply with the ADA and make access real—not just theoretical—for families with disabilities.
Medicaid & Home Care Crisis
MassHealth’s refusal to fund medically necessary care has left families scrambling to fill impossible gaps. I’ve testified, appealed, and organized providers to expose the dangerous disconnect between policy and lived reality.