We post our bi-weekly bulletin to keep you up to date on disability-related resources, news, and other items of interest. This information is being provided solely for non-commercial, nonprofit educational purposes, including news reporting and research. It is not intended for commercial purposes. Further, we understand that our readers generally read the articles and information online, at the websites provided in the hyperlinks, rather than relying solely on our synopses or copies. We are not responsible for the accessibility or the content of other websites. Please be aware that some links provided are time sensitive, and may become inactive at any time.
We include links to articles, editorials and opinion pieces, press releases, and other materials that represent diverse perspectives. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of any products, services, sources, information, or opinions expressed in these materials.
State and Local Government News
Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Government Entities: A Small Entity Compliance Guide
This user-friendly guide from the U.S. Department of Justice is designed to help small state and local government agencies understand and comply with the Department’s new rule on the accessibility of web content and mobile apps.
ADA Legal News
Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations by Phoenix Police Department and City of Phoenix
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted an extensive investigation of the Phoenix Police Department (PhxPD) and the City of Phoenix (City), and issued a report of findings that alleges widespread violations of the Constitution and federal law, including the ADA.
“Phoenix residents deserve nothing less than fair, non-discriminatory, and constitutional policing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. “Our comprehensive investigation revealed unlawful and unconstitutional practices in the Phoenix Police Department’s enforcement activities that impact some of Phoenix’s most vulnerable residents, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American people, homeless people, and those experiencing behavioral health crises. The police also used excessive force, delayed necessary medical aid, and infringed on the civil rights of those engaged in First Amendment-protected conduct, including demonstrations and protests. Our findings provide a blueprint and a roadmap that can help transform the police department, restore community trust and strengthen public safety efforts in one of America’s largest cities. We are committed to working collaboratively with the police department, city officials, and the public to institute reform and remedy the violations we identified in our investigation.”
Transportation News
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $343 Million to Modernize Transit Stations, Improve Accessibility Across the Country
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that eight transit systems will receive a total of $343 million in federal funding to retrofit some of the nation’s oldest and busiest rail systems to make them more accessible for individuals with disabilities and injuries.
“5 Tips for Providing Transportation to Family Caregivers”
This blog post from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) has some great tips on how transit agencies can increase ridership, support families, and strengthen communities though outreach, training, and collaboration.
Health and Wellness News
Heat and Your Health
Did you know that using fans can help you stay cool inside, but only if indoor temperatures are below 90 degrees? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has great tips and toolkits, available in English and Spanish, about how to protect yourself and others from the dangerous effects of excessive heat.
“Service Dogs Ease PTSD Symptoms in U.S. Military Veterans, Researchers Say”
This article reports on a recent study that indicated trained service dogs contributed to symptom improvements for veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One veteran called his service dog the “greatest medicine with the least amount of side effects.”
Arts and Culture News
ACB Resource: Audio Description Project
This project of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) offers a wealth of information on audio description – the art and science of inserting audio explanations and descriptions of visual elements into media, ranging from live theater performances to movies and television shows. Learn more about how audio description benefits people who are blind or have low vision, as well as where you can find service providers and audio described media.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Webinar: Elevating Inclusion Through Intersectionality: Making Programs and Places Accessible for Disabled LGBTQIA+ Folks
June 26, 2024
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Pride Month isn’t just about celebrating LGBTQIA+ identities – it’s a call to action. Recognizing the intersectionality within social justice movements is the first step toward supporting and advancing equity for people who are marginalized due to race, gender, disability, or other factors. By addressing the needs of disabled LGBTQIA+ individuals we can create events and spaces genuinely inclusive and welcoming for all.
Webinar: Effective Communication in Health Care Settings
August 22. 2024
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Eastern
Speaker: Steve Gordon, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia
Check out this session, and other webinars offered by the Southeast ADA Center!
OSTP Seeks Public Input on Disability Equity
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued a request for information (RFI) to support the development of the Federal Evidence Agenda on Disability Equity. OSTP wants to understand the full scope of inequities faced by people with disabilities and to identify gaps in current knowledge. This federal agenda will ultimately support the government in making data-informed policy decisions to advance equity for people with disabilities in education, employment, health, and more. Comments must be submitted by July 15th.
Online Course: Supported Employment in College
This self-paced online course provides higher education professionals with tools and knowledge on evidence-based employment practices that are designed to increase paid employment opportunities for college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This course includes video lectures, readings, and resources that build skills in developing and supporting paid employment opportunities while in college.