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.
General News
Bringing Olmstead to Life: Celebrating 25th Anniversary of the Landmark Disability Rights Supreme Court Case
This blog post from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) celebrates the progress that’s been made in reducing isolated and segregated living for people with disabilities, and reminds us of the work that remains to make community integration a reality for all.
“When Social Security Mistakenly Overpays Benefits, You Might Get a Bill”
This report examines the policies and practices of the Social Security Administration when the agency miscalculates benefits and overpays beneficiaries, including retirees and workers with disabilities.
Transportation News
2024 Transportation Provider Survey
This report from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) outlines the experiences and perspectives of transportation providers, particularly in relation to meeting the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. The data may be useful to transportation providers in identifying ways to expand and improve services.
ADA Legal News
DOJ Continues to Pursue Community Inclusion
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently took several actions to protect the rights of people with disabilities to engage in community life and participate in civic activities.
- Justice Department Finds That Utah Violates Federal Civil Rights Law by Segregating People with Disabilities
- Justice Department Finds State of Missouri Unnecessarily Institutionalizes Adults with Mental Health Disabilities in Skilled Nursing Facilities in Violation of the ADA and Improperly Relies on Guardianship
- Justice Department Finds Alaska Discriminates Against Voters with Disabilities
- Justice Department Files Statements of Interest in Alabama and Ohio Voting Access Lawsuits
Pennsylvania: Weis Markets to Pay $75,000 in EEOC Sexual Harassment, Disability Discrimination Suit
Weis Markets, Inc., will pay $75,000 and take other actions to settle a sexual harassment and disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, a female employee was subjected to a sexually hostile work environment, and then the employer, without valid justification, attempted to require the worker to undergo mental health counseling. When the employee refused, she was suspended and then fired.
Arts and Culture News
Video: “Mom’s Creative Hairstyles for Deaf Daughter’s Cochlear Implant Go Viral”
Tyanna Myers shared how she creates the traditional Black hairstyles that her daughter loves, while making sure the styles don’t interfere with the function of the cochlear implant her daughter needs.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
A Park for Everyone: Adaptive Initiatives at Patapsco Valley State Park
July 17, 2024
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
This session will highlight efforts to ensure recreation opportunities for users of all abilities through adaptive programming at Patapsco Valley State Park.
Demystifying Disability Inclusion: Celebrating the 34th Anniversary of the ADA
July 24th
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Join Disability:IN Chicagoland, in collaboration with its affiliate partners Disability:IN DC Metro, Disability:IN Minnesota, Disability:IN Wisconsin, and the Center for Disability Inclusion, for a celebration of the anniversary of the ADA.
Ann Deschamps, Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, and Robin Jones, Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center, will lead this interactive and engaging virtual session on the evolution of disability inclusion.
ADA National Network Webinar Series
This summer we observe the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It’s a great time to check out the ADA National Network’s webinar series! Upcoming sessions include:
Seeking Participants for Burn Injury Self-Management Study
The Boston-Harvard Burn Injury Model System Center (BHBIMS) seeks participants with burn injuries for the Chronic Conditions Life Impact Management in Burns (CLIMB) Research Study. Participants will attend six virtual workshops to learn new skills to maintain or improve life skills, decision making, action planning, and physical and mental health, with surveys before and after the workshops. Participants must be over 18 years old, have a burn injury, speak and understand English, and have access to the Internet. Participants may receive up to $50 for completing the study. To learn more about the study and participation, contact staff at 617-952-6302 or email bostonharvardbims@partners.org.
Video: Accessible Public Schools
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released this recorded webinar, which outlines ways for school districts across the country to increase accessibility for students and teachers with disabilities in their school facilities.