News

News items will help keep you up to date on disability related developments, resources, and other emerging issues. 

You can access the current and recent issues of the Center's ADA In Focus newsletter under the news menu above. The ADA In Focus newsletter is published three times each year. You can go to the newsletter page to read current or recent newsletter issues online. Please note that old newsletter issues may contain inactive links or outdated information.

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Arts and Culture News
October 12, 2021
Musician and Disability Advocate Gaelynn Lea: Call-To-Action for Inclusivity

The experimental artist and public speaker Gaelynn Lea discusses disability culture, working with Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD), and upcoming creative projects.

“Helen Keller: New Film Looks at Her Career, Politics and Controversies”

This article provides a summary of the new documentary “Becoming Helen Keller” which examines the complex life and legacy of the renowned author, activist, lecturer, and human rights pioneer.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
October 12, 2021
An Inclusive Talent Pipeline for American Businesses Prize Challenge: Final Grand Prize Event

October 19, 2021
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Virtual event
Join the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for a National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration and challenge competition grand prize event, as the finalists present their tested workforce pipeline models, which demonstrate unique program solutions for recruiting and retaining workers with disabilities.  
Air Travel News
September 28, 2021
“Transportation Research Board Issues Report on the Feasibility of Wheelchair Securement Systems on Passenger Aircraft”

The Transportation Research Board published a report that includes a preliminary assessment by experts in aircraft interiors and safety engineering, accessibility, wheelchair design and crashworthiness, airline operations, and other disciplines regarding wheelchair securement systems on airplanes.
Arts and Culture News
September 28, 2021
“Disability Advocate James LeBrecht Blasts CBS for Not Making Accessible Ramp on Emmys Stage Easily Visible on TV”

James Lebrecht, disability rights advocate and co-director of the Oscar-nominated film “Crip Camp,” is “furious” with CBS; he says the network didn’t install the ramp to the Emmys stage “the right way.”
Business News
September 28, 2021
McDonald’s Partners with Vispero to Provide Access for Customers Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

Vispero, a business specializing in assistive technology products for people who are blind or have low vision, has been selected by McDonald’s to assist in providing customers with an accessible kiosk experience. Vispero’s product, JAWS Kiosk, has been deployed to select company-owned restaurants, as well as newly deployed kiosks in franchise locations in the United States.
General News
September 28, 2021
“Staffing Shortages Undercut Caregiving Industry for Those with Disabilities”

Group homes and facilities that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were hurting for staffers before the pandemic. Now the nationwide job crunch and pandemic pressures are making it even worse.

“Beyond Britney: Abuse, Exploitation, and Death Inside America’s Guardianship Industry”

This article shares the results of journalists’ investigation into the controversies surrounding legal guardianship.