5 Everyday Mobility Aids I Couldn’t Live Without
I’m Raul Krauthausen the founder of SOZIALHELD*INNEN, an NPO and consultancy from Germany, focussing on Disability Mainstreaming. With this newsletter, I share hand-picked links from around the world.
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Thank you,
Raul
I wrote a book (in german)
In this book, I raise fundamental questions about inclusion in Germany. In conversations with experts, we sketch out an idea of how inclusion can work together at all levels.
Some readings are scheduled, and I can't wait to finally get back into dialogue with you!
Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
Connect Through Creativity: Creating spaces for, with and by the community (cripticarts.org)
My name is Alice Christina-Corrigan and I am the Community Programme Officer at CRIPtic Arts, producing a year long programme of online creative workshops in partnership with Scope, for all deaf and disabled individuals no matter where they’re at in their creative journey.
Pay Transparency (cripticarts.org)
People don't talk about money in the arts. At CRIPtic we're different - and we think pay transparency matters for freelancers.
Focus Groups: Lessons Learned from our Audience (cripticarts.org)
At CRIPtic we're always growing and changing, and this year we held some focus groups to support that. Find out about the outcomes here.
CRIPtic Artists 2023/24 Work In Progress Sharing (cripticarts.org)
CRIPtic Arts invites people to an online event to see work by disabled artists. On Thursday 28 September 2023, CRIPtic Arts presents a unique opportunity to get a sneak peek at what artists on their 2023/24 development programmes have been working on.
5 Everyday Mobility Aids I Couldn’t Live Without (lifeofpippa.co.uk)
If you’re new to life with disability or chronic illness, here are five everyday mobility aids I wish I'd discovered sooner.
Shane’s Vital Weigh In (youtube.com)
We begin this week with a fun content update and we have a huge weight lifted off of our shoulders when Shane discovers his new love… fudge! We also have to tell you about our upcoming vacation. So much to chat about!
Know what makes ‘post-covid’ life complicated? Cancer. (washingtonpost.com)
My husband has bone-marrow cancer. For us, the pandemic is only as over as it is safe to reenter the world: not particularly.
Accessibility certifications: separating what IS good from what just sounds good (accessability.substack.com)
Certification is: a standardized method with a formal process that individuals use to demonstrate that they are qualified at a specific level in particular knowledge or skills. Hiring managers use certifications to identify candidates that possess the skills the organization needs.
Silver (WCAG 3.0) First Public Working Draft released (accessability.substack.com)
February 26, 2021, is the deadline to submit comments.
Air Force One For All: It's Time to Make the Presidential Aircraft Wheelchair Accessible (wheelchairtravel.org)
With a new presidential aircraft currently under construction, the government must add critical accessibility features to Air Force One.
She may be short, but world-class athlete reaches for the sky (mansfieldcourier.com.au)
SAMMY Lilly normally divides her time between Mansfield and Melbourne, but every four years she heads overseas to compete in the World Dwarf Games in her chosen sport - soccer.
Climate and Disability Activism: Bridging two important worlds (youtube.com)
I hope you're all feeling the purple power today! I'm thrilled to share the latest edition of my newsletter and Martyn Sibley Show podcast, where we're diving into the vital topics of climate and disability activism and how they can work together hand in hand.
European Disability Card and European Parking card for persons with disabilities (ec.europa.eu)
To make sure persons with disabilities can move freely around the EU, the Commission has proposed the creation of.
Minneord for Hans Hjellemo (1958 - 2023) (uloba.no)
Det er med stor sorg vi minnes vår kjære kollega gjennom mer enn 11 år, Hans Hjellemo (64). Hans gikk bort torsdag 31.08.2023 på Lovisenberg sykehus etter kort tids sykdom.
Disability Inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) (edf-feph.org)
EDF recognises Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) potential to greatly improve the lives of persons with disabilities, but also its potential risks. These risks can be significant, and we need to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developed safely with accessibility and inclusion in mind. We would like to express our gratitude to the European Fund for Artificial Intelligence and Society, which is funding this project.
Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion MSc (courses.leeds.ac.uk)
Study MSc Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion, Online, to meet the challenges facing disabled people around the world.
40 (wheelsntoys.substack.com)
I WROTE THIS WHILE EATING OYSTERS AT MY FAVOURITE HANG OUT SPOT
For Disabled Couples, a Plea for Marriage Equality (nytimes.com)
Twenty couples gathered in Washington to show their commitment to each other and the fight against laws that make it financially difficult for people with disabilities to marry.
The impact of corruption on the rights of persons with disabilities. Webinar 7 September 2023 (youtube.com)
Corruption and discrimination go hand in hand. In 2021, Transparency International and the Equal Rights Trust published a report highlighting how corruption and discrimination reinforce each other, leaving marginalized groups with little room to access public services, exercise their human rights, and live their lives with dignity.
Reflections on a book launch (lucywebster.substack.com)
The book is out! The highlight of publication week was the big party I had to celebrate. Frankly, I had the night of my life.
Disabled man drags himself down stairs to train for wedding day (independent.co.uk)
“With the wedding just over a week away, I thought, ‘even if I have to crawl I will be there’,” said Chris Purnell, 37, a wheelchair user.
PWDA calls for drastic measures to eliminate segregation and bias (disabilityinsider.com)
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is calling for urgent Government action to end the segregation of people with disabilities ahead of the release of the Disability Royal Commission's final report.
Government amplifying support for Australians with autism (disabilityinsider.com)
The Albanese Labor Government is supporting Australians with autism by investing in their future with an extension of funding for Autism CRC totalling $4 million in 2023-24.
Deaf In America: Schools Like American School For The Deaf Bridge Gap Between Hearing And Deaf Worlds (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
Schools like the American School for the Deaf bridge the gap between the hearing and deaf worlds, teaching ASL and fostering understanding. Learning ASL can bring families closer and promote inclusivity, making a difference in communication and opportunities for all.
Asking for Help (dinosaursdonkeysandms.com)
Today we are writing about asking for help. Not always the easier thing to do, but in life, especially when living with a chronic illness, sometimes can’t be avoided. Dizzy and I recently had such an experience, and it’s reminded us that there’s nothing wrong with admitting when we’re struggling.
Pair your video tile in Google Meet to improve accessibility for users with language interpreters (workspaceupdates.googleblog.com)
Currently, there are a variety of features to help make meetings more inclusive and equitable, including screen reader support and live captions.
UNICEF Calls for Increased Investments to Ensure Quality Inclusive Education for Every Child (educatingalllearners.org)
A child’s right to education entails the right to learn. Lack of quality education places significant obstacles in the path of children when it comes to realizing their potential as they grow older. Yet, as we celebrate the start of the new school year, we need to be mindful of the challenges that we are facing and double down on our efforts to ensure that every child receives quality education and that no one is left behind.
Teacher of the Week helps students 'cross the finish line' (educatingalllearners.org)
CALEDONIA, Mich. — Our next Teacher of the Week helped launch a brand-new program a few years ago truly making sure no student at Caledonia High School is left behind.
Nasir Ahmed (axschat.com)
Nasir is an Employee Experience Consultant at Atos where he supports clients to enhance their employee experience while also improving attraction, retention and employer branding through the use of Atos’ Digital Workplace Portfolio.
Edinburgh Fringe Feedback (dancesyndrome.co.uk)
Following our trip the the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, our team have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from our audiences at the performances and from the members of our team who took part.
JCPenney Has Affordable, Adaptive Jeans (newmobility.com)
JCPenney has added new men’s and women’s jeans to its adaptive clothing line for wheelchair users. The mutual weave Men’s Easy-on + Easy-off is a straight-leg style jean, made from soft stretch denim, that features hook-and-loop fasteners, an adjustable waistband and pull-on loops. These jeans do feature back pockets, something to be aware of for those worried about skin issues.
Teachers Want More Tech Support for Students With IEPs and 504 Plans (educatingalllearners.org)
Teachers and school administrators want more tech support to meet the needs of students with disabilities, according to a survey from digital learning platform Clever.
Stop discrimination in EU funds: Violation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (enil.eu)
Want to find out more about how EU funded projects perpetuate educational and housing segregation, institutionalisation and deprivation of liberty? Join this webinar!
GC-DI: Statement on One-year Anniversary of Adoption of the Guidelines on Deinstitutionalization (enil.eu)
On 18 August 2023, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities marked the one-year anniversary of adoption of its Guidelines on Deinstitutionalization, including in Emergencies (CRPD/C/5). Watch the official recording on UN Web TV here.
How do you use occupational health in the workplace? 6 occupational health-related considerations to discuss in your organisations now (businessdisabilityforum.org.uk)
This week is Occupational Health Awareness Week and to mark it, we want to support employers to start a discussion about their use of occupational health for their workforce.
hEDS researchers explain clinician-associated trauma (chronicpainpartners.com)
This is the second article in our series covering psychological medical trauma. The first article provided an introduction to what concepts of psychological medical trauma exist and the newly-created concept of clinician-associated trauma. It also introduced a study regarding hEDS patients and clinician-associated trauma. This article will look deeper into the details of this study and what the researchers found.
Event: What disabled people need right now and how your organisation can help (inclusiongloucestershire.co.uk)
In this workshop you will have the opportunity to learn about the main concerns and priorities of disabled people in Gloucestershire from our recent research study across the county.
U.S. Department of Education Awards Nearly $199 Million to Improve Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Through Partnerships (educatingalllearners.org)
The U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) announced today it will fund 20 model demonstration projects focused on improving economic self-sufficiency for children and youth with disabilities by creating systemic approaches to enhance post-school outcomes.
NYU Langone failed to give deaf woman interpreter during labor: lawsuit (nypost.com)
A deaf woman claims NYU Langone Health robbed her of a once-in-a-lifetime experience by failing to provide a sign-language interpreter during the birth of her first child.
Nipah virus: Schools, colleges closed in Kerala's Kozhikode indefinitely (indiatoday.in)
As the Nipah virus outbreak intensifies in Kerala, the government has announced the indefinite closure of educational institutions and Beypore harbour in the Kozhikode region, while ramping up containment and contact tracing efforts.
Deaths Due to COVID-19 in Patients With Cancer During Different Waves of the Pandemic in the US (jamanetwork.com)
This cross-sectional study examines COVID-19 mortality in patients with cancer compared with the general population during different waves of the pandemic.
Shortage of mental health services for teens forces parents to take desperate measures (pbs.org)
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the enormous strain on the mental healthcare system for young Americans. Parents whose children have complex mental and behavioral needs have had to take desperate measures to get their kids treatment. Christopher Booker reports for our series, Early Warnings: America's Youth Mental Health Crisis. A warning, this story includes discussions of suicide and depression.
Virginia agency launches Deaf, Hard of Hearing youth mentorship program (wdbj7.com)
The program aims to pair vetted adults with children to help learn skills, connect with resources and introduce families to Deaf culture.
Man deliberately coughs at colleagues after testing positive for COVID-19, gets jail (channelnewsasia.com)
One colleague was a dialysis patient who suffered from cardiac and renal issues.
Meet the CEO sisters who want to change the conversation around dating and disability (fastcompany.com)
Denver-based entrepreneurs Jacqueline and Alexa Child founded Dateability, a dating app aimed at the disabled community.
Proposed WIC funding cuts raise nutrition concerns for low-income families (pbs.org)
With a possible government shutdown looming, one federal program facing funding cuts is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which helps low-income families buy healthy foods. Nell Menefee-Libey, public policy manager for the nonprofit National WIC Association, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the potential impact on millions of children and pregnant people.
Bullying and confidence have complex ties for kids with disabilities (futurity.org)
Efforts to curb bullying of kids with disabilities should not take a one-size-fits-all approach, researchers say.
Disability News and Resource Library (disabilitydebrief.org)
A fast-growing collection of disabled people's stories, analysis, entertainment and the latest research from 146 countries and regions.
How to support someone experiencing ableism (gemturner.com)
From there you’ll see ableism sometimes is obvious, but it also can be very subtle yet powerful and can impact someone for a a minute, a month or even a lifetime. So if you know someone who’s experienced ableism recently here’s some thoughts for you.
What's New in iOS 17 Accessibility For Blind and Deaf-Blind Users (m.facebook.com)
It's difficult to believe that iOS will be turning into a legal adult next fall, though the iOS 17 upgrade is far from being minor. Many new features and functions will be available for everyone. To check out some of the mainstream changes, Apple's official iOS 17 preview page may help. Alternatively, our main post announcing iOS 17 offers a large list of mainstream enhancements as well as a list of changes in accessibility. Not all devices which supported iOS 16 will support iOS 17; for a list of devices which will, check out this CNET article The goal of this article is not to repeat the information widely available from other sources, but to look at it in a bit more detail where new accessibility features are concerned. I would like to thank my colleague Juan Ramos for his contributions to the article from a visual perspective.
Photographer starts not-for-profit organization to share stories of people with Down syndrome (www-nbcnews-com.cdn.ampproject.org)
Texas-based photographer Phillip Flores founded a not-for-profit organization called “Down for Smiles” focusing on sharing the stories of people with Down syndrome. NBC News’ Peter Alexander has more on how Flores is spreading joy and creating new connections through photography.
Is Entrepreneurship An Accessible Path For People With Disabilities? (www-forbes-com.cdn.ampproject.org)
While founder life is stressful for any entrepreneur, it is even more stressful when you navigate it as a founder with a disability. Here's why.
EEG open meeting on national strategies for de-institutionalisation (inclusion-europe.eu)
The European Expert Group (EEG) on the transition from institutional to community-bases care is organising its annual open meeting. It will take place on the 12 October from 14:00-16:00 CEST. This year we are inviting you to delve into examples of de-institutionalisation in the national context. We have invited expert speakers from both civil society and governments from Czechia, Malta and Spain to present and discuss with the audience the different deinstitutionalisation processes in their countries.
Are Sports Broadcasters Ableist Towards Disability Sports? (criplife.co.uk)
When people think of disability sports, most of them immediately think of the Paralympic Games. However, disability sport happens throughout the year, every year. But it isn’t noticed as much because it's not widely broadcast. This has sparked the question – are sports broadcasters ableist? Our writer Emma Purcell analyses the current level of disability sports coverage and shares her thoughts on it.
He's not a spokesperson for everyone with cerebral palsy, but he has a few (humorous) things he's hoping everyone can learn (facebook.com)
And no, Ethel, he doesn't know your grandson.
FIRE THROUGH DRY GRASS (firethroughdrygrass.com)
On a tiny island in NYC, a group of Black and brown disabled artists fight Covid and the city to protect the lives of 500 vulnerable nursing home residents.
Lakshmee Lachhman-Persad on the Intersections of AAPI Identity and Disability (aaartsalliance.org)
Asian American Arts Alliance supports the work of New York City's Asian American artists. Since 1983.
Digitalisation of Access Work: From Fiction to Policy (eventbrite.co.uk)
Join us for a discussion and reading centered on the fiction work by Jenny Chamarette and Jo Lindsay Walton.
No Fun Club (cripplepunkmag.substack.com)
It’s hard loving something that doesn’t love you back. Or, to be more specific, it’s hard loving something that only loves you when you’re in pain.
Examining diversity and inclusion in the world of dance (ctpublic.org)
This hour, we look at how dance has excluded people based on race and ability and how some people are fighting to change that.
'The music industry isn't accessible for disabled artists' (itv.com)
Musician Right Keys Only has spoken out about the "discrimination" she and other disabled artists face in an industry that "isn't accessible".
Taking Back the Power (Literally) (yesmagazine.org)
Frontline communities from California to Puerto Rico lead the fight for energy democracy.
Women and disabled people face ageist barriers to theatre, figures warn (thestage.co.uk)
Age restricted opportunities are "locking" disabled people and women out of theatre, industry figures have warned, who argue that ageism is still a "very real problem" in the sector.
Arts and Disability Connect awards scheme Opportunity Two 2023 open for applications (adiarts.ie)
The Arts Council and Arts & Disability Ireland are delighted to have opened applications for the Arts and Disability Connect awards scheme Opportunity Two 2023.
Undercover Artist Festival (artshub.com.au)
Headlining only artists with disability, Undercover Artist Festival will bring the boldest and brightest national and local performing artists to stage 20 to 23 September.
Both/And: Crip Materiality with Jessica Cooley (eventbrite.com)
Join curators Brooke Wyatt and Jessica Cooley as they explore the museum’s collection through the prism of disability, care and access.
Thinking About Disability and Climate Change (sustainingalllife.org)
This workshop will offer insights into the oppression and stereotypes that affect people with disabilities as well as the increasing impact of the climate crises on their lives. Members of this constituency are often left out of discussions with activists and policy makers who don’t understand the resources needed to help people with disabilities survive in environmentally compromised circumstances.
Beyond 6 Seconds: Autistic and dyspraxic actor Ross K. Foad (sites.libsyn.com)
Ross K. Foad is a professional actor and voice artist in the United Kingdom. A second generation actor, he was just 18 months old when he made his acting debut, but would get his proper start in acting on the London comedy circuit as a stand up comic and sketch comic actor. He is autistic and dyspraxic, and in 2017 was one of only 30 disabled actors chosen by the BBC for their Class Act Training Scheme, an initiative designed to help increase disabled representation on screen. During this episode, you will hear Ross talk about: What life was like for him growing up autistic and dyspraxic The biggest challenges he faces as a neurodivergent actor His love of voice acting His experience in the BBC Class Act Training Scheme working with mentors and other disabled actors To find out more about Ross and his work, you can find him on and . This episode of Beyond 6 Seconds is sponsored by Dystinct Magazine. Dystinct Magazine publishes evidence-based content from specialists in an easy-to-understand format and inspirational stories of everyday role models highlighting how they cope with the struggles and hardships that learning disabilities bring. Dystinct Magazine also offers various opportunities for children to participate in its publication. They have opportunities for young journalists, designers, and illustrators. Check out their website at or contact Zahra (the founder) at to see how your children or students with learning disabilities can get involved.
Feds Urged To Classify Disability As A Health Disparity (disabilityscoop.com)
Advocates are asking the Biden administration to step in after a government panel squashed plans to put more resources toward addressing the persistent disparities people with disabilities face.
Simply Open Awards (openinclusion.com)
Simply Open Awards 2023 Recognising and sharing practical, simple life hacks across the disability community. Do you have a life hack that has helped you overcome some of the barriers or exclusion you face? Would you like to help other people do the same?
National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Advancing Access and Equity (youtube.com)
Each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or “NDEAM,” we celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. Reflecting the importance of ensuring disabled people have equal opportunity to prepare for and succeed in employment, the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2023 is “Advancing Access and Equity.”
"I emailed 629 individual recruitment companies, and not one was digitally accessible" (businessandfinance.com)
Kyran O'Mahoney is CEO and founder of IA Labs, established to combat problems faced by people with disabilities in the digital revolution.
“Braille Bible” launched to enhance accessibility for the visually impaired (newtimes.co.rw)
The Bible Society of Rwanda (BSR), a Christian NGO, in partnership with Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) marked a major achievement on September 11 as they displayed 27 newly published “Braille Bibles”, enhancing their current range of audio Bible options.
Haiti gangs take aim at disabled children: ‘Put those kids out of their misery or we will’ (news.yahoo.com)
“The gangs have been shouting, ‘You need to put those kids out of their misery or we will put them out.’ ”
Banks in Egypt improve accessibility for people with disabilities (dailynewsegypt.com)
Following the Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE) instructions in September 2021, banks in the local market are working hard to make banking services and products more accessible for people with disabilities. This is also in line with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s directives to support this segment of society.
CBFC releases EOI to make OTT platforms accessible to people with disabilities: Official (legal.economictimes.indiatimes.com)
The Central Board of Film Certification has come out with an expression of interest to make OTT platforms accessible to people with disabilities, a senior official said. The EOI comes following the Delhi High Court direction to prepare audio description, closed captioning and subtitles in Hindi language for the OTT release of the film "Pathaan".
Rappler's PWD train accessibility report sparks inclusive mobility talks in Congress (rappler.com)
‘We would like to humbly acknowledge that the report of Rappler is correct,’ Railway Undersecretary Cesar Chavez says as lawmakers question the poor state of accessibility in the country’s train system.
Accessible rights take flight (businesstraveller.com)
Business travel is full of obstacles – but for those with accessibility needs it can be downright impossible. Why is that still the case in 2023 and what is being done to fix it?
Supreme Court E-Committee Conducts Regional Digital Accessibility Training For Visually Challenged Court Staff (livelaw.in)
In a significant step towards enhancing digital accessibility within the Indian judicial system, the eCommittee, Supreme Court of India, initiated its...
Toronto man wins disability accommodation fight against Air Canada (cbc.ca)
Seven years after Tim Rose was denied access to an Air Canada flight because of the size of his power wheelchair, the Canadian Transportation Agency ruled the country's largest airline needs to do more to accommodate passengers with mobility devices.
From kicked off to welcome aboard: How a blind Vancouver Paralympian was hired by Virgin cruise line (bc.ctvnews.ca)
A blind Vancouver Paralympian who was forced to leave a Virgin cruise last November has been hired by the company to consult on accessibility on their cruise lines.
Sports for all: Sky Tavern aims to be most accessible ski, mountain biking area in Basin (tahoedailytribune.com)
Driving up Mt. Rose Highway from Reno to Lake Tahoe, drivers pass a little ski hill just off the highway. Compared to large resorts around the basin, Sky Tavern doesn’t look like much, but to the low-income, disabled and beginner skiers in the area, the ski hill is everything.
Accessibility committee struck in regional district to knock down barriers (thenelsondaily.com)
Creation of an accessibility advisory committee has been approved by the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) board of directors, to advise the RDCK and support any of the municipalities within the regional district who are unable to form their own accessibility advisory committees “due to the small size of their communities or due to having difficulties finding volunteers” to meet the requirements in accordance to the Accessibility British Columbia Act.
Interview: Victory for People with Disabilities and Older Persons in Mexico (hrw.org)
In a landmark victory for people with disabilities and older people, Mexican President Manuel López Obrador signed into law a major reform bill this summer, establishing full legal capacity and the right to supported decision making for everyone 18 years and older.
Estimated 11,000 Ontarians died waiting for surgeries, scans in past year (toronto.citynews.ca)
Jordanna Bialo, a 38-year old patient who became sick in 2020, is one of many who are fearfully navigating the current healthcare system.
Expected CDC guidance on N95 masks outrages health care workers (nbcnews.com)
Health workers warn that loosening mask advice in hospitals would harm patients and providers.
Lisa Sanders on Long Covid: 'For many people, it's been a terrible journey' (rnz.co.nz)
It's been reported that 1 in 5 Covid sufferers in NZ have long-COVID symptoms. Otago University estimate that up to 150,000 New Zealanders may be battling, or have been battling long-COVID, another estimate was up to 300,000 earlier this year. The only publicly funded long-COVID clinic in the country will shut up shop at the end of this month. Dr. Lisa Sanders is a physician, a professor of internal medicine and a longtime New York Times medical columnist and at Yale University's long-COVID clinic, she is doing what she can to understand the mysteries of the disorder.
COVID levels are so high, they’re hovering near 2020’s initial peak, as the WHO urges those at high risk to take any booster they can get their hands on (finance.yahoo.com)
It’s yet another sign that while the official pandemic state may be over, the days of COVID are far from it.
#HipHop50 Rappers You Didn't Know Have A Disability (facebook.com)
Did you know these rappers have a disability?
She wrote to a scientist about her fatigue. It inspired a breakthrough. (washingtonpost.com)
Her dogged efforts lead to a new scientific discovery that may help many others with chronically fatiguing illnesses, including long covid.
Watchdog appears set to approve mass ticket office closures (disabilitynewsservice.com)
One of the two watchdogs tasked with running the huge public consultation on proposals to shut hundreds of rail ticket offices appears to have suggested to MPs that it will probably approve many of the planned closures.
50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, with Mark Johnson (jhrehab.org)
Mark Johnson is a well-known advocate and leader in the movement for disability rights. As a devoted community organizer, he is committed to participating in and leading actions that demand and inspire justice for marginalized voices within the disability community. In the early 1980s, he helped found ADAPT, an activist organization group committed to organizing around issues of accessibility and justice. He was involved with the Paralympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and was a major organizer for the Spirit of ADA Torch Relay in 2000, an event that commemorated the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. He has served as the Director of Advocacy at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta and as Chair of The ADA Legacy Project, a group committed to recording, preserving, and promoting the history of the ADA.
70% of Australian students with a disability are excluded at school – the next round of education reforms can fix this (theconversation.com)
Many students with a disability are bullied, excluded and do not feel welcome in Australian schools. They cannot be ignored in the next National School Reform Agreement.
Fire Through Dry Grass (firehouse.dctvny.org)
Fire Through Dry Grass uncovers in real-time the devastation experienced by residents of a NYC nursing home during the coronavirus pandemic. Co-Directors Alexis Neophytides and Andres “Jay” Molina take viewers inside Coler, on Roosevelt Island, where Jay lives with his fellow Reality Poets, a group of mostly gun violence survivors.
Most young people bounced back after COVID-19. Sophie's case remains 'catastrophic' (sbs.com.au)
The 15-year-old's health deteriorated after contracting COVID-19, and she is now bed-bound and fed through a tube.
More than half of older Americans will need long-term term care. Many can't afford the rising cost (edition.cnn.com)
About one in six Americans are now age 65 or older and, as the average population ages, a majority are reaching the age of retirement in a precarious financial position, as costs of personal care continue to rise.
Staatsanwalt ermittelt in Au am Inn: Wie behinderte Kinder weggesperrt werden (br.de)
Die Staatsanwaltschaft Traunstein ermittelt gegen das Kinderheim "Haus Maria“ in Au am Inn - wegen Freiheitsberaubung. Es sollen Genehmigungen für die geschlossene Unterbringung der geistig behinderten Kinder gefehlt haben.
Learning to leave guilt behind as a disabled person (myblurredworld.com)
Guilt has lived rent-free in my head for as long as I can remember. Here are just a few practices and reminders that help me to kick it out.
As my disabled body ages: Stories from 6 disabled people (mydiversability.com)
Stories from six disabled people about the changes they've noticed and things they've learned.
I want singletons to wear a ring to signal they are looking for love (metro.co.uk)
It could be a way to empower disabled people to take dating by the horns, as online can be so hard for people like me.
Addressing the Increase in Abuse on Telephone Booking Lines: A Reminder of Respect and Tolerance (disabilityaction.org)
In recent times, we at Disability Action Transport Service (DATS) and some of our Rural Partners have noticed a concerning rise in the amount of abuse our staff members have been facing on our telephone booking lines. While we are here to provide essential transportation services to those with disabilities and mobility challenges, it is disheartening to witness an increase in abusive behaviour towards our dedicated team members. In this blog post, we want to reiterate our commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all our stakeholders and emphasise that abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Außerklinische Intensivpflege: Änderungen zur Verordnung und Potenzialerhebung in Kraft - Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (g-ba.de)
Die im Juli durch den Gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss (G-BA) beschlossenen Änderungen zur außerklinischen Intensivpflege (AKI) treten heute in Kraft. Ziel der Anpassungen ist es, zu einer kontinuierlichen Versorgung der Patientinnen und Patienten beizutragen. Der G-BA reagierte mit den Änderungen seiner AKI-Richtlinie auf die weiterhin zu niedrige Zahl verordnender und potenzialerhebender Ärztinnen und Ärzte. Zwar stieg die Anzahl insbesondere in den letzten Monaten an, allerdings ist der Bedarf bislang noch nicht gedeckt. Bis Ende 2024 gilt nunmehr eine Ausnahmeregelung für die vom Gesetzgeber vorgesehene Potenzialerhebung bei beatmeten oder trachealkanülierten Patientinnen und Patienten. Darüber hinaus hat der G-BA den Kreis der Ärztinnen und Ärzte erweitert, die das Entwöhnungspotenzial erheben können. Zudem ist der Kreis der verordnungsberechtigten Ärztinnen und Ärzte erweitert worden.
My top 10 favorite disability/ accessibility articles of the year (open.substack.com)
Picking your favorite articles when you’ve written 145 of them in the past 12 months is like picking your favorite kids.
Victoria’s Secret Makes Its Adaptive Fashion Debut on the Runway of Dreams During NYFW (vogue.com)
Victoria’s Secret makes its adaptive fashion debut on the runway during NYFW.
'The music industry isn't accessible for disabled artists' (itv.com)
Musician Right Keys Only has spoken out about the "discrimination" she and other disabled artists face in an industry that "isn't accessible".
Inevitable Foundation — Breaking down barriers keeping mid-career disabled screenwriters from reaching their full commercial and creative potential. (lm.facebook.com)
Inevitable Foundation is a non-profit that systematically breaks down barriers keeping mid-career disabled screenwriters—the most underrepresented workforce in film and television—from reaching their full commercial and creative potential.
Making Nature Accessible For Every Traveler With The Reeve Foundation (travelawaits.com)
In an initiative to make nature more accessible to everyone, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is introducing "Outdoors for Everyone."
Man with learning disability goes viral for teaching himself to read (msn.com)
Oliver James, now 34, from California, said he had difficulties focusing in school and was 'beaten' by his teachers - which resulted in him losing 'respect' for learning as a whole.
Erfinder Bastler Tüftler dressing aid concept (facebook.com)
This DIY-friendly dressing aid is designed for people with reduced mobility.
New disability space for Gymea (theleader.com.au)
New short-term respite disability service.
Resilience at work: Coffee barista shatters stereotypes of disability (newtimes.co.rw)
Maimounah Uwase, a 28-eight-year-old barista at a coffee shop in Kigali, shares that her disability has never hindered her from chasing her dreams and supporting her family as the main provider.
Dangers Of Web Design Trends: The Risks In Blindly Adopting Them For Your Business (scoopearth.com)
Web design is an ever-changing landscape, where trends come and go, much like the shifting seasons. Business owners often gravitate towards these trends in their quest to draw in more clients. However, while the allure is undeniable, blindly following these trends can pose risks.
Gallery Tour in American Sign Language (Holiday Evenings) (artic.edu)
Looking for a good place to start your museum visit? Join a knowledgeable guide for a 45-minute ASL tour of museum icons and lesser-known treasures.
IT Dashboard data on federal website functionality runs into technical hiccups (fedscoop.com)
GSA "discovered" that federal website URLs were producing false negatives, which were eventually published.
Is the secret to achieving Accessibility for All Community Collaboration? (fenews.co.uk)
| Is the secret to achieving Accessibility for All Community Collaboration?
Intuitive design begins with cultivating an inclusive user experience (fastcompany.com)
The mission has always been clear-cut yet ambitious at ArtVersion: enhance usability and accessibility for all users across all digital design projects.
Pop-up Accessibility and How to Make Pop-ups More Accessible (blog.usablenet.com)
Pop-ups on websites are a huge digital accessibility issue. This article explores website pop-up flaws and how to make them more accessible for the best user experience for everyone.
Understanding Web Accessibility And ADA Compliance (americannewsreport.com)
The American Disability Act strictly emphasizes the importance of websites allowing accessibility to their information to persons living with disabilities. When creating your website, you must ensure that you allow everyone to read, see, or hear the content you upload. When your website is not accessible, you are viewed as a discriminative person towards some groups of people. All websites must comply with these requirements, failure to which they may face possible lawsuits and hefty fines. This post will help you understand web accessibility and ADA compliance for all websites.
Empowering User Experience : “Web Accessibility For Front-End Devs” (forbes.com)
It's the process of crafting your online masterpiece in a way that everyone, regardless of disabilities, can seamlessly interact with and appreciate.
How a Blind Person Uses a Website - Your Questions Answered (blog.usablenet.com)
This post answers questions from the 2023 UsableNet webinar, How a Blind Person uses a website.
CED SOLUTIONS NOW OFFERS IT CERTIFICATION TRAINING TO VETERANS WHO HAVE A SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY (world.einnews.com)
If a veteran has a service-connected disability that limits their ability to work or prevents them from working, this VA program can help.
Beyond a seat at the table: towards disability equity in Asia-Pacific (devpolicy.org)
For disability equity, we need full, effective and meaningful participation and leadership, say Setareki Macanawai and Jane Edge.
Ann Arbor coffee shop aims to change the face of disability, one cup at a time (cbsnews.com)
Ben and Amy Wright opened the chain's first location nearly eight years ago in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Fear new DWP assessments could force unwell people into work (learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk)
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has today launched a consultation which will look at updating the Work Capability Assessment’s categories.
Success Story: Who Is Akhila BS, Who Lost Her Arm At Age Of Five But Defied Disability To Crack UPSC CSE? (zeenews.india.com)
Akhila BS pursued an Integrated MA at IIT Madras and then started preparing for civil services. After clearing the prelims in her first two attempts, she cracked UPSC CSE in her third chance.
Cruise Unveils Wheelchair-Accessible Robotaxi for 2024 Pilot Testing (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
This accessible robotaxi aims to address this issue by offering a practical solution. Cruise has been working on this project for three years and designed it to pick up and drop off wheelchair users from a four-inch curb.
Only the Present Is Real (retrospectivelily.wordpress.com)
I apologize in advance for how often I use the words ‘past’ and ‘future’ in this post. This week, I went through a box of cards I’ve kept over the years. Here’s a poem I wrote about it. They were so heart-warming, especially those from childhood or given by people now deceased. One that stuck…
Moving to London Has Been a Nightmare (thewheelchairteen.com)
A post explaining the current struggles I’ve been having with funds, benefits, and getting rejected from getting PIP since moving to England.
How to move fanclubs FAST! (parlourtalk.com)
Adult sites are going to keep shutting down and sex work is stressful enough as it is. The more you can do now to mitigate potential future stress, the better off you'll be in the long run.
Lights, caregiving, action! Behind our Healthine video. – A Couple Takes on MS (acoupletakesonms.com)
Dan and I were excited, humbled and grateful that Healthline producers connected with us earlier this year because they wanted to include our story in its three-part Taking Care video series.
The Little Big Things review – a remarkable tale of resilience (theguardian.com)
A new musical built around the true story of a promising young rugby player paralysed in a teenage accident is movingly full of the joy of being alive.
10 mal Besser – Die Feedbackrunde (igel-inklusion-ganz-einfach-leben.letscast.fm)
Jeden 3. Sonntag im Monat erscheint Sonntag Trifft IGEL, mit Ausnahme vom August.In unserer 4 Episode beschäftigten wir uns mit dem Thema „10 Mal Besser“ warum wir Menschen mit Behinderung immer gefordert sind über unsere Grenzen hinaus zu gehen.Teisl fordern wir das selber von uns, teils werden wir vom Umfeld getrieben, Teils sind es Glaubenssätze die wir von Kind an eingeflößt bekommen.Selten hat eine Ausgabe unseres Talks soviel Feedback ausgelöst.Wir möchten uns bedanken für euere Feedback zu all unseren Episoden.Wir freuen uns auf Inputs, auf euere Meinungen, auf eueren kritischen Blick.Da es bei dieser Ausgabe soviel Feedback gab, entschlossen wir uns eine Feedbackrunde zu installieren.Wir haben euere Feedbacks gesammlet und besprechen sie in dieser Ausgabe.Dass sich dadurch wieder neue perspektiven aufmachen, das versteht sich von selbst.Jennifer Sonntag hat alle Feedbacks zusammengestellt und gemeinsam besprchen wir sie.Gute Unterhaltung.
Marvel’s OPMD Woman (ungehindert.info)
In der Welt der Superhelden gibt es unglaubliche Kräfte, die die Menschheit vor Gefahren retten. Aber was ist, wenn wir Ihnen sagen, dass es da draußen eine Superheldin gibt, die nicht die Aufmerksamkeit erhält, die sie verdient? Wir sprechen von niemand anderem als Oculopharyngealer Muskeldystrophie (OPMD) Woman!
‘Bottom of the food chain’: e-scooter riders push for reimagining of Australia’s bike lanes (theguardian.com)
A new transport hierarchy is being negotiated in our cities, leading to friction on footpaths and bickering in bike lanes. Is there a better way?
Lost Voice Guy 'even prouder to be a Geordie' after Great North Run (chroniclelive.co.uk)
Award-winnng comedian Lee Ridley took part in the world-famous half-marathon on Sunday for the first time, raising funds for.
Q&A: Marlee Matlin remains a champion for disabled actors, 30 years after winning her Oscar (latimes.com)
When Marlee Matlin was a teenager, she didn’t care about the Academy Awards.
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Launches 'Outdoors for Everyone' to Promote Inclusivity, Accessibility in Nature (finance.yahoo.com)
Today, in observance of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation launched the 'Outdoors for Everyone Campaign,' an initiative to ensure the great outdoors is equally accessible and inclusive for all people – including those living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers.
Making data more accessible by turning it into sound (opb.org)
Researchers with the Accessible Oceans pilot project are exploring how to turn ocean data sets into sound so it’s more accessible.
NFL Seems to Meet ADA Accessibility Standards, but Disabled Patrons Feel Misunderstood: Survey (gamingtoday.com)
NFL fans found stadiums to be accommodating for disabilities, despite the fact the NFL may not properly understand the accessibility needs.
He passed ADA. 10 years after starting an institute for disability rights, Harkin continues the path for accessibility (iowapublicradio.org)
The Harkin Institute was founded in 2013 by Sen. Tom Harkin. Its disability-friendly headquarters lie on the Drake University campus.
Sesame Workshop and Dicapta Collaborate to Increase Accessibility of Sesame Street Content for Children with Disabilities (sesameworkshop.org)
Spanish-language videos will be available with descriptive audio and captions, while emotional well-being content will have audio description and ASL versions.
We can refuse to allow accessibility to become an afterthought (iq-mag.net)
Alexandra Ampofo, a promoter at Metropolis Music living with Type 1 diabetes, calls for increased visibility and representation of the disabled community.
New Ideas and Unique Solutions from Figma on Accessibility (equalentry.com)
This article is based on a talk David Winslow, software engineer at Figma, gave at A11yNYC.
What is ADA Compliance and Why is it Important (theseeker.ca)
Is your website ADA-compliant? In 2010, the U.S. The Department of Justice issued comprehensive instructions for how all public organizations may better accommodate people with disabilities. That covers everyone who uses a computer or smartphone but has a disability. Becoming ADA-compliant is a proactive method for businesses to flourish since it shows a commitment to inclusion by making their services available to everyone.
The fastest-growing library of disability resources (disabilitydebrief.org)
Disability news from 145+ countries and resource guide on climate change.
Do they need to know that I'm blind? (ttbook.org)
Andrea Dobynes Wagner is legally, but not obviously, blind. Every time she sits down for a job interview, Andrea weighs the pros and cons of disclosure. Will telling people she has a disability help or hurt her chances?
Image Alt Text Best Practices For Web Accessibility (blog.usablenet.com)
When optimizing website accessibility, alt text proficiency is important to ensure all visitors have a positive and complete user experience.
Closing the Accessibility Gap for People with Sight Loss (fenews.co.uk)
With the digital era moving at such a fast pace, it presents a great opportunity for those with visual impairments to gain access to online assets that heretofore have been difficult to utilise. However, the Accessibility Index by the NCBI highlighted that progress is still needed, even among Ireland’s education websites and apps, many leading universities and secondary schools require additional steps to improve their digital accessibility.
Accessible content basics for social media and PR pros (prdaily.com)
Reach more people and ensure inclusivity with these accessible content tips and advice from Alexa Heinrich.
Department Of Health And Human Services To Bolster Disability Protection In Federal Law (huffpost.com)
The proposed rule would update and clarify nondiscriminatory obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 50 years after it was signed into law.
The Rise of Voice User Interface in Web Design (techround.co.uk)
Voice user interface allows users to perform tasks, give instructions, and receive responses through voice commands. Find out how it’s revolutionising web design.
"Dr. Google" meets its match: Dr. ChatGPT (salon.com)
Chatbot-delivered medical information may represent an improvement over Dr. Google, but some concerns remain.
Making elections accessible to *all* (civicnebraska.org)
Voting Rights Organizing Coordinator Chueqa Yang on Disability Voting Rights Week, and the importance of creating a truly representative democracy.
What is Accessibility? (cellularnews.com)
Learn the definitions and importance of accessibility in this comprehensive guide. Improve user experience and make your website accessible to all.
Big toymakers introduce more accessible toys hoping to engage more kids (npr.org)
Toymakers want to open their markets to a more diverse range of kids — and adults. Among them, LEGO is selling playsets with Braille bricks.
‘Sesame Street’ Gets More Accessible With Descriptive Audio, Sign Language (designtaxi.com)
The move will help those with visual or hearing impairments enjoy more content.
Shaping Awards Season, One Disabled Story at a Time (rootedinrights.org)
Just as the climate crisis makes spring feel like winter and summer feel like “The End Times,” the writers’ strike, the actors’ strike, and years of a global pandemic have shifted the once-predictable entertainment industry milestones.
Some Australians fear disability is 'infecting' lives of non-disabled people, royal commissioner says (abc.net.au)
There are fears in the Australian community that disability is "infecting" and interfering with the lives of non-disabled people, a disability royal commissioner has told its closing ceremony in Sydney.
'Runway of Dreams' highlights adaptive apparel (youtube.com)
Runway of Dreams hosted a fashion show for adaptive clothing in Park Slope, Brooklyn for New York Fashion Week.
As my disabled body ages: Stories from 6 disabled people (medium.com)
When I started writing this piece, I imagined writing about disabled people who had been living in their experiences (or bodies) for at least fifty years; who could testify about overcoming self-doubt and embracing self-acceptance. But when I put the call out for stories about aging with a disability, I understood that time in a disabled body has nothing to do with age but all about the changes we notice over time.
Sleep Disturbances and Chronic Fatigue After COVID-19 Infection (healthcentral.com)
Damage to brain cells, plus changes to mitochondria, may be behind long COVID-related insomnia and chronic fatigue. Here’s what the new research says.
Public restrooms are hard to find in America. That’s a problem. (washingtonpost.com)
People with chronic bowel illnesses, older adults and more rely on public bathroom access — but they can be hard to find.
Woman, 33, Dies of Genetic Disorder a Doctor Said She Was Faking (people.com)
Stephanie Aston, who had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, was denied medical care after a doctor said she was causing her symptoms.
Marcus Autism Center Launches First-Of-Its-Kind FDA-Authorized Device for Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (marcus.org)
Marcus Autism Center, a subsidiary of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, has developed the first biomarker-based, eye-tracking diagnostic technology now available to help diagnose autism. The tool, called EarliPointTM Evaluation, is authorized for use in children between 16 and 30 months of age to aid in the diagnosis and assessment of autism. Two research studies published today in The Journal of The American Medical Association (JAMA) and JAMA Network Open present data to validate its use in the early diagnosis of autism.
Scientists Finally Discover Why Exercise Cuts Alzheimer’s Risk, Study Says (forbes.com)
Researchers have identified a hormone called irisin that reduces a protein widely believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease—more proof that the best known way to combat the disease is by staying active.
General Motors' Cruise unveils wheelchair-accessible robotaxi (reuters.com)
General Motors' robotaxi unit Cruise on Thursday unveiled a self-driving vehicle that is accessible to people with disabilities even as it waits for a key regulatory approval to build and deploy vehicles without human controls.
Why we need to teach disability history in schools (us.blastingnews.com)
Very little is taught about the Disability Rights Movement in our schools.
Intel Celebrates AI Accessibility and Enables the Next Generation of Innovators (intc.com)
Intel is celebrating AI accessibility innovation by next-generation technologists with its AI Global Impact Festival.
Google Funds Internet Accessibility Project for the Deaf (hearingreview.com)
The University of Surrey will receive grant funding from Google to develop tech for instant Sign Language translation of website texts.
The rise of stadium tours and the fall of accessible concerts (thefulcrum.ca)
Here is a guide to popular live music venues in Ottawa ranked by their accessible features.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Adds American Sign Language Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Callers (hhs.gov)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s addition of nationwide American Sign Language (ASL) services for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as part of ongoing efforts to expand accessibility to behavioral health care for underserved communities. Since the July 2022 launch, the 988 Lifeline has received more than 5.5 million calls, texts, and chats, following a nearly $1 billion investment by the Biden-Harris Administration, and will now be available to the millions of Americans who use ASL.
Train operator creates online virtual tours to improve accessibility for disabled customers (thiis.co.uk)
Train operator Greater Anglia has launched online virtual tours for its entire new train fleet that are particularly aimed at helping disabled customers who are wanting to check how accessible their journey is.
West Chester's QVC Clothing Line Launches Apparel for People with Disabilities (vista.today)
West Chester-based QVC’s clothing line Denim & Co, recently expanded to include accessible clothing last month.
We Love Trader Joes, But Self-Care Is Important (theaccessiblestall.com)
Look, last time we talked about self-care, it was 2017 and Emily and I didn’t go that much grocery shopping yet. In all seriousness, we know we’ve been a little scarce lately, but we have exciting episodes coming. Please enjoy this episode as we talk about self-care and also how cool Trader Joe’s is. It’s a bit of a random episode, but would it be an episode of The Accessible Stall if it wasn’t? We don’t think so.
Returning in 5784 (respectability.org)
Matan Koch reflects on Teshuvah, asking "How can we return to our inclusive ideal and create a community where all belong?"
Wrestling With The Text (respectability.org)
Hannah Roussel reflects on her complicated relationship with certain Jewish traditions about purity as a disabled person.
An Accessible Spiritual Home (respectability.org)
RespectAbility Fellow Julian Gavino reflects on converting to Judaism and what finding an accessible, welcoming synagogue felt like.
Summarized Transcription vs. Real-Time Captioning in Higher Ed (3playmedia.com)
This blog discusses summarized transcription services and how they compare to real-time in higher education.
Walmart Sued by US Agency Over Test That Screened Out Disabled Workers (usnews.com)
US News is a recognized leader in college, grad school, hospital, mutual fund, and car rankings. Track elected officials, research health conditions, and find news you can use in politics, business, health, and education.
Runway of Dreams Returns to NYFW to Showcase Clothing Made for People with Disabilities: 'Really Special' (m.facebook.com)
"Seeing the confidence and the power of every model going down that runway is game-changing," Runway of Dreams Foundation founder Mindy Scheier tells PEOPLE.
Demystifying Accessibility in the Procurement Process (go.3playmedia.com)
USC's Director of Digital Accessibility will provide strategies to seamlessly integrate and prioritize accessibility into your procurement cycle.
Why I seldom turn on my video for Zoom calls (accessability.substack.com)
Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD) and increasing anxiety rates are significant issues for people now spending 8 hours a day or more on Zoom.
Samsung's Gaming Hub is a Paradigm Shift in Gaming Accessibility (mmorpg.com)
During PAX West week, Steven was invited to the Samsung offices in Seattle to check out Samsung's Gaming Hub with industry legend Mike Lucero, Samsung's head of product management for their gaming division.
‘EasyJet kicked my autistic daughter off our flight and left us stranded’ (msn.com)
Myself and my family were due to fly home from Majorca on Sunday August 27. Whilst waiting to board the plane a huge thunderstorm occurred. We were kept in the airport for seven hours before being told to go to the boarding gate for our delayed flight, only to be told, once there, that the flight was not going to depart until the following morning. We had to find a hotel to accommodate a family of five and arrange and pay for travel to and from the airport.
Sports and intellectual disabilities – Mixed Ability project (inclusion-europe.eu)
Baskonia Mixed Ability is a project where people with and without intellectual disabilities play basketball together.
Free Webinar: Tech Tools for Dyslexia at work, in education and at (abilitynet.org.uk)
Dyslexia is a learning difference that can affect, amongst other things, reading and writing skills, organisation skills, and the processing and remembering of information.
Cruise unveils a wheelchair-accessible robotaxi, with plans to launch in 2024 (theverge.com)
Cruise’s WAV begins testing next month.
Transcription App Aims To Make Podcasts Accessible To All (radioink.com)
The Matter app introduced "Readable Podcasts" to its platform, allowing users the ability to save and transcribe podcasts.
RightHear: Expanding Accessibility with Real-Time Audio Wayfinding (home.agetechcollaborative.org)
An AgeTech Collaborative™ startup participant, RightHear is an audible wayfinding system that provides talking signage delivered through a smartphone or tablet, so that anyone can understand and interpret their surroundings in real time. RightHear also helps enterprises improve their compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act while enhancing their customers’ experience.
Apple Watch double-tap feature is a game-changer for accessibility (zdnet.com)
As part of Apple's fall event, the company introduced an exciting gesture feature you can use on the new Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Quorn unveils two new products with NaviLens accessibility tech (packagingeurope.com)
Quorn has decided to implement NaviLens technology across its entire product range, in a bid to make its meat substitute products accessible for visually impaired people.
Lakeshore seeks help developing multi-year accessibility plan (windsornewstoday.ca)
Over the next four years, the plan will address barriers faced by those living with disabilities.
Surrey railway station becoming fully accessible for first time (railadvent.co.uk)
Step-free access to both platforms at Walton-on-Thames railway station has moved closer after the main bridge span and supports were installed.
Apply to Serve on the Accessibility Advisory Committee (saskatchewan.ca)
The Government of Saskatchewan is calling for members of the public to apply to serve on the Accessibility Advisory Committee to support the implementation of The Accessible Saskatchewan Act.
Wheelchair International - Accessible ticketing update (rugby-league.com)
Following last week's announcement, there has been a superb initial response to the news that England’s Wheelchair World Cup winners will return to action at the first direct Arena in Leeds on November 5 with a rematch against France – and the demand for accessible seating has been especially strong.
U.S. announces official web design system (boingboing.net)
The federal government now has its own design system, crafted to make government online servives accessible, legible and consistent.
LoL: Riot Added And Removed Accessibility Options Within A Single Patch – And Players Are Not Happy (earlygame.com)
Recently, Riot made some welcomed changes to the League of Legends client. But after testing it out for one patch, the team quickly removed the new feature again without a single word.
Bruce Lawson's personal site (brucelawson.co.uk)
A screen reader user’s weird tricks to make accessible websites. Number four will shock you!
What Web Browser Feature Would Be Particularly Useful When Using Public Computers (robots.net)
Discover the must-have web browser feature for a secure and private browsing experience on public computers. Find out how it can protect your sensitive information.
How can you make mobile apps and websites accessible for people with hearing loss? (linkedin.com)
Hearing loss affects millions of people around the world, and it can pose challenges for accessing mobile apps and websites. However, there are many ways that you can make your digital products more inclusive and accessible for people with hearing loss.
Forza Motorsport's Blind Drive Assist Is A Breakthrough For Gaming Accessibility (kotaku.com)
Microsoft's racing series continues to set a high bar for gaming accessibility.
What are the best ergonomic and accessibility practices for workplace design? (linkedin.com)
Ergonomic and accessibility practices are essential for creating a healthy, productive, and inclusive workplace design. They can help prevent injuries, improve comfort, and accommodate diverse needs and preferences.
New PS5 global update adds accessibility, audio, and customisation features (htxt.co.za)
The latest PS5 global update brings with it Dolby Atmos device support, more accessibility features, and support for up to 8TB M.2 SSDs.
New Starfield Mod Adds Dyslexia-Friendly Fonts to Improve Accessibility (techraptor.net)
For those who have issues with Starfield's readability, a new brand new mod has been released to improve accessibility by adding dyslexia-friendly fonts.
iPhones Have A Built-In White Noise Feature That No One Knows About (ca.sports.yahoo.com)
This feature on your iPhone can actually help you sleep. Here's how to use it.
Universal Gestures in One UI Watch 5 is a thoughtful accessibility tool (sammobile.com)
The One UI Watch 5 update has massively expanded the concept of using your smartwatch through gestures. Samsung added a new feature called Universal Gestures, and now that the One UI Watch 5 update is out of beta and rolling out on live channels, it's time for us to take a closer look at how this new tool works.
Universal Gestures in One UI Watch 5 is a thoughtful accessibility tool (sammobile.com)
The One UI Watch 5 update has massively expanded the concept of using your smartwatch through gestures. Samsung added a ...
Building Accessible React Applications With React Aria Components (makeuseof.com)
If you’re looking for a React library to help you build accessible components, you’re at the right place!
The Role of Game Accessibility Consultants in Development (Part 2) (gameishard.gg)
In our previous article, we discussed the growing importance of game accessibility consultants in the development process. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that games are accessible to all players, regardless of their abilities. In this article, we will delve deeper into the specific ways in which game accessibility consultants contribute to the development of inclusive games.
How do you measure and enhance user accessibility and inclusivity? (linkedin.com)
User accessibility and inclusivity are essential aspects of UX research that ensure your products and services are usable, enjoyable, and respectful for diverse audiences. However, measuring and enhancing them can be challenging, as they involve multiple dimensions, standards, and methods.
How do you coordinate accessibility and inclusion across platforms? (linkedin.com)
Accessibility and inclusion are not only ethical and legal obligations, but also essential for creating positive user experiences and reaching diverse audiences. However, when you work with different platforms, you may encounter various challenges and opportunities to coordinate your accessibility and inclusion efforts. In this article, you will learn some basic principles to help you achieve this goal.
Game Accessibility in Virtual Reality: Inclusivity Beyond Screens (gameishard.gg)
Virtual reality (VR) has revolutionized the gaming industry, offering players an immersive and interactive experience like never before. However, as this technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to consider the importance of game accessibility in virtual reality. Inclusivity should extend beyond screens, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the wonders of VR gaming.
Forza Motorsport Introduces Accessibility Mode for Blind Players (gameishard.gg)
Forza Motorsport, the upcoming racing game from Turn 10 Studios, is set to break new ground in accessibility with its introduction of Blind Drive Assist, a mode designed specifically for blind players. Steve Saylor, a blind games player, recently tested out the mode and shared his experience on Twitter.
WB Games Reveals All Mortal Kombat 1's Accessibility Options (gamespew.com)
Wondering what Mortal Kombat 1's accessibility features are? NetherRealm Studios and WB Games have revealed just what you can expect.
How do you test your product's accessibility for diverse users? (linkedin.com)
Accessibility is the practice of designing and developing products that are usable by people with diverse abilities, needs, and preferences. It is not only a legal and ethical requirement, but also a way to reach more customers and create positive user experiences.
How to Enable and Use Assistive Access on iPhone (nerdschalk.com)
Assistive Access is an accessibility feature that’s designed for people with cognitive disabilities to use an iPhone by stripping away unnecessary features from iOS and replacing them with a simpler interface that’s easy to interact with.
Designing for Accessibility: Games for All Abilities (gameishard.gg)
In today’s digital age, video games have become a popular form of entertainment for people of all ages. However, not everyone is able to fully enjoy these games due to accessibility barriers. This is where inclusive game design comes into play, ensuring that games are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The importance of inclusive game design for accessibility cannot be overstated, as it allows everyone to participate and enjoy the gaming experience.
How to make charts and graphs more accessible (blog.pope.tech)
Learn how to make charts and graphs more accessible.
How to Make Each App More Accessible (2023) (cellularnews.com)
Learn how to enhance the accessibility of your mobile apps with these expert tips and best practices for 2023. Improve user experience and reach a wider audience.
Accessibility in Gaming: Creating Inclusive Experiences (gameishard.gg)
In recent years, the gaming industry has seen a significant shift towards creating more inclusive experiences for players of all abilities. This shift is driven by the recognition that accessibility in gaming is not only a matter of social responsibility but also a smart business move. By making games more accessible, developers can tap into a larger market and provide a more enjoyable experience for all players.
All Accessibility Options in Lies of P (escapistmagazine.com)
Here's a breakdown of all of the accessibility options in Lies of P, though the selection certainly leaves something to be desired.
Native Apps vs. Web Apps (citizenside.com)
Looking to develop an app? Discover the differences between native apps and web apps to make an informed decision for your business.
Marriage could mean losing life-saving benefits for people with disabilities. So they’re protesting. (19thnews.org)
People with disabilities risk losing their life-sustaining health benefits if they get married, a penalty advocates say is rooted in old beliefs about their lives.
Audrey was born with proportional dwarfism. Her local childcare centre refused to take her (abc.net.au)
Everyone has a legal right to access childcare, but very few facilities have the staff or equipment to cater to children with a disability. That may soon be about to change.
Why Aren't Disabled Stories Included in Abortion Ban Conversations? (rewirenewsgroup.com)
Disabled people exist beyond a long list of inequitably impacted communities, but our needs are largely being ignored in the reproductive rights space.
A disturbing number of TikTok videos about autism include claims that are "patently false," study finds (psypost.org)
A recent study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that a significant majority (73%) of informational videos on TikTok tagged with "#Autism" contain inaccurate or overgeneralized information about autism. Despite the prevalence of misinformation, these videos have amassed billions of views, highlighting the potential for widespread misconceptions about autism on the platform.
#CripTheVote: Disability Activism, Social Media, and the Campaign for Communal Visibility (reflectionsjournal.net)
In 2016, a Bloomberg poll revealed that what bothered voters most about then-presidential candidate Donald Trump was his mocking of disabled journalist Serge Kovaleski during a campaign rally in South Carolina. The previous November, Trump had ridiculed Kovaleski, who has arthrogryposis, a condition that affects the joints. Footage of the act soon dominated the news cycle, and the Clinton campaign stressed the cruelty of Trump’s caricature to distinguish between the two candidates. Trump’s campaign had already been characterized by racism, sexism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia, but it was his ableism that—ostensibly—threatened to derail his run. Memes circulated on social media advanced sentiments like, “As long as I live I’ll never understand how it didn’t end here. #ImpeachTrump” (Lloyd, 2017).
‘I’m so excited about getting married, but it means I could lose all my disability allowance’ (independent.ie)
People with disabilities shouldn’t have to choose between a relationship and their benefits.
Off track: the struggle for people with disabilities on Melbourne’s tram network (theguardian.com)
Disability advocate says there is ‘no political will’ to make accessibility upgrades as Brunswick residents plan rally.
Real-Time Captioning in the College Classroom 101 (3playmedia.com)
Real-time captioning in the college classroom is an important tool for students. In this blog, you'll learn how it works, who is captioning, and other FAQs.
Disability News and Mental Health, Robot guide dogs to help blind people (bbc.co.uk)
Influencer Lucy Edwards tries out an AI replacement for assistance dogs for blind people.
Adventures in Public Speaking (disabilityvisibilityproject.com)
"I gave a virtual talk at Boston University’s School of Public Health about my anthology Disability Visibility since the school selected my book as their 2023 School of Public Health Read. I had an unexpected medical procedure so I recorded the responses to the questions and submitted them to the host. On Tuesday, I received the following message forwarded to me by my speaking agent."
Marriage could mean losing life-saving benefits for people with disabilities. So they’re protesting (19thnews.org)
People with disabilities risk losing their life-sustaining health benefits if they get married, a penalty advocates say is rooted in old beliefs about their lives.
Policymakers Should Raise SSI’s Harsh Savings Limits (cbpp.org)
A newly reintroduced bill would provide relief for low-income older and disabled beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), who face the strictest savings limits of any federal program.
Covid is here to stay. How will we know when it stops being special? (washingtonpost.com)
For some people, covid will always be high risk. Others wonder when — or if — we can stop treating the coronavirus differently from other common viruses.
'Runway of Dreams' highlights adaptive apparel during NY Fashion Week for people with disabilities (abc7ny-com.cdn.ampproject.org)
Former NFL linebacker Saquem Griffin hosted the show Wednesday in Brooklyn.
Rewarding our wonderful Tech volunteers (abilitynet.org.uk)
We nominated AbilityNet Tech Volunteer, Linda Young, for a free hotel stay as part of the Room to Reward scheme, to mark her tireless support for clients in Warwickshire.
Brain Computer Interface Breakthrough: Mind-to-Word Technology Achieves Record Word Decoding Rates, Paving the Way for Enhanced Communication (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
In a groundbreaking development, two separate research teams from Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco, have unveiled remarkable advancements in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology that decode words from a person’s thoughts, specifically targeting individuals who have lost their ability to speak. These BCIs represent a significant leap forward in the field of assistive technology. The Stanford University team, led by Jaimie Henderson, implanted electrode arrays into the cortex of an ALS patient referred to as “T12” to record neural activity. They then employed a deep-learning model to translate this activity into words, achieving an impressive word decoding rate of 62 words per minute (wpm). This rate is over three times faster than the previous record of 18 wpm, set by the same Stanford research group in their efforts to decode handwriting from neural activity. Meanwhile, the UC San Francisco team, under the guidance of Edward Chang, took a different approach.
More forms of ID may be allowed for UK voters after damning report (theguardian.com)
Ministers to review policy but any change unlikely to cover documents used by younger people such as 18-plus travel passes.
Para Legacy: Paralympic Games Documentary (criplife.co.uk)
Student journalist Peter Langton shares his documentary "Para Legacy", which looks at the history of the Paralympic games.
Interview - Zak Ford-Williams - Taking on the Elephant Man (ablemagazine.co.uk)
Zak Ford-Williams is taking on the challenging role of Joseph Merrick this autumn in ‘The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man’. The tour starts at the Nottingham Playhouse this month.
In Memory of Molly E. Holzschlag, the Fairy Godmother of the Web (meryl.net)
Molly was a U.S. author, lecturer, and advocate of the Web as a tool of human potential. She had a background in linguistics, communications, mass media, social justice, human cognition, behavior, and sociology. Molly wrote or co-authored more than 30 books on web design and open standards.
Kurt Yaeger (axschat.com)
Kurt Yaeger is an American actor, writer, director, disability advocate, and professional athlete, who is also a below-the-knee amputee. Recent work includes varying roles on the CBS series NCIS, the HBO/Cinemax series Quarry, Netflix series Another Life, and many other television appearances.
Chief Sales Officer of AI-Media Excited to Showcase Subtitling Innovation at Upcoming IBC Broadcast Tradeshow (ai-media.tv)
As the global leader in captioning and subtitling for the broadcast industry, AI-Media is proud to be part of this influential event.
With Mass Commitment Ceremony, Advocates Denounce Marriage Penalty For People With Disabilities (disabilityscoop.com)
Under current laws, people with disabilities often lose out on government benefits if they get married. Now, advocates are pushing back by staging a mass commitment ceremony on the National Mall.
Duckworth slams Roll Call cartoon as inherently ‘ageist and ableist’ (chicago.suntimes.com)
Attempt at humorous commentary on the age of some senators lands with a thud. “Just because you use a mobility device does not mean that you’re unfit to serve,” she wrote.
Opinion | GOP voter suppression laws are as ableist as they are racist (msnbc.com)
Laws disenfranchising people with disabilities came after the 2020 presidential election had a historic showing of disability voter power.
How to teach kids to befriend a child with a disability (edition.cnn.com)
Most kids will meet other kids with disabilities. Here are a few ways parents can encourage their children to assimilate and befriend someone who seems different.
AI Revolution: Paralyzed Woman 'Speaks' via Digital Avatar (neurosciencenews.com)
Researchers created a groundbreaking brain-computer interface (BCI) that allows a paralyzed woman to communicate through a digital avatar.
Helping disabled people move to electric vehicles (euansguide.com)
We really enjoyed being interviewed for the latest episode of The Scotman’s Sustainable Scotland podcast, which has been produced in partnership with Motability Operations, the company that runs the Motability car, powered wheelchair and scooter scheme.
Giant accessible board game - how to make it (havewheelchairwilltravel.net)
We made an accessible giant board game. It's the perfect game for family to play including someone with a disability.
10 FAQs about creating accessible digital content (abilitynet.org.uk)
Why is accessible digital content important? Is accessibility required by law? How can I create accessible documents, such as PDFs? Find the answers here!
DID I WASTE 7 YEARS OF MY LIFE? (quirkyquad.com)
Many of you may not know this, but I spent the first 7 years after my accident in and out of hospitals with multiple surgeries including multiple life-threatening pressure sores, spinal cysts, pulmonary embolism’s, hyperthyroidism, osteoporosis, cervical cancer, infections, etc. I even spent several years in China for lifesaving spinal surgery due to a failure in the US healthcare system.
#BringBackCaptions: The BBC’s defence of inaccurate captions is utterly damning (liamodell.com)
The BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) has issued its response to my complaint about its decision to rely on inaccurate automatic captions for its Instagram content – and its counter-arguments contain shocking admissions about how little BBC News cares about accessibility.
‘A fire inside me’: the Zambian singer who overcame prejudice to change attitudes to albinism (theguardian.com)
John Chiti was spurned by his father and survived a brutal attack for his body parts, but changed his life with music. His story is the inspiration for a powerful new Netflix drama.
Teen With Cerebral Palsy Wins $1 Million 'Ninja Warrior' Prize (disabilityscoop.com)
As a kid with cerebral palsy, Vance Walker was told that he might not ever walk without some form of assistance. Now, the 18-year-old is the best ninja warrior in the nation.
Denmark apologizes for abuse of people with disabilities (dw.com)
The Danish government has apologized to thousands of people with disabilities who were abused in state-run facilities. The ill-treatment took place over decades and left deep emotional and physical scars.
Disabled people’s trust in PIP assessments is ‘severely lacking’, says Tory MP (disabilitynewsservice.com)
A Conservative MP has told his own government that disabled people’s trust in the disability benefits assessment process is “severely lacking”.
NIH Weighs Changes To Its 'Ableist' Mission Statement (disabilityscoop.com)
The NIH is considering changes to its mission statement amid concerns that the existing one furthers "ableist beliefs" that people with disabilities are "flawed" and need to be "fixed."
How deaf education has changed in Minnesota over 160 years (mprnews.org)
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Director Jody Olson and school psychologist Heather Breitbach about the history of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, and how its mission has shifted.
The Americans With Disabilities Act Is Under Threat at the Supreme Court (slate.com)
ADA testers are critical to ensuring the promise of the ADA is fully realized.
The MTA fails people with disabilities in Baltimore, DOJ finds (thebaltimorebanner.com)
DOJ threatened legal action after finding that MTA’s MobilityLink failed to provide service that was “comparable to the level of designated public transportation services provided to individuals without disabilities using such system.”
#ThisIsHowI show what's possible! (facebook.com)
The incredible 2+ months of the #ThisIsHowI challenge has shown us that this is what AbleThrive is all about. So rather than end it, we're baking it into our culture to continue to bring awareness and visibility to the lives and abilities of people with disabilities around the world. This is how we shatter stereotypes and show what's possible- so keep sharing your photos and videos and tag us!
15 Reasons Why Its Hard To Get Along With Special Needs Parents (friendshipcircle.org)
Have you ever wondered why parents of kids with special needs always seem to be so cranky? Or why we tend to make really inappropriate remarks so often? Or why other parents of kids with special needs laugh at those inappropriate remarks like it’s an inside joke?
Loving Our Own Bones (disability-visibility-newsletter.ghost.io)
It can be hard to love ourselves, whether it's our bones, spirit, or our whole self. It can take a lot of time, mistakes, learning, and unlearning. On that note, I'm delighted to offer 3 hardcover copies of Loving Our Own Bones: Disability Wisdom and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole by Julia Watts Belser, published by Beacon Press. You can also find an excerpt of the book here and some pieces in plain language here.
AI for Travel: Does it Work…or Does it Suck? (travelabilityinsider.com)
The only way to answer this is through experience. We know that AI is a cost-effective solution for rapid content creation and SEO optimization, but is it any good? We decided that the best way to learn from the AI sessions at TravelAbility was to experiment with two examples using Microsoft Bing Chat and Chat GPT as our AI engines.
Crafting an Inclusive Online Experience (travelabilityinsider.com)
In the digital realm, inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a fundamental principle that shapes the way we connect, engage, and communicate. Luke Johnson of Simpleview and AudioEye and Jason McKee of Perspective Tester joined the Emerging Markets Summit to present a guide for businesses and individuals looking to create webpages that are not only visually appealing but also accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
It’s a S**t Show: Disabled Travelers Share their Worst Memory (travelabilityinsider.com)
There’s nothing more powerful than learning from mistakes. Four disabled travelers took the stage at the Travelability Summit to share their worst experiences, and what the travel industry can learn from them. Here’s who shared, and what we can take away from their experiences.
How the Disability Community Found Accessible Journeys (travelabilityinsider.com)
In the world of travel, embracing inclusivity and accessibility has become paramount. One trailblazer leading the charge is Debbie Austin, the visionary behind the remarkable digital magazine “Accessible Journeys“, published in partnership with TravelAbility. From modest beginnings to exponential growth, Debbie brought her audience from 780 readers to 1.7 million in less than a year’s time, and transformed her magazine into a beacon of awareness and advocacy, connecting with the disability community and inspiring change within the travel industry. Debbie shared her experiences at the 2023 Travelability Summit, giving practical advice that can be applied in other areas of the travel industry. Debbie breaks it down into four replicable steps.
The Future of Hotels and Accessibility (travelabilityinsider.com)
A diverse panel of experts from the travel industry convened at the 2023 Travelability Summit to share their experiences with the evolution of accessible travel. Each unique perspective offers a view into the world of change and how to be a part of progress. The panel was moderated by John Morris, Founder of Wheelchair Travel.org
Utilizing Influencers to Market Your Destination’s Accessibility (travelabilityinsider.com)
Disability travel influencers are changing the face of inclusion in travel. They offer destinations a unique opportunity to simultaneously promote and improve inclusion. Four influencers of diverse backgrounds came together at the 2023 Travelability Summit to share insights on how a DMO can partner with influencers for growth and change.
A boy saw 17 doctors over 3 years for chronic pain. ChatGPT found the diagnosis (today.com)
Alex experienced pain that stopped him from playing with other children but doctors had no answers to why. His frustrated mom asked ChatGPT for help.