Academic Ableism: Disability and Higher Education
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
We wrote a children’s book (in german)
Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
Academic Ableism: Disability and Higher Education (amazon.de)
Academic Ableism brings together disability studies and institutional critique to recognize the ways that disability is composed in and by higher education, and rewrites the spaces, times, and economies of disability in higher education to place disability front and center. For too long, argues Jay Timothy Dolmage, disability has been constructed as the antithesis of higher education, often positioned as a distraction, a drain, a problem to be solved. The ethic of higher education encourages students and teachers alike to accentuate ability, valorize perfection, and stigmatize anything that hints at intellectual, mental, or physical weakness, even as we gesture toward the value of diversity and innovation. Examining everything from campus accommodation processes, to architecture, to popular films about college life, Dolmage argues that disability is central to higher education, and that building more inclusive schools allows better education for all.
Accessibility Impacting Disabled Students' Learning, Representatives Say (educatingalllearners.org)
Accessibility issues with some facilities at universities and polytechnics is taking a toll on disabled students’ ability to study, the National Disabled Students’ Association says.
NC Science Festival makes STEM Accessible for all (educatingalllearners.org)
Since 2010, the North Carolina Science Festival has been providing science for all, according to their motto.
Aberdeen Students Featured in National Widening Access Campaign (educatingalllearners.org)
The extraordinary stories of students who entered higher education from a non-traditional route are being highlighted in a new national campaign by Universities Scotland.
Project Nemo is being headed up by fintech leader Joanne Dewar, who is running the campaign for a year to raise awareness.
'Inclusion means everyone': Edmonton woman asks city to make communities more accessible (edmonton.ctvnews.ca)
An Edmonton woman wants more done to ensure that community events are accessible for the entire community.
Celebrating accessibility and disability inclusion at Google (blog.google)
Three Google employees share how their experiences shape their work championing for accessibility.
Disney + releases “Echo” trailer starring Alaqua Cox (dailymoth.com)
Disney Plus released a 2-minute trailer of the upcoming first season of Marvel’s “Echo,” which stars Alaqua Cox, a Deaf Native American actress. She has the role of Maya Lopez / Echo. The trailer shows sign language in various scenes and Cox’s character riding a motorcycle and doing all kinds of superhero moves and fight scenes.
Raising Nathan: Discovering the Blessings, Joy, and Purpose in Raising a Child with Disabilities is a poignant testament to the power of faith, hope, and family bonds in the face of daunting adversity. Given her son's prognosis of a fifty-fifty chance of surviving childhood, the author navigates the emotional journey of accepting his special needs and her family's choice to courageously love and defy the odds. The author's conversational, down-to-earth style reveals the relentless determination to embrace their circumstances. The accounts of the journey are raw, real, and vivid while offering actionable insights into partnering with God and families in meaningful and transformative ways.
Overcoming employment barriers for people with speech related disabilities (queensu.ca)
Queen’s graduate student and activist Glenda Watson Hyatt received the 2023 Mitacs Award for Outstanding Innovation-Master’s.
CJL welcomed disabled author Emily Ladau for Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month Shabbat (dailyprincetonian.com)
The Center for Jewish Life has run a Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month Shabbat every year since 2019. This year’s speaker discussed her writing process, the idea of allyship, and her favorite musicals at the event on Friday.
Travelling by Train: The Journey of an Autistic Mother: Morgen, Laurie (amazon.ca)
Behind clinical approaches to autism are real human beings with real lives. This is just one of them.
Video | Does Seeing Disability In Media Change How We View It? (ndtv.com)
Speechless, Born on the Fourth of July, The Miracle Worker - these movies have one thing in common: their protagonists are persons with disabilities played by persons with disabilities.
Born Blind (Short Film) (vimeo.com)
The extraordinary journey of Robin, a born blind young man whose many passions will encourage him to reach his dreams!
A Catholic disability advocate has concerns about California’s Prop 1 (angelusnews.com)
Supporters hail Prop 1 as an important step in solving the homelessness crisis, but not everyone is convinced.
Are there blind scuba divers? Here's the accessible way anyone can explore the ocean. (eu.usatoday.com)
With its intensive gear, most people wouldn’t think of scuba diving as an easily adaptive sport. However, just about anyone can explore the ocean.
Google Economic Impact | state detail: Georgia (economicimpact.google)
Cory Lee launched his travel blog, Curb Free with Cory Lee, just before graduating college in 2013. Cory uses a wheelchair but never let that stop him from seeing the world. He started his blog after finding few resources online for accessible travel, and has since amassed over 100,000 loyal followers and visited all seven continents. “It’s so rewarding for me to hear that someone could travel somewhere because of the information I provided–to know that I’m making a small difference in the disability space,” Cory says. The blog earns income through press trips, speaking engagements, and sponsored content. “Personalized ads are key to my website’s success, and they enable me to keep my content completely free,” he says. Plus, Cory and his mom (Curb Free’s first employee) wrote Let’s Explore with Cor Cor, a children’s book about a child who travels the world in his wheelchair.
‘Tommy,’ Can You Hear Me? I’m Not Gonna Take It (americantheatre.org)
From its casting to its staging, the acclaimed new Broadway revival of the iconic rock musical misses opportunities to engage with, and subvert, harmful tropes around Deafness and disability.
What Makes an Inclusive Public Square? (zocalopublicsquare.org)
A Space With the Right Infrastructure Can Support, Welcome, and Empower Everyone
Ableist Watching Brings Awareness Through Aggressive Humor and Well-Timed Acting (respectability.org)
Two disabled friends watch over an accessible parking spot and confront any non-disabled person who parks there.
Best Friends FOREVER Takes Viewers on an Emotional Journey of Self-Reflection and Friendship (respectability.org)
Rachel Handler once again brings an intriguing selection that takes us beyond the surface for the 2024 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.
Disabled AF Both Entertains and Educates About Non-Apparent Disability Through Stunning Cinematography and Emotional Story (respectability.org)
The short film Disabled AF features a list of talented collaborators who come together to bring a unique and beautiful story to life.
One Night Stand Shines Spotlight on Topic Rarely Seen in Media with Sex-Positive Disabled Woman at its Center (respectability.org)
As a writer for Easterseals Disability Film Challenge’s One Night Stand, Roma Murphy had the opportunity to go in a new direction.
Homelands - Wheelchair Accessible Holiday Lodges in Fife, Scotland (simplyemma.co.uk)
Looking for an accessible holiday lodge in Scotland? Homelands Fife is perfect for disabled guests, with a ceiling hoist, profiling bed, Clos-o-mat toilet and other mobility equipment.
Disabled People Must Be A Priority In Elections, Say Stars (criplife.co.uk)
The disability equality charity Scope launches its “manifesto for an equal future” today (16 April 2024), as it calls for all political parties to make disabled people a priority. New research from the charity demonstrates how disabled people feel sidelined by politicians.
Finding the Funny in Disability (ablenews.com)
Is disability a laughing matter? Three New York area comediennes are finding the humor in the predicaments that people with disabilities face in everyday life and sharing it with audiences worldwide.
Nigeria introduces new 5-in-1 meningitis vaccine (disabilityinsider.com)
Nigeria has become the first country in the world to roll out a new vaccine (called Men5CV) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which protects people against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria. The vaccine and emergency vaccination activities are funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which funds the global meningitis vaccine stockpile, and supports lower-income countries with routine vaccination against meningitis.
Lack of accessible crisis communication endangers lives of persons with disabilities (disabilityinsider.com)
Australians with disabilities are at risk from the impacts of climate disasters and emergencies such as bushfires, floods and pandemics because not enough resources are put towards accessible crisis communications, according to new research.
How AI can help map sign languages (disabilityinsider.com)
Like spoken languages, sign languages evolve organically and do not always have the same origin. This produces different ways of communication and annotation. This is the subject of Manolis Fragkiadakis's Ph.D. thesis.
Creative Living Book Club Replay (gaelynnlea.substack.com)
Heading to Boston for a Week! Paid subscribers can access the replay of my recent discussion with Ashley Shew about her book, "Against Technoableism" — complete with captions and a transcript!
MY BODY IMAGE EVOLUTION AS A QUADRIPLEGIC (quirkyquad.com)
I don’t meet many people who love their bodies. It could be their thighs, their boobs are too small, and their belly is too big. We all have our insecurities. This life. This also has nothing to do with the onset of social media, although it’s made insecurities for millions worse, but what constitutes beauty has been dictated by different societies for thousands of years.
Art & Language Justice in Disabled Communities (showclix.com)
Art, poetry, performance, and language comes together in this online panel featuring writer Shayda Kafai, poet Kay Ulanday Barrett, organizer Lorenzo Van Ness, and performer Maria Palacios. Delving into the role of language in creating inclusive spaces, fostering understanding, and promoting disability justice, alongside the power of arts and performance in doing the same, this panel of prolific artists and trailblazers in the realm of disability justice come together to illustrate the impact of the arts in fostering a just and equitable world.
Temporary Body: A Jerron Herman Performance (cooperhewitt.org)
Join us for an original dance performance by writer and dancer Jerron Herman, in which he will engage and respond to the historic Carnegie Mansion, Cooper Hewitt’s home. The performance will travel through several galleries on the first floor of the museum and attendees will be encouraged to interact with the performance piece by writing on the performer’s garment, designed by fashion designer Sughanda Gupta. Soundscape design by composer and vocalist Molly Joyce. Co-produced by INTERIM Corporation.
Risk: A visual poem by Ruby Solly exploring the intricacies of indigenous, disabled pride (thedlist.co.nz)
The poem explores whakapapa and the journey of trying to become a new parent as a queer, disabled wāhine Māori.
Disability is normal. Tom Shakespeare's novel features a disabled lead character who isn't "tragic, or evil, or a super crip". (scotsman.com)
Drawing on a break with friends at Saddell House in Kintyre, Tom Shakespeare’s new novel is a social comedy about the misfortunes of Fred Twistleton as he celebrates his birthday. The fact Fred is in a wheelchair is completely incidental. Realistic portrayals of ordinary-but-disabled people in books, films and television is vital if we are reach genuine equality, argues the author and academic
Disability Worlds (dukeupress.edu)
In Disability Worlds, Faye Ginsburg and Rayna Rapp chronicle and theorize two decades of immersion in New York City’s wide-ranging disability worlds as parents, activists, anthropologists, and disability studies scholars. They situate their disabled children’s lives among the experiences of advocates, families, experts, activists, and artists in larger struggles for recognition and rights. Disability consciousness, they show, emerges in everyday politics, practices, and frictions. Chapters consider dilemmas of genetic testing and neuroscientific research, reimagining kinship and community, the challenges of “special education,” and the perils of transitioning from high school. They also highlight the vitality of neurodiversity activism, disability arts, politics, and public culture. Disability Worlds reflects the authors’ anthropological commitments to recognizing the significance of this fundamental form of human difference. Ginsburg and Rapp’s conversations with diverse New Yorkers reveal the bureaucratic constraints and paradoxes established in response to the disability rights movement, as well as the remarkable creativity of disabled people and their allies who are opening pathways into both disability justice and disability futures.
Crip Spacetime (dukeupress.edu)
Access, Failure, and Accountability in Academic Life
Mable, the Uber of care work. Innovation or a race to the bottom? (michaelwest.com.au)
The digital economy and its effect on itinerant 'gig workers' now reaches well beyond delivery and home services with Mable.
Sarah Browne: Buttercup (e-flux.com)
Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, County Cork, Ireland, presents an exhibition by the Irish artist Sarah Browne featuring a newly created film, Buttercup, and a companion sculptural piece, Safelight.
Library Exhibit Tells of Disability Justice History (dvcinquirer.com)
In the year 2024, many of us take it for granted that people with disabilities are fully included in society. But it wasn’t always that way, and we have many influential activists to thank for this progress.
Solidarity by Leah Hunt-Hendrix (penguinrandomhouse.com)
A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK • From renowned organizers and activists Leah Hunt-Hendrix and Astra Taylor, comes the first in-depth examination of Solidarity—not just as a rallying cry, but as potent political movement with potential to effect lasting change.
US Gender & Disability Justice Alliance (callingupjustice.com)
The Alliance stands as a powerful force in virtual activism, fostering a disability justice-oriented collective advocating for women, nonbinary persons, and gender minorities with disabilities. The Alliance's recent Convening showcased a commitment to accessibility, evident in their comprehensive, clear, and accessible processes. Advocacy efforts during the event ranged from lobbying senators on issues of sexual and reproductive healthcare and home and community-based services to fostering cross-disability and cross-movement solidarity. The experience underscored the urgent need for systemic change in areas like healthcare, travel, and community support to combat ableism and oppression effectively.
Changing the Funding Landscape for Disability Justice (disabilityrightsuk.org)
We are excited to announce, in collaboration with Inclusion London, a project aiming to centre Disabled people and Disabled-led organisations in the funding sector. This article is an open invitation for anyone involved to come along to our drop-in session to share your experiences and get more involved!
Disability Strategy (act.gov.au)
The ACT Disability Strategy is a plan to build a more inclusive ACT, where people with disability can fully participate in all aspects of community life.
Charter Of Demands: Call To Action For Disability Justice (youthkiawaaz.com)
Poornamidam and The Sangyan, in pursuit of our data-driven and evidence-based research, advocacy, and campaign endeavours, bring out the Charter of Demands for the concerned public authorities and other relevant stakeholders (governments, political parties, civil societies, etc.) to take cognizance of the prominent issues of the larger interest and asks of the disability community.
Cop City Is a Disability Justice Issue, Too (yesmagazine.org)
Disability justice activists are joining grassroots efforts to shut down Atlanta’s Cop City, the largest police training campus in the U.S.
Welcome to the Disability Allyship Challenge! (washington.edu)
Welcome to the Disability Allyship 26-Day Challenge! Or what we call: “The Daily Dose of Anti-Cure.” Why Anti-Cure? We’ve chosen this name as a call out against historical (or maybe not so historical) views that pathologize disability and assert the need to always ‘fix’ or ‘cure’ bodymind differences, often in place of removing barriers to create more inclusive environments. We invite participants to engage in their own beliefs and practices around disability, and to consider an alternative view- one that celebrates disability as a key part of human diversity.
Eclipse Soundscapes (eclipsesoundscapes.org)
The Eclipse Soundscapes Project is a NASA Citizen Science project funded by NASA Science Activation that is studying how eclipses affect life on Earth during the October 14, 2023 annular solar eclipse and the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. Eclipse Soundscapes will revisit an eclipse study from almost 100 years ago that showed that animals and insects are affected by solar eclipses! Like this study from 100 years ago, ES will ask for the public’s help. ES will also use modern technology to continue to study how solar eclipses affect life on Earth!
Disability justice groups demand more resources in Detroit’s budget (metrotimes.com)
More than 128,000 Detroiters – or one out of five residents – have at least one disability
Gazan para-cyclists deliver aid on bikes (newint.org)
With their dreams of competing at the Paris Paralympics shattered, the Gaza Sunbirds have pivoted to a full blown aid operation. Maxine Betteridge-Moes reports.
An Atlas of Es Devlin (cooperhewitt.org)
An Atlas of Es Devlin is the first monographic museum exhibition dedicated to British artist and stage designer Es Devlin (born 1971), who is renowned for work that transforms audiences. Since beginning in small theaters in 1995, she has charted a course from kinetic stage designs at the National Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera to installations at major institutions, including the World Expo, Lincoln Center, and the United Nations headquarters. Her sculptures for Olympic Ceremonies, NFL Super Bowl halftime shows, and stadium tours for The Weeknd and U2 frame narratives that feel personal at a monumental scale. Over the past decade, she has adapted her craft to address climate and civilizational crises. Her public installations on endangered species and languages have inspired audiences to reimagine their connections to each other and to the planet. She shapes stories in ways that stay with us and reframe our thinking.
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT – CLARE BALDING CBE TO HOST NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARDS 2024 (ablemagazine.co.uk)
We are thrilled to announce award-winning broadcaster and author Clare Balding as official host of the National Diversity Awards 2024 in association with HSBC.
Beyond 6 Seconds: Autistic burnout and career change – with Shayonee Dasgupta (sites.libsyn.com)
Content note: This episode mentions thoughts about suicide and self harm. Shayonee Dasgupta is a Mumbai-based freelance writer and editor who initially pursued a career in law, working with corporate law firms in India. She found out she's autistic and has ADHD in her 30s, prompting a transformative journey of self-discovery and learning to navigate life anew.
Freedom Drive 2024 (enil.eu)
The next Freedom Drive will take place from 23 – 25 September 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. It will be the 11th edition of this key campaign, which started in 2003 in Strasbourg, at the initiative of the late Martin Naughton from Ireland. On this occasion, the European Network will be celebrating its 35th anniversary. The main slogan of the Freedom Drive will be RECLAIMING OUR RIGHTS, with a focus on the Independent Living Pillars and making our movement stronger and more diverse.
Thousands of disabled people ‘will get £2,800 a year less under universal credit’ (theguardian.com)
Single people with long-term disability that stops them working will be much poorer after rollout, Resolution Foundation says
Olive Garden to pay $30,000 to settle disability discrimination lawsuit (disabilityinsider.com)
GMRI, Inc., doing business as Olive Garden, will pay $30,000 and agreed to significant non-monetary remedies under a consent decree settling a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced April 9.
Governor Lee signs Tennessee Disability and Aging Act into law (disabilityinsider.com)
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Tennessee Disability and Aging Act, legislation that merges Tennessee’s Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) and Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) on April 11, effectively creating a new Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). The bill received unanimous, bipartisan legislative support and was backed by numerous stakeholders.
What do we mean when we say 'flexible working'? (businessdisabilityforum.org.uk)
Flexible working can mean many different things. How are employees working flexibly in our member organisations, and what does it mean to them?
The Great Cosmic Hoax - 2024 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Entry (youtube.com)
Two tech geniuses, in defiance of being kept out of work due to their disabilities, exhausted by living in poverty, create hoax videos and pranks in their garage home studio to make the world believe Aliens are real, but... are they?
Anna Pakman Calls Out the Absurdity of Medical Ableism in Comedic Short Film, “Wheelchair Money” (clichemag.com)
Anna Pakman says, "At the end of the day, we win when we have more empathy in the world and we can better relate to each other."
‘It’s been fantastic’: Students from Blind and Deaf Schools participate in local arts program (wlbt.com)
Organizers hope to continue the program in the summer and fall.
"The Wheelchair-to-Warfare Pipeline" w/ Liz Jackson and Rua Williams (deathpanel.net)
Death Panel podcast host Beatrice Adler-Bolton speaks with Liz Jackson and Rua Williams about the history and ongoing practice of design objects ostensibly created for accessibility being repurposed into tools of war.
Jesus Drank From Our Imaginary Teacups (retrospectivelily.wordpress.com)
I recently watched a fantastic television series: The Bible. The Blu-ray case was randomly pilfered from a massive bargain bin at our local used books/movies store. The Bible was a perfect blend of…
Assume that I can hit harder (disabilitydebrief.org)
Guide to recent disability news from 50+ countries
What makes a successful charity website? (charitydigital.org.uk)
We explore six steps to success for your charity website, from prioritising accessibility to assessing Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Accessible Guide to Queens Museum (accessibletravelnyc.com)
Accessible Travel NYC is a travel blog providing narrated New York City experiences with accessible information at the forefront.
Accessibility tools a ‘core value’ for Apple, says director (ca.movies.yahoo.com)
Sarah Herrlinger said the pandemic had influenced the development of new features.
Is Guwahati Really Accessible For The Differently-Abled? (guwahatiplus.com)
The vision of Accessible India Campaign was to create a barrier-free environment.
Ensuring Accessibility in eBooks: The Role of Conversion Services (nerdbot.com)
In the digital age, eBooks have transformed the reading experience, making literature, textbooks, and various information resources more accessible to a global audience. However, the true potential of eBooks can only be realized when they are made accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
Larchmont pizza shop revolutionizes accessibility for deaf community (cbsnews.com)
KCAL News reporter Luzdelia Caballero takes us inside Pi00A to highlight the pizza making abilities of the Stein family.
Why Accessibility Matters With Ride-Sharing Services (thedailyscrumnews.com)
Crafting a world where accessibility is not an afterthought but the centerpiece of innovation in transportation is our collective, societal duty. The essence of why accessibility matters inherently resonates in the fabric of all transportation, particularly with ride-sharing services. This effort embodies our moral obligation to support inclusivity and holds the potential to enhance the experiences of all riders, regardless of their mobility limitations.
A Comparison of Automated Testing Tools for Digital Accessibility (equalentry.com)
Automated testing tools for accessibility are software applications that evaluate websites, applications, and documents for compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) . They identify and report on accessibility issues that could make digital content unusable for people with disabilities.
Opinion: Recreation can and must be accessible to all (pressherald.com)
A number of Maine organizations are breaking down barriers to sports – and the myriad physical and emotional benefits that go along with them.
The Intersection Of SEO And Accessibility: Optimizing For All Users (searchenginejournal.com)
Learn how to optimize your website for all users. Explore the intersection of SEO and accessibility to reach a broader audience.
New survey: Accessible Streetscapes for the Disability Community (t4america.org)
A new survey created in collaboration with Smart Growth America, the International Parking and Mobility Institute, and Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund aims to collect the experiences of people with disabilities navigating our streets. This information will contribute to best practice guidelines illustrated in our upcoming Accessible Streetscapes Design Guide.
Cheating death: The latest research on aging and immortality from a Nobel Prize-winning scientist (edition.cnn.com)
In a new book, Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Venki Ramakrishnan raises critical questions about the societal, political and ethical costs of attempts to live forever.
How Level Access Acquiring UserWay Transforms The Web Accessibility Market (forbes.com)
Level Access’ recent acquisition of AI web accessibility pioneer UserWay has the potential to disrupt the market in unprecedented ways.
Report: Persons with disabilities excluded from European political parties’ digital channels (europeaninterest.eu)
The report “Access Denied”, launched today, reveals that European political parties’ websites are vastly inaccessible to users with disabilities, with some components even reversing default accessibility measures.
'Sign The Show' Documentary Highlights Accessibility For Deaf Community At Live Events (youtube.com)
In honor of Deaf History Month, Kelly checks in with "Sign The Show" filmmaker Cat Brewer, whose documentary highlighting the deaf and HOH community's access to live entertainment is now available to stream online! Cat dials-in and dishes on the doc winning multiple awards during its film festival run, and shares her hopes that the project will help live events become more inclusive for the deaf and HOH community. Pilot Pen awards Cat $1,000 for her important work.
Making authentication more accessible: a necessity for banks & best practices for an enhanced user experience (worldline.com)
How banks can provide accessible authentication tools for an accessible user experience.
Back to Basics: The historical and economic reasoning for improving accessibility to hospitality (hospitalityandcateringnews.com)
By @GraceWeaverAI: Back to Basics: The historical and economic reasoning for improving accessibility to hospitality. Hospitality is all about service and experience, it thrives on its ability to make people feel welcome and comfortable.
Therabody’s Tim Roberts Talks Using Technology To Make Living Better, Accessible Personal Health In Interview (forbes.com)
Therabody makes devices designed to aid people in wellness and other areas of personal health such as recovery and skincare.
Web Accessibility Lawsuits Pose Threat to Edinburgh Businesses (edinburghnews.scotsman.com)
Edinburgh businesses with U.S.-accessible websites risk costly ADA web accessibility lawsuits surging 100+ cases in 2023. Even smaller businesses were targeted, with 77% of 2022 suits against companies under £20M in revenue.
Wheels in motion: Council seeks more accessible taxi options (bradfordtoday.ca)
Town of Bradford to offer contract, $38K grant for cabs that can accommodate people who use wheelchairs
Political party websites freezing out voters with disabilities - report (euronews.com)
Severe flaws in access to websites and digital channels of the major European political families make it difficult for people with disabilities to cast an informed vote.
BMA vows to improve sidewalks to be more accessible to wheelchairs, the blind (nationthailand.com)
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration on Sunday vowed to lower the height of sidewalks and make them level, as well as providing slopes to make them more accessible to wheelchair users and the blind.
UK releases accessibility guidelines for One Login, lays out plans for future (biometricupdate.com)
The document gives instructions on how to implement Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 both for Android and iOS apps.
Northeast resident chosen to help update the Accessibility Act (sasktoday.ca)
Dea Orendi says something as simple as walking through a parking lot can be dangerous for her as drivers may not see her.
Barriers for disabled staff in the health service need to be lowered (unison.org.uk)
Reasonable adjustments for healthcare students on clinical placements, accessibility passports, and disability and carers' leave all discussed at health conference
Promoting Disability Inclusion and Information Accessibility in Cambodia (unesco.org)
UNESCO carries out trainings to better meet the information needs of persons with disabilities.
Admn Takes Steps To Ensure Voting Accessibility (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Ludhiana: To ensure convenient poll process for persons with disability (PwD) and elderly voters in the district (aged above 85 years), the district a.
ScreenSkills and TAP launch disability inclusive training materials (ibc.org)
ScreenSkills is partnering with the TV Access Project (TAP) to exclusively host training resources for disability inclusion in the UK screen industries, through organisations committing to certain measures to improve standards for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent.
Lynn was refused access to a motel with a seeing eye dog, and found the law impossible to enforce (abc.net.au)
It's illegal to refuse access to a person with a guide dog, but advocates say the law is "toothless" when it comes to enforcement.
Chair yoga is helping people with neurological disorders, but what is it? (abc.net.au)
Yoga has long been thought of as a method for flexibility, but it also emphasises inclusivity, with participants pointing out that the practice can be noticeably different from the way it is sometimes portrayed on social media.
Dom moves to the beat of accessibility and success (ndis.gov.au)
In his wildest dreams, Dom never imagined being Australia’s first trans man with disability to run a successful dance academy dedicated to sparking joy in the lives of people living with disability.
Finding a wheelchair-friendly holiday is hard, but this place didn't let us down (metro.co.uk)
We chose this spot for its newly built luxury landscape with wide roads and pathways.
This Hotelier Is Making Luxury Stays Wheelchair-Accessible (cntraveler.com)
Tim Reynolds—a traveler, wheelchair user, and founder and owner of Àni Private Resorts—talks about why it's important to level the playing field for disabled travelers.
What will it take to make space travel accessible to people who are blind? (deseret.com)
Lindsay Yazzolino, a tactile graphics expert who part of NASA's Astro Access program, told students from the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind she believes advances in technology and changes in attitudes about people with disabilities will some day make it possible.
Activities for Neurodivergent and Autistic Kids in Chicago (choosechicago.com)
Find activities for autistic kids in Chicago. Explore our guide for neurodivergent friendly spaces in Chicago like the Museum of Illusions and Children’s Theatre.
Boston Marathoner works to make running prosthetics accessible to all who need them (mprnews.org)
Insurance doesn’t cover prosthetics such as running blades for athletic activities, which can cost thousands of dollars out-of-pocket.
Disney World Announces Crackdown on Fraudulent Disability Passes (insidethemagic.net)
Disney is making significant changes in an attempt to stop widespread abuse in the theme parks.
Disney Has Revamped Its Accessibility Services and Line-Skipping Policy Due to Misuse (travelandleisure.com)
Here's what you need to know about the changing coming to the Disney Disability Access Service, going into effect this spring.
Disneyland's Disability Access Service program is changing (foxla.com)
Disney has announced major changes to its Disability Access Service (DAS) program at Disneyland and Disney World.
Changes coming to Disney’s Disability Access Service at theme parks. Here’s how it impacts waiting in lines (clickorlando.com)
Disney updated its Disability Accessibility Services (DAS) program. The new changes will go into effect May 20 at Walt Disney World and on June 18 at Disneyland in California.
Some Disney fans abused disability access to skip lines. Now rules are changing. (washingtonpost.com)
After use tripled, Disney is restricting who can use the disability access service at its Florida and California theme parks.
New Alzheimer's drug offers hope, raises accessibility concerns (kpbs.org)
Alzheimer's ranks as the third leading cause of death for adults over 80 in San Diego County.
U.S. Senate's Digital Accessibility - A Priority or Precept? (mychesco.com)
A group of U.S. Senators, led by Committee Chairman Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), penned a detailed letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). The letter raises pertinent questions about the accessibility of Senate technology, a prerequisite mandated by federal law, to people with disabilities.
Don’t stall accessibility: Senate Bill 915 will bring AVs to a halt for Californians (redlandsdailyfacts.com)
AVs hold immense promise for Californians who are beginning to demonstrate the mobility gains that the Golden State can reap.
Illinois Senate to consider bill that would make EV chargers more accessible (dailyherald.com)
As electric vehicle charging networks are taking shape across the country and in Illinois, state Sen. Dan McConchie wants to ensure the infrastructure is accessible to all drivers.
DOJ Issues Final Rule Under Title II of the ADA for State and Local Government Websites (adatitleiii.com)
By Minh N. Vu Seyfarth Synopsis: The DOJ issued final regulations under Title II of the ADA requiring state and local government websites and mobile apps
How Local Parks and Nature Centers Are Putting Accessibility Front and Center (sierraclub.org)
The outdoors are becoming more accessible, and smaller parks are leading the charge
Rep. Ayanna Pressley Pushes For More Access To Diagnostic Equipment For Disabled People (huffpost.com)
Proposed Justice Department revisions would set specific standards to ensure access to medical diagnostic equipment, such as exam tables and weight scales.
These identical twins both grew up with autism, but took very different paths (npr.org)
Sam and John Fetters are identical twins with autism. But Sam is in college, while John still struggles to form sentences. Their experience may shed light on the disorder's mix of nature and nurture.
Sensory-friendly events promote community, accessibility in Chapel Hill (dailytarheel.com)
Throughout Chapel Hill, sensory-friendly events are being held for kids with sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
Massachusetts State Police will now recognize Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism (cbsnews.com)
The Blue Envelope program allows drivers with autism to carry blue envelopes that can be handed to a police officer during a traffic stop.
KM Malta Airlines’ wheelchair requirements ‘discriminatory' (timesofmalta.com)
‘This is appalling and needs to stop,’ says Rhoda Garland.
Accessible Japan (accessible-japan.com)
Travel tips and advice for travelers with disabilities planning to visit Japan. Accessibility information on hotels, attractions, tours, wheelchair rentals, trains and more.
Establishing Accessible Travel Options in Morocco and the Surrounding Sahara Desert (africa.com)
Jeremy Schmidt and Erik Neufeld are the founders of Moroccan Accessible Travel Consultants, which brought the world’s inaugural and exclusive adapted camel saddle. Approximately 10% of the global population experiences some form of disability. When we fail to provide accessible facilities and amenities, we exacerbate their challenges. Occupational Therapist and founder of disabledtravel.co.za, Karin Coetzee, emphasizes the need to scrutinize each stage of the travel experience to identify areas where people with disabilities are overlooked.
How technology is transforming tourism industry? (travelandtourworld.com)
The travel and tourism industry, one of the world’s most dynamic economic sectors, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. This evolution has been significantly fueled by the advent and integration of technology, which has reshaped how we explore, book, and experience travel. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of this technological revolution, offering unprecedented opportunities for personalization, efficiency, and sustainability.
A First Look at WCAG Compliance (editorialge.com)
For many people, your website is often their first touchpoint with your brand.
‘Equity Now’ Speaker to Address Prevalent Employee Secret: The Invisible Disability (today.uconn.edu)
“Every person should have the opportunity to thrive without masking any part of their identity.’’
Accessing accessibility: students seeking accommodations face disconnect with DAS (dailybaro.orangemedianetwork.com)
Imagine that a freshman student arrives on campus for their first year and applies for Oregon State University Disability Access Services accommodations for a neurological disability.
The Disability Equality Index: A Measure of “Trust” Causing Distrust (thecatalystnews.com)
Over the last two weeks, we have dug deep into the complexities of the job market for disabled people in the United States. In Part One, we explored the historical discrimination faced by disabled people when it comes to gaining employment and the continued struggles they encounter in securing jobs, much less finding companies with good inclusion policies. In Part Two, we learned that the questionnaire of the Disability Equality Index, while intended to be an unbiased measurement of disability inclusion policies, is merely a continuation of the pattern of corporate misrepresentation in pursuit of favorable rankings.
Web Accessibility Research: Good News, Bad News (usu.edu)
The latest WebAIM Million report is out — and so are some key facts about web accessibility, in higher education and out in the wild.
5 things Autistic students want you to know (vu.edu.au)
Autistic students are valuable members of the university community who deserve respect, support, and opportunities to thrive.
StarHub’s giga! Introduces New Accessibility Features and AI Chatbot Upgrade for an Inclusive and Enhanced Mobile Experience (corporate.starhub.com)
In a significant move towards inclusivity and accessibility, giga! (powered by StarHub) has introduced a suite of new accessibility features within the giga! mobile app, in support of the Digital for Life (DfL) movement. These features are designed to break down barriers and empower individuals with disabilities (PWDs) in Singapore, ensuring equal access to mobile services and information.
Portland Bureau of Transportation Enhances City Accessibility with Curb Ramps and Parking Spaces (hoodline.com)
PBOT reports improvement in city accessibility, constructing 1,314 curb ramps and adding over 70 accessible parking spaces in compliance with ADA regulations.
New motorized wheelchairs make outdoors accessible to all visitors to open space area in Aurora (cbsnews.com)
The all-terrain wheelchairs can be rented for up to two hours for free by anybody who may have a hard time getting around the parks.
Lego Will Make Stores ‘Sensory Inclusive’ to Increase Neurodivergent Accessibility (retailtouchpoints.com)
To mark Autism Acceptance Month, all Lego stores in the U.S. and Canada will be certified as “sensory inclusive” by the nonprofit KultureCity in April.
£4.65 million for bus operators to help disabled passengers travel with confidence (gov.uk)
New funding will support upgrades to buses to provide real-time travel information to passengers.
Southeastern unveils accessibility improvements to app and online journey planner (railuk.com)
Southeastern has launched a series of upgrades to its app and online journey planner to make it easier for customers to plan accessible journeys.
Poverty research charity’s website rated most accessible in UK after rebrand (civilsociety.co.uk)
JRF has taken first place out of all UK charities this month in the Silktide Index, which is a league table that scores organisations against globally recognised standards for web accessibility.
Israel Allocates USD 3.2 million to Enhance Accessibility at tourist sites (theprint.in)
Aiming to enhance the tourist experience and foster inclusivity, Israel’s Tourism Ministry announced a 20 million shekel (USD 3.2 million) plan to improve accessibility at tourist sites across the country.
Space sim X4: Foundations is getting another huge free update with added accessibility (gamingonlinux.com)
Egosoft continue expanding and improving their space sim X4: Foundations, with the next big free upgrade nearly ready. They've announced 7.00 is now available as a public Beta with a new features trailer.
Whitethorn Games Interview with Chief Accessibility Officer Britt Dye (rpgfan.com)
Whitethorn Games self-describes as an indie game publisher specializing in games that anyone can pick up and play. They are committed to creating games that “might challenge you, they’ll respect your time, they’ll make sure you can play, and most importantly, they’ll never punish you.” As such, they have an in-house accessibility team and work with their developers to ensure their games follow that mission and are playable by as many players as possible. It’s important to note that while Whitethorn’s focus is on cozy, pick-up-and-play games, many game types can benefit from accessibility features. These features do not force a reduced difficulty or limit development teams; there’s an evaluation process and back and forth to arrive at the combination of features that allows the most access while maintaining the creators’ vision.
5 iPhone Accessibility Features You Might Want To Start Using (slashgear.com)
From Voice Control to Guided Access, Apple has put a lot of thought into its accessibility features. Here are some you might want to start using.
Using Design Tokens to up your Accessibility Game (rgd.ca)
Design tokens are all the rage. They exist to efficiently power consistent experiences. It truly is a powerful thing to be able to deliver platform-agnostic consistent experiences, or to quickly update a style that propagates via inheritance, even across nested design systems. The resultant consistency and efficiency are the main drivers for their recent popularity. But, have you thought about harnessing that power of design tokens to ensure these experiences are also accessible? Well, it’s true. Design tokens work at the base property level, at the level where the tiniest design decisions are made, for instance colour, padding, or font weight. How these micro-decisions work together, or rather don’t work well together, can influence whether the experience is accessible or not. In this talk you’ll learn how design tokens can significantly influence the accessibility of your designs, and you’ll learn some practical ways to apply design tokens to do just that.
These are the only six lip liners you need in your makeup bag (7news.com.au)
And they’re doing more than adding a touch of colour to your lip.
Honda Scenic Audio App Shares the Joy of Driving With the Blind and Visually Impaired (cars.com)
Called Honda Scenic Audio, the app uses AI to create detailed narrations of the world outside the car windows.
Giga MVNO improves in-app inclusivity with new accessibility features and AI chatbot (hardwarezone.com.sg)
Giga also extended free subscription benefits for an additional year, bringing it up to two years for PWD Giga users.
BraunAbility Chrysler ADA Infloor with Simple Stow™: Redefining Accessibility (globenewswire.com)
BraunAbility, the global leader in wheelchair accessibility vehicle solutions, today announced the launch of its latest innovation, the BraunAbility ADA Infloor with Simple Stow™ ramp, the only infloor wheelchair accessible vehicle to meet Buy America requirements.
New technology to improve accessibility for travellers (dts.qld.gov.au)
Tourism tech platform Vacayit aims to help travellers with disabilities enhance their travel experiences. Using audio experiences to make the platform engaging and easy to use, they are revolutionising accessible travel worldwide.
CRIPtic 2024 Artist Announcement (cripticarts.org)
2024 Artist Announcement! Meet the 16 creatives that we're working with in Breakthrough, Incubate, Launchpad & Reach.
Dynamic Creatives: Understanding the Investment Principles (cripticarts.org)
Arts Council England uses its 'Investment Principles' to help shape decision-making - but how do they relate to disabled creatives?
Podcast ep. 57 Disability and... CRIPtic Arts with Jamie Hale (disabilityarts.online)
This month DAO’s Editor Colin Hambrook talks to writer and Chief Executive of CRIPtic Arts, Jamie Hale, about how the CRIPtic came into existence and their thoughts and approaches when working with disabled collaborators.
Leak reveals Tory plan to cut cold weather cash for disabled people (theguardian.com)
Hundreds of thousands could lose out in England and Wales under disability benefit reforms after general election
Touching the Stars: Designing Tactile Symbols for Space Flight and Beyond (cooperhewitt.org)
Touching the Stars: Designing Tactile Symbols for Space Flight and Beyond Cooper Hewitt’s Give Me A Sign exhibition explores the history of graphic symbols as documented by industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss in his Symbol Sourcebook: An Authoritative Guide to International Graphic Symbols (1972).
What About Sal? (newtown.dendy.com.au)
Sal is a man in his thirties with Down Syndrome. He lives with his Mum Sophie, a struggling artist with a smoking habit and an aggressive form of lung cancer. Sophie only has weeks to live, and with no living family members, when she passes, her son will become a ward of the state, or homeless - Sal refuses to become either. Sal's only hope is to locate his father, but Sal was a product of a one-night stand, and Sophie can only recall fragments of that night. He was a rock singer she met in 1983 at the Victoria Hotel where she used to work. Armed with only those few clues, Sal plays detective and embarks on a journey through inner city Sydney to find his father.
It's Time to Put Patients Over Profit (themighty.com)
"For six months, I received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments that put me into remission, and suddenly my insurer stopped paying."
Talking With Dinosaur Star and Co-Creator Ashley Storrie (thinkingautismguide.com)
Ashley Storrie, co-creator and star of Hulu's series Dinosaur, talks with us about incorporating her own autistic experiences into the show.
Meet the 2024 BADIE Essay Contest Winners (acb.org)
The Audio Description Project (ADP) and the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) are proud to announce the winners of the 2024 BADIE awards. Celebrating the Benefits of Audio Description In Education, the contest invites students who are blind or have low vision to watch an audio described (AD) video and write an essay evaluating the quality and usefulness of the AD.
Molly Joyce (mollyjoyce.com)
Molly Joyce is a composer and performer whose work focuses on disability as a creative source. She has been deemed one of the “most versatile, prolific and intriguing composers working under the vast new-music dome” by The Washington Post — learn more.
Interview with GAELYNN LEA (SOLO/PIGFACE/THE MURDER OF CROWS) (2024) (youtube.com)
Author/journalist Joel Gausten talks with musician and public speaker Gaelynn Lea (Solo/Pigface/The Murder of Crows) about her career in music and her work as a disability rights advocate. Topics include accessibility in touring, her work with former R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe, and the impact of disability on sexuality and mental health.
Wheelchair Sports Camp (wheelchairsportscamp.co)
Wheelchair Sports Camp releases a new video for the first time in 2 years!
Episode 12: Lingering in the sun with Gaelynn Lea (the-heart-gallery.org)
For the 12th episode of The Heart Gallery, I am in conversation with Gaelynn Lea. Gaelynn, a violinist and songwriter who won NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the music industry, especially for disabled artists.
Someday We'll Linger in the Sun, by Gaelynn Lea (gaelynnlea.bandcamp.com)
from the album Learning How to Stay [2018 Album]
INVISIBLE FENCES (openeyetheatre.org)
Singer-songwriter-musician Gaelynn Lea and storyteller Kevin Kling combine their talents in a new original show that combines their nationally renowned skills in music and storytelling with disability awareness to create an intimate show rich in wit and wisdom.
Read the Latest nTIDE Jobs Report! (mailchi.mp)
National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) – Issued semi-monthly by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire.
'Overwhelming support' for disability benefit complicated by slow implementation, survey finds (ctvnews.ca)
As Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland prepares to deliver the federal government’s budget next week, new data suggests overwhelming support for the Canada Disability Benefit, a form of financial support for people living with disabilities signed into law last June.
'Overjoyed' Is A Switch-Compatible, One-Finger Accessibility App That's Available Now (nintendolife.com)
Addressing Nintendo's "random" approach to accessibility
Ableism and Related Terms You Need to Know (meryl.net)
It's important to understand ableism, microaggressions, unconscious bias, and stereotypes. Ignoring them gives power for them to continue.
Angles on Accessibility: Tried, True, and New (acquia.com)
Meryl Evans highlights the importance of accessibility in the modern digital landscape.
Persons with disabilities excluded from European political parties’ digital channels (mailchi.mp)
The report “Access Denied”, launched today, reveals that European political parties’ websites are vastly inaccessible to users with disabilities, with some components even reversing default accessibility measures.
A wheelchair journey around London (youtube.com)
Wheelchair user Hannah Barham-Brown spent a day rolling around London to share some of the challenges wheelchair users and other disabled people experience navigating the city.
NASA's Solar Eclipse Event in Dallas Missed the Mark on Accessibility (wheelchairtravel.org)
The Eclipse story I didn't expect to write and why disabled people had to be resourceful at NASA's Cotton Bowl watch party in Dallas, Texas.
A quick guide to the new Accessible Information Regulations for passengers (bususers.org)
Bus Users UK has published a Quick Guide to the recently announced Accessible Information Regulations.
Participate in a Focus Group! (mailchi.mp)
The Living and Working with Long COVID and Disabilities research study [IRB-FY2024-72] with the Occupational Therapy Program at the University of New Hampshire is interested in collaborating with individuals who experience disabilities who have Long COVID by conducting focus groups to understand their experiences in accessing medical treatments, supports, and services and in maintaining employment. Insights from these focus groups will be used to frame research questions about the impact of Long COVID on the life and employment of people with disabilities.
Calls for Sonia Sotomayor to retire are 'ableism, pure and simple,' advocates say (19thnews.org)
Commentators have recently singled out the Supreme Court justice, who has type 1 diabetes. Disability leaders say it's not a reason for her to resign.
AAPD Praises DOJ For Finalizing Title II Web Accessibility Rule (mailchi.mp)
Attorney General Merrick Garland signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications (apps) for people with disabilities called Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities. This rule provides state and local governments with new requirements to make their websites and mobile applications accessible.
FDA Proposes New Ban On Shock Devices For Those With Developmental Disabilities (disabilityscoop.com)
More than two years after a ban was blocked in court, federal regulators are seeking to stop the use of devices that administer electric shocks to address behavior issues in people with disabilities.
Migrants with disabilities struggle to access the U.S. asylum system, advocates say (texastribune.org)
The CBP One phone app, which most migrants use to begin the U.S. asylum process, isn’t accessible to those who are blind, deaf, have mobility issues, or have intellectual disabilities, according to a complaint.
The Ultimate Guide to Planning and Hosting a Keynote Speaker (jessicacox.com)
The ultimate guide hosting a keynote speaker, with insights from international speaker Jessica Cox on creating an unforgettable event.
UK Local Elections: Being A Town Councillor With A Disability (criplife.co.uk)
On the 2nd May 2024, voters in England and Wales will head to the polls in a major set of mayoral and local elections. There will be elections for 10 Metro Mayors, 39 police and crime commissioners and several thousand local councillors.
British Paralympian urges Nike to introduce single trainer sales (theguardian.com)
Stef Reid has accused the sportswear brand of not meeting the inclusivity values it promotes by not selling shoes individually
Whoopi Goldberg: Dyslexia’s Not a Source of Shame (respectability.org)
Speaking during the ReelAbilities Film Festival, Whoopi Goldberg shared insights into her journey with dyslexia, emphasizing how she reframed her challenges as strengths rather than limitations.
Rachael Ransom (spreaker.com)
Today we bring you Rachael Ransom to talk about her new album, debut single, and some spicy takes on disability topics.
Starmer is courting Tory voters so hard it’s almost as though he wants to lose his own | Frances Ryan (theguardian.com)
Now Labour is cosying up to the Sun. Getting its backing could end up looking like a political coup, or the ultimate act of selling out, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
Elise Roy: When we design for disability, we all benefit (ted.com)
"I believe that losing my hearing was one of the greatest gifts I've ever received," says Elise Roy. As a disability rights lawyer and design thinker, she knows that being Deaf gives her a unique way of experiencing and reframing the world -- a perspective that could solve some of our largest problems. As she says: "When we design for disability first, you often stumble upon solutions that are better than those when we design for the norm."
Getting the "Big Idea”: Including All Students in the Same Curriculum - Practical Tips for Teachers (No. 4 Part A) (startingwithjulius.org.au)
This is Part A of the fourth article in a series of short articles aimed at providing practical tips for teachers to improve the inclusiveness of their general education classrooms. You can read the earlier articles at SWJ IncludED and their respective titles and weblinks are also listed at the end of this article.
Blog: Resources for Parents with Disabilities (disabilityrightsflorida.org)
Whether you have a visible disability, invisible disability, chronic illness, or other health issues, being a parent with a disability is possible.
Eddie's Lil' Homies (sbs.com.au)
Explores the complicated and sometimes fanciful seas of childhood as it follows eight-year-old Eddie and his two best friends, Tal and Lottie.
Access ALLways 2024 (web.cvent.com)
Access ALLways workshops are Kinetic Light's approach to accessibility & equity training. They are three hour participatory, online workshops designed specifically for people in the the arts ecosystem: artists, arts organizations, producers, presenters, grantmakers, and event organizers.
Dublin Airport: Woman asked to remove breast prosthesis at security (bbc.com)
Realtán Ní Leannáin was asked to remove her artificial breast after it set off a new security scanner alarm.
The Participation Specialists: How Occupational Therapists Can Facilitate Inclusive Education (mcie.org)
About the Guest(s): Savitha Sundar, an Occupational Therpaist and Ph.D. candidate, specializes in inclusive practices for students with Extensive Support Needs. With over 15 years in public schools, she’s a champion for inclusive education, leveraging her OT expertise to foster access and participation. At Texas Woman’s University, she mentors future OTs and teaches as an adjunct faculty member. Savitha also serves as the Partnerships Officer at Changing Perspectives, promoting social-emotional learning. She also hosts the podcast “Inclusive Occupations,” inspiring the creation of inclusive communities for children and youth with disabilities.
Disability News and Mental Health, Outrage at ableist ‘prejudice’ (bbc.co.uk)
Emma Tracey talks to disability activist Samantha Renke about her experience of misogyny and ableism prejudice after a controversial podcast clip goes viral.
They’re young and athletic. They’re also ill with a condition called POTS. (washingtonpost.com)
The syndrome tends to strike suddenly, leaving previously healthy people unable to function, with no clear cause.
‘Gift of hope and confidence’: parents recall how Sure Start was a lifeline (theguardian.com)
As calls grow for Labour to reinstate the centres for early years support, we hear from some of those who saw its benefits
LapStacker Relaunches Wheelchair Carrying System (newmobility.com)
The LapStacker rectrable strap system lets you easily secure things to your lap.
Webinar from Bus Users and CPT showcases the value of accessible coach travel (bususers.org)
Bus Users UK joined forces with CPT (Confederation of Passenger Transport) to run an hour long webinar showcasing the value of accessibility.
Middlesex CCC PowerHouseGames 2024 at Lord's! (power2inspire.org.uk)
After our first ever county cricket PowerHouseGames in 2023, Power2Inspire was back at the iconic Indoor Cricket School at Lord’s! The Middlesex County Cricket Club held its second annual PowerHouseGames on 22nd March and it was a real celebration of sportsmanship, inclusivity, and the sheer joy that comes from watching different communities come together to play and enjoy sports.
Candid + RespectAbility: Attracting, Hiring, and Retaining People with Disabilities (respectability.org)
Learn about how to make your workplace accessible, and about recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities into the workspace.
Call for applications to improve healthcare for persons with disabilities (disabilityinsider.com)
The ACT Government is taking further steps to ensure every Canberran has access to equitable and accessible healthcare with the establishment of a Disability Health Reference Group.
UK govt grands £4.65M for bus operators to improve travel accessibility (disabilityinsider.com)
Passengers with disabilities are set to navigate buses with greater ease, thanks to almost £5 million being made available to roll out audible and visual announcements throughout Great Britain.
AI-Media and Mediaproxy Announce Game-Changing Partnership (ai-media.tv)
AI-Media and Mediaproxy announce game-changing partnership to integrate top broadcast compliance tools with AI-powered captioning.
AI is causing massive hiring discrimination based on disability (thehill-com.cdn.ampproject.org)
AI hiring tools have automated violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Artificial Intelligence and Independent Living - an ENIL presentation at SDS National Voice 2024 (m.youtube.com)
A presentation by members of the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) on the topic of Artificial Intelligence and Independent Living. Delivered as part of Self Directed Support Scotland's annual conference, SDS National Voice, on 28 March 2024.
Unpacking ENIL's Proposal to the Framework on Social Services (enil.eu)
In line with the European Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 (ESRPD), this year the European Commission is due to present a Framework for Social Services of Excellence for Persons with Disabilities, which is supposed to improve the service delivery to disabled persons. It also aims at promoting an upgrade of service providers’ skills, making the jobs in this field more effective and attractive.
What the Flexible Working Act means – and what it doesn’t (businessdisabilityforum.org.uk)
Two significant new acts have come into force for employers and employees in the UK. One is The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023; the other is The Carer’s Leave Act 2023.
Disability doesn't mean entrepreneurial inability (smh.com.au)
New research shows the potential of self-employment for those with disabilities.
How Disabled Persons can Drive a Car | 2024 Creta Modified for Physically Challenged (youtube.com)
Modified all New Creta 2024 for Subhash Ji who is a Person with Disability with Government Approved Hand Operated kit. This kit enables a disabled person to drive their vehicles with their hands only; which gives them freedom to travel independently. Mobility Solutions a company that has been serving persons with disabilities for last 12 years understands your trouble of bringing the car to us for modifications and that is why we provide you doorstep services. Our kit and services are so refined in nature that it can be installed at your place, at your home with just a one phone call from you!
Why We Need ADA Police (www-globaldisabilityinclusion-com.cdn.ampproject.org)
Imagine you and your family are headed to the movies to check out the latest release. You park, and head to the elevator that will take you to the lobby, and subsequently the second floor where the movie will be shown, only to find the elevator is out of order.
Disability Inclusion Fund Grant Opportunity!! Accepting Applications Now Through May 29, 2024 (borealisphilanthropy.org)
The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) at Borealis Philanthropy is thrilled to share that we are currently accepting applications from organizations working to strengthen disability inclusion, rights, and justice. DIF grants will support organizations whose work is rooted in intersectional cross-movements, is collaborative, and works to build a more vibrant, just and joyful world for people with disabilities—from arts and culture, to policy and advocacy. Please take the time to carefully review the details of the RFP.
Here are some dos and don’ts to help tackle ableism (theconversation.com)
People with disabilities contend with daily challenges and ableism. Here are some dos and don'ts to help you be more mindful of those living with a disability.
Mattel Launches Scrabble Together: A More Inclusive and Collaborative Word Game Experience (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
Discover Mattel's Scrabble Together, a new twist on the classic game designed to enhance collaboration, inclusivity, and fun for all players.
High Quality Sign Language Service Provider - assistALL (assistallapp.com)
Instant sign language interpretation anytime, anywhere. Download now on Google Play and Apple App Store.
NYC suspends Social Security payouts to some disabled foster kids to protect federal funding (nydailynews.com)
Some disabled foster children in New York City’s care aren’t receiving individual Social Security payments — even though Mayor Adams’ administration rolled out a policy two years ago designed to let the vulnerable kids use the federal benefits to build up personal savings, the Daily News has learned.
Disney Revamping Disability Access Policies At Theme Parks (disabilityscoop.com)
Disney is overhauling its disability access policies after seeing an explosion in abuse of a program meant to accommodate visitors with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Long COVID, Disability + All of Us (us02web.zoom.us)
Join us for the fourth conversation in the 2023-2024 Disability & Health Webinar Series. Hear from patient advocates and researchers about the importance of Long COVID research and the role that the All of Us Research Program may play in advancing this critical work.
Alameda Health System using dogs to detect COVID (nbcbayarea.com)
Man’s best friend is now part of an innovative new plan to keep COVID at bay.
Out and Proud at 71: A Retrospective on Queerness and Disability (rootedinrights.org)
I’m open about being legally blind. Tapping my white cane, reading my poetry from text blown up large on my iPad, my low vision is out there for everyone to see. Being low vision is as natural to me as breathing.
Disability Does Not Always Mean Wheelchair (themighty.com)
"Being verbally attacked because I do not fit what a stereotypical disabled person looks like is not OK."
Toys Like Me dolls: a good or bad idea? (disabilityhorizons.com)
“Raggy Dolls, Raggy Dolls, dolls like you and me…” the theme to one of my old childhood’s favourite cartoons – ‘Raggy Dolls’ sprang into my head as I heard about ‘Toys Like Me’. Raggy Dolls was a children’s cartoon where the dolls that did not meet the factory’s standards got sent into a recycle section. I remember watching it and thinking; “is that why I am in a special needs school, because I failed to meet the world’s standard of perfection?”