Breaking the vicious cycle: How two German scientists seek to solve ME
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
Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
Breaking the vicious cycle: How two German scientists seek to solve ME - The Sick Times (thesicktimes.org)
A “unifying” hypothesis of the mechanisms, triggers, and risk factors for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is gaining support. Further evaluation and development of a potential drug depend on funding.
Do you remember? (sirkotsky.substack.com)
Dementia, memory loss, and cognitive accessibility in cinema, media, and real life
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people: Learning to read at age 32 – with Oliver James, author of Unread (beyond6seconds.com)
Oliver James is a California-based personal trainer, motivational speaker, literacy activist, and influencer. He has been featured by Today, NPR, the Jennifer Hudson Show, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Rachael Ray, and ABC News, among many others. Additionally, he received the Barbara Bush National Literacy Award in 2023. Oliver is the author of “Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok.” His book is about teaching himself to read starting at the age of 32, and his experience with childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect. In just 365 days, he went from barely being able to read a restaurant menu, to closing in on his goal of finishing 100 books in a year. Oliver has become a TikTok/BookTok sensation for the way he’s documented his decision to learn to read as an adult, and his struggles and triumphs along the way. During this episode, you will hear Oliver talk about: Why he describes himself as being “functionally illiterate” and how his experience with literacy “started wrong” What inspired him to share his journey to learn how to read on social media, at the age of 32 How reading has profoundly changed his perspective on life What it was like writing a book about his experience Buy Oliver’s book “Unread”: Follow Oliver at oliverspeaks1 on , , and . Email Oliver at OliverSpeaks1 [at] gmail.com. Learn more about the that has helped Oliver learn how to read: nardagani.com Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=xWGXsqQaloQ Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/oliver-james-unread Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192 Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*
Focus On Something You Love, Despite Pain - Despite Pain (despitepain.com)
Living with pain is difficult, and it’s easier said than done, but sometimes we have to try to focus on something we love instead of pain.
What is the link between climate change and chronic illness? - The Sick Times (thesicktimes.org)
What happens when your body and the climate break down at the same time? In this episode, Still Here co-host Miles Griffis talks to Lorraine Boissoneault, science journalist and Sick Times contributor, about her new book, Body Weather: Notes on Chronic Illness in the Anthropocene. Lorraine shares how she came to see the links between
Frank Hayden, Canadian researcher who ignited Special Olympics movement, dies at 96 (toronto.citynews.ca)
Hayden died Saturday at 96 and is survived by four children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Walk MS Frankenmuth 2026 | Friendship and Team MonsterS (acoupletakesonms.com)
From longtime friendships to new memories, Jennifer Digmann shares what Walk MS Frankenmuth 2026 meant to Team MonsterS.
‘An accessible space’: the Chelsea garden visitors can see, hear, feel, taste and touch their way round (theguardian.com)
Designers hope Sightsavers sensory exhibit at London flower show will offer something for everyone
Demographics and population: Why birth rates are falling everywhere all at once - Golem.de (golem.de)
Homes and phones are part of the reason for the demographic shift changing our world.
5 Questions to Stop Asking Wheelchair Users Immediately (themighty.com)
A wheelchair user shares the questions she doesn’t want to be asked anymore.
Pipeline Turns Classroom Paraprofessionals Into Teachers - Disability Scoop (disabilityscoop.com)
With tuition assistance and a paid apprenticeship, an initiative is allowing classroom aides to join the teaching ranks — including working as special educators — in their own communities.
Autism Increases Odds Of Suicidal Crisis. 988 Is Changing To Better Serve This Group - Disability Scoop (disabilityscoop.com)
Shifts in 988 hotline volunteer behavior can have a major impact for callers with autism, a population more likely to experience suicidal crisis.
States Ask Federal Court To Strike Disability Protections - Disability Scoop (disabilityscoop.com)
A multi-state lawsuit challenging the right of people with disabilities to live and receive services in the community is barreling forward even as some states are calling it quits.
Proud Stutter: Empowering People with Speech Diversity - Global Disability News (globaldisabilitynews.org)
Proud Stutter is a short film featuring Maya, who grew up with a stutter she believed she needed to overcome, embarking on a transformative journey of self-acceptance. Realizing that stuttering is simply another way of speaking, she creates a podcast to amplify the voices of those who share her experience. Through candid conversations, Maya creates a space where people who stutter can find strength, connection, and a voice.
Dineabiliti - Your Guide to Accessible Dining (dineabiliti.com)
“Casting April:” The Children’s Book Disabled Kids Have Been Waiting For - Global Disability News (globaldisabilitynews.org)
“Casting April“ is a children’s book by Wendy Lu. It is about a young girl who wants to be an actor. April has had a tracheostomy tube since birth. In most other books, the story would either end here or, by magic, find a way to heal April. But instead, author Wendy Lu tells a story that resonates with many disabled children. These children have long been excluded from literature. The book gives them a voice by making their ordinary lives, hopes, and dreams visible.
Accessible Healthcare for People with Disabilities - Disability Equity Collaborative (disabilityequitycollaborative.org)
An implementation guide to support healthcare organizations in providing high-quality care to patients with disabilities.
ASL interpreters help with accessibility in theaters, but more advertising would go a long way (spokesman.com)
To make something accessible means to make it available for all. There are ramps and elevators for those with mobility aids, texts in Braille for those who are blind, accessible parking and restrooms.
Best Buddies Launches New Entrepreneurship Program for Individuals with IDD - Best Buddies International (bestbuddies.org)
New entrepreneurship initiative empowers individuals with IDD through mentorship, business development, and leadership.
Ohio Nursing Homes Discharging Medically Fragile Patients to Homeless Shelters, Federal Inspections Reveal (knowyourrightscamp.org)
The investigation reveals a troubling pattern in American healthcare: nursing homes discharging medically fragile patients to homeless shelters when insurance coverage ends. This practice, while “rare but increasingly common,” exposes structural failures in how the U.S. funds and regulates long-term care.At the heart of the problem is America’s fragmented payment system. Medicaid funds most nursing home care, but as federal lawmakers reduce program funding, facilities face mounting financial pre
Trump Bought Stock in Drugmaker as His Government Boosted Its Obesity Drugs - KFF Health News (kffhealthnews.org)
New ethics disclosures show the president invested in Eli Lilly and a company that manufactures injectable devices as his health agencies implemented policies that benefited them.
Abortion bans are restricting how miscarriages are treated (19thnews.org)
The research is the first national analysis to quantify how abortion restrictions affect people losing their pregnancies.
US health department withdraws vaccine advisory panel charter (reuters.com)
The U.S. health department has withdrawn an April charter renewal for a key vaccine advisory panel that laid out new membership rules and direction, citing an administrative error, according to a Federal Register notice issued on Monday.
States Ask Federal Court To Strike Disability Protections - Disability Scoop (disabilityscoop.com)
A multi-state lawsuit challenging the right of people with disabilities to live and receive services in the community is barreling forward even as some states are calling it quits.
Feds To Reconsider Rule Barring Disability Discrimination In Healthcare - Disability Scoop (disabilityscoop.com)
Just as they were set to take effect, federal officials are delaying new requirements meant to make healthcare more accessible to people with disabilities and signaling that additional changes are likely.
BDA’s new 2026 – 2029 Strategy (bda.org.uk)
Today we are proud to share our new three-year plan for 2026–2029 — and to reflect on just how far we have come together over the past three years.
Ollie Thorn: Paralysed Man Becomes First Person To Handcyle To Everest Base Camp | Crip Life™ (criplife.co.uk)
We speak to a former British serviceman – Ollie Thorn – who has become the first person to handcycle to Everest Base Camp,
Keke Palmer & Zack Gottsagen Starring In ‘Lottery’ For Searchlight (deadline.com)
Searchlight has greenlit Lottery, starring Keke Palmer, Zack Gottsagen, directed by Thor Freudenthal.
Texas hospital to launch youth ‘detransition clinic,’ fire doctors to settle probe (reuters.com)
The largest children’s hospital in the United States will create the country’s first “detransition clinic” to undo gender-affirming treatments for transgender youth.
All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women’s Bodies and Why It Matters Today – A Memorial Sloan Kettering MD’s History of Healthcare and Agency
Minnesota Lawmaker Proposes Using Hospital Tax To Fill Charity Care Gap - KFF Health News (kffhealthnews.org)
A Minnesota Star Tribune-KFF Health News investigation found charity care at hospitals in the state is offered at low and arbitrary levels, prompting Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to say, “There is more work in front of us.”
Social Security, SSI Benefits Likely To Rise - Disability Scoop (disabilityscoop.com)
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries could see a big jump in their monthly payments come next year.
SEND Reforms – Disability and SEND organisations and community groups formal request to Secretary of State for Education for an extension to the SEND Reforms consultations (includemetoo.org.uk)
Include Me TOO, Black SEN Mamas and South Asian SEN Mamas want to thank our members, supporters, and allies for responding to our ‘Call To Action’ in solidarity. Alongside over 30 organisations fro…
Impact of SEND Reforms on Black, Asian and Minoritised Disabled Children, Young People and their Families (includemetoo.org.uk)
A critical conversation on the impact of SEND Reforms on Black, Asian and minoritised disabled children, young people and their families Discussions will cover: Do the SEND reforms risk disproport…
Australia’s best blind bowlers compete for glory on the green – in pictures (theguardian.com)
Visually impaired bowlers represent their states at the Australian Blind Bowlers Association’s national championships in Tweed Heads
Highlighting Cosmo Industries during Disability Service Professionals (unpublished.ca)
PushLiving Network – Wheelchair Accessible Lifestyle (pushliving.com)
PushLiving shares wheelchair-accessible lifestyle, travel, advocacy and inclusive resources for people with mobility disabilities and allies.
How ‘S.N.L’ Shorts Are Made Behind the Scenes (nytimes.com)
A rare glimpse behind the scenes reveals a frenetic process that has been refined across decades.
I SWEAR | Official US Trailer (2026) (youtube.com)
Watch the official US trailer of I SWEAR, starring BAFTA award winner Robert Aramayo. Only in Theaters April 24, 2026. Written & Directed by: Kirk JonesBased...
I Always Have a Choice (sarahlevis.substack.com)
I can’t control what happens next. But I can still influence it.
2018 Quincy Jones Award Honoree Zack Gottsagen | Global Down Syndrome Foundation (globaldownsyndrome.org)
Frida Kahlo Photos: What Made the Painter a ‘Living Work of Art’ (nytimes.com)
Plaster corsets and Tehuana skirts, men’s wear and spider monkeys: These are the things that made Frida Frida.
The Ultimate Wheelchair Accessible Dubai Travel Guide (curbfreewithcorylee.com)
Explore the ultimate guide to wheelchair accessible Dubai, highlighting top wheelchair accessible Dubai attractions, hotels, and tips.
Record numbers of UK renters crowdfunding to cover bills (theguardian.com)
Rent donations on GoFundMe up 60% since 2022, with 100,000 donors helping people keep a roof over their heads
Face Equality Week 2026 – what to say to people who ask about your facial difference - Carly Findlay (carlyfindlay.com.au)
It’s Face Equality Week and this year’s theme is Seen and Served - making sure people with facial differences are seen, served, respected and safe in retail and hospitality settings. All week I’ve been talking about what retail and hospo staff can do. But this post is about what people with facial differences can say
The Conversations We Have With Our Nonverbal Daughter (themighty.com)
How parents communicate with their daughter, who is nonverbal.
Ask My 3-Year-Old If His Sister With Down Syndrome Is Different Than He Is (themighty.com)
A mother talks about what her son’s response would be if someone asked him if he thinks his sister with Down syndrome is different than he is.
We’ve tried to smooth disabled peoples’ path back to work. Why isn’t it helping? (washingtonpost.com)
An essential safety net program is still a barrier, not a gateway, to employment.
The Golf Trust (thegolftrust.com)
The Golf Trust was set up to bring people together through golf.
Project 1402: Leisure Shouldn’t Be A Luxury (justgiving.com)
This June, eight golfers are taking on an extraordinary challenge in Lofoten, Norway. From 9th–14th June, the team will play 1,402 holes of golf. A powerful number representing the average additional monthly costs faced by people with disabilities.
The Golf Trust launches campaign to expose hidden cost of disability (golfbusinessnews.com)
The Golf Trust launches fundraising campaign designed to highlight additional costs faced by people with disabilities.
Accessibility in The Palm Beaches: Accessible Experiences (thepalmbeaches.com)
The Palm Beaches strive to be an accessible destination for all travelers. Discover accessible experiences as well as information to make your trip easier.
Tracey Emin | Tate Modern (tate.org.uk)
Tracey Emin Campaign for Invisible Disabilities Explained - Artlyst (artlyst.com)
Explore Tracey Emin’s Campaign for Invisible Disabilities and its powerful message about unseen health challenges in public spaces.
Alex Mitchell on comedy, disability - and why he won’t be labelled inspirational (patient.info)
We spoke to Alex Mitchel about his diagnosis of functional neurological disorder (FND) and how he navigates his condition through stand-up
Functional Neurologic Disorder (ninds.nih.gov)
Functional neurologic disorder (FND) refers to a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks work, rather than changes in the structure of the brain itself, as seen in many other neurological disorders.
Murdoch University (murdoch.edu.au)
Murdoch was the second university established in Perth, WA and has achieved a five-star rating for overall experience, teaching quality and employability by the QS Star Assessment 2022, placing it among some of the leading universities in the world.
Where the Shoreline Opens: Accessible Beaches, Ocean Tourism, and the Power of Belonging (accessiblejourneysmagazine.com)
Dive into the world of accessible ocean tourism and see how inclusive beaches are creating a powerful sense of belonging for all travelers.
Global Speaker, Viral Creator, Disability Advocate Spencer West Holds Nothing Back With New Book Release, Breaking Free (natlawreview.com)
Spencer West (spencer2thewest.com)
Portsmouth’s first-ever learning disability arts festival (bbc.com)
Pivot Fest in Portsmouth is showcasing the talents and voices of learning disabled artists.
Home Page - Aspex Portsmouth (aspex.org.uk)
Aspex Portsmouth is a charity and contemporary art space rooted in community, bringing joy through art and nurturing creativity and connection for over 40 years.
This New Ground (thisnewground.com)
TAF Africa seeks disability inclusion in 2027 elections (gazettengr.com)
Mr Ajanya stated, “The time has come for persons with disabilities to move from political margins to leadership.”
AbleToRun: Electability Campaign - TAF Africa (tafafrica.co)
Able2Run PRESS CONFERENCE - MAY 12, 2026 Disability is NO Barrier to Leadership The Able2Run Electability Campaign calls on Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria to step forward, run for office, and GOVERN. Tuesday, May 12 · 9:00 AM Official Campaign Launch – Press Conference Join the Campaign Join the Political Leadership Programme [PLP] for PWDs
NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH (nationaldaycalendar.com)
National Mental Health Awareness Month in May focuses on bringing tools, resources, and education to the general public
Man with disabilities forced to travel 23 miles to access swimming pool (bbc.com)
The water is one of the few places where Jamie Rigg, who has cerebral palsy, can leave his wheelchair.
Everyone in the Disability Community Should Fight for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Patients (uptonrebecca.substack.com)
Disability justice requires cross-disability solidarity. ME patients shouldn’t be the only ones advocating for more awareness, research funding and treatments for their debilitating condition
To stand tall AND imperfectly before ancestors and the Land (preview.mailerlite.io)
The Answer’s in the Question (podaccess.substack.com)
Andrew Leland Has More
The Exhausting Cycle of New Symptoms and Medical Gaslighting (uptonrebecca.substack.com)
On the everyday horrors of being a patient with chronic illnesses
Southbank Centre Celebrates 75 Years With A Summer Season Of Literature, Spoken Word And Accessible Cultural Events | Crip Life™ (criplife.co.uk)
Celebrate the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary with an accessible summer season of literature and spoken word events featuring acclaimed writers, artists and cultural voices from May to September 2026.
After viral graduation walk, paraplegic student calls for greater accessibility: ‘It doesn’t have to be so hard’ (theguardian.com)
After a truck accident left him paralyzed, Jaiden Picot crossed his graduation stage in a robotic exoskeleton
Tell HHS Digital Access Should Not Wait - Disability Belongs™ (disabilitybelongs.org)
HHS has delayed by one year the deadlines for many programs to make their websites and mobile apps accessible to people with disabilities.
“We’re not seeking mental health support from our workplace. We’re seeking inclusion” (reframingdisability.substack.com)
Shreya Bansal on her experiences as a journalist with psychosocial disabilities and how newsrooms can be inclusive
Settlement to overhaul Colorado’s facility schools for students with disabilities (kkco11news.com)
Civil rights group reaches agreement with state education department over accountability and oversight.
Grothman Introduces Bill to Protect Employment Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities | U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman (grothman.house.gov)
Maine’s city and town websites are essential, new rules aim to make them accessible to all (wgme.com)
For people with disabilities, that access is not always guaranteed.
Studies link optimism to better heart health, lower risk of disease - The Washington Post (washingtonpost.com)
A growing body of research suggests that optimism may protect the heart — both biologically and by promoting healthier habits.
Ed Department to release $144M for special education, early intervention | K-12 Dive (k12dive.com)
The Wednesday announcement also included guidance to states on using IDEA funds to help expectant parents of children with disabilities.
Digital Accessibility: The Invisible Core Of Scalable, Sustainable AI (forbes.com)
The next phase of AI is not technical—it’s human. And it will determine whether systems scale.
State Street Improvements Delayed: One of Downtown’s Most Poorly-Designed Streets Will Get A Fresh Coat of Asphalt Instead - Streetsblog Massachusetts (mass.streetsblog.org)
Mayor Wu is postponing a plan to improve State Street in downtown Boston with wider, wheelchair-accessible sidewalks, safer crosswalks, and a protected bikeway connection.
Spat continues between Pa. city and organization that serves those with disabilities - pennlive.com (pennlive.com)
Williamsport wants to end 5-year-old consent decree that dealt with Americans with Disabilities Act violations.
DOJ Delays Digital Accessibility Deadlines, Drawing Sharp Opposition from Advocates (americanbar.org)
Less than a week before the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) rules clarifying and standardizing digital accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) were set to take effect, the DOJ extended key compliance deadlines.
Attention Required! | Cloudflare (gazette.com)
Libraries provide services for people who need accessible spaces to gather, find information, attend classes, and discover resources.
Recent fire draws attention to barriers people with disabilities face when searching for homes (kfyrtv.com)
The recent Alberta Heights fire highlighted a challenge facing some Bismarck residents: finding affordable, accessible housing.
Bismarck apartment fire displaces couple, highlights accessibility challenges (kfyrtv.com)
A fire destroyed a Bismarck apartment complex on the north side of town a week ago. More than 100 tenants lost their homes. Many of them are people with disabilities, making the next steps even more difficult.
Opinion | For Some Patients, Cancer Is Becoming Like a Chronic Illness - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
For some patients, cancer is becoming like a chronic illness.
Wheel the World making New York state wheelchair accessible (spectrumlocalnews.com)
With its recent checks on accessibility, Wheel the World is breaking barriers to organizations across Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and more.
Connecticut to redesign handicap parking placards due to misuse (ctpost.com)
The bill requires the DMV to stop issuing the old accessible parking placards by Jan. 1, 2027.
Meet the Deaf Teen Who’s Helping Make the Tech World More Accessible for Her Peers (people.com)
17-year-old Kiana Lee of San Diego, who recently took part in the 2026 Disney Dreamers Academy, is working to bring the power of STEM to students with disabilities
GoDaddy Security - Access Denied (pasenate.com)
The Sight Impaired Employee: The Public Administration Challenge - PA TIMES Online | PA TIMES Online (patimes.org)
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization. By Joseph G. JarretMay 8, 2026 Introduction In a United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Health Interview Survey, it was found that approximately 18.4 percent of U.S. adults are blind or […]
New PA Law Ends Accessibility Code Limbo After Court Ruling - MyChesCo (mychesco.com)
HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania has restored its ability to update accessibility standards for buildings and public spaces after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing the state’s building …
The Invisible Disability: An Employer’s Guide to Mental Health and the ADA - Ogletree (ogletree.com)
As Mental Health Awareness Month (annually observed each May) draws attention to the prevalence of mental health conditions in the workplace, employers should be reminded that mental health conditions may qualify as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and, if so, employers have the same reasonable accommodation obligations they would for any physical disability.
U.S. Department of Education opens disability discrimination investigation into HISD special education proposal (click2houston.com)
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has opened a disability discrimination investigation into the over concerns tied to the district’s proposal to centralize certain special education services.
After HISD announced upcoming changes to its special education programs, the Department of Education opened a disability discrimination investigation into the district.
Office for Civil Rights Requires Lawrence County School District (AL) to Address Accessibility Concerns at East Lawrence High School Gym, Baseball Field, and Football Field (specialeducationaction.com)
OCR identifies concerns with accessible parking, accessible routes, signage, seating, restrooms, and concessions at East Lawrence High School athletic facilities.
Special education gap: NYC private school tuition payments flow mostly to white students - Chalkbeat (chalkbeat.org)
NYC spent $723 million on private school tuition payments for students with disabilities, but students of color in higher-need neighborhoods are far less likely to benefit.
New law on the rights of persons with disabilities in Tajikistan: prohibition of discrimination, inclusion, and social guarantees - Asia Plus (asiaplus.news)
One of the most important provisions of the new law is the right to inclusive education.
King’s speech includes SEND legislation but plans for more disability benefit cuts are dropped… for now – Disability News Service (disabilitynewsservice.com)
The government included a bill to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in yesterday’s king’s speech, but it also signalled a delay to any plans for further cuts to di…
Ofcom consults on access code for ‘Tier 1’ video-on-demand services – Liam O’Dell (liamodell.com)
A draft accessibility code for designated video-on-demand (VoD) services has been published by Ofcom, introducing minimum targets for subtitling, signing and audio description on popular streaming …
Turkish tech major Turkcell advances its accessibility projects, efforts | Daily Sabah (dailysabah.com)
Turkish telecommunications and tech giant Turkcell continues its accessibility efforts with determination through the number of inclusive projects it has...
RTA enhances POD accessibility across service centres and stations (mediaoffice.ae)
Delivering new cost of disability payment will be ‘so challenging’, Minister tells summit – The Irish Times (irishtimes.com)
‘We still live in a very ableist society’, one wheelchair user tells event, saying employment will not reduce costs
Accessibility Key Focus In Awareness Activity | Mirage News (miragenews.com)
Local residents experienced first-hand the everyday challenges people with mobility issues face when they undertook an access awareness activity in
Emerging Survey Findings Suggest Overwhelming Support for a New UK Accessibility Act | Disability Rights UK (disabilityrightsuk.org)
Communication is the key in a building full of accessibility barriers | Planning, Building & Construction Today (pbctoday.co.uk)
About Access assessed a property that was a near-perfect example of how not to do accessibility. Learn more here
Regina marks progress on accessibility plan, several barriers remain | 620 CKRM - The Voice of Saskatchewan | Harvard Media (620ckrm.com)
REGINA — It’s been two years since the city approved its decade-long accessibility plan. The plan lists 80 actions to implement to identify, eliminate and prevent barriers that limit participation in civic life, reinforcing the city...
Reginans not totally satisfied with accessibility progress: report | Regina Leader Post (leaderpost.com)
A report from city staff says efforts are on track to improve inclusiveness in Regina, but public feedback offers a more lukewarm view.
Regina executive committee reviews accessibility plan progress (ctvnews.ca)
The City of Regina has completed 33 of its 80 actions as part of its accessibility plan aimed at making the city more accessible and age-friendly.
Regina marks progress on accessibility plan, several barriers remain - SaskToday.ca (sasktoday.ca)
Surveyed participants said city sidewalks, open spaces and parks still have barriers for accessibility.
Murdoch University promises improvements after viral video shows issues with wheelchair access - ABC News (abc.net.au)
The former Murdoch University student’s video highlights the difficulty wheelchair users have navigating the campus since stair lifts were removed in 2023.
Councils urge government to raise accessible housing targets beyond 40% | Public Sector News (publicsectorexecutive.com)
CPD accredited public sector news, comment & analysis for Civil Servants responsible for building, shaping and delivering transformational public services. The UK’s No1 Public Sector Magazine.
Taxi services probed after visiting councillor waits hours for accessible ride in Mississauga | INsauga (insauga.com)
Complaints from an Ontario municipal politician who waited several hours for an accessible taxi while in Mississauga for a conference last month has prompted an investigation into the matter, city officials say. A City of Mississauga spokesperson told INsauga.com the municipality is investigating “to determine what occurred and whether all applicable bylaw requirements were followed” […]
Disability-inclusive infrastructure foundational to community life for millions with disabilities | OHCHR (ohchr.org)
A new United Nations Human Rights report shows that disability-inclusive infrastructure is not a cost to society but its foundation, emphasizing that enabling people with disabilities to live independently with support can reduce reliance on labour-intensive care and support work, much of which is carried out by unpaid women caregivers.
Colorado Moves to Replace AI Bias Audit Law With New Transparency Framework: Your Guide to Understanding the Changes | Fisher Phillips LLP (fisherphillips.com)
Colorado lawmakers are moving to repeal the state’s first-in-the-nation AI antidiscrimination law and replace the mandatory bias audit and risk impact assessment requirements with a streamlined transparency-and-notice framework. The May 1 proposal, backed by key lawmakers, instead focuses on automated decision-making technology (ADMT) used in “consequential” decisions. If the bill gets passed into law, new employer obligations would kick in on January 1, 2027. Here’s what the proposed replacement would mean for your business and what you should be doing right now.
Universal AI is a new a self-paced online program from MIT Open Learning designed to take non-technical learners from beginner to AI fluency. Covering basic programming, foundational AI concepts, and industry applications, the first course is available for free worldwide on MIT Learn.
The Silver Tsunami - The Economic Shockwave of 10,000 Baby Boomers Retiring Every Day - Radio Tandil (radiotandil.com)
The Silver Tsunami – The Economic Shockwave of 10,000 Baby Boomers Retiring Every Day
What’s AI’s place in mental health care? Vermont lawmakers say it should be limited. - VTDigger (vtdigger.org)
Also in Final Reading: Balint reelection bid and Act 181 rollback.
AI Hiring Compliance Is a Patchwork and Leaves Big Employer Gaps (news.bloomberglaw.com)
Opinion: Employers using artificial intelligence to screen, rank, or evaluate candidates are facing a regulatory mismatch: Federal civil-rights rules haven’t changed, but state and local restrictions are multiplying.
AI Workplace Surveillance Raises Legal and Ethical Questions | Let’s Data Science (letsdatascience.com)
The Observer reports that **A.I. workplace analytics** are increasingly used to monitor employees, reshape performance reviews, and influence compensation decisions. The article states these systems promise productivity gains by synthesizing **thousands of behavioral data points continuously and in real time**, but it also highlights risks: labor advocates and researchers have begun calling the phenomenon “surveillance wages,” and the tools can amplify bias, erode privacy, and manipulate worker behavior at scale, according to the Observer. The piece frames a growing power asymmetry between employers using sophisticated predictive tools and employees who are often unaware of how they are being profiled. The Observer traces parallels to prior consumer-facing algorithmic harms and calls these workplace deployments under-scrutinized from legal and ethical perspectives.
How A.I. Is Changing Employee Monitoring and Performance Reviews | Observer (observer.com)
Zal.ai CEO Kayvon Touran and organizational leadership expert Ben Dattner examine the rapidly expanding use of A.I. in employee monitoring, performance evaluation and compensation. They argue that existing laws and workplace norms are dangerously unprepared for a future defined by surveillance, behavioral profiling and psychological manipulation.
Google settles lawsuit over alleged racial disparities in hiring, pay and promotions | AP News (apnews.com)
Google has reached a settlement with Black employees who alleged systemic racial disparities in hiring, pay, and advancement in a lawsuit filed in 2022. April Curley, a former Google employee, had sued the tech giant for racial discrimination, saying it engages in a “pattern and practice” of unfair treatment for its Black workers. The suit claimed the company steered them into lower-level and lower-paid jobs and subjected them to a hostile work environment if they speak out. Other former Google workers also joined the suit, which later received class action status.
TG4 is delighted to announce a further expansion of its accessibility features for Ros na Rún, with new subtitle options in Irish and English across broadcasts and the TG4 Player.
Accessibility Key Focus In Awareness Activity | Mirage News (miragenews.com)
Local residents experienced first-hand the everyday challenges people with mobility issues face when they undertook an access awareness activity in
Emerging Survey Findings Suggest Overwhelming Support for a New UK Accessibility Act | Disability Rights UK (disabilityrightsuk.org)
Communication is the key in a building full of accessibility barriers | Planning, Building & Construction Today (pbctoday.co.uk)
About Access assessed a property that was a near-perfect example of how not to do accessibility. Learn more here
Regina marks progress on accessibility plan, several barriers remain | 620 CKRM - The Voice of Saskatchewan | Harvard Media (620ckrm.com)
REGINA — It’s been two years since the city approved its decade-long accessibility plan. The plan lists 80 actions to implement to identify, eliminate and prevent barriers that limit participation in civic life, reinforcing the city...
Reginans not totally satisfied with accessibility progress: report | Regina Leader Post (leaderpost.com)
A report from city staff says efforts are on track to improve inclusiveness in Regina, but public feedback offers a more lukewarm view.
Regina executive committee reviews accessibility plan progress (ctvnews.ca)
The City of Regina has completed 33 of its 80 actions as part of its accessibility plan aimed at making the city more accessible and age-friendly.
Improve accessibility with the Accessibility Checker | Microsoft Support (support.microsoft.com)
Regina marks progress on accessibility plan, several barriers remain - SaskToday.ca (sasktoday.ca)
Surveyed participants said city sidewalks, open spaces and parks still have barriers for accessibility.
Murdoch University promises improvements after viral video shows issues with wheelchair access - ABC News (abc.net.au)
The former Murdoch University student’s video highlights the difficulty wheelchair users have navigating the campus since stair lifts were removed in 2023.
Councils urge government to raise accessible housing targets beyond 40% | Public Sector News (publicsectorexecutive.com)
CPD accredited public sector news, comment & analysis for Civil Servants responsible for building, shaping and delivering transformational public services. The UK’s No1 Public Sector Magazine.
Taxi services probed after visiting councillor waits hours for accessible ride in Mississauga | INsauga (insauga.com)
Complaints from an Ontario municipal politician who waited several hours for an accessible taxi while in Mississauga for a conference last month has prompted an investigation into the matter, city officials say. A City of Mississauga spokesperson told INsauga.com the municipality is investigating “to determine what occurred and whether all applicable bylaw requirements were followed” […]
Minister Hajdu announces reappointment of Stephanie Cadieux as Chief Accessibility Officer (finance.yahoo.com)
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario...
Disability-inclusive infrastructure foundational to community life for millions with disabilities | OHCHR (ohchr.org)
A new United Nations Human Rights report shows that disability-inclusive infrastructure is not a cost to society but its foundation, emphasizing that enabling people with disabilities to live independently with support can reduce reliance on labour-intensive care and support work, much of which is carried out by unpaid women caregivers.
Colorado Moves to Replace AI Bias Audit Law With New Transparency Framework: Your Guide to Understanding the Changes | Fisher Phillips LLP (fisherphillips.com)
Colorado lawmakers are moving to repeal the state’s first-in-the-nation AI antidiscrimination law and replace the mandatory bias audit and risk impact assessment requirements with a streamlined transparency-and-notice framework. The May 1 proposal, backed by key lawmakers, instead focuses on automated decision-making technology (ADMT) used in “consequential” decisions. If the bill gets passed into law, new employer obligations would kick in on January 1, 2027. Here’s what the proposed replacement would mean for your business and what you should be doing right now.
Universal AI is a new a self-paced online program from MIT Open Learning designed to take non-technical learners from beginner to AI fluency. Covering basic programming, foundational AI concepts, and industry applications, the first course is available for free worldwide on MIT Learn.
The Silver Tsunami - The Economic Shockwave of 10,000 Baby Boomers Retiring Every Day - Radio Tandil (radiotandil.com)
The Silver Tsunami – The Economic Shockwave of 10,000 Baby Boomers Retiring Every Day
WHMI 93.5 Local News : Grant Will Help Local Library Better Serve Children & Teens With Disabilities (whmi.com)
The Salem-South Lyon District Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in the fourth and final round of “Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities”.
What’s AI’s place in mental health care? Vermont lawmakers say it should be limited. - VTDigger (vtdigger.org)
Also in Final Reading: Balint reelection bid and Act 181 rollback.
AI Hiring Compliance Is a Patchwork and Leaves Big Employer Gaps (news.bloomberglaw.com)
Opinion: Employers using artificial intelligence to screen, rank, or evaluate candidates are facing a regulatory mismatch: Federal civil-rights rules haven’t changed, but state and local restrictions are multiplying.
AI Workplace Surveillance Raises Legal and Ethical Questions | Let’s Data Science (letsdatascience.com)
The Observer reports that **A.I. workplace analytics** are increasingly used to monitor employees, reshape performance reviews, and influence compensation decisions. The article states these systems promise productivity gains by synthesizing **thousands of behavioral data points continuously and in real time**, but it also highlights risks: labor advocates and researchers have begun calling the phenomenon “surveillance wages,” and the tools can amplify bias, erode privacy, and manipulate worker behavior at scale, according to the Observer. The piece frames a growing power asymmetry between employers using sophisticated predictive tools and employees who are often unaware of how they are being profiled. The Observer traces parallels to prior consumer-facing algorithmic harms and calls these workplace deployments under-scrutinized from legal and ethical perspectives.
How A.I. Is Changing Employee Monitoring and Performance Reviews | Observer (observer.com)
Zal.ai CEO Kayvon Touran and organizational leadership expert Ben Dattner examine the rapidly expanding use of A.I. in employee monitoring, performance evaluation and compensation. They argue that existing laws and workplace norms are dangerously unprepared for a future defined by surveillance, behavioral profiling and psychological manipulation.
Google settles lawsuit over alleged racial disparities in hiring, pay and promotions | AP News (apnews.com)
Google has reached a settlement with Black employees who alleged systemic racial disparities in hiring, pay, and advancement in a lawsuit filed in 2022. April Curley, a former Google employee, had sued the tech giant for racial discrimination, saying it engages in a “pattern and practice” of unfair treatment for its Black workers. The suit claimed the company steered them into lower-level and lower-paid jobs and subjected them to a hostile work environment if they speak out. Other former Google workers also joined the suit, which later received class action status.
AI Responsibility and Transparency Act: Key Workplace Impacts » CBIA (cbia.com)
The legislation is a wide-ranging “online safety” and AI bill with several provisions that directly affect hiring and employers.
(26) Fear at Work: The Hidden Cost of the AI Future | LinkedIn (linkedin.com)
In my work as an executive coach, strategist, and psychotherapist, I keep encountering the same undercurrent running through organizations. It is not resistance to change in the usual sense.
Regina marks progress on accessibility plan, several barriers remain - SaskToday.ca (sasktoday.ca)
Surveyed participants said city sidewalks, open spaces and parks still have barriers for accessibility.
Murdoch University promises improvements after viral video shows issues with wheelchair access - ABC News (abc.net.au)
The former Murdoch University student’s video highlights the difficulty wheelchair users have navigating the campus since stair lifts were removed in 2023.
Councils urge government to raise accessible housing targets beyond 40% | Public Sector News (publicsectorexecutive.com)
CPD accredited public sector news, comment & analysis for Civil Servants responsible for building, shaping and delivering transformational public services. The UK’s No1 Public Sector Magazine.
Taxi services probed after visiting councillor waits hours for accessible ride in Mississauga | INsauga (insauga.com)
Complaints from an Ontario municipal politician who waited several hours for an accessible taxi while in Mississauga for a conference last month has prompted an investigation into the matter, city officials say. A City of Mississauga spokesperson told INsauga.com the municipality is investigating “to determine what occurred and whether all applicable bylaw requirements were followed” […]
EMN inform explores digital inclusion and accessibility in legal migration procedures. (home-affairs.ec.europa.eu)
Legal migration procedures are becoming more digital. Learn more about accessibility, inclusion, challenges and support for applicants in the new EMN inform.
CIC researchers are working to close the accessibility gap in higher education, introducing a collaborative model to ensure blind, visually impaired, and print-disabled students receive course materials without delay.
Meet the brains behind the Faculty of Health Sciences’ digital experience (healthsci.mcmaster.ca)
McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences is powered by nearly 1,500 staff members. In the series “Come to work with,” we’re profiling staff across the faculty and the critical work they do. Circe Luna Cordeiro is the marketing and digital coordinator with the Faculty, supporting its various departments, schools and teams. We spoke with Cordeiro [...]Read More...
State Street Improvements Delayed: One of Downtown’s Most Poorly-Designed Streets Will Get A Fresh Coat of Asphalt Instead - Streetsblog Massachusetts (mass.streetsblog.org)
Mayor Wu is postponing a plan to improve State Street in downtown Boston with wider, wheelchair-accessible sidewalks, safer crosswalks, and a protected bikeway connection.
Disability-inclusive infrastructure foundational to community life for millions with disabilities | OHCHR (ohchr.org)
A new United Nations Human Rights report shows that disability-inclusive infrastructure is not a cost to society but its foundation, emphasizing that enabling people with disabilities to live independently with support can reduce reliance on labour-intensive care and support work, much of which is carried out by unpaid women caregivers.
Colorado Moves to Replace AI Bias Audit Law With New Transparency Framework: Your Guide to Understanding the Changes | Fisher Phillips LLP (fisherphillips.com)
Colorado lawmakers are moving to repeal the state’s first-in-the-nation AI antidiscrimination law and replace the mandatory bias audit and risk impact assessment requirements with a streamlined transparency-and-notice framework. The May 1 proposal, backed by key lawmakers, instead focuses on automated decision-making technology (ADMT) used in “consequential” decisions. If the bill gets passed into law, new employer obligations would kick in on January 1, 2027. Here’s what the proposed replacement would mean for your business and what you should be doing right now.
Universal AI is a new a self-paced online program from MIT Open Learning designed to take non-technical learners from beginner to AI fluency. Covering basic programming, foundational AI concepts, and industry applications, the first course is available for free worldwide on MIT Learn.
The Silver Tsunami - The Economic Shockwave of 10,000 Baby Boomers Retiring Every Day - Radio Tandil (radiotandil.com)
The Silver Tsunami – The Economic Shockwave of 10,000 Baby Boomers Retiring Every Day
2026 Title II Update | Accessible Technology Initiative (ati.calstate.edu)
DOJ Delays Digital Accessibility Deadlines, Drawing Sharp Opposition from Advocates (americanbar.org)
Less than a week before the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) rules clarifying and standardizing digital accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) were set to take effect, the DOJ extended key compliance deadlines.
Building accessibility into our digital places - MyLaTrobe (latrobe.edu.au)
Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on Thursday 21 May by learning how small digital changes can make a big difference. It’s Friday evening. After a long week, you open […]
Screen Reader-Only Content | University IT (uit.stanford.edu)
Several techniques exist to visually hide text while keeping it accessible to screen readers, each with distinct pros and cons.Visually Hidden TextA common and effective method for hiding content visually while keeping it accessible to screen readers is to use a dedicated CSS class.To implement this, add the following CSS rule to your stylesheet or within a tag in the document’s .
Recent fire draws attention to barriers people with disabilities face when searching for homes (kfyrtv.com)
The recent Alberta Heights fire highlighted a challenge facing some Bismarck residents: finding affordable, accessible housing.
What’s AI’s place in mental health care? Vermont lawmakers say it should be limited. - VTDigger (vtdigger.org)
Also in Final Reading: Balint reelection bid and Act 181 rollback.
AI Hiring Compliance Is a Patchwork and Leaves Big Employer Gaps (news.bloomberglaw.com)
Opinion: Employers using artificial intelligence to screen, rank, or evaluate candidates are facing a regulatory mismatch: Federal civil-rights rules haven’t changed, but state and local restrictions are multiplying.
AI Workplace Surveillance Raises Legal and Ethical Questions | Let’s Data Science (letsdatascience.com)
The Observer reports that **A.I. workplace analytics** are increasingly used to monitor employees, reshape performance reviews, and influence compensation decisions. The article states these systems promise productivity gains by synthesizing **thousands of behavioral data points continuously and in real time**, but it also highlights risks: labor advocates and researchers have begun calling the phenomenon “surveillance wages,” and the tools can amplify bias, erode privacy, and manipulate worker behavior at scale, according to the Observer. The piece frames a growing power asymmetry between employers using sophisticated predictive tools and employees who are often unaware of how they are being profiled. The Observer traces parallels to prior consumer-facing algorithmic harms and calls these workplace deployments under-scrutinized from legal and ethical perspectives.
How A.I. Is Changing Employee Monitoring and Performance Reviews | Observer (observer.com)
Zal.ai CEO Kayvon Touran and organizational leadership expert Ben Dattner examine the rapidly expanding use of A.I. in employee monitoring, performance evaluation and compensation. They argue that existing laws and workplace norms are dangerously unprepared for a future defined by surveillance, behavioral profiling and psychological manipulation.
Google settles lawsuit over alleged racial disparities in hiring, pay and promotions | AP News (apnews.com)
Google has reached a settlement with Black employees who alleged systemic racial disparities in hiring, pay, and advancement in a lawsuit filed in 2022. April Curley, a former Google employee, had sued the tech giant for racial discrimination, saying it engages in a “pattern and practice” of unfair treatment for its Black workers. The suit claimed the company steered them into lower-level and lower-paid jobs and subjected them to a hostile work environment if they speak out. Other former Google workers also joined the suit, which later received class action status.
AI Responsibility and Transparency Act: Key Workplace Impacts » CBIA (cbia.com)
The legislation is a wide-ranging “online safety” and AI bill with several provisions that directly affect hiring and employers.
(26) Fear at Work: The Hidden Cost of the AI Future | LinkedIn (linkedin.com)
In my work as an executive coach, strategist, and psychotherapist, I keep encountering the same undercurrent running through organizations. It is not resistance to change in the usual sense.
Connecticut to redesign handicap parking placards due to misuse (ctpost.com)
The bill requires the DMV to stop issuing the old accessible parking placards by Jan. 1, 2027.
DOJ Extends Deadline for ADA-Related Website Accessibility (shrm.org)
DOJ extends ADA web accessibility compliance deadlines for state and local governments, ensuring accessible digital content for people with disabilities.
GoDaddy Security - Access Denied (pasenate.com)
How to Take Advantage of the HHS Extension - Inclusion Impact Accessibility (inclusionimpact.co)
Health and Human Services deadlines have been extended by a year. How to take advantage of the HHS Extension?
Regina marks progress on accessibility plan, several barriers remain - SaskToday.ca (sasktoday.ca)
Surveyed participants said city sidewalks, open spaces and parks still have barriers for accessibility.
Murdoch University promises improvements after viral video shows issues with wheelchair access - ABC News (abc.net.au)
The former Murdoch University student’s video highlights the difficulty wheelchair users have navigating the campus since stair lifts were removed in 2023.
Councils urge government to raise accessible housing targets beyond 40% | Public Sector News (publicsectorexecutive.com)
CPD accredited public sector news, comment & analysis for Civil Servants responsible for building, shaping and delivering transformational public services. The UK’s No1 Public Sector Magazine.
Taxi services probed after visiting councillor waits hours for accessible ride in Mississauga | INsauga (insauga.com)
Complaints from an Ontario municipal politician who waited several hours for an accessible taxi while in Mississauga for a conference last month has prompted an investigation into the matter, city officials say. A City of Mississauga spokesperson told INsauga.com the municipality is investigating “to determine what occurred and whether all applicable bylaw requirements were followed” […]
Disability-inclusive infrastructure foundational to community life for millions with disabilities | OHCHR (ohchr.org)
A new United Nations Human Rights report shows that disability-inclusive infrastructure is not a cost to society but its foundation, emphasizing that enabling people with disabilities to live independently with support can reduce reliance on labour-intensive care and support work, much of which is carried out by unpaid women caregivers.
Colorado Moves to Replace AI Bias Audit Law With New Transparency Framework: Your Guide to Understanding the Changes | Fisher Phillips LLP (fisherphillips.com)
Colorado lawmakers are moving to repeal the state’s first-in-the-nation AI antidiscrimination law and replace the mandatory bias audit and risk impact assessment requirements with a streamlined transparency-and-notice framework. The May 1 proposal, backed by key lawmakers, instead focuses on automated decision-making technology (ADMT) used in “consequential” decisions. If the bill gets passed into law, new employer obligations would kick in on January 1, 2027. Here’s what the proposed replacement would mean for your business and what you should be doing right now.
Universal AI is a new a self-paced online program from MIT Open Learning designed to take non-technical learners from beginner to AI fluency. Covering basic programming, foundational AI concepts, and industry applications, the first course is available for free worldwide on MIT Learn.
The Silver Tsunami - The Economic Shockwave of 10,000 Baby Boomers Retiring Every Day - Radio Tandil (radiotandil.com)
The Silver Tsunami – The Economic Shockwave of 10,000 Baby Boomers Retiring Every Day
How PGA HOPE Helps Veterans Reconnect Through Community and Adaptive Golf | Ability Central (abilitycentral.org)
Ability Central is proud to support and highlight the Southern California PGA Foundation’s PGA HOPE project, which helps Veterans build connection, confidence, and community through accessible golf. Through adaptive equipment, supportive instruction, and peer camaraderie, the program creates meaningful opportunities ...
U.S. Department of Education opens disability discrimination investigation into HISD special education proposal (click2houston.com)
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has opened a disability discrimination investigation into the over concerns tied to the district’s proposal to centralize certain special education services.
Weathering the storm (disabilitydebrief.org)
Help Disability Debrief sail against strong winds
Disability Weekly: Kicking the Accessibility Can - YouTube (youtube.com)
Digital accessibility ensures that Americans with disabilities can access and engage with websites. Compliance often gets pushed further down the to-do list,...
Office for Civil Rights Requires Lawrence County School District (AL) to Address Accessibility Concerns at East Lawrence High School Gym, Baseball Field, and Football Field (specialeducationaction.com)
OCR identifies concerns with accessible parking, accessible routes, signage, seating, restrooms, and concessions at East Lawrence High School athletic facilities.
What’s AI’s place in mental health care? Vermont lawmakers say it should be limited. - VTDigger (vtdigger.org)
Also in Final Reading: Balint reelection bid and Act 181 rollback.
AI Hiring Compliance Is a Patchwork and Leaves Big Employer Gaps (news.bloomberglaw.com)
Opinion: Employers using artificial intelligence to screen, rank, or evaluate candidates are facing a regulatory mismatch: Federal civil-rights rules haven’t changed, but state and local restrictions are multiplying.
New law on the rights of persons with disabilities in Tajikistan: prohibition of discrimination, inclusion, and social guarantees - Asia Plus (asiaplus.news)
One of the most important provisions of the new law is the right to inclusive education.
AI Workplace Surveillance Raises Legal and Ethical Questions | Let’s Data Science (letsdatascience.com)
The Observer reports that **A.I. workplace analytics** are increasingly used to monitor employees, reshape performance reviews, and influence compensation decisions. The article states these systems promise productivity gains by synthesizing **thousands of behavioral data points continuously and in real time**, but it also highlights risks: labor advocates and researchers have begun calling the phenomenon “surveillance wages,” and the tools can amplify bias, erode privacy, and manipulate worker behavior at scale, according to the Observer. The piece frames a growing power asymmetry between employers using sophisticated predictive tools and employees who are often unaware of how they are being profiled. The Observer traces parallels to prior consumer-facing algorithmic harms and calls these workplace deployments under-scrutinized from legal and ethical perspectives.
How A.I. Is Changing Employee Monitoring and Performance Reviews | Observer (observer.com)
Zal.ai CEO Kayvon Touran and organizational leadership expert Ben Dattner examine the rapidly expanding use of A.I. in employee monitoring, performance evaluation and compensation. They argue that existing laws and workplace norms are dangerously unprepared for a future defined by surveillance, behavioral profiling and psychological manipulation.
Google settles lawsuit over alleged racial disparities in hiring, pay and promotions | AP News (apnews.com)
Google has reached a settlement with Black employees who alleged systemic racial disparities in hiring, pay, and advancement in a lawsuit filed in 2022. April Curley, a former Google employee, had sued the tech giant for racial discrimination, saying it engages in a “pattern and practice” of unfair treatment for its Black workers. The suit claimed the company steered them into lower-level and lower-paid jobs and subjected them to a hostile work environment if they speak out. Other former Google workers also joined the suit, which later received class action status.
AI Responsibility and Transparency Act: Key Workplace Impacts » CBIA (cbia.com)
The legislation is a wide-ranging “online safety” and AI bill with several provisions that directly affect hiring and employers.
(26) Fear at Work: The Hidden Cost of the AI Future | LinkedIn (linkedin.com)
In my work as an executive coach, strategist, and psychotherapist, I keep encountering the same undercurrent running through organizations. It is not resistance to change in the usual sense.
AI Workplace Surveillance Raises Legal and Ethical Questions | Let’s Data Science (letsdatascience.com)
The Observer reports that **A.I. workplace analytics** are increasingly used to monitor employees, reshape performance reviews, and influence compensation decisions. The article states these systems promise productivity gains by synthesizing **thousands of behavioral data points continuously and in real time**, but it also highlights risks: labor advocates and researchers have begun calling the phenomenon “surveillance wages,” and the tools can amplify bias, erode privacy, and manipulate worker behavior at scale, according to the Observer. The piece frames a growing power asymmetry between employers using sophisticated predictive tools and employees who are often unaware of how they are being profiled. The Observer traces parallels to prior consumer-facing algorithmic harms and calls these workplace deployments under-scrutinized from legal and ethical perspectives.
How A.I. Is Changing Employee Monitoring and Performance Reviews | Observer (observer.com)
Zal.ai CEO Kayvon Touran and organizational leadership expert Ben Dattner examine the rapidly expanding use of A.I. in employee monitoring, performance evaluation and compensation. They argue that existing laws and workplace norms are dangerously unprepared for a future defined by surveillance, behavioral profiling and psychological manipulation.
Google settles lawsuit over alleged racial disparities in hiring, pay and promotions | AP News (apnews.com)
Google has reached a settlement with Black employees who alleged systemic racial disparities in hiring, pay, and advancement in a lawsuit filed in 2022. April Curley, a former Google employee, had sued the tech giant for racial discrimination, saying it engages in a “pattern and practice” of unfair treatment for its Black workers. The suit claimed the company steered them into lower-level and lower-paid jobs and subjected them to a hostile work environment if they speak out. Other former Google workers also joined the suit, which later received class action status.
AI Responsibility and Transparency Act: Key Workplace Impacts » CBIA (cbia.com)
The legislation is a wide-ranging “online safety” and AI bill with several provisions that directly affect hiring and employers.
(26) Fear at Work: The Hidden Cost of the AI Future | LinkedIn (linkedin.com)
In my work as an executive coach, strategist, and psychotherapist, I keep encountering the same undercurrent running through organizations. It is not resistance to change in the usual sense.
4/13/26 - Monthly Essay: “About AI” (disability-thinking-weekday.ghost.io)
Good afternoon ... No links today. Instead it’s time for the next Monthly Essay. This month I try to sort through some thoughts on disability and Artificial Intelligence. Subscribe or UpgradeMake a one-time donation About AI Andrew Pulrang, Disability Thinking Weekday - April 13, 2026 People have a lot of concerns about Artificial Intelligence, (AI). To name a few: * How AI consumes and then redistributes original work by people who should be paid for their labor and creativity, and mor
Face Equality Week 2026 – tips for hospitality staff to ensure people with facial differences are Seen and Served - Carly Findlay (carlyfindlay.com.au)
It’s Face Equality Week and the theme is Seen and Served - ensuring people with a facial difference are treated with dignity and respect in retail and hospitality settings. Today I’m focusing on hospitality settings - restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels and live music venues. There have been times when I’ve been to restaurants and staff have
Airlines Increasingly Commit To Autism Training For Staff - Disability Scoop (disabilityscoop.com)
Just ahead of the summer travel season, another airline is taking steps to be more welcoming toward travelers on the spectrum.
Accessible Adventure Travel Companies Around the World - AFAR (afar.com)
After 20 years of traveling the world as a wheelchair user, Sophie Morgan highlights the people and operators making high-impact adventures more accessible.
Best accessible self-catering UK accommodation and holiday homes for 2026 (independent.co.uk)
From a stylish New Quay retreat to a clutch of accessible cottages in Fife, our expert recommends her favourite places to stay
Paris in a Wheelchair: Our Three Day Itinerary in the City of Love - The World is Accessible (theworldisaccessible.com)
Paris in a Wheelchair: Our Three-Day Itinerary in the City of Love Table of Contents A word to the wise: this blog post is incredibly long. My longest ever! I really enjoyed writing it, and I hope you will enjoy reading it. It felt a shame to cut bits out, and I wanted to be […]
We Hired a Fora Travel Advisor — and We’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat - The World is Accessible (theworldisaccessible.com)
/ Opinion & Community Voices / We Hired a Fora Travel Advisor — and We’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat In November 2025, my wife, our daughter, and I took a detour on our way to England and spent five wonderful days in Paris. You may have already read all about what we got […]
Accessible Bathrooms on Planes: What Are My Options? (theworldisaccessible.com)
Flying with a disability? Learn more about accessible bathrooms on planes, plus your options, in this practical, thoughtful guide.
Accessible Australia: Exploring the Gold Coast in a power wheelchair - The World is Accessible (theworldisaccessible.com)
/ Travel Guides & Destination Insights / Accessible Australia: Exploring the Gold Coast in a power wheelchair If you are dreaming about visiting Australia, but are worried about accessibility, the Gold Coast is one of the easiest places to begin. Written and submitted by: Nicole @ Chair Went There If you are dreaming about visiting […]
Watch your Language (Attributes) | Section 508 Trusted Tester Study Group Session 7 (a11ynews.substack.com)
Learn how to implement language attributes and page titles for better accessibility. Master HTML lang, title, and iframe naming to pass audits.
Access Fest Giveaway Contest — Whimble (whimble.ca)
Whimble’s Trust and Safety Measures: your assurance of secure and reliable care. Learn more about our commitment to client and caregiver well-being.
AccessNow, City of Toronto, and TD Bring Back AccessFest June 6, Headlined by X Ambassadors - AccessNow (accessnow.com)
AXSChat Podcast with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier - AXSChat (axschat.com)
Throughout her career in management and psychology, Dr. Pelletier has spearheaded the dialogue on the crucial issues of leadership resilience and work performance. Drawing on her extensive background in corporate, insurance, and governance, she brings an international perspective and unique expertise on leadership. She has over 20 years of experience as a leadership psychologist, executive
Disability Rights Timeline (disabilities.temple.edu)
The Met Gala’s Inclusion of Disabled People Proves Fashion Can’t Exist Without Body Diversity (teenvogue.com)
As a disabled reporter at the event, the inclusivity felt delayed, but exalting.
Reversals Under Atkins | Death Penalty Information Center (deathpenaltyinfo.org)
The Death Penalty Information Center (DPI) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the media, policymakers, and the general public…
Defining Criteria for Intellectual Disability (aaidd.org)
Employment of people with disabilities declines but remains near all-time high (eurekalert.org)
The May 2026 National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) report indicates a decline in employment for people with disabilities. But while month-to-month changes are expected within a more limited range at the post-pandemic plateau, people with disabilities continue to maintain stronger employment gains than before the pandemic.
Government research highlights how DSA support can help disabled students ‘achieve their goals’ (disabilitynewsservice.com)
Non-medical support provided through the disabled students’ allowance (DSA) system can play an important role in the ability of young disabled people to succeed at university, according to research…
BOOK REVIEW: ‘How Do You Spell Belong?’ by Tiffany Hammond - Autistic PhD (autisticphd.com)
“How Do You Spell Belong?” by Tiffany Hammond, Illustrated by Ken Daly. Answer: Y-E-S
Trump Demands Medicaid Data for Deportation. Some States Go a Step Further. - KFF Health News (kffhealthnews.org)
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. North Carolina is the latest to pass such a law, and experts expect more to follow.
Feeling invisible, many disabled caregivers also need support (19thnews.org)
Over a third of family caregivers in the U.S. have disabilities — and are more likely to be caregivers than people without disabilities.
Low Wages, Empty Plates, Heavy Toll: Rethinking Suicide Prevention - KFF Health News (kffhealthnews.org)
Decades of research indicate that interventions that bring down people’s cost of living, such as ensuring they have access to stable housing and food, are linked to lower suicide rates.
Why is RFK Jr. so worried about sperm count? (19thnews.org)
We spoke to experts about Kennedy’s claims about sperm and fertility — including the author of the study he cited.
17-year-old Kiana Lee of San Diego, who recently took part in the 2026 Disney Dreamers Academy, runs a non-profit that’s bringing the power of STEM to studen...
Deaf immigrants meet to learn ASL but remain cautious of continued ICE presence in Minnesota • Minnesota Reformer (minnesotareformer.com)
Deaf immigrants have been held in detention for months, without the free access to video phones that they are legally entitled to.
Sickle cell and thalassaemia - Occupational Therapy - Jo Southall, Independent OT (jboccupationaltherapy.co.uk)
Occupational Therapy interventions for Sickle cell and thalassaemia explored by Sialou during her OT placement.
Review: Kalogon’s Super-Adjustable Bondar Backrest (newmobility.com)
Years of avoiding pressure sores have taught me not to mess with a seating system that works. With a tweak here and some extra padding there, I kept my custom RIDE cushion and backrest on life support…
Motability pause the rollout of Drive Smart (ablemagazine.co.uk)
Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, the company that runs the Motability Scheme, said: “Drive Smart was introduced to help reduce accidents, improve driving and, in turn, manage insurance …
NDIS cuts could leave some participants with a funding gap. How will the changes affect you? (theguardian.com)
Proposals also grant the health minister power to change disability support rules without state or territory approval. Here’s what you need to know
Face Equality Week 2026 – how retail workers should treat customers with facial differences - Carly Findlay (carlyfindlay.com.au)
It’s Face Equality Week and the theme is Seen and Served - ensuring people with a facial difference are treated with dignity and respect in retail and hospitality settings. I love to shop. I’d do it every day if I was millionaire. But it’s not always easy because of retail staff’s reaction to my skin condition
Reflections and advic on applications to our 2026 Development Programmes - CRIPtic Arts (cripticarts.org)
We’re giving our learnings, reflections and advice on applications to our 2026 artist development programmes.
Nostalgia as Therapy (disabilitydetermination.substack.com)
Disability and Determination is a weekly newsletter about my experience navigating life with a rare disability.
Flag At US Capitol Honors 22-Year-Old Who Died At Day Program - Disability Scoop (disabilityscoop.com)
An American flag will be flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of a man with autism who died after falling from a third-floor window while attending a state-certified day habilitation program.
Ed Department Unleashes $144 Million For Special Education - Disability Scoop (disabilityscoop.com)
The Trump administration will send millions more to states to support students with disabilities — in some cases allowing IDEA funds to assist children before they’re even born.
Attending a Guide Dogs client day: My experience - Life of a Blind Girl (lifeofablindgirl.com)
My experience of attending a Guide Dogs client day where I learned more about what’s involved in the training, and had the chance to walk with a guide dog.
Agency to Serve — Disability Culture Lab (disabilityculturelab.org)
I’m bipolar. My bipolar disorder is one of my greatest strengths as a kidney doctor. When I say I’m bipolar, I do not mean that I had bipolar disorder and it is now in my past. I have not overcome bipolar disorder; I live with it. I want to show you why I say being bipolar is one of my greatest st
Greens senator says ‘immoral’ NDIS reforms are being rushed through Senate – video (theguardian.com)
‘These cuts are immoral,’ Jordon Steele-John tells the Senate. ‘This is not what you were elected to do’
Captioning Events and Meetings: Making Sports and Live Experiences Accessible for All - AI-Media (ai-media.tv)
Captioning Events and Meetings: Making Sports and Live Experiences Accessible for All
A wheelchair can be a ‘super-desexualizing vehicle’ - Chicago Reader (chicagoreader.com)
“It feels like you’re not even entertained as a dating option when you’re in one, unless you’re redonkulously hot or the guy is a fetishist,” says Linda Cassady.
When Your Second Child Doesn’t Have a Disability (themighty.com)
A mom describes what it’s like to have a child without disabilities after her first had spina bifida.
Diseños en torno a la silla de ruedas | Xavier Duacastilla | TEDxMadrid (youtube.com)
En Torno a la Silla es un grupo heterogéneo (compuesto por activistas de la vida independiente, una arquitecta, manitas y etnógrafos-documentalistas) que fab...
What Are You Actually Inspired By? (sarasminkara.substack.com)
Welcome back to Curious Constructs, where I explore and challenge the barriers that prevent us from bringing our full, authentic selves forward—whether those barriers are personal or systemic.
Council pledges commitment to accessible recreation spaces - Disability Insider (disabilityinsider.com)
Council acknowledges that the Liberty Swing has been a valued and well-loved feature of the Galing Gindhay Splash Park and Play Space, and appreciates the feedback and concern expressed by community members regarding its removal.
Mental health an afterthought in Federal Budget - Disability Insider (disabilityinsider.com)
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is dismayed at the lack of genuine investment in mental health in tonight’s Federal Budget.
Urathon - seeking inspiration from mobility aid customers and retailers - Able Magazine (ablemagazine.co.uk)
Discover how Urathon puts customers first through innovative mobility aids inspired by real-life experiences. From award-winning powerchairs to ultra-lightweight wheelchairs, Urathon is transforming comfort, independence, and accessibility across the UK.
Support at work: it’s no secret - Able Magazine (ablemagazine.co.uk)
Discover how the UK’s Intelligence Services support employees with disabilities, neurodivergence and long-term health conditions, creating inclusive careers where people can grow, thrive and make a meaningful impact.
The Year of the Baby? - YouTube (youtube.com)
Thanks to Monarch for partnering with me! Start your free trial and get 50% off your first year of total money clarity using my link https://monarchmoney.yt....
For young activists worldwide who set out with the desire to create social change, charting a roadmap often represents a challenging journey that must ...
Opinion: A well-intentioned bill could collapse NYC’s home care system - City & State New York (cityandstateny.com)
Support Cracks for Bill Banning 24-Hour Home Care Shifts | THE CITY — NYC News (thecity.nyc)
Shahana Hanif, a leading progressive and the chair of the City Council’s disability committee, withdrew her support for the contentious “No More 24” bill.
NYC home health aides push for total ban to 24-hour shifts - Crain’s New York Business (crainsnewyork.com)
The workers argue that changes to the bill weaken efforts to end long workdays and fail to protect workers.
Waiver Reimagine puts Minnesota on shaky legal ground | Access Press (accesspress.org)
Minnesota has long prided itself on being a national leader in supporting people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive […]
Parents Increasingly Reject Vitamin K Shots for Newborns, Hospitals Report — ProPublica (propublica.org)
A lifesaving injection given at birth to prevent severe bleeding has become collateral damage of the anti-vaccine movement.
Full Bloom: Accessible Gardens Make the Outdoors Available to Everyone - Able News at The Viscardi Center (ablenews.com)
As winter fades and the first signs of spring begin to appear, people naturally feel drawn outside again. Warmer air, longer days, and blooming flowers offer a sense of renewal and restoration. Spending time outdoors is a centuries-old pastime, but we now understand more than ever its importance to both physical and mental health. Fresh […]
Doctors for America (doctorsforamerica.org)
Trump HUD proposal would let homeless shelters ban trans people (19thnews.org)
Shelters would have to house people based on their birth sex or lose federal funding, according to a new HUD proposal.
Disability Rights are Human Rights... not Special Rights | Institute on Disability (iod.unh.edu)
Kathy Bates examines barriers to mental health care for people with IDD in New Hampshire and calls for equitable support.
Louise B. Miller Memorial | Gallaudet University (gallaudet.edu)
Discover the legacy of Louise B. Miller at Gallaudet University. Explore her contributions to the Deaf community and the impact of her enduring memory.
MEDIA RELEASE: PWDA responds to the 2026-2027 Federal Budget - People with Disability Australia (pwd.org.au)
PWDA says the Federal Budget cuts the supports people with disability rely on to live ordinary lives, without delivering the equivalent alternatives people are being told will replace them.
Police chiefs finally set to investigate their disability hate crime failures, four years after promise – Disability News Service (disabilitynewsservice.com)
Police chiefs have finally agreed to keep a promise they made more than four years ago to investigate why their forces were passing on so few disability hate crime cases to prosecutors. The Nationa…
Council pledges commitment to accessible recreation spaces - Disability Insider (disabilityinsider.com)
Council acknowledges that the Liberty Swing has been a valued and well-loved feature of the Galing Gindhay Splash Park and Play Space, and appreciates the feedback and concern expressed by community members regarding its removal.
Ireland advances equitable access to assistive technology, WHO assessment finds - Disability Insider (disabilityinsider.com)
Ireland has advanced equitable access to assistive technology with the publication of a new Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment (ATA-C), conducted jointly by the Government of Ireland and WHO/Europe. The assessment provides the most comprehensive picture to date of Ireland’s capacity to deliver assistive technology, that is, tools such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking canes, eyeglasses … Continue reading “Ireland advances equitable access to assistive technology, WHO assessment finds”
Axess Lab | Loveable’s AI built a 100% accessible site – or did it? (axesslab.com)
We wanted to get an indication of how accessible AI-built sites are at the moment. So I let my colleague Daniel try out a site…
Research updates, May 12 - The Sick Times (thesicktimes.org)
A new study linked ongoing endothelial dysfunction in people with Long COVID with neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study, published in Brain, Behavior, & Immunity, included 50 participants with Long COVID, comparing them to “recovered” controls and people with acute COVID-19. They found a significant elevation of biomarkers related to the inner lining of blood vessels, “which
Thousands “lie in” for German ME protests - The Sick Times (thesicktimes.org)
The demonstrations, organized by the group #LiegendDemo, took place in 42 cities across the country. Advocates demanded an end to “psychosomatic treatment of ME,” mandatory training for medical professionals, and large scale public health campaigns, and more. To mark International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) Awareness Day, advocates participated in marches and “lie in” protests in 42
RECOVER’s first round of clinical trials are failing. Will the next phase be better? - The Sick Times (thesicktimes.org)
The NIH studies found that Paxlovid, ivabradine, and computer games did not significantly improve symptoms of Long COVID. Further analysis that may help future research research has not yet been released.
Despite a 30-Year Age Gap, They Built a Fairytale Love Story (youtube.com)
He makes her feel like a duchess. 👑 Ava (she/her) and Eddie (he/him) didn’t let their 30-year age difference stop them from having a fairy tale love. Subsc...
Victor Pineda on Disability Rights and Artificial Intelligence (youtube.com)
Victor Pineda, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, California, talks the role that the CIL in Berkeley played in mobilizing ...
“I Wrote the Disability Story I Needed as a Child”: NYT Editor Wendy Lu on Her Novel “Casting April” (youtube.com)
New York Times editor and debut author Wendy Lu joins co-hosts Karina Sturm and Amy Zayed to talk about her middle-grade novel Casting April, a story about a...
Support my anti-ableism work with a single vote (lucywebster.substack.com)
I’ve been nominated for a National Diversity Award!
Seize the Limitation (theuxoflife.substack.com)
The difference between what stands in our way and what we accidentally place there ourselves.
Bus Users UK highlights cross-party momentum behind bus reform in... (bususers.org)
Following last week’s Scottish election results, Bus Users UK has analysed the bus policy commitments set out across the political party manifestos. With no party securing an outright majority...
Face Equality Week 2026 – sobering stats about restaurants and retail experience - Carly Findlay (carlyfindlay.com.au)
It’s International Face Equality Week. These stats on discrimination, unwanted comments and staring are from the UK, but I suspect they’d be very similar here in Australia, and possibly higher in countries where facial difference is even more feared and stigmatised. 18% of adults with a facial difference have avoided restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes, hotels,
The Hidden Stigma of Disability Navigating Unsolicited Sympathy and Social Isolation (streamlinefeed.co.ke)
A powerful personal account exposes the deeply ingrained societal prejudices and uncomfortable interactions disabled individuals face daily. The emotional toll...
Growing Together in Faith and Community - Disability Belongs™ (disabilitybelongs.org)
Tips from Disability Belongs™ that will help make your religious institution’s garden a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone to enjoy.
One Man Has Filed 1,800 ADA Lawsuits. Store Owners Are Fed Up - Disability Scoop (disabilityscoop.com)
A handful of people mostly represented by the same law firm are responsible for suing thousands of businesses under the ADA. Owners say they are being squeezed over what they claim are minor violations.
Inside Chicago’s Secret Detention Center | WNYC (wnyc.org)
WNYC is America’s most listened-to public radio station and the producer of award-winning programs and podcasts like Radiolab, On the Media, and The Brian Lehrer Show.
Stupid questions not to ask a disabled person - Defying the Label Season - BBC Three (youtube.com)
We asked a group of people with disabilities, what are some of the stupidest questions they’ve been asked? Here’s what they had to say. Defying the Label, a...
A Blind Mom’s 6 Imaginary Friends (themighty.com)
#6 shouldn’t have to be imaginary.
Mon Roi (allocine.fr)
Tony est admise dans un centre de rééducation après une grave chute de ski. Dépendante du personnel médical et des antidouleurs, elle prend le temps de se remémorer l’histoire tumultueuse qu’elle a vécue avec Georgio. Pourquoi se sont-ils aimés ? Qui
Access All Areas: my accessible adventures in Catalonia (disabilityhorizons.com)
As part of our Access All Areas series of videos and articles about accessible tourism, Martyn Sibley visits the beautiful Catalan capital of Barcelona.
How A Coalition Of Retail Giants Is Rewriting Accessibility Standards (forbes.com)
There is a tendency in corporate accessibility conversations to wait for the perfect plan, budget cycle or technology partner. This Coalition is making a different bet.
Regional Tech Hubs | Department of Developmental Disabilities (dodd.ohio.gov)
DDS Tech First Toolkit v Final (dds.dc.gov)
Technology First (dmh.mo.gov)
Home and Community Based Services Impacts Tracker Project | Health Policy and Management Matters | The George Washington University (hpmmatters.publichealth.gwu.edu)
Home and Community Based Services Impacts Tracker Project