Crip Authorship
I’m Raul Krauthausen the founder of SOZIALHELD*INNEN, an NPO and consultancy from Germany, focussing on Disability Mainstreaming. With this newsletter, I share hand-picked links from around the world.
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Thank you,
Raul
I wrote a book (in german)
In this book, I raise fundamental questions about inclusion in Germany. In conversations with experts, we sketch out an idea of how inclusion can work together at all levels.
The first readings are already scheduled, and I can't wait to finally get back into dialogue with you!
Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
Common misconceptions about dyslexia (urevolution.com)
Madeleine Morley, who was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of eight, challenges common misconceptions and myths about dyslexia.
Disability Inclusion Insights: the Workplace Inclusion Podcast (abilitynet.org.uk)
Our Disability Inclusion Insights podcast series interview leaders in workplace disability inclusion from across industries and around the world.
The Country of the Blind by Andrew Leland (penguinrandomhouse.com)
A witty, winning, and revelatory personal narrative of the author’s transition from sightedness to blindness and his quest to learn about blindness as a rich culture all its own.
Born Extraordinary by Meg Zucker (penguinrandomhouse.com)
A parent’s guide to empowering children to embrace their visible and invisible differences.
The Inclusive Language Field Guide by Suzanne Wertheim (penguinrandomhouse.com)
Avoid inadvertently offending or alienating anyone by following six straightforward communication guidelines developed by a no-nonsense linguistic anthropologist and business consultant.
Campaigners lose legal fight over Grenfell proposal (www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org)
A judge says the government was entitled not to adopt escape plans for disabled high-rise residents.
52 Diversity and Inclusion Quotes from Experts on Inclusive Language (www-witty-works.cdn.ampproject.org)
The intention behind this article is to enlighten readers about the importance and impact of inclusive language in the context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). By referring to the insights and wisdom of leading DEI experts, the hope is to enhance awareness, stimulate dialogue, and inspire action towards creating more inclusive environments.
Crip Authorship (nyupress.org)
Crip Authorship: Disability as Method is a comprehensive volume presenting the multidisciplinary methods brought into being by disability studies and activism. Mara Mills and Rebecca Sanchez have convened leading scholars, artists, and activists to explore how disability shapes authorship, transforming cultural production, aesthetics, and media.
“Access artists” like Alice Sheppard, Natalie de Segonzac, and Carolyn Lazard ignite new languages in dance, theater, and visual art (broadstreetreview.com)
Disabled artists like Alice Sheppard, Natalie de Segonzac, and Carolyn Lazard prove that access is its own art form, defying a deficit mentality and centering inclusion from the start in exhilarating new art forms. Wendy Univer explores.
Adaptive clothing is empowering disabled people and hitting the runways (wgbh.org)
Local entrepreneurs hope inclusivity and accessibility will stick around — and not just be a trend.
Disabled author wins prestigious Japanese literary award in first (english.kyodonews.net)
An author with a physical disability on Wednesday won Japan's prestigious Akutagawa literary award for the first time for her work about a disabled woman's anger and desires.
‘I was on a mission’: Despite the naysayers, she took her search for justice all the way to the Supreme Court (19thnews.org)
She fought to ensure people and their families can sue when government programs like Medicaid aren’t properly administered.
Easterseals: Advocating for 61 Million People, Including the Queer Disabled (advocate.com)
The country's largest minority is often the most misunderstood.
LIBERATION THROUGH CONNECTION: Building Power Across Solidarity Economy and Disability Justice (peopleshub.org)
Join PeoplesHub’s new Co-Directors, Hafidha Acuay and Dustin Gibson - along with special guest Mariame Kaba, author of We Do This ‘Til We Free Us.
The 4th Annual ThisAbility Art Showcase (eventbrite.com)
ThisAbility is back for the 4th time!
ART+ Positive & Electric Blanket in partnership with Visual AIDS (eventbrite.com)
Join us for an evening of reflection, celebrating Visual AIDS, Electric Blanket, ART+ Positive, and Images on which to build, 1970s-1990s.
Inclusive Fashion: Building a Holistic Ecosystem Beyond Product (eventbrite.com)
The transformative power of fashion as a catalyst for social change.
Sense of Place (dancehouse.com.au)
A captivating exploration of spaces through physical theatre, sensory inspirations, and AI generated projections, revealing untold stories.
Join us at the Gathering in July (artsaccess.com.au)
The Gathering is our monthly online forum for Deaf and Disabled artists and industry guests.
Effortless Bilingual (effortlessbilingual.com)
Learn a language through music.
Vibrating haptic suits give deaf people a new way to feel live music (vpm.org)
To celebrate Disability Pride Month, Music: Not Impossible brought vibrating haptic suits to a Lincoln Center dance party.
Disney hasn't gone 'woke' by replacing Snow White's seven dwarves (metro.co.uk)
As a woman with dwarfism, this is a great change to see.
Early Insights on Long COVID, Chronic Illness, and Economic Well-Being (urban.org)
As we observe the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are just beginning to grapple with what long COVID may mean for economic and personal well-being. Join the Urban Institute’s Disability Equity Policy Initiative for a conversation with Meghan O’Rourke, author of the National Book Award finalist The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness, alongside a panel of nationally recognized experts and advocates for a conversation about new research on long COVID’s impact on economic well-being and the need for policies that address chronic illness and disability.
Disabled Authors Deserve, and Demand, More (publishersweekly.com)
As we mark the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act this month, I’m reflecting on the state of disability rights, especially for disabled people in publishing. I am an Asian American disabled storyteller, activist, editor, and founder of the Disability Visibility Project, whose mission is to create, share, and amplify disability media and culture. The organization publishes a podcast, newsletter, guest essays, books, oral histories, and more.
Gem Turner - Advice to my younger disabled self (youtube.com)
Gem Turner advises her younger disabled self to be patient and not be too hard on herself, as things take time, especially when relying on others and dealing with a slow system. She emphasizes the importance of having goals but not putting too much pressure on oneself or feeling like a burden.
The Unique Boutique review – a makeover show so fabulous it will leave you glowing (theguardian.com)
For too long, disabled people’s struggles and achievements have been used to make nondisabled audiences feel better. We need more joyous shows about disability like this one, please.
Disability advocates urge Queensland to resist builders’ bid to delay accessible housing rules (theguardian.com)
Requiring new homes to have step-free access and corridors wide enough for a wheelchair will save money in long run, experts say.
W3C Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0 (w3.org)
W3C Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0 will provide a wide range of recommendations for making web content more accessible to users with disabilities. Following these guidelines will address many of the needs of users with blindness, low vision and other vision impairments; deafness and hearing loss; limited movement and dexterity; speech disabilities; sensory disorders; cognitive and learning disabilities; and combinations of these. These guidelines address accessibility of web content on desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, wearable devices, and other web of things devices. The guidelines apply to various types of web content including static, dynamic, interactive, and streaming content; visual and auditory media; virtual and augmented reality; and alternative access presentation and control. These guidelines also address related web tools such as user agents (browsers and assistive technologies), content management systems, authoring tools, and testing tools.
33 Amazing Things to Celebrate the Anniversary of the ADA! (globaldisabilityinclusion.com)
It’s time for our annual list of amazing things to do to celebrate the Anniversary of the ADA and Disability Pride Month. There is something on this list for everyone. But before we jump in – let’s just take a moment to acknowledge the significance and importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA is one of the most important civil rights legislations for people with disabilities. The ADA ensures access to schools and public places like shopping centers, banks and office buildings.
Long COVID Persists as a Mass Disabling Event (medpagetoday.com)
We must do more to show we care.
Disability Reclaimed: The Best Years of Our Lives, Coming Home, and more (youtube.com)
Director and activist Lawrence Carter Long, film critic Kristen Lopez, actress Lauren Ridloff and comedian Maysoon Zayid discuss the impact movies can have in shaping and changing the perception of those with a disability.
Black, female, and disabled academics were less likely to be entered for REF 2021 (chemistryworld.com)
Academic staff who were female, Black or disabled were less likely to be submitted for assessment in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), new analysis has found. The findings appear to reflect entrenched issues with inequality and underrepresentation in the higher education sector.
Autistic people often feel they’re ‘doing love wrong’ – but there’s another side of the story (stuff.co.nz)
People on the spectrum receive the message that in situations involving love, our communication is flawed – and by extension, so are we.
Minister made ‘political’ decision to rule out safe evacuation for disabled people (disabilitynewsservice.com)
The government made a secret political decision that it would be too expensive and impractical to ensure that disabled people can safely evacuate from high-rise blocks of flats in emergencies, the high court has concluded.
Trauma Time is Crip Time (sciencewritenow.com)
Trauma time is crip time. It bends and fractures. It stops and starts, turning back on itself in hyper-extended loops. It laughs in the face of clocks and calendars and half-sobs as the seconds seem unable to tick by.
Private equity ownership of health services can worsen care, review says (theguardian.com)
Large-scale global study also suggests buyouts associated with higher healthcare costs.
Ready for another 'tripledemic'? CDC prepares for a winter of '3 bugs out there' (nbcnews.com)
Vaccine fatigue is already here, although many Americans will be urged to get three different shots this fall.
A ‘perfect storm’ led to an ADHD medication shortage. Here’s why (pbs.org)
A shortage affecting Adderall has now led to intermittent supply of other ADHD drugs, including the commonly prescribed methylphenidate, often known by brand names Ritalin or Concerta.
Slippery Mango, Tart Tangerine: Compassion for Gastrointestinal Disabilities (rootedinrights.org)
You are at a holiday party and the crowd is tossing back eggnog and devouring mini sandwiches full of hot peppers and cheese. You are at dinner with friends and you’re having tapas, so everyone expects you to share with the table. You are at a theater to see a delightful new movie and your date asks you to share a giant bucket of popcorn. You are with a group of friends who are devouring tomatoes straight from one of their gardens, sloshing them through their mouths, moaning over how delicious they are as you watch in stunned silence.
Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Battle Nation’s Stillbirth Crisis (propublica.org)
After legislation fell short of passage last year, a bipartisan group of lawmakers hope to advance a new bill to fund stillbirth prevention, and they credit ProPublica for its reporting.
Mass Incarceration’s Dystopia Gets Even Worse: Harvesting Organs and Co-Opting Radical Language (rootedinrights.org)
In 1949, an incarcerated white man in Sing-Sing Correctional Facility named Louis Boy volunteered—as much as one can “volunteer” while incarcerated—to have his circulation connected to a dying child’s, via plastic tubing. Boy’s heart would pump blood to both of them and the child’s blood would filter through Boy’s kidneys. This process was entirely new, a last ditch attempt to cure the girl’s leukemia. That Boy’s heart might not withstand the strain of pumping blood through two bodies, or that cancer cells from the child’s veins might enter Boy’s circulation, was seen as acceptable collateral damage.
Activists launch legal action over ‘woefully inadequate’ ticket office consultations (disabilitynewsservice.com)
Disabled activists have launched a legal action against four train companies and a government minister over a series of “woefully inadequate” public consultations that will lead to the closure of nearly 1,000 rail ticket offices.
Review: Wheelchair Accessibility of Amtrak Acela Train (Boston to Providence) (wheelchairtravel.org)
Comparing the Amtrak Acela First Class and Acela Business Class products, lounge access and more on a train trip from Boston to Providence.
My disabled son’s solo holiday plan was derailed by Eurostar (theguardian.com)
He was trying to go abroad without us for the first time, but Eurostar said no to his vital mobile hoist.
The Politics of Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive (eejackson.medium.com)
‘For all’ is a branding mechanism that obscures how elites co-opt life-hacks and sell them back to their under-resourced originators as well-meaning do-good.
New technology, same problems: We need to ensure accessibility for everyone (thehill.com)
It took decades of challenging systemic barriers and exclusion for disabled Americans to secure their right to exist and participate fully in our society. Thirty-three years ago, Congress passed the American with Disabilities Act to protect people with disabilities from ableist discrimination. At its core, the law was intended to facilitate access to transportation and public accommodations, like restaurants and workplaces. Yet, people with disabilities still face a myriad of challenges that infringe on their right to survive and thrive in our society, and mass surveillance technology is only making the problem worse.
Alzheimer’s among seniors is most common in these parts of the US, first-of-its-kind data shows (edition.cnn.com)
Seniors living in the East and Southeast regions of the United States are most likely to have Alzheimer’s disease, according to new data shared at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference and published Monday in the organization’s journal.
Medicare coverage brings hope for Alzheimer's patients seeking accessible yet expensive drug (midmichigannow.com)
The recent FDA approval of the drug Leqembi, which slows the progression of early Alzheimer's, has also led to approval by Medicare and Medicaid.
With new therapies that promise to slow Alzheimer’s disease, researchers race to reform how patients are diagnosed (edition.cnn.com)
Under new draft guidelines for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, unveiled on Sunday at a large international gathering of experts, these memory tests would take a backseat to biomarkers—proteins and other signals that can be detected in blood, spinal fluid, and on brain scans—that are telltale signs of the disease process unfolding in the brain.
Study finds these common devices slow cognitive decline for adults at dementia risk (silive.com)
The findings suggest addressing hearing loss may be an important intervention at staving off cognitive decline.
A Celebration Of Disabled Changemakers And Their Impact: Part 2 (forbes.com)
Shattering Stereotypes: Cole & Charisma - Pioneers in Disability Advocacy and Creativity.
New accessibility features added to Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival (wbfo.org)
Concerts are supposed to be a fun space for everyone, but for people with disabilities, accessibility of these events often isn't well communicated or executed, leaving people out of the fun. This weekend, local braille clothing company Aille Design is sponsoring and coordinating Cobblestone Live's accessibility features, including a new ADA hotline, in hopes more disabled people will be able to access the festival.
Legislation threatens California businesses with big new risk from website, app accessibility lawsuits (norcalrecord.com)
A new bill that could mean another record filing of California lawsuits on website accessibility is now under consideration by Sacramento lawmakers, following a “gut-and-amend” process that let it replace a different bill that had already been through required legislative channels.
Vibrating haptic suits give deaf people a new way to feel live music (npr.org)
To celebrate Disability Pride Month, Music: Not Impossible brought vibrating haptic suits to a Lincoln Center dance party.
U.S. finds AZ prisons discriminate against blind and partially sighted inmates (kjzz.org)
Federal investigators say Arizona’s prison system illegally discriminates against inmates who are blind or partially sighted.The state Corrections director said his administration first learned of the federal review that went on for more than two years about two weeks ago.
More can be done to expand inclusive hiring practices for people with disabilities (eu.desertsun.com)
Local resident Sunny Simonetti underscores the importance of more inclusion in the workforce for people with disabilities.
Diagnostic errors linked to nearly 800,000 deaths or cases of permanent disability in US each year (kake.com)
Misdiagnosis of disease or other medical conditions leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths and permanent disabilities each year in the United States, according to a report published this week.
Top accessible brands 2023 (adage.com)
Google, Apple, Lego, Sony PlayStation and Barbie are among the top accessible brands Ad Age Amp leaders spotlight to commemorate Disability Pride Month.
How a local tour business conquers accessibility barriers (blog.yelp.com)
People with disabilities face many barriers to outdoor recreation, but by listening to her clients’ needs, Alexis Newlin has built a local tour business where accessibility is a priority.
Videos highlight need for accessibility in tourism (cbs19news.com)
Two new videos from the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau highlight the importance of providing a travel experience that is accommodating to everyone.
10 Wheelchair-accessible Beaches in the U.S. — Including Sandy Shores in California, Virginia, and Florida (travelandleisure.com)
From Florida to California, here are 10 wheelchair-accessible beaches that provide ramps, beach wheelchairs, and more.
NOA tasks govt on preventing vision loss in ‘1.7 billion persons by 2050’ (guardian.ng)
Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), yesterday, called on President Bola Tinubu to wage war against visual impairment and blindness to avoid a catastrophe.
South Africa welcomes Sign Language as one of its official languages (vocfm.co.za)
According to Ramaphosa, recognising Sign Language as South Africa’s 12th official language is a milestone. He further added that the passing of this bill will resolve many barriers between citizens and the deaf community.
Heathrow rated poor over access for disabled passengers (bbc.com)
The Civil Aviation Authority says the airport has failed to meet minimum standards in the past year.
PwDs need accessibility at Dimapur airport (nagalandpost.com)
Some existing issues at Dimapur Airport, such as the need for proper maintenance of accessible/priority washrooms as well as disability parking slots and disability drop-off and pick-up areas, were highlighted at the Disability Awareness and Sensitivity Workshop for Airport/Airlines Staff and Security Personnel at Dimapur Airport on July 14. A DIPR report informed that workshop was organised by office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Nagaland.
Persons with disabilities: Instructions on quota in promotions issued by govt (tribuneindia.com)
Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal issued detailed instructions regarding reservation for persons with disabilities in Group A, B, C and D posts. The instructions pertain to the grant of reservation in promotion to the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs) under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Highland MSP praises the work of local campaign group for adults with autism (inverness-courier.co.uk)
MSP Emma Roddick recently met with Autism Rights Group Highland (ARGH) to discuss the local campaigning group’s work in the area.
Montreal stand-up making comedy inclusive for those with hearing loss (montreal.ctvnews.ca)
Hear Quebec is the only non-profit organization serving Montreal’s English-speaking community with hearing loss and recently teamed up with Abby Stonehouse to help the organization make stand-up comedy and other performances, more inclusive.
How Melbourne Transport Companies Prioritise Inclusivity to Enhance Accessibility? (techbullion.com)
Inclusivity and accessibility are fundamental aspects of a modern and thriving society. In Melbourne, transport companies have been leading the way in prioritising inclusivity, making public transportation accessible to people of all abilities. By implementing various measures and providing specialised services, Melbourne transport companies have created an inclusive environment that benefits everyone.
Advocacy group launches campaign aimed at addressing accessibility (winnipegsun.com)
The Disability Matters Vote launched a campaign this week with top priorities ahead of the Manitoba election this fall. Read more.
Bridging the gap: Unlocking the power of accessible communications for an inclusive India (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Diverse, dynamic, and technologically advanced, India has made significant progress in its development journey. Amidst these achievements, one segment of society that has been consistently overlooked and marginalized is the disabled community. Their limited access to public spaces, education, employment opportunities, and stigma have hindered their full potential, participation, and contribution to society. People with hidden disabilities face an even greater challenge.
Making All Your Users Feel Welcome: Arkose Labs Challenges Are Now Certified WCAG Compliant (securityboulevard.com)
Accessibility is a must-have for any B2C website or digital application. It’s the only way to be inclusive of all of your consumers, provide a great user experience for everyone, and – in many cases – meet legal regulations and requirements.
Creating an Exceptional Users Experience: Best Practices and Strategies for Designers (bignewsnetwork.com)
Creating an exceptional user experience has become a crucial aspect of web design in the Philippines as the world becomes increasingly digital. A well-designed website looks visually appealing and offers a seamless user experience. Whether it's a website, mobile app, or any other digital platform, designers must prioritize user experience to ensure users interact positively with their products. To create an exceptional user experience, designers must focus on various elements such as ease of use, accessibility, and functionality.
Universal Will Require Documentation For Skip-The-Line Disability Access (worldofwalt.com)
Could Disney be next?
Day Trip to Rhode Island and Oppenheimer on 70mm IMAX (wheelchairtravel.substack.com)
Only 30 movie cinemas in the world are equipped to show director Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster in the premier IMAX format.
The Unique Boutique: A Fashion TV Show Offering Fabulous New Looks For Disabled Customers (criplife.co.uk)
The Unique Boutique opens for business on Channel 4 on Monday 24th July, offering fabulous new looks for a wide range of people not served by mainstream fashion. The new life-changing fashion show sets to empower people left behind by high-street fashion with the help of four fabulous inclusive fashion experts.
Advocates for People with Disabilities Want Expansion of Autonomous (Self Driving) Taxi Services (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
San Francisco’s LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, along with other community organizations, are urging state regulators to approve Waymo’s permit for its 24/7 self-driving car service. These organizations argue that autonomous vehicles are safer and provide more accessibility and independence for people with disabilities than traditional ride-hailing services. They hope that the permit will encourage expanded services. In an open letter, these groups urged the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to approve Waymo’s permit as soon as possible, arguing that driverless cars can make transportation more inclusive. Other groups supporting this include the San Francisco LGBT Center, Self-Help for the Elderly, and the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California. However, San Francisco officials have raised concerns about driverless vehicles disrupting traffic and interfering with bus routes and emergency scenes. As a result, the CPUC has delayed its decision on the permit. Waymo and its competitor Cruise are both seeking to expand their paid passenger services in San Francisco, pending approval from the CPUC.
Playing field levelled: Accessibility advocate’s chuckwagon tarp debut (globalnews.ca)
Darby Tarp, a champion for accessibility, was all smiles when a chuckwagon with her sponsored tarp made its Calgary Stampede debut.
Web Design SEO: A Comprehensive Guide to Boost Your Website’s Visibility (nnn.ng)
Need an SEO link building blogger outreach service? Contact: outreach@nnn.ng. Welcome to our ultimate guide to web design SEO! In this article, we will delve deep into the world of search engine optimization and discover how it can significantly improve your website’s visibility and drive organic traffic.
Banking Online while Blind: 3 Best Practices for Web Accessibility (blog.usablenet.com)
Read about accessibility on financial services and banking websites and apps, written by our guest blogger who is blind and uses a screen reader.
UI/UX Design Best Practices: Tips for Creating a User-Centered Design (pvplive.net)
Developing user interfaces that are easy to use and interesting to interact with requires the creation of a design that is centered on the user.
Three questions brand managers should ask throughout a website redesign (august.com.au)
Before you look at conceptual interface design, now is the time to check the accessibility of colours and typography. Inclusive design is paramount, and sometimes even a legal requirement, and digital applications can be unforgiving.
How Generative AI Will Enable More Inclusive Digital Experiences (entrepreneur.com)
Despite the continuous tide of positive change, a certain demographic has struggled with accessing the web.
Let’s make Santa Clara County a more accessible place for all (mercurynews.com)
Local organizations provide support to disabled community.
Effective Strategies For Optimizing PDFs For Online Publishing (techiexpert.com)
The advent of digital technology has transformed the way we share and consume information. One such advancement that has remained relevant throughout the years is the Portable Document Format (PDF). In the age of online publishing, PDFs play a vital role as they maintain the original formatting of documents across various platforms, making it a universally accepted file format. However, to ensure an optimal experience for your audience, you need to properly optimize your PDFs before publishing them online.
Life’s a Road Trip: His search for the ’Inclusive City’ (play.headliner.app)
This week's guest is Steve Wright. Steve is a respected city planner who isn't afraid to speak his mind when it comes to designing or retrofitting cities so they are welcoming to all -- including members of the disabled community.
Agents call for ‘one-stop shop’ for accessible travel information (travelweekly.co.uk)
The trade has called for a one-stop shop on accessible travel information plus training and advice on selling accessible holidays.
Disney Parade Rules for Wheelchair Users in Different Countries (tabifolk.com)
A friend has a 6 year old son with a severe disability that requires him to have a machine measuring his oxygen saturation at all times because he has a tracheotomy and his parents need to drain excess liquid from his throat via the tube if he gets congested or SpO2 gets to low. He is also fead by stomach tube and has other medical complications. They also have a 3 year old daughter without a disability.
5 Examples of a Diversity and Inclusion Plan Template (blog.ongig.com)
DEI culture in your company starts with a solid strategy. Think of this as creating a road map to your DEI goals. If you’re not sure where to start, these 5 examples of a diversity and inclusion plan template might be useful. What is a Diversity and Inclusion Policy, and why is it important?
Putting inclusion and accessibility at the heart of building design (fmj.co.uk)
New guidance has been issued to ensure that inclusion and accessibility are considered at every stage of the design and construction process. Published by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work is the result of a multidisciplinary collaboration – including input from people with lived ...
Accessibility Audits: What they are, the benefits and steps (abilitynet.org.uk)
Accessibility audits involve a comprehensive evaluation of a website, app, or digital product to identify barriers and assess its conformance with accessibility guidelines and standards.
The Latest Trends in Web Design: A New Era Beckons (techbullion.com)
Web design is an ever-evolving field, with designers constantly pushing the envelope to stay ahead of the curve. With each passing year, we see innovative trends and techniques sprouting up in the digital landscape. The year 2023 is no different, proving to be an exciting year in the world of web design.
Council Post: Website Design For Enterprises In The Attention Economy (forbes.com)
To remain relevant to your audience, you must keep up with the new layer of business: the attention economy.
Special Report: Moving to make travel more accessible (travelweekly.co.uk)
Ocean Holidays and Visit Florida have made great strides in making accessible travel easier to book.
Considered a backup: disabled people provide care too (disabilitydebrief.org)
Experiences of disabled people in India looking after each other and creating new narratives of care.
Industry, Academic, and Civil Society Leaders Join PAI’s Global Task Force for Inclusive AI (partnershiponai.org)
As the development and deployment of AI rapidly advances, it is more important than ever that these technologies are developed inclusively in consultation with the diverse communities they affect. Today, at its 2023 Partner Forum, Partnership on AI (PAI) announced the inaugural members of its Global Task Force for Inclusive AI, a first-of-its-kind body created to ensure that those who are impacted by AI are more directly involved in its creation.
HubStar’s Workplace Scheduling Technology Achieves Full Accessibility Compliance (businesswire.com)
HubStar’s workplace scheduling technology removes barriers facing individuals with disabilities by providing accessible virtual assistance and office visit coordination - powered by machine learning - to encourage purposeful attendance, rebuild social connection and reserve the desks, spaces and resources required for a productive day.
Adaptive playground opens at The Center for Individuals With Physical Challenges (tulsaworld.com)
The designer said it was important to accommodate children with special needs along with normally developing children "so you bring them together and everybody has fun and everybody is challenged."
Colored Overlays & Lenses Make Reading More Accessible Across Mediums (benzinga.com)
The Irlen Institute, which is a pioneer and global leader for spectral filter colored lens technology, has revealed that colored overlays are now integrated into a number of accessibility settings of digital devices. Colored overlays are a low-cost assistive technology used as a solution for the visual processing issue for certain people, known as Irlen Syndrome. These have been used by millions of children and adults in various parts of the world to address light-based visual processing problems such as visual stress and scotopic sensitivity. Millions of people have been helped by the Irlen Method, as it provides an evidence-based, long-term solution for the visual and physical symptoms caused by underlying light sensitivity in a variety of conditions, including ADHD, autism, reading problems, headaches, migraines, and various other light-based difficulties.
Disneyland Paris launches Virtuoz for visually-impaired guests (attractionsmagazine.com)
Disneyland Paris has introduced a new Virtuoz tablet in both theme parks to enhance the experience for visually-impaired and blind guests.
Here Are the Best Earplugs to Help Protect Your Hearing at Concerts (billboard.com)
We’ve compiled some great options for earplugs to protect your hearing at concerts.
New manager and commission address accessibility, age issues (evanstonroundtable.com)
A new city staffer and a reconstituted commission are renewing efforts to make Evanston a more livable city for older adults and people with disabilities. New city subcommittees begin work on aging and disabilities issues.
CTA awards contract for Austin Green Line improvements (chicago.urbanize.city)
The Chicago Transit Authority will soon begin a major renovation of the Austin Green Line station, including the addition of an elevator and other improvements to make the station fully accessible to those who use mobility devices as part of the CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP).
A new disability pass rolled out today at Universal Parks (attractionsmagazine.com)
Guests who can't wait in a conventional attraction queue can take advantage of a new disability pass at Universal parks.
Friend Ahead: The Accessibility Of Elden Ring’s Most Underappreciated Feature (gameluster.com)
There’s a lot to love about Elden Ring. From the boss fights, to the vast open world and the lore bubbling under it all, FromSoftware has done a lot to level up from their past Souls titles to create a genre-defining game. The many highs of Elden Ring and the greater Souls franchise have been discussed at length by thousands of people, but there’s one feature that returns with each title that I feel we don’t talk about enough, and the huge effect it has on the Souls experience as a whole.
PlayStation’s Slick New Accessibility Controller Will Be Available by Christmas (news.yahoo.com)
Sony’s gaming arm has long been fascinated by shapes. The fact that everybody else labeled their buttons with “A” or “B” meant nothing to the legacy tech brand, as the first PlayStation controller included “X” or “O” buttons instead. Now, the gaming company finally has a release date and price for one of the most intriguing designs out there for a controller—a large, flat circle with swappable keys engineered to be one of the most accessible interfaces on the console market.
How Trying to ‘Fix’ My Disability Made My Hands Worse (thewheelchairteen.com)
A post explaining what happened when my doctors made my hands worse by straightening them in order to ‘fix’ them and why it was wrong.
ILL-Abilities | Dance & Motivational Entertainment (illabilities.com)
Welcome to the official website of ILL-Abilities. We are an international dance crew comprised of differently-abled dancers. Our motto: "No Excuses, No Limits".
Chrome can soon convert PDFs into text it can read aloud (engadget.com)
Google Chrome will soon let you turn PDFs into text it can read aloud.
Be My Eyes - See the world together (bemyeyes.com)
Whether you need a pair of sharp eyes or have some sight to lend, Be My Eyes is a simple, free tool to help people see the world better, together.
Introducing the Redesigned Envision App! (letsenvision.com)
Introducing the Redesigned Envision App! Revamped with a focus on features. Easily switch between your favorite features, and personalize the menu to your liking. Make the Envision App truly yours!
Creating Accessible Slides (hfes.org)
How to create accessible slides at the International Annual Meeting.
Masking is an essential skill that you should aim to use less often. (life-with-aspergers.blogspot.com)
A blog about living with Asperger's Syndrome and Parenting Children with Asperger's Syndrome.
‘Barbenheimer’ is mission impossible for Deaf film fans like me (liamodell.com)
It’s one thing having a single film become the trending topic in the pop culture scene, but when 21 July sees the release of two eagerly-anticipated movies – Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer – the box office battle has birthed the meme ‘Barbenheimer’ for those who plan to marathon the two films in one visit, something which is logistically impossible for Deaf cinemagoers.
A Handful of One-Handed Gadgets (activehands.com)
Many things in life are difficult to do one-handed. We’ve found a handful of gadgets to make those tasks more accessible!
“Quadriplegic” Real Life – Uncovered (Literally) (quirkyquad.com)
As we approach the end of Disability Pride Awareness Month this July, I am reminded of the fragility of living my life as a quadriplegic and all that I’ve been through. I’ve actually been thinking quite a lot about certain conversations involving tremendous giggling with my caregivers about the absurdity of the completely normal conversations we have in my everyday life with my disability. They are funny, quirky, raw, and truly the authentic side of my life as a wheelchair user.
Does diversity equity and inclusion include disabilities? (urevolution.com)
Organizations that are serious about diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace need to actively and consistently work towards removing barriers to employment for employees with disabilities.
Rosie Jones’ Ableism Documentary: Why I Advised Channel 4 To Go With That Title (criplife.co.uk)
Following the backlash on the decision to name Rosie Jones’ ableism documentary Am I a R*tard?, Channel 4’s Disability Consultant Ally Castle has spoken out to explain why she advised Rosie to choose the title she has for the Channel 4 documentary. Here, Ally discusses why she feels this is the right title and the considerations around using it.
The history of the wheelchair—from early designs to modern sports (nationalgeographic.com)
Wheelchairs have existed since the invention of the wheel. But technological advances have revolutionized the way that people use them.
For Europe’s Older Population, Heat Is the New Covid (nytimes.com)
Scorching temperatures have threatened the health of the elderly and pushed them inside, while governments are trying to take extraordinary steps to protect them.
Tornado damages Pfizer plant in North Carolina as scorching heat and floods sock other parts of US (abcnews.go.com)
A tornado has heavily damaged a major Pfizer pharmaceutical plant in North Carolina — the latest in a string of extreme weather events plaguing the U.S. Torrential rains flooded communities in Kentucky while an area from California to South Florida end...
Climate Crisis Makes Us Recognize Our Limits — Disability Culture Can Show Us How (truthout.org)
Disability culture teaches us to honor our limits and resist injustice. We need both skills to navigate climate crisis.
A Patient’s Right to Masked Health Care Providers (blog.petrieflom.law.harvard.edu)
The law surrounding reasonable modifications in health care is well-settled, but practical realities pose challenges to securing accommodations.
A quarter of rural water systems likely contain ‘forever chemicals’ (hcn.org)
USGS research confirms widespread PFAS contamination in drinking water — including in rural communities and private wells that are almost never tested.
I introduced the ADA 35 years ago. Now Congress needs to act to ban a practice that devalues disabled lives (statnews.com)
Former Rep. Tony Coelho, who introduced the Americans with Disabilities Act 35 years ago, urges Congress to ban all federal programs from using QALYs.
Long COVID Is Disabling Kids. Why We Ignore It (thetyee.ca)
And what it will cost us.
Beyond Dining in the Dark: What It’s Actually Like to Eat Out When You’re Blind (eater.com)
Restaurant menus can present an awkward challenge for blind people. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
COVID-19 outbreak declared at Toronto hospital (toronto.citynews.ca)
A unit at a west end Toronto hospital has been forced to limit new patients after a COVID-19 outbreak was declared.
Good Omens Stars Liz Carr, Quelin Sepulveda & Shelley Conn On Season 2 Arcs (youtube.com)
Good Omens season 2 stars Liz Carr, Quelin Sepulveda, & Shelley Conn discuss working with David Tennant and Michael Sheen and their character arcs.
How Fannie Lou Hamer’s disability informed her fight for voting rights (19thnews.org)
Fannie Lou Hamer’s testimony at the 1964 DNC shook the nation and highlighted the fact that many people didn't realize that Hamer had a disability — or how it played into her activism.
What a ‘Human-Centered’ Approach Can Do for Workers With Disabilities (nytimes.com)
Obtaining reasonable accommodations is often a messy, frustrating process for both employees and their managers. But there are solutions.
Rosie Jones: Am I a R*tard? review – a truly shocking tale of the online abuse faced by disabled people (theguardian.com)
The comedian reveals the levels of ableist hate speech she has to put up with – and how fixing it is the responsibility of all of us.
From Pain to Persistence (quirkyquad.com)
Despite Ali’s optimism, which continues to shine through in her effervescent personality, the American healthcare system has proven itself to be a formidable foe in the fight to obtain coverage for medically necessary equipment. Much of Ali’s advocacy over the past few years has centered around a couple key pieces of equipment: seat elevators and standing wheelchairs. Each of these devices massively improve quality of life for their users, allowing far greater freedom of movement, independence, and safety.
When people only see my disability (urevolution.com)
Why do people treat me differently from other strangers simply because I am disabled?
Nursing homes: sadly, always a story (toolsforreporters.com)
I recently saw that ProPublica (my current employer, disclosure disclosure) reupped its Nursing Home Inspect tool. You can look up inspections, violations, fines and suspicious care facilities all over the US.
Trans Disabled Michigan Man Says He Was Hit With Pellet Gun In Transphobic Attack (huffpost.com)
Andrew Blake-Newton reported a group of people in a van shot him with pellet gun bullets and hurled transphobic slurs at him.
Wunderman Thompson’s Josh Loebner on ‘honoring accessibility and inclusive design’ (adage.com)
The global head of inclusive design writes about authentically engaging the disabled community—and taking a victory lap with colleagues and clients at Cannes.
6 Tips To Simplify Moving House With An Autistic Child (rockfordisability.com)
In this guest blog written by Sara Bell gives 6 tips to simplify the moving house process when you have an autistic child.
Lee's fundraiser for Smile for Life Children's Charity (justgiving.com)
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
When people only see my disability (urevolution.com)
Why do people treat me differently from other strangers simply because I am disabled?
Lignorim Wooden Handrims Are More Than a Novelty (newmobility.com)
I first heard of Lignorim handrims from a New Mobility reader. When we published our Gear Guide detailing all the handrims available in the U.S., a helpful reader pointed out that we’d left out a new wooden handrim from Austria. I was intrigued — wood with its natural texture just feels nicer than metal or vinyl, plus it doesn’t transfer temperature like metal does. How would the material do in hot or wet weather? Just as important, how would it hold up over time?
Disability News and Mental Health, The sea shanty star and anxiety attacks (bbc.co.uk)
Remember the ridiculously popular Wellerman song? This week, the 28-year-old star behind the sea shanty, Nathan Evans, joins presenters Nikki Fox and Emma Tracey to talk about his mental health.
In-N-Out confirms anti-mask policy, stresses importance of smiling (sfgate.com)
Nearly a week after rumors about a new anti-mask policy at In-N-Out began circulating online, the fast food chain has finally broken its silence.
Primary Care Doctors Can Be Trained To Reliably Diagnose ASD (disabilityscoop.com)
Primary care clinicians who receive special training can correctly diagnose autism in most cases, researchers say, potentially alleviating long waits children often face for evaluations.
The Have You Tried Brigade (lucywebster.substack.com)
And believing disabled people.
Affirmative Action: Top Diversity Organizations Stand Up (blackeoejournal.com)
In a closely watched decision recently, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action programs, setting a dangerous and discriminatory precedent that could have far-reaching implications. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization, expresses deep disappointment in the Court’s ruling, which undermines the constitutional guarantees of equality.
AI Powered Disability Discrimination by Susan Scott-Parker (AI Ethics: Global Perspectives) (youtube.com)
Unless the unintended consequences of ‘AI powered recruitment & HR’ are urgently addressed, hundreds of millions already disadvantaged by assumptions triggered by their disability, may face lifetimes of needless economic and social exclusion.
Disabled people don’t need to be fixed (urevolution.com)
Disabled people don't need to be “fixed” ... What we really need is a cure for ableism.
How do I encourage my organisation to create accessible content? (abilitynet.org.uk)
Your organisation's accessibility skills will always benefit from a boost, and ensuring your content is accessible will generate major business benefits for you too. Check out 8 resources to help you
Judge orders Florida to stop putting children in nursing homes (theguardian.com)
State rebuked in 79-page ruling for ‘systemic institutionalization’ of medically fragile children.
Free digital switchover advice drop-ins in Yorkshire & Humber (abilitynet.org.uk)
Throughout August, BT Group will be heading to towns and cities across Yorkshire & Humber, where a team will be on hand to share useful information about Digital Voice.
Business seeks to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities (disabilityinsider.com)
Tangible actions are needed in Australian workplaces to remove the barriers and improve employment outcomes for people with disability, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.
New research prompts call for aged care to embrace training on ageism (disabilityinsider.com)
Australia’s Age Discrimination Commissioner has called on organisations providing services to older people to deliver ageism awareness training to their staff, with new research showing it can be highly effective in shifting attitudes.
Petition launched to make sports venue toilets more accessible (disabilityinsider.com)
A group of sports fans with disabilities are calling on the government to update legislation and allow all people, regardless of their disability, to visit and take part in sporting fixtures by ensuring Changing Places toilets are made mandatory at venues.
World-First trial offers hope to children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (disabilityinsider.com)
Three boys in NSW have become the youngest patients in the world to receive therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as part of a world-first international clinical trial for children aged under four.
Explore the KIT 2023 Summer Book List For Young Readers (kit.org)
Immerse young minds in captivating stories of inclusion, diversity, and unforgettable adventures. Explore KIT's 2023 Summer Book List.
5 Black Women Who Taught Me About Bodily Autonomy (withkeri.com)
Especially since the ADA, many people with disabilities & people of color have unapologetically claimed their bodily autonomy. However, our society has also stripped bodily autonomy from our communities. This tutorial examines the stories of 5 Black women who teach us what bodily autonomy really means.
Do disability passports really work? (businessdisabilityforum.org.uk)
In theory, the disability passport could be a major time-saver and problem-solver for many employees. Serving both to identify adjustments an employee might need and to record adjustments that have already been agreed, the disability passport should make it easier for employees with disabilities and long-term conditions to move into – and between – jobs.
‘I was born with death as my sidekick’: the ‘zombie’ with cystic fibrosis who turns pain into art (theguardian.com)
At 35, Martin O’Brien has already outlived his life expectancy. And in performances in which he attaches pegs to his testicles or smears himself with mucus, he brutally confronts his mortality.
Statement of the European Network on Independent Living regarding abuses in institutions for disabled people in Romania (enil.eu)
The European Network on Independent Living – ENIL is appalled by the series of media reports about horrendous human rights abuses in Romania’s institutions for disabled people. This is the result of a continued refusal by the Romanian Government to move away from institutional care and develop services that will allow children, disabled and older people to live in their own homes in the community, with adequate independent living support.
How to explain endometriosis to your boss (urevolution.com)
As a person living with endometriosis, I understand the challenges and complexities that this condition can bring to both personal and professional life. Endometriosis is not just a physical ailment; it is a condition that requires empathy, understanding, and open communication, especially in the workplace. In this article, I will share my personal experience with endometriosis, explain how it can impact a person's ability to work, and provide a step-by-step approach to effectively communicate with your boss about this condition.
Rosie Jones Gives A Personal And Honest Account Of Ableism In New Documentary (criplife.co.uk)
Disabled comedian Rosie Jones gives a personal and honest account of the true scale of ableism in a new Channel 4 documentary.
Heathrow failed to meet minimum accessibility standards, CAA report finds (theguardian.com)
Airport only one to be rated as ‘poor’ and ‘needs improvement’ over all four quarters in year to March.
How GiveVision brought Wimbledon to people with low vision (abilitynet.org.uk)
SightPlus Augmented Reality headset trial with high-speed 5G network enables live sporting experience for those with sight loss.
Changing Places Awareness Day 2023 (euansguide.com)
A blog post on Changing Places Awareness Day 2023 and the importance of Changing Places toilets and facilities. The campaign advocates for the rights of disabled people with complex access requirements, as they believe that everyone deserves a clean, sanitary place to go to the toilet.
The Beauty of Discomfort (carsontueller.com)
I lift my body out of my wheelchair and plop into the cushioned seat of my standing frame. I slowly crank up the frame and bring myself into a more upright standing position. The effects begin immediately. Within seconds I can feel the blood start to leave my head. My eyelids droop and my face gets cold. I take short, shallow breaths as I feel my heart race and my confused body tries to figure out how to respond and correct.
Full Circle(18 1/2 min) (sproutflix.org)
Benjamin was 7 years old when he moved to Toronto. His next door neighbor Ramzi was 18 months old at the time. Within a year the two boys had become best friends.
ABC expands Audio Description service to ABC iview (disabilityinsider.com)
The ABC announced the expansion of audio descriptions to ABC iview, enabling audiences who are blind or have low vision to enjoy their favourite on-demand shows, movies and news in a more inclusive way.
7 Products to Make Your Home More Accessible (wheelchairtravel.org)
Most homes weren't designed with disabled people in mind, but these products will make your home or apartment more accessible.
Episode 115: The Accessible Stall and Liberare (theaccessiblestall.com)
In this episode, Kyle learns that there’s more to bras than he could have ever known. We sit down in conversation with Liberare‘s CEO Emma Butler and Visual Brand Director Gemma Adby. Liberare has “easy-on bras [that] combine accessibility and comfort, making dressing a breeze for everyone, regardless of hand dexterity.”
6 Disabled-Friendly Fitness Options (rockfordisability.com)
Guest blogger, Suzanne Tanner, explores some of the different disabled-friendly fitness options available, as well as some tips on how to get the most out of your preferred physical activity.
Minister faces criticism on rail ticket office closures (pocklington-trust.org.uk)
Rail Minister Huw Merriman MP and the UK's Rail Delivery Group (RDG) faced criticism in a meeting this week over the proposed closure of nearly 1,000 rail ticket offices.
Amelia Peckham, CEO and Co-founder of Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks (ablemagazine.co.uk)
“I’m so pleased to see that the upcoming Barbie movie features dolls with disabilities, including one with a prosthetic arm and another in a wheelchair. Having had my accident and acquired my disability in 2005 when I was 19, I can safely say there was zero representation of anyone living with a disability in mainstream media.
Comedian Rosie Jones Opens Up On Her Brand New Documentary & Going On Tour (youtube.com)
Comedian Rosie Jones talks about her new documentary which explores the abuse disabled people receive online. It caused controversy for the use of an ableist slur in the title and today Rosie defends her decision to use it, even if it’s caused divisions within the disabled community. Ableism - discrimination and social prejudice against people with a disability - is a bit different to her usual comedy, and something she experiences daily, first hand.
Ableism is The Bane of My Motherfuckin' Existence (youtube.com)
Exploring disability justice framework, Patty Berne and Stacey Milbern discuss the need for a politicized understanding of ableism within a context of racism, classism, colonialism, and heteropatriarchy. Berne and Milbern describe the ways that ableism functions as a dehumanizing system that favors able-bodied people at the expense of people with disabilities, producing barriers from internalized ableism and shame, to interpersonal conflicts between non-disabled people and people with disabilities, lack of access to education, employment, and housing, social control imposed through the medical industrial complex and criminalization, and the severe isolation caused by institutionalization and incarceration.