Disability News Digest: "Actor James Martin says ‘it doesn’t matter if you have Down syndrome’ following Oscar win"
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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Raul
My new book!
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
Why public swimming pools must be saved from closure (theguardian.com)
Letter: Philippa Edmunds highlights the mental and physical health benefits of swimming, especially for disabled people.
COVID-19 Infection May Induce Fetal Brain Hemorrhages, Scientists Warn (sciencealert.com)
There are already plenty of reasons to worry about COVID-19, but there's another to add to the list: There's evidence of the virus in fetal brain tissue in instances of pregnant people passing the infection to their children.
‘Caregiving Crisis’ Spurs Democrats’ Push for Home Medicaid (news.bloomberglaw.com)
A group of Democrats are renewing their push to expand Medicaid coverage of home health services.
How Can Art Reach Out and Touch Us? (immerse.news)
A primer on haptic tech innovation and new possibilities for access in dance — from dancer, choreographer and product designer Laurel Lawson.
The Nora Project (thenoraproject.ngo)
We’re on a mission to promote disability inclusion by empowering educators and engaging students and communities.
Historic Oscar win for Mesa's Troy Kotsur opens doors for deaf stories (abc15.com)
The notoriety that follows winning an Academy Award has granted Valley native Troy Kotsur more opportunities to not only pick his projects but also represent the deaf community.
Suggesting NDIS cuts to pay for expensive submarines is the latest attack on disabled people (theguardian.com)
Imagine if we could make the NDIS work better, rather than having to fight for the scheme to exist.
UN expert urges ‘new philosophy’ to help persons with disabilities (disabilityinsider.com)
In his latest report to the Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, Gerard Quinn, outlined how more inclusive policy approaches and innovative private sector involvement can spur progress.
Older adults still feel loneliness after three years into pandemic (disabilityinsider.com)
After three years of pandemic living, loneliness, isolation and lack of social contact have finally started to decline among older adults, a new poll shows.
Judith Heumann was an activist who changed the world - she was my role model (metro.co.uk)
I can only hope that my own activism leaves an ounce of the same impact Judy has left on this world.
Sony launches point-and-shoot camera for people with vision disabilities (disabilityinsider.com)
Sony Electronics launches the DSC-HX99RNV kit, a new retinal projection camera kit that helps people with vision disabilitiwes see to capture the world around them. This kit consists of Sony’s DSC-HX99 compact camera and QD Laser’s RETISSA NEOVIEWER, a viewfinder that uses laser retinal projection technology.
Influencer Parents and The Kids Who Had Their Childhood Made Into Content (teenvogue.com)
“Nothing they do now is going to take back the years of work I had to put in.”
Psychological Benefits Of A Holiday For A Disabled Person (simplyemma.co.uk)
Have you ever considered how beneficial a holiday can be for a disabled person? Read this article to find out the psychological benefits of going on holiday.
Thousands with learning disabilities trapped in hospital, some for years (theguardian.com)
Report from University of Birmingham has inspired an exhibition from street artist Foka Wolf titled ‘Why are we stuck in hospital’?
6 Possible Signs You’re Misdiagnosed (themighty.com)
"My goal is not to send you on a mystery chase, but to encourage you to not be talked out of taking your care seriously."
Is There a Doctor in the House? (wheelieoutthere.blogspot.com)
Wheelchair life is one big video game.
Study reveals age-related brain differences in people with autism (disabilityinsider.com)
A new study led by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers confirms that brain development in people with autism differs from those with typical neurodevelopment. According to the study published in PNAS, these differences are linked to genes involved in inflammation, immunity response and neural transmissions. They begin in childhood and evolve across the lifespan.
Brain research critical for Texas economy, says new report (disabilityinsider.com)
Texas needs to establish a state research institute to tackle a growing brain health crisis – which will contribute to healthier and more productive communities, according to a new report from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
UK launches fund to tackle loneliness and boost volunteering (disabilityinsider.com)
Youth clubs, mental health charities and social enterprises are among the organisations to benefit from up to £30 million to create volunteering opportunities and help reduce loneliness.
Artificial Intelligence Enabled Suitcase Can Become A Navigation Tool For Blind Individuals (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
Chieko Asakawa is the Chief Executive Director of the Japanese National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation and also the IBM Distinguished Science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. At the age of 11, she started losing her sight because of a swimming pool accident and lost her sight completely by the time she was 14. Since then she has been on a quest to bring independence to the lives of blind people and over the years has significantly contributed to advancing web accessibility, including ground breaking work in digital braille and voice browser. More recently, she has been focusing on improving navigation and communication for blind individuals using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Her latest invention is an AI enabled suitcase that uses cameras and sensors to find the optimal path for the person to get to their destination, detect obstacles on their way, alert them of nearby stores, and also help with required actions, like joining a line. Chieko thinks this is a game changer since someone like her can navigate independently without asking for help from anyone. Her plan is to make the suitcase smaller and lighter in the future so it can be taken everywhere without hassle.
Actor James Martin says ‘it doesn’t matter if you have Down syndrome’ following Oscar win (belfasttelegraph.co.uk)
Belfast actor James Martin says “it doesn’t matter if you have Down syndrome” following a successful night at the Oscars.
10 tips for accessible procurement (abilitynet.org.uk)
“The majority of people said that their leadership understands the legal and commercial risks of not being accessible’” says Mark Walker, AbilityNet’s Head of Marketing and Portfolio, “but procurement remains an Achilles Heel for organisations of all types and sizes."
A position paper on researching braille in the cognitive sciences: decentering the sighted norm (cambridge.org)
This article positions braille as a writing system worthy of study in its own right and on its own terms. We begin with a discussion of the role of braille in the lives of those who read and write it and a call for more attention to braille in the reading sciences. We then give an overview of the history and development of braille, focusing on its formal characteristics as a writing system, in order to acquaint sighted print readers with the basics of braille and to spark further interest among reading researchers. We then explore how print-centric assumptions and sight-centric motivations have potentially negative consequences, not only for braille users but also for the types of questions researchers think to pursue. We conclude with recommendations for conducting responsible and informed research about braille. We affirm that blindness is most equitably understood as but one of the many diverse ways humans experience the world. Researching braille literacy from an equity and diversity perspective provides positive, fruitful insights into perception and cognition, contributes to the typologically oriented work on the world’s writing systems, and contributes to equity by centering the perspectives and literacy of the people who read and write braille.
The Oscars Are Expanding Accessibility To The Red Carpet This Year (huffpost.com)
For the first time, the Academy Awards gala will include live audio transcriptions and an accessibility guide on the red carpet.
When to Hold ‘Em and When to Fold ‘Em (dredf.org)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, is considered to be the high water mark of disability legislation by the disability community in the United States. It is often looked to by other countries as a model, both for its progressive far-reaching policies and the political process that occurred to ensure its adoption. This paper examines the political process that surrounded the enactment of the ADA in terms of the human dynamics that enabled the legislation to prevail. We hope that these lessons learned from the ADA will be useful to other countries as they design their own disability rights policies and utilize their systems of government to ensure the full participation of people with disabilities.
The Best Disability Programs Are Designed By Those Who Use Them (nextcity.org)
Op-ed: Involving communities in designing for themselves can radically advance healthcare for all. Here’s how we can make it happen.
Reporting on Assistive Technology (theopennotebook.com)
At the heart of every assistive-technology story, reporters should focus on disabled people who use the technology. Doing so requires nuance to capture the complex ways technology fits into people’s lives and sensitivity to fairly represent marginalized, often misunderstood communities. Rather than framing disabled people as passive recipients of technology, experts recommend a different approach that frames them as users, hackers, or creators, and have a few suggestions on questions to ask while reporting.
Disability Justice Isn’t Possible without Housing Justice (urban.org)
More than 18 million disabled people face significant barriers to finding housing that is affordable, accessible, and inclusive of their needs.
Disability Justice—in the Workplace (and Beyond) (nonprofitquarterly.org)
“[Looking] at disability as a universal part of the human condition…enables us to imagine workplaces that are more caring, sustainable and adaptive.”
Access Your Drive and Enjoy the Ride by Lauren Spencer (mango.bz)
Lauren "Lolo'' Jones provides a candid and real inside look into the life of being a person with a disability. This disability advocate embarks on the importance of visibility for the disabled community because representation matters!
Undoing Internalized Ableism Cohort (peopleshub.org)
We will lead a cohort of disabled people who are currently engaged in social justice work through a workshop series designed to develop knowledge and skills (peer support, self-advocacy, practicing access, and more) to navigate internalized ableism. This is not apolitical or completely individual. Participants will work with each other to find ways we can make the work of undoing internalized ableism a collective process and use what is learned in movement work beyond the cohort.
ME isn't just being tired! (satonmybutt.co.uk)
Many people think that people who have ME or CFS and now of course Long Covid are just tired, but tired doesn't even begin to explain it. ME isn't just being tired!
Forget Me Not Documentary Preview and Q&A with Filmmaker (us02web.zoom.us)
Please join us for a special preview of the award-winning documentary FORGET ME NOT: INCLUSION IN THE CLASSROOM, in which parents and filmmakers Olivier and Hilda Bernier share their personal battle with NYC’s segregated education system as they fight for their son Emilio’s right to be educated alongside his peers.
The disabled villain: why sensitivity reading can’t kill off this ugly trope (theguardian.com)
The long read: For centuries, fictional narratives have used outer difference to telegraph inner monstrosity. As someone who uses a wheelchair, I’ve learned you can’t just edit out a few slurs or bad words to fix this – it’s often baked deep into the story.
Why Reverse Inclusion Is Not Inclusive (thinkinclusive.us)
Nearly a decade ago, I recorded a podcast episode with Paula Kluth where we discussed her book, Don't We Already Do Inclusion? During our conversation, we talked about something called "reverse inclusion." This is when a special education teacher hosts general education students with learners with disabilities in a space typically reserved for learners who receive special education services.
Musicians pushing fear of judgement aside and unmasking disabilities in fight to be heard (abc.net.au)
Australian artists are unmasking their disabilities and pushing to smash barriers and change attitudes in music.
Disability Rights Activist Judy Heumann Dies at 75 (time.com)
Heumann has been called the “mother of the disability rights movement” for her longtime advocacy on behalf of disabled people through protests and legal action.
Introducing Via (disabilityhorizons.com)
Via is working to create a standard of accessibility across the event and exhibition industry. While many access needs, disabilities, or conditions aren’t visible, we believe that the adjustments, measures, and efforts taken to meet people’s needs should be. Via is currently conducting research through their Visitor and Organiser Questionnaires. Here, we meet Stephanie, the founder of Via, and share how your views and experiences can help them gain valuable insights to identify areas where improvements can be made.
How Mindfulness Guru Jenna Hermans Uses Tech And Her Book To Make Calm Accessible To All (forbes.com)
The thirtysomething wife and mother of four started her journey towards better mindfulness after she relocated to the Bay Area from Los Angeles. The move to a new locale where she knew no one was an opportunity for her to put her so-called “queen of calm” moniker to work.
Cruise Senior Public Affairs Manager Michele Lee Talks Autonomous Cars And New Accessibility Council In Interview (forbes.com)
The San Francisco-based and General Motors-backed company wrote the Accessibility Council is yet another step forward in its steadfast commitment to making the future of transport “more accessible, equitable, and inclusive” to everyone, regardless of ability level.
Study Shows Majority of Americans Neglect Hearing Health Despite Accessibility of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids (hearingreview.com)
New study reveals Americans neglect hearing health. Over-the-counter hearing aids offer affordable solution.
"I want motorsport to be accessible for disabled people" (redbull.com)
After a road accident aged 16, my life and outlook changed forever, but my determination to succeed never ceased.
Social media star who advocates for blind community set to get 'life-changing' gene therapy (cbc.ca)
A young Pickering man who has amassed a big social media following for his advocacy for blind people is set to receive a sight-saving gene therapy — the first time in Ontario the immensely expensive procedure will be covered by OHIP.
Blind and Homeless Greek Pianist Overcomes the Odds (greekreporter.com)
Anastasios Pagonidis, a Greek pianist from Athens, did not let blindness or homelessness stop him from pursuing his dream to play the piano.
Visual impairment: Derry aims to improve accessibility (bbc.com)
Derry City and Strabane council wants to improve accessibility for people who are visually impaired.
Lessons for universities from disabled students (timeshighereducation.com)
Lessons from a group of disabled postgraduate researchers on steps that every university and tutor can take to better support disabled students.
ASEAN countries continue to struggle with accessibility (fairplanet.org)
Equal transportation access for people with disabilities (PWDs) remains elusive in Southeast Asia, but progress is seen across the region.
Jason Arday to become youngest ever black professor at Cambridge University (theguardian.com)
Arday, 37, a sociologist, aims to inspire others from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds.
Diagnosing and tackling hearing disability (yourstory.com)
A public-private-partnership (PPP) model involving the government, the private sector, and citizens can improve the campaign against deafness by ushering in a more disabled-friendly digital ecosystem.
How can we generate a better work environment for deaf employees? (openaccessgovernment.org)
Hearing loss can seriously impact one’s experience of work, so how can workplaces become more inclusive of deaf employees?
Music Commission to continue push to improve venue accessibility (austinmonitor.com)
The Music Commission plans to continue its work in making music venues of all sizes more accessible to the disabled, following the positive results from a task force on that issue convened last year by the Circuit of the Americas.
California Cannabis Retailer Faces Costly ADA and UCRA Claims (harrisbricken.com)
Cannabis companies should appreciate their ADA and California's Unruh Civil Rights Act obligations, as shown by a recent federal lawsuit.
Employment Rate Rising for People with Disabilities (shrm.org)
People who have a disability are landing jobs at record numbers, according to a new report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
‘The DeafBlind community is an underserved community.’ Northeastern engineering students are designing more accessible doorbells (news.northeastern.edu)
A team of student engineers and designers are developing a doorbell that can alert DeafBlind people using a Bluetooth connected wristband.
‘We need blind scientists.’ Northeastern professor tells United Nations about her ‘unseen advantage’ in inspirational speech (news.northeastern.edu)
Mona Minkara gave an inspirational speech at the UN about the advantages of including people who are blind or partially blind in science.
Elon Musk publicly mocks Twitter worker with disability who is unsure whether he's been laid off (edition.cnn.com)
Elon Musk has apologized after publicly scoffing at a Twitter employee's uncertainty about whether he had been laid off in a recent round of cuts and speaking dismissively of the employee's disability in a series of tweets Monday night.
Elon Musk backpedals after mocking disabled Twitter worker in tweet ‘storm’ (theguardian.com)
Haraldur Thorleifsson was locked out of his computer, but after nine days of no answer from the company, decided to tweet the CEO.
Everything You Need To Know About RADAR Keys (simplyemma.co.uk)
Improve your accessibility with a RADAR Key! Find out what they are, where to get them, and how to use a RADAR key to unlock disabled toilets in this guide.
Corporate Wellness and Preventative Care – Not Optional for Success (quirkyquad.com)
Before we can dive into Wellness and Preventative Care programs in the corporate world, we have to take a step back into dissecting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with respect to the different elements of “DEI.”
When Nataliya fled Ukraine with her daughter in a wheelchair, being shot was just an extra thing to worry about (abc.net.au)
Even if people with disabilities manage to overcome huge obstacles to flee war zones, they may struggle to access services once in Australia. A research project aims to change that.
NYC records 400 COVID deaths in 2 weeks as PCR testing drops (gothamist.com)
The number of NYC residents taking PCR tests, which determine official records and help track the disease, is the lowest it’s been since May 2020. But does that matter?
Star tells aspiring actors with Down's Syndrome 'don’t let people say you can’t' (itv.com)
Belfast actor James Martin is receiving glowing praise for his starring role in new award-winning black comedy short film ‘An Irish Goodbye’.
Students with disabilities at higher risks for arrests, dropping out (youthtoday.org)
Youth with disabilities are at least two-thirds of those in the juvenile justice system.
With humor and Xanax earrings, she fearlessly puts Latino mental health on display (latimes.com)
After her experience with generalized anxiety disorder, entrepreneur Rosa Valdes is working to normalize mental health awareness among Latinos.
Disability the 'stark' face of England and Wales suicide statistics (bbc.com)
Disability organisations shocked by England and Wales suicide figures.
'Pay attention to which types of disabled women are represented this IWD' (mirror.co.uk)
Disabled Britain guest editor and columnist for the Mirror, Rachel Charlton-Dailey, asks where are the different types of disabled women to be trotted out by corporations for International Women's Day - and not just one well-off white woman in a wheelchair?
Disney’s ‘Firebuds’ Wants To Show People Young And Old Disability Representation Is, In Fact, Diversity (forbes.com)
The series has two episodes, one premiering today (called "Cleft Hood") and another premiering next week (called "All That Jazzy"), that is much more disability-centric along the lines of the aforementioned shows.
Christina Applegate Is the Fearless Disability Warrior I Needed Growing Up (msn.com)
When Christina Applegate stepped onto the red carpet at the 2023 SAG Awards holding onto her daughter with one hand and a walking stick with the other, many members of the disability community, myself included, felt seen.
The Legacy of Judith Heumann: Transforming Policy, Planning and Urban Design (linkedin.com)
Judith Heumann, a fierce advocate for disability rights, passed away on Saturday, March 4th, leaving a legacy for planners and community organizers that will continue to inspire future generations. Known for her relentless pursuit of equality, Heumann was a trailblazer in advancing lasting social change. She’s best known as the “mother” of the disability rights movement, dedicating her life to breaking down physical barriers and challenging discriminatory practices that limited the participation of persons with disabilities in virtually all aspects of public life.
Netflix now lets TV viewers customize text for subtitles and closed captions (techcrunch.com)
Starting today, Netflix is giving TV users the option to customize the size and style of subtitles and closed captions.
Spike in deadly strep infections linked to wave of flu, RSV in US kids (arstechnica.com)
Group A strep is known to piggyback on viral infections.
‘Potent’ billboard art will highlight disabled people’s ‘many costs of living’ (disabilitynewsservice.com)
Four “potent” and “extraordinary” works of art produced by disabled artists in response to the cost-of-living crisis are to be displayed on billboards across five British cities next week.
First Biden Judge With Disclosed Disability to Join Trial Court (news.bloomberglaw.com)
Seattle trial lawyer Jamal Whitehead, the first Biden judicial nominee with a disclosed disability, was confirmed on Tuesday with bipartisan support to a seat on the US District Court for the Western District of Washington.
Democrats Seek To Expand Access To Home And Community Services For Disabled People (huffpost.com)
The Home and Community Based Services Access Act would mandate Medicaid coverage of long-term support for disabled people in their daily lives.
European Agency Issues Its Updated Position on Inclusive Education Systems (startingwithjulius.org.au)
The European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (European Agency) has recently updated its position on inclusive education systems. Their previous position paper was released in 2015, before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee) issued General Comment No. 4 (Right to Inclusive Education) in 2016, which explained the obligations of countries under Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in relation to inclusive education.
Off-Kilter Podcast: Celebrating Judy Heumann, Godmother of the Disability Rights Movement (1947–2023) (tcf.org)
This week, Off-Kilter is taking a break from our ongoing series about self-care as political warfare to honor the life and legacy of Judy Heumann, an iconic civil rights leader and the godmother of the disability rights movement. Judy passed away on March 4, 2023, at age 75.
The Annual Conference of Interdisciplinary, Intersectional, and International Disability Studies (store.hope.ac.uk)
Interdisciplinarity, intersectionality, and internationality are pivotal concerns in the Centre for Culture and Disability Studies (CCDS), whose sustained work often spans education, the humanities, and the social sciences. Although far from straightforward in practice, the premise of the CCDS is that interdisciplinarity leads to curricular reform that itself leads to changes in social attitudes. Growing appreciation of disability studies across academic fields and disciplines ultimately contributes to the erosion of ableism and disablism in culture and society, incremental progress inextricably linked with intersectionality and internationality.
The Human Rights Watch Film Festival 2023 (disabilityhorizons.com)
Disability Horizons is excited for next week, when the Human Rights Watch Film Festival kicks off in London and online across the UK and Ireland. This is truly a unique festival, that looks to support and create a space for celebrating everyday activists.
People with learning disabilities urged to book free annual health check (disabilityinsider.com)
People aged 14 and over with a learning disability in Cornwall are being urged to book in for their annual health check with their GP to support them to live well.
Mobility Aids 101: How To Cope, What To Get (trippingonair.com)
Progressive MS is hard. Finding a cool mobility aid shouldn't be. How to cope and what to get, mobility aids 101.
6 Ways to Build a Customer-Centric Culture (hbr.org)
Companies have been trying to adopt customer centricity for nearly 20 years now. Yet only 14% of marketers say their company really focuses on customer centricity. To build a culture that focuses on customer needs, companies should take six steps: Operationalize customer empathy; hire for customer orientation; democratize customer insights; facilitate direct interaction with customers; link employee culture to customer outcomes; and tie compensation to the customer. Company leaders are starting to recognize that culture and strategy go hand in hand. Only when customer-centric strategies are supported and advanced by culture will a company realize its customer-centric vision.
Tanni Grey-Thompson raises car charging point access concerns (bbc.com)
Tanni Grey-Thompson says "accessibility is being ignored" at electric vehicle charging points.
She flatlined three times, lost both legs and had a failing heart. Yet she told doctors she's 'the luckiest person on this planet' (edition.cnn.com)
Born with a congenital heart condition, a young model flatlined after contracting Covid-19 and then lost both legs. Yet Claire Bridges told her doctors she considers herself "the luckiest person on this planet."
Lycoming County Settles Accessibility Claims Under Title II of the ADA (mychesco.com)
On Friday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a settlement with Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to improve physical accessibility at the county’s polling places for individuals who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
Our fight for disability rights and why we're not done yet (youtube.com)
For more than 30 years, Judith Heumann has been involved on the international front working with disabled people’s organizations and governments around the world to advance the human rights of disabled people.
‘Anyone can dance’: first wheelchair users’ professional troupe begins UK tour (theguardian.com)
Propel Dance hope their Snow Queen challenges stereotypes, amid rumours Strictly may invite a contestant who uses a wheelchair.
New Wheelchair Doll Added to 'it's a small world' at Walt Disney World (thedisneyblog.com)
Walt Disney World has added a new doll in a wheelchair to the it's a small world attraction at Magic Kingdom, and we have the details.
Disney World adds doll in wheelchair to 'it's a small world' attraction (mynews13.com)
The addition is part of Disney's ongoing inclusion efforts.
Disney Parks are More Accessible Thanks to Cast Member Advocate (disneydining.com)
A wonderful step in the right direction!
Some Disabled People Are Paid Below Minimum Wage. This Bill Would End That. (huffpost.com)
A group of bipartisan senators and representatives introduced legislation last week that would end subminimum wages for disabled people.
These students raised hundreds of thousands to make their playground accessible (npr.org)
When a grant for accessible playground equipment didn't cover all the costs, the students at a Minnesota elementary school launched a fundraising campaign.
US Disability rights activist Judy Heumann dies aged 75 (bbc.com)
She was regarded as "the mother" of the disability rights movement whose demonstrations led to law changes.
Judy Heumann, disability rights activist, dies at age 75 (abcnews.go.com)
Judy Heumann, a renowned activist who helped secure legislation protecting the rights of disabled people, has died at age 75
What the next generation of disability activists can learn from Judy Heumann (wbur.org)
Judy Heumann's years of advocacy and lobbying ultimately led to the federal Americans With Disabilities Act.
Judith Heumann, ‘Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,’ Has Died (huffpost.com)
She fought for historic legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Judy Heumann obituary (theguardian.com)
Disability rights activist who helped shape global protocols and played a decisive role in fighting discrimination in the US.
Beyond Dr. Google: How to Find Credible Medical Insights Online (themighty.com)
"I want to share with you how not to get freaked out."
The Mentor Match - Would You Be Swiped Left? (diverseabilitymagazine.com)
Recently, a friend shared with me she was meeting a lot of great people by swiping right. I was a bit taken aback.
Dispelling 11 Common Myths About Kids with Disabilities (kit.org)
Break down the barriers that keep kids with disabilities from fully participating in their communities.
Here’s Why the Science Is Clear That Masks Work (nytimes.com)
A respected science organization says its review of studies about respiratory viruses was misinterpreted to incorrectly claim masks were useless.
The Number of Children Orphaned by COVID Keeps Rising (scientificamerican.com)
HIV has taught us how to care for children who have lost a parent, but more countries need to step up.
Long COVID may be to blame for surge in U.S. women with disabilities, putting them out of work (financialpost.com)
Long COVID is hitting women hard, meaning sectors that tend to employ more female workers are likely facing more shortages. Find out more.
"Work Until You Die" Is Not a Retirement Plan (thenation.com)
For Judith Heumann, and countless people with disabilities, “work until you die” was the only option. It’s past time to change that.
The Power of an Accessible Website: Practical Tips for Elevating Your E-Commerce Business (3playmedia.com)
About 15% of the world’s population experience a disability. Most nations have human rights laws that prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities – including requirements to make your website usable by people with disabilities. In the United States, website owners can be sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if their website is not accessible.
Supporting students with special educational needs online (timeshighereducation.com)
Five practical tips educators can use when teaching students with special educational needs on an online, blended or hybrid course, shared by Tendai Charles.
Home Design for Hearing Loss: Tips for Creating a User-friendly Home (todayshomeowner.com)
We all know how safety and comfort features make a home feel like a haven. For the millions of Americans who report trouble with hearing, home enhancements and updates that increase comfort, safety, and convenience aren’t just “cozy” ideas. They’re essential for enjoying a satisfying and independent life at home.
Designing with No Barriers: A Pledge for Inclusive and Accessible Design (linkedin.com)
What if designers pledged to design with no barriers for disabled people? In a world where technology and design are at the forefront of our daily lives, we have a responsibility to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in every aspect of the design process. Unfortunately, the current state of acWhat if designers pledged to design with no barriers for disabled people?
OTC hearings aids at a pharmacy near you: Two experts weigh in (healthyhearing.com)
Now that some drugstores are selling OTC hearing aids, find out what to expect from the pharmacist.
Involve People With Disabilities in Product Design (applause.com)
If you want to serve the broadest groups of people, it's critical to involve representatives from those groups in your product or service planning and design.
How Microsoft bakes accessibility into everything it touches (fastcompany.com)
The tech giant redesigns products for people with disabilities, hires neurodivergent employees, and arms policymakers with data around inclusive design.
The AbilityNet Podcast (abilitynet.org.uk)
Get the latest news and insightful expert discussion about the future of accessibility and inclusive design, from The AbilityNet Podcast: Disability. Technology. Inclusion.
QVC Announces Expanded Commitment to Accessible Product (csrwire.com)
QVC®, a world leader in live video commerce (“vCommerce”), today announced an expanded commitment to growing its accessible and adaptive assortments, streamlining how customers find and explore them, and enhancing the accessibility of its end-to-end shopping experience.
Wheel the World grabs $6M to offer guaranteed accessibility, price match for hotel rooms (techcrunch.com)
The company has two new booking tool features for families with disabilities, including guaranteed accessibility in hotel rooms and a price match.
Netflix lets you customize subs and closed captions in the name of accessibility (tweaktown.com)
Netflix is rolling out customizable subtitles and closed captions to better help people read on-screen text when watching TV shows and movies.
Sharing the Performing Arts with People who have Low Vision or are Blind (tdf.org)
TDF believes that the arts should be shared with everyone, including those with vision loss. For theatregoers who have low vision or are blind, TDF’s Accessibility Programs provide audio description services at select Broadway performances. Audio description allows the theatre lover who is blind or has low vision, to enjoy a live performance with their loved ones.
Four P&G Brands Raise the Bar with Accessible and Sustainable Packaging (us.pg.com)
Procter & Gamble brands Ariel, Gillette, Herbal Essences and Lenor were recognized for inclusive packaging design that drives sustainability.
These tools help visually impaired scientists read data and journals (nature.com)
Innovative software and modes of presentation are helping to broaden access to the literature.
Studio 24 redesigns the website for W3C (cambridgenetwork.co.uk)
Cambridge-based digital agency Studio 24 redesigns the famous industry website w3.org for W3C.
WHO promotes access to ear and hearing care in communities (who.int)
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a new Primary ear and hearing care training manual today to assist countries in building the capacity of their health workforce to provide ear and hearing care at the community level.
Beyond Alt Text: How To Make Our Work Truly Accessible To Everyone (journoresources.org.uk)
Simple changes to make to your work.
WHO releases guide to enhance advocacy for emergency care (disabilityinsider.com)
A new practical guide released by the World Health Organization (WHO) supports nongovernmental organizations to more effectively advocate for life-saving emergency care. Around the world, acutely ill and injured people seek care every day for medical, surgical and obstetric emergencies, including injuries resulting from road traffic crashes. The guide clearly defines the role that nongovernmental organizations can have and offers concrete actions for more effective and impactful advocacy.
Hearing impairment linked to thyroid eye disease treatment (disabilityinsider.com)
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves' orbitopathy, is an autoimmune condition affecting the eye tissue. Due to the inflammation of the fatty and muscle tissue behind the eyes, people diagnosed with TED can struggle with double vision, bulging of the eyes, eyelid swelling, increased tearing, and in some cases, loss of vision.
Rebecca A Withey: Do you dream in sign or sound? (BSL) (limpingchicken.com)
I was in a darkened hall. It felt like some kind of celebration. The lighting was dim and I was in the midst of a crowd. People were swaying and suddenly out of nowhere a voice sang out crystal clear and a smile grew on my face.
Creed III Shows Authentic Black Deaf Representation on Screen (respectability.org)
Creed III "elevated Black Deaf representation to another level with the amazingly talented Mila Davis-Kent, who plays Amara Creed."
Teetering on the Adolescent Balance Beam With Rare Disease (themighty.com)
"Lately I’m at a loss with my caregiving role, which has its own set of unique rules and challenges outside of the typical parenting responsibilities."
The Myth of Medical Marijuana Access (themighty.com)
"I lost access to working medication. Patients are being left behind, but there is something we can do about it."
Screening + Q&A: Disney Junior's Firebuds (respectability.org)
"Cleft Hood," a new episode of Disney Junior's hit series "Firebuds" premiering March 10, introduces Castor, a vehicle character born with a cleft hood.
Disability Media Network Offers Authentic Disability Content on New Streaming Service (newmobility.com)
DiMe's streaming service offers short series, documentaries and movies featuring a wide range of disabilities.
A Legacy for us to Build on: Wheelchair Users Reflect on the Loss of Judy Heumann (newmobility.com)
Following the death of Judy Heumann, wheelchair users took to social media to share her impact on their lives.
Disabled Worker Didn’t 'Contribute Enough to Twitter’s Downfall,' Claims Elon Musk (the-squeaky-wheel.com)
New Twitter CEO Elon Musk justified his firing of Haraldur “Halli” Thorleifsson by arguing that the disabled employee did not meaningfully advance the downfall of the platform.
With Us Not For Us (worlddownsyndromeday.org)
The message of With Us Not For Us is key to a human rights-based approach to disability.
The Best Thing You Can Do With A Pedestal is to Take a Sledgehammer to it. (rebecca-cokley.medium.com)
My favorite, Justin Dart quote, was “ learn to love the humanity in people, even the ones you hate.” ( and that is such a story for another time.)
Republicans take aim at Medicaid as budget talks heat up (politico.com)
Republican House and Senate leadership have been adamant that they will not cut Social Security and Medicare, but have said less about Medicaid.
‘My wheelchair is not a tragic accessory, it is my freedom’: Celebrating International Wheelchair Day (unitedspinal.org)
These wheelchair users took to social media to express the impact their mobility devices have on their freedom and quality of life.
Amazon's Fire TV expands Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids to Cochlear implants (aboutamazon.com)
Amazon and Cochlear collaborate to pioneer a solution that brings delight to the TV watching experience for people globally who use hearing implants.
Judy Heumann Funeral and Memorial (vimeo.com)
This is "Judy Heumann Funeral and Memorial" by Adas Israel on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
Report says long COVID could impact economy and be ‘mass disabling event’ in Canada (thestar.com)
A report released Thursday by Canada’s chief science adviser says she considers COVID-19 the “head” of the pandemic but long COVID its “tail” as the illness inflicts significant harm on individuals, their families and potentially the country’s economy.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a puzzle. Your gut microbiome may have the key. (nationalgeographic.com)
New research reveals connections between certain gut bacteria and chronic fatigue syndrome, an ailment often connected to long COVID.
Meet the female athletes and trailblazers making the fashion industry more inclusive (paralympic.org)
Para athletes like Robyn Lambird, Frances Rivera and Kanya Sesser are embracing their bodies and leading the revolution to make the fashion industry more inclusive for people with disabilities.
‘The number one barrier has probably been stigma’: the challenges facing disabled workers in the Australian screen industry (theconversation.com)
Our report is the first in-depth research into the experiences of and attitudes towards disabled people in the Australian screen industry.
Nationwide shortage of asthma medication albuterol could worsen in hospitals (abcnews.go.com)
Asthma medication albuterol has been facing a shortage since the fall -- and experts say it could get worse after a major supplier closed its facilities.
Oscars: Academy Adds Red Carpet ASL Interpreters, Accessibility Guide and More for 2023 Show (hollywoodreporter.com)
Jeanell English, AMPAS' executive vice president, impact and inclusion, unpacks what measures are returning from last year's show and how Hollywood's biggest night will be more accessible than ever.
Some long Covid patients face big medical bills and denied insurance claims. How to navigate coverage. (nbcnews.com)
Millions in the U.S. are out of work because of severe long Covid symptoms, and many are struggling to pay their medical bills. Here's how to navigate insurance coverage.
A year after ‘CODA’ made Oscars history, Deaf people are waiting for more inclusive stories (wgbh.org)
Industry professionals say the “gatekeepers” in Hollywood are major barriers.
Daughter unravels decades-old mystery of disabled mom’s rape (fox19.com)
No police report was ever filed, no employees were interviewed and no action was ever taken by administrators at the New York facility, the lawsuit said.
‘Wolf’ Medical Drama Inspired By Oliver Sacks From Michael Grassi, Lee Toland Krieger & Greg Berlanti Lands NBC Pilot Order (deadline.com)
NBC has ordered the pilot for Wolf, a one-hour medical drama from writer-producer Michael Grassi, producer-director Lee Toland Krieger and executive producer Greg Berlanti.
Every Single Cognitive Bias in One Infographic (visualcapitalist.com)
Here's all 188 cognitive biases in existence, grouped by how they impact our thoughts and actions. We also give some specific cognitive bias examples.
Woody Harrelson’s new film means well – but disabled people are more than mascots (theguardian.com)
Feelgood comedy Champions wins points for casting learning disabled actors – but Hollywood should be aiming higher than the way it treats their characters.
BBC Sounds - Access All: Disability News and Mental Health, Goodbye Judy, and thank you (bbc.co.uk)
Celebrating the remarkable life of disabled rights activist, Judith Heumann.
Mindset Matters: The Power Of Being Heumann (www-forbes-com.cdn.ampproject.org)
The vision of disability rights and civil rights icon Judy Heumann will have a profound effect on the future of business culture. Read how her vision is a true value add to the human story.
How Much Can You Control Your Emotions With Mental Illness? (themighty.com)
"Emotions aren’t something that can easily be switched on and switched off."
Reflecting on a Webinar with a Disability Rights Icon (respectability.org)
"Judy Heumann showed us the way. There will never be another leader like Judy. But within each of us, we have our own spark."
Judy Heumann: Remembering My Hero (respectability.org)
"Judy was another disabled person just like me: she was profoundly human. What made Judy special was that she knew that."
Female Leadership in the Disabled Community (respectability.org)
"Judy Heumann was a trailblazer. Being in a position of power, as she was, was a huge step not only for the general disabled population, but specifically for women and girls with disabilities."
Disabled Ancestorhood (respectability.org)
"In the disability community, grief is an all too frequent companion. Too many disabled friends have died prematurely."
Elon Musk and Halli Spar Over Termination at Twitter (icelandreview.com)
Twitter owner Elon Musk accused Icelandic entrepreneur and philanthropist Haraldur Þorleifsson of not doing his job and faking his disability.
Create A Custom Map With Pins In Seconds (mapsgpt.com)
Looking for the best flea markets, date nights, sexiest bridges in north america, or spots or perfect parks for walking your cat? Our map generator, powered by OpenAI and Proxi, will make a map with custom pins in seconds. Give it a try!
Plain Language Guides Database (plaintruthproject.org)
This is a database of guides teaching how to write in plain language.
“Nothing about Us without Us”: How Community Engagement Can Help Create Disability-Forward Research (urban.org)
The input of people with disabilities is necessary evidence in research and policymaking about issues that affect people with disabilities.
QVC Boosts Adaptive, Accessible Product Offerings (wwd.com)
The company has begun capitalizing on its video commerce and livestreaming capabilities to call out products for those with disabilities, illnesses, injuries, recovering from surgery or aging.
Flare Audio Earshade Earplugs Review (satonmybutt.co.uk)
I have received some of the new Flare Audio Earshade Earplugs. As always the quality of the products from Flare is stunning!
An Eggs-Traordinary Easter For All The Family (disabilityhorizons.com)
Find out what's happening this Easter at the Southbank Centre, the accessibility of the different events and how you can take part.
Caregivers Of Adult Children With Disabilities May Qualify For Time Off Work, Feds Say (disabilityscoop.com)
Federal officials are introducing a variety of new resources to help family caregivers who need time away from work to support an adult child with a disability.
Musk trashes disability advocate he apparently fired from Twitter (mashable.com)
Haraldur Thorleifsson was locked out of his computer, but even Twitter HR didn't know his employment status.
Mila Davis-Kent on Bringing Her ‘Black Deaf Girl Magic’ to ‘Creed III’ (variety.com)
It’s been a big week for Mila Davis-Kent, the 10-year-old actor who stars opposite Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson and Jonathan Majors in “Creed III.”
What is Rectal Bleeding? A Comprehensive Guide (themighty.com)
Find all the information you need on what to do if you experience rectal bleeding.
HR Tech trends that are starting to make workplaces more accessible & inclusive (barrierbreak.com)
The workplace is rapidly changing, and HR solutions and a big part in making it more accessible for everyone. From AI-powered recruitment tools to employee engagement platforms, plenty of new trends are revolutionizing the way HR teams work. Technology can help in different ways: HR Tech Trends Here are the five important HR Tech trends… Read More »HR Tech trends that are starting to make workplaces more accessible & inclusive
Fat Off, Fat On (disabilityvisibility.substack.com)
A Big Bitch Manifesto by Clarkisha Kent.
Microsoft’s Annual Ability Summit: Exploring the technology, people, partnerships and policies driving a more accessible future (blogs.microsoft.com)
Today, we kick off the 13th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, a day dedicated to the conversations that will advance the future of accessibility and disability inclusion. And there’s a lot to talk about this year!
CRIPtic Arts launches a year-long programme of arts activities! (cripticarts.org)
Get ready to learn and connect with CRIPtic Arts now that the first season of their Connect through Creativity 2023 events has launched.
Gen Z Deaf Actress Shaylee Mansfield Breaking Barriers For Better Representation In Hollywood (girltalkhq.com)
Shaylee is making history by being the first Deaf person to be credited as a voice-over actress for a signing role with Dreamworks.
AGT's Kodi Lee Just Won a Very Important Award (nbc.com)
"AGT" Season 14 winner Kodi Lee just received this award for his activism. Congratulations!
Elon Musk's Twitter 'town square' leaves out users who need it most (msnbc.com)
Sen. Ed Markey is right to call out Musk for making Twitter less accessible for disabled users.
Champions review – Woody Harrelson goes for slam dunk in likable basketball drama (theguardian.com)
Grumpy coach Harrelson trains a team of teens with learning disabilities in this remake of the Spanish film Campeones.
Cripping Masculinity: Designing Fashion Utopias (tangledarts.org)
Cripping Masculinity: Designing Fashion Utopias is a journey into the fashion worldbuilding of Disabled, Deaf, and Mad-identified men and masculine people. We welcome in the ways our stutters, dissociations, aches and pains — alongside our genders, races, and sexualities — greet our clothing to fashion our identities.
Children with disabilities ‘excluded from NHS waiting lists’ (thetimes.co.uk)
Parental stress is off the scale, says consultant.
U.S. Appeals Court Refuses To Order FAA To Stop Shrinking Seats On Planes (forbes.com)
Over the past decades, airlines have crammed more seats into planes for profit. Neither the FAA nor the courts has done anything to stop the trend.
For Young People on Medicare, a Hysterectomy Sometimes Is More Affordable Than Birth Control (khn.org)
Sam Chavarría said her doctor was clear about the birth defects her medication could cause if she became pregnant but agreed to keep her on it as long as she had an IUD.
Parents celebrate ‘huge win’ as planned staffing cuts to deaf unit at Islington primary school scrapped (limpingchicken.com)
Planned cuts to specialist staff at Laycock Primary School’s deaf unit in Islington will no longer go ahead, in what’s been hailed as a “huge win” for a group of parent campaigners.
David Ellington: Extraordinary Bodies’ new show, Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror! (limpingchicken.com)
Hi my name is David Ellington (sign name) I am a freelance artist. I’d like to tell you a bit about the show Waldo’s circus of magic and terror. The story takes us back to 1933 in Berlin, Germany during the time of the Nazi dictatorship. The Nazi’s took thousands of books and burned them to represent their harsh refusal of policies and laws in society at that time.
Integrated monolingualism and audism governing Spanish Sign-Language users’ self-determination in the legal system (jbe-platform.com)
Many legal systems have begun to adjust their social and linguistic practices to accommodate non-dominant social groups. However, linguistic diversity is often framed as an exception, and interpreters are viewed as a service to address these exceptions rather than as part of broader structural changes to enable access to justice. This article explores the access to and participation in the Spanish legal system of Spanish Sign-Language users (SSLUs) who are deaf or heard of hearing.
How Inclusive Design Can Further Our Accessibility Understandings (ign.com)
Although greater accessibility options are a welcome step, more can be done at core of game design.
The Sense of Relief I Feel in the Psych Ward Waiting Room as a Break From the Neurotypical World (themighty.com)
"The world may not be ours, but this place is."
"All Voices Matter" - Remembering Judy Heumann (1947 - 2023) (communicationfirst.org)
Like others in the disability community and around the world, everyone at CommunicationFIRST is devastated by the untimely loss of our badass colleague, Judy Heumann. Judy was elected to our Board of Directors in June 2019, months before CommunicationFIRST publicly launched.
Celebrating Judy Heumann's Life and Legacy (respectability.org)
This past Saturday, Judy Heumann, a legendary changemaker and advocate for disability rights, passed away after a brief time in the hospital.
What It Was Really Like to Take the Tilt Table Test (themighty.com)
"For a POTS patient, it can take a lot of effort to stay coherent as your body fights gravity — and loses."
Parents and carers need more help (havewheelchairwilltravel.net)
There's a hidden side to caring and parenting someone with a disability that's rarely spoken about. It's why parents & carers need support.
Advancing women with disabilities: a call for better representation (disabilityinsider.com)
On International Women’s Day, People with Disability Australia (PWDA) calls on organisations across Australia to recognise women with disabilities as ready and willing to lead.
Our NDIS is helping almost 600,000 people with disabilities. But there is a sinister plan afoot! (theguardian.com)
Did someone say money?
A Black Woman Grieves the Toll of Long COVID (tcf.org)
In this commentary, Chimére L. Smith, a Long COVID patient and advocate, reflects on her grief after leaving her teaching job because of the toll her illness has taken on her.
The Hidden Costs of Having ADHD (tcf.org)
"When I was a kid, I frequently forgot the forms for my school lunch account. There was always an alternative, usually a bland sandwich on Pizza Friday, so I never went hungry. But for things like field trips, when I forgot the forms, I got left behind. As I grew older, it got worse. Back in the Blockbuster days, I qualified for a card and within a week owed a fine on my video rentals. It kept happening—Netflix DVDs in the mail, phone bills, renewing my vehicle registration. The consequence was usually only a fee, so I didn’t lose out on these things. But it did start impacting my credit, which meant I didn’t qualify for certain jobs and couldn’t rent certain apartments."
How Educators Secretly Remove Students With Disabilities From School (nytimes.com)
Known as informal removals, the tactics are “off-the-book” suspensions often in violation of federal civil rights protections for those with disabilities.
Police Brutality: A (Speech) Disability Concern (communicationfirst.org)
Content Warning: This post discusses police brutality against disabled people. On January 26, 2023, police in Huntington Park, California, fatally shot a 36-year-old Black man and double amputee, Anthony Lowe.
My Almost Endless Quest for an Accessible-ish and (Somewhat) Charming Home (dwell.com)
As someone who uses a wheelchair, the struggle to create a space that feels right in function and aesthetics has followed me into every place I’ve lived.
One Way to a Better City: Ask Disabled People to Design It (curbed.com)
Wouldn’t everyone fare a little better if (to take just one example) airport luggage-screening counters were lower?
What I've learned being reliant on a caregiver (edition.cnn.com)
After spending a month in the ICU, Alice Wong relied on caregivers to have a normal life. She reflects on that experience, arguing that the devaluation and lack of investment in care work is an issue that needs to be addressed.
When Gig Workers Inadvertently Become Care Workers (conversationalist.org)
As if the gig economy wasn’t exploitative enough, it’s now filling a gap in another exploitative industry that values profits over human lives.
EDF statement for International Women’s Day 2023 (edf-feph.org)
Marking 8 March – International Women’s Day – the European Disability Forum (EDF) and its Women’s Committee recall that women and girls with disabilities continue to face numerous forms of discrimination, abuse and violence all over Europe and in the world.
Haraldur Thorleifsson Interview (awwwards.com)
Haraldur Thorleifsson, founder of ueno, creative, leader, musician and father gives a candid interview in which he shares his journey as a designer, his experience with muscle dystrophy and his current projects and passions.
Because she made a fuss, Judy Heumann made everyone's life better (msnbc.com)
Rachel Maddow celebrates the life and accomplishments of Judy Heumann, a tireless advocate for the rights of the disabled who helped secure the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Should Special Educators Earn More Than Other Teachers? (disabilityscoop.com)
Special education teacher and aide jobs are some of the most demanding and hardest to fill. Now, one state is considering paying these educators 20% more than their general education counterparts.