Donald Trump’s Next Diversity Target: People With Disabilities
I’m Raul Krauthausen the founder of SOZIALHELD*INNEN, an NPO and consultancy from Germany, focussing on Disability Mainstreaming. With this newsletter, I share hand-picked links from around the world.
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Thank you,
Raul
Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
Donald Trump’s Next Diversity Target: People With Disabilities (thenation.com)
The president’s disdain for disabled people—and obsession with genetic superiority—harks back to a grim past.
Looking back to move forward (open.substack.com)
Hello, As an activist, I am often asked who motivates me.
Section 504 explained for non US citizens (open.substack.com)
What you need to know to follow the current discussions on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
A Museum For Now (amuseumfornow.com)
A Museum for Now is a new place for thought, discussion and ideas about what a museum should be - and needs to be - in an ever-changing world.
Trump may 'love and cherish' Medicaid. He and Congress aren't ruling out cutting it. (politico.com)
Cuts to Medicaid remain on the congressional negotiating table to pay for Trump's legislative agenda.
President Trump cast potential blame for the tragic and deadly plane crash that occurred on people with disabilities employed by the FAA
What Caused the Crash Into the Potomac? For Trump, It Was Diversity. (nytimes.com)
In a briefing that recalled his most extreme first term remarks, President Trump said without any evidence that diversity initiatives caused the midair collision.
NEA Throws Out Grant Program for Underserved Communities (hyperallergic.com)
The NEA announced that it is scrapping its Challenge America grants and focusing on projects related to the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Smithsonian Institution to Close Its Diversity Office (artforum.com)
The Smithsonian Institution will close its diversity office, freeze federal hiring, and demand its staff return to in-person work in April.
Trump Dissolves Arts Committee Previously Restored by Biden (nytimes.com)
The disbanding of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities came amid a flurry of executive orders touching on art, culture and history.
NIH Orders Researchers to Halt HIV Prevention Program for Trans Youth of Color (them.us)
The program is part of a study and provides legal and financial assistance and support groups to participants.
C.D.C. Posts, Then Deletes, Data on Bird Flu Spread Between Cats and People (nytimes.com)
The data, which appeared fleetingly online on Wednesday, confirmed transmission in two households. Scientists called on the agency to release the full report.
In Idaho, a preview of RFK Jr.’s vaccine-skeptical America (washingtonpost.com)
This Idaho health district banned public clinics from distributing the coronavirus vaccine as widespread fear during the pandemic fades from public memory.
Here are the words putting science in the crosshairs of Trump’s orders (washingtonpost.com)
National Science Foundation staff have been combing through thousands of active science research projects, alongside a list of keywords, to determine if they include activities that violate Trump’s executive orders.
Regents' Lecturer Alice Sheppard: "Making Our Stage: Disabled Artists at Work" (dslabs.ucla.edu)
Join us for Alice Sheppard’s lecture, titled “Making Our Stage: Disabled Artists at Work”. Alice Sheppard is visiting UCLA as a 2024-25 academic year Regents’ Lecturer.
Disruptions in the Present: Art Historians on Biennials, Ecology, and Ableism (printedmatter.org)
Join us at Printed Matter for a conversation on art history’s assessment of itself in the present moment with writers Katie Anania, Amanda Cachia, and Paloma Checa-Gismero.
Access to Work (wellcomecollection.org)
Join us for a panel discussion exploring the relationship between labour, art, disability, parenting and interdependent networks of care.
Studium Generale 2024-25, Radical Accessibility: Crip Pedagogies, Crip Theory, Crip Practice | Leave Sick Leave, Resting Museum, with a foreword by Pernilla Manjula Phillip (rietveldacademie.nl)
“Sick” as an adjective so universally used for degeneration is also repurposed in English slang to mean, ‘cool’ or ‘amazing’. In this lecture, Resting Museum, will be deliberating upon several interconnected ideas from their art and research practices, particularly of the term ‘sickness’ in contexts of culture, institutional labour, and protest. This also draws from Shreyasi and Priyanka’s experience as an archivist in a design archive, and pedagogue at a research university, respectively. Resting Museum is interested in ableisms, both linguistically and infrastructurally, and the formation of certain ‘publics’ physically and virtually through practices of sitting, resting, and participating together.
LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund (cciarts.org)
The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund (the “Fund”) is a pooled fund led by the J. Paul Getty Trust with support from a coalition of major arts organizations and philanthropists. The Fund responds to the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires that began on January 7, 2025, and the ensuing financial needs of individuals that have resulted from this federally recognized “qualified disaster.” The Fund is for the benefit of Los Angeles County’s artists and arts workers in all disciplines impacted by the unprecedented wildfire crisis. The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), a 501(c)(3) public charity and trusted intermediary focused on the economic security of people in the arts, is administering this Fund.
Alt Txt Open Call (fieldprojectsgallery.com)
Field Projects is pleased to announce our Alt Txt Open Call guest curated by Angelica Aranda and Tereza Chanaki. Emerging and mid-career artists are invited to submit their work for consideration in our group exhibition. Below you will find more information about the work we are looking for.
NaTasha Yvette Williams, Jenna Bainbridge, Daniel Quadrino Will Join Broadway's Wicked (playbill.com)
Suffs alum Bainbridge will become the first wheelchair-using actor to take on the role of Nessarose on stage.
Lady Gaga - Abracadabra (Official Music Video) (youtube.com)
Directed by Lady Gaga, Parris Goebel and Bethany Vargas.
“Crippled” dancing with cane (reddit.com)
Can’t be just a coincidence that both videos have her dancing with a cane in that kind of jerky crippled way?
The Cane (VMAs 2009) (gagafrontrow.blogspot.com)
The cane that was used by Lady Gaga during her performance of Paparazzi at MTV's Video Music Awards in Radio City Music Hall, New York City, on September 13, 2009, has been obtained by GagaFrontRow. The process of acquisition, somewhere from among the midst of the construction of the set, was a rather lengthy one, but ultimately quite satisfying nonetheless. The cane is now safely kept in the Gagafrontrow collection.
How We Move (embracedbody.com)
A Dance intensive created for and by Disabled dancers and centering multiply marginalized (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, etc) dancers within our communities.
Building On Dana | Patterns in Space (daltongallery.agnesscott.org)
“A sustainable society is one that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” John Portman, “A Constant Vision in a World of Change” Building on Dana | Patterns in Space explores the building’s past, present, and future through the voices of artists, activists, students, … Continue reading "Building On Dana | Patterns in Space"
Transdisciplinarity in Disability, Art and Design (intellectdiscover.com)
Intellect Discover is the platform where Intellect's content lives: Browse publications for scholars and practitioners teaching and researching in the arts, media and creative industries.
“It was a different world altogether”: A Trip Through BEING Studio’s Archive (tangledarts.org)
BEING Studio is an arts studio in Ottawa, Ontario that supports artists with developmental disabilities. Opening its doors in 2002, the Studio holds a vast archive of artwork, artist writing, and ephemera. In the summer of 2022.
When I grow up, I will become a coat rack (1646.nl)
In Jenni-Juulia Wallinheimo-Heimonen’s glittering and futuristic worlds, blind people drive cars and the elderly wish for care robots to protect them from their human caregivers. In the exhibition When I grow up, I will become a coat rack, she invites us to better understand the consequences of excluding disabled people from decision-making and technological innovation.
Black Neurodivergence Is Real: It’s Not Just A White People’s Issue (afropunk.com)
How stigma and systemic barriers leave Black neurodivergent individuals behind.
Advocacy Platform (creativesrebuildny.org)
Creatives Rebuild New York champions a renewed social contract that centers trust and dignity for artists as workers. Our programs are rooted in direct investment in artists to support their economic security –by providing artists with an economic floor through guaranteed income, and by funding good jobs that pay a living wage. Our vision for systemic change is one that transforms working and living conditions for artists and creatives to thrive in New York State and beyond.
Deaf and disabled artist employment (creativesrebuildny.org)
Research on Work from Creatives Rebuild New York.
Crip Coin (creativesrebuildny.org)
Plain Language for Arts Organizations (creativesrebuildny.org)
A Guide from Creatives Rebuild New York.
ASAN Condemns Trump's baseless attacks on people with disabilities (autisticadvocacy.org)
This statement is available as a PDF here. Yesterday afternoon, President Trump asserted that efforts to recruit individuals with disabilities and members of underrepresented minorities to the federal civil aviation workforce contributed to the recent crash at Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Trump Enrages Activists For Blaming DC Plane Crash On DEI, Disabled People (huffpost.com)
The president implied that the crash was caused by the FAA's recruitment of people with "severe intellectual disabilities" and "psychiatric problems."
Some federal health websites restored, others still down, after data purge (npr.org)
While some information has been restored, scientists are still alarmed over the removal of data. It's not clear what has changed, and some pages remain offline.
Where to Find All Those Deleted Government Websites (lifehacker.com)
In recent days—in response to directives from the Trump administration—thousands of federal agency web pages have been deleted or altered to remove research, reports, and references to everything from vaccines to environmental policy initiatives. There are a number of efforts from scientists, researchers, journalists, and advocacy groups to compile and save information that has been removed from federal websites (or is at risk).
LFLegal Plan for Web Pages Deleted and Links Broken by the trump Administration (lflegal.com)
As many of us know by now, thousands of federal government web pages have been taken offline by the trump administration. The New York Times reported on February 2 that "more than 8,000 web pages" had been taken down over a 3 day period.
Q&A: The Risks of Trump’s Purge of Federal Health Websites (usnews.com)
Pages from federal websites have been gutted in compliance with Trump’s executive orders. Health stakeholders fear the impact that the loss of information could have for the public.
Reports: Trump planning order to diminish Education Dept. (insidehighered.com)
News reports about the potential executive order come after the Trump administration suspended dozens of department staff.
Trump is weighing big cuts to the U.S. Education Department (npr.org)
While only Congress can shutter the department, the president is reportedly considering executive action to severely scale back its responsibilities and staffing.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and 11 attorneys general today issued a joint statement addressing President Trump’s recent executive orders purporting to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies and programs – collectively referred to below as “DEIA”
Disabled workers are getting screened out of digital hiring (nbcphiladelphia.com)
Big questions are emerging about the equity of digitized hiring assessments and the impact they have on disabled people.
Federal probe of Bridgeport bus service focused on accessibility, documents show (ctpublic.org)
Greater Bridgeport Transit faced scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice over lack of accommodations for passengers who are disabled.
Paralyzed Veterans of America today launched "Barriers Still Exist" – a new multi-part public service announcement in response to their recent survey that revealed widespread accessibility struggles remain and have a devastating emotional impact on people with disabilities. The survey also suggests inconsistent compliance of the Americans with Disabilities Act across the nation. The latest PSA installment, Barriers Still Exist – RJ's Everyday Fight, follows U.S. Army Veteran and PVA member R.J. Anderson of Chicago, IL, who encounters endless accessibility barriers on his way to a job interview.
Widespread Accessibility Barriers Still Exist for Veterans, People with Disabilities (rochellenews-leader.com)
Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act being the law of the land for nearly 35 years, a startling new survey from Paralyzed Veterans of America shows accessibility remains an unfilled promise for millions of Americans.
Survey finds ongoing mobility accessibility struggles for Americans with disabilities (newschannel9.com)
The Americans with Disabilities Act was supposed to ensure no American would be left behind because of accessibility barriers.
Opinion: A lack of accessibility leaves disabled commuters behind (nyunews.com)
Nearly 1 in 6 New York City residents have a disability, and for many, the subway system remains a source of exclusion rather than access. As of January, 336 subway stations in New York City, or 72%, are not accessible, meaning they do not have an elevator or ramp to enter through.
Straight to the Top: New Nonstop Elevators to Speed Subway Accessibility Coverage (thecity.nyc)
The J/Z’s Woodhaven Boulevard station in Queens is the first stop in the system where elevators bypass an existing turnstile level and deposit riders directly at the platform.
Clearing snowy sidewalks critical for accessibility in winter months (ktvh.com)
Getting out and shoveling snow may be the last thing on your mind, but scooping up piles of snow may be someone's ticket to getting to work or saving a life.
Sources: VA’s new EHR is not accessibility compliant (nextgov.com)
A VA official told Nextgov/FCW that, at the facilities where VA’s new electronic health record has been deployed, “veterans with disabilities cannot access their own records because the patient portal is inaccessible to them.”
Uncertainty in Michigan looms over Trump promise to dismantle US Department of Education (eu.freep.com)
As President Donald Trump seeks to shutter the Department of Education, the potential closure of the federal agency has some Michiganders reeling.
Canada's most accessible twin-centre – endorsed by Prince Harry and Invictus (ttgmedia.com)
As Vancouver and Whistler gear up for the Invictus Games starting this weekend, Megan Nelson, travel trade manager international, Destination Vancouver, explains why hosting the event is the perfect platform to showcase both destinations’ year-round accessible credentials
Visit Myrtle Beach recognized for accessible tourism initiatives (wpde.com)
Visit Myrtle Beach is being recognized as one of nine travel organizations and one of two United States-based destination marketing organizations to receive a 2024 Travel Vanguard Award.
How 3 Colorado Towns Are Working to Be Leaders in Accessible Travel (matadornetwork.com)
Glenwood Springs, Beaver Creek, and Pueblo will receive accessibility support as part of Colorado's Accessible Travel Program.
Check out America’s 9 most accessible national parks, according to reviews (eu.usatoday.com)
From the start, the world’s first national park was intended “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” Those words can still be seen inscribed on Roosevelt Arch near the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
RAIC Journal: Accessible Architecture in the Super Ageing Era—A Field Report from Japan (canadianarchitect.com)
Canada’s population is aging rapidly, yet our built environment is not adapting quickly enough. By 2050, the number of seniors will be double that of today’s, reaching one-fourth of the population. Japan—the most advanced ageing country in the world—has already reached this milestone, and entered what is known as the “super-ageing era.” A stroll around Tokyo gives a glimpse of what the future holds, and provides clues to what Canada’s cities and built environment will need to do to adapt to this forthcoming reality. I will introduce a few instructive projects here.
Digital spaces not safe or accessible for older Aussies, says expert (thesenior.com.au)
Is Australia doing enough to make online spaces accessible for older users?
Amplifii Music Festival is making music accessible for everyone this February (glamadelaide.com.au)
Designed with accessibility at the forefront of their efforts, let Amplifii Music Festival show you how inclusive a festival can truly be.
Church members’ service promotes social inclusion and accessibility in 2 South American countries (thechurchnews.com)
Recent efforts to increase accessibility in Argentina and Peru allow Church members “to serve our community and strengthen social inclusion beyond our beliefs.”
Using technology to empower persons with disabilities (kuenselonline.com)
Technology can be a supertool, especially for persons with disabilities (PWD). In Bhutan, where infrastructure and accessibility pose major challenges to PWDs, technology can play a pivotal role in helping them navigate daily life, communicate, work, and learn with greater ease and independence.
Surrey: Major upgrades to accessibility at Pierrepont Farm under way (bbc.com)
The farm attraction receives a £70,000 grant to improve its accessible facilities.
Lagos empowers PWDs in Civil Service with assistive tools, devices (pmnewsnigeria.com)
The Lagos State government, through the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), has provided work tools and assistive devices to approximately 50 civil servants with disabilities in the state.
The best place to find government services and information (lagosstate.gov.ng)
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has presented work tools and assistive devices to about 50 civil servants with disabilities in the state. Cheques of N1,100,000:00 (One Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira) each were also handed to 11 individuals to procure prosthetics, aimed at enhancing their independence and productivity.
How universities can help make our cities more accessible for people with disabilities (theconversation.com)
A lack of accessibility can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life. Universities should teach students to develop creative solutions that make urban environments more inclusive.
Hinksey Heights boardwalk makes Oxford 'hidden gem' accessible (bbc.com)
A 650m boardwalk allows visitors to walk along a trail that was difficult to navigate.
Surrey Schools launches accessibility video series to promote common understanding of terms (surreyschools.ca)
The district is launching an exciting new four-part animated video series on accessibility to help students, parents and staff better understand language around accessibility, namely the terms disability, barriers, accessibility and inclusion.
AccessibleEU: Accessibility at the forefront of tourism planning (traveldailynews.com)
UN Tourism and AccessibleEU collaborate to enhance global accessible tourism, sharing a comprehensive report at FITUR 2025 with good practices and strategies for inclusivity.
Warner Bros conjures up accessible Hogwarts tour in Leavesden (bbc.com)
Fans can touch wands, costumes and magical creatures during the tactile tour.
Making Polish nature accessible for people with disabilities (dw.com)
For people with disabilities, getting around can be tough. When it comes to nature, it can be even tougher. A Polish foundation has enlisted the help of people with special needs to make nature reserves more accessible.
The politics of accessibility (briandeconinck.com)
Personal website and portfolio for Brian DeConinck, a digital accessibility specialist.
Supporting riders with service animals (uber.com)
Uber launches new features for riders with service animals New features for riders with service animals
Accessibility Technology and Innovation Lab at Verizon (equalentry.com)
Nine years ago, Fred Moltz started Verizon’s accessibility program. He built it from the ground up, which helped him evolve into a disability advocate and champion.
Council Post: How To Design Digital Products With Accessibility In Mind (forbes.com)
As life becomes increasingly digital, making technology accessible to all isn’t just the necessary and right thing to do—it’s also good for UX, CX and bottom lines.
Mallavora: Champions Of Accessibility (distortedsoundmag.com)
Katie Bird shines a light on rising metalcore outfit Mallavora, champions of accessibility! Read her interview here on Distorted Sound!
European Accessibility Act and EN 301 549 Explained (applause.com)
Get clarity on the European Accessibility Act, EN 301 549 and other related compliance topics that you need to know for the EAA launch.
Users’ experiences of park accessibility and attractiveness based on online review analytics (nature.com)
Understanding public experiences of urban parks is crucial for their sustainable and effective management. While traditional surveys demand substantial resources, social media data present a cost-effective approach to capturing people’s perceptions. This study utilizes Google reviews to examine users’ sentiments regarding Cairo’s urban parks. Using topic modeling, we identified four key themes: quality and maintenance, family and activities, costs and affordability, and natural environment. Sentiment analysis revealed that 79.8% of reviews expressed positive sentiments, while 8.1% were negative. Statistical analysis indicated that: (1) safety and commercialization-related factors like food and ticket prices significantly influence park accessibility; and (2) park attractiveness is strongly associated with the park’s cultural (e.g., aesthetic experiences, leisure and entertainment opportunities) and regulatory features (e.g., cleanliness, quietness). An in-depth content analysis validated these findings and added nuanced interpretation. These findings demonstrated that online reviews can serve as a valuable indicator of park accessibility and attractiveness, thereby fostering more informed park management decisions. However, we also acknowledge their limitations, such as potential bias towards more tech-savvy users and the lack of detailed demographic information. Therefore, future research should combine social media data with traditional qualitative methods to capture the broader socio-cultural dynamics influencing park use.
Quality of the Walkability for Measuring Accessibility. The Case of the Elderly People in the City of Milan (springerprofessional.de)
Walking is a key dimension for well-being in later life both indirectly—e.g. access to opportunities—and directly—e.g. active lifestyle and health. Consistent with these observations, transport, mobility and urban studies have been devoting increasing attention to walkability, which is considered a key contributing factor for reaching a liveable and age-friendly city. Research on walkability generally focused on the spatial features of the environment, taking into account the needs and preferences of an “universal” pedestrian. However, it is crucial to consider the variety of needs, preferences and capacities of individuals as well as the social and subjective factors, which are able to enhance or limit walking behaviours, in particular when taking into account an increased and differentiated population such as the older one. After a review of the literature on the topic, the chapter presents the results of the comparison between an adapted location-based walkability index (Kestens et al. in BMC Geriatr 16:96, 2016)—calculated through a GIS-based spatial analysis and the selections of opportunities of potential interest for older people—and the perceptions about environment’s pedestrian friendliness of a sample of 288 over 65 years old residents living in the metropolitan city of Milan—collected through the ALPHA scale (Spittaels et al. in Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 7:48, 2010). The results show a general assonance between the objective and subjective evaluation and a dissonance, namely in the case of women and oldest-old respondents. In this sense, we argue the need to focus more on the quality of walkability in order to contribute to an age-friendly city for all.
Jeet Adani Appears On Shark Tank India, Champions Disability Inclusion And Accessibility (youtube.com)
Jeet Adani, the younger son of billionaire Gautam Adani, recently appeared on a special episode of Shark Tank India to amplify the voices of entrepreneurs driving social impact, particularly in the realm of disability inclusion and accessibility. Titled 'Gateway to Shark Tank – Divyang Special', the episode highlighted groundbreaking innovations by specially-abled individuals and organisations dedicated to their empowerment.
Experts Want Ekiti State Govt To Prioritise Accessibility, Equality For PWDs (youtube.com)
#wike #fubara #riversstate #breakingnews #tinubu #bolaahmedtinubu #kashimshettima #abuja #TVCNews #TVC #News #NaijaNews #NaijaGist #Entertainment #NewsUpdate...
Beyond fake PWD IDs: Inclusion, accessibility, and disability rights (opinion.inquirer.net)
Last Feb. 4, Restaurant Owners of the Philippines (“Resto PH”) released an official statement asserting that “fake PWD cards are crippling the restaurant industry.” The group called for fairness as they noted that the prevalence of fake persons with disabilities (PWD) IDs cut into the revenues of an industry with already slim margins to work with, which particularly impacts small and medium businesses working to make ends meet.
Kelly Clarkson, Senior Accessibility Specialist, Government Digital Services (accessibility.blog.gov.uk)
This is for everyone: documenting how we rebuild inclusive digital services across government
Web accessibility gaps in the Global South: Who gets left behind? (devdiscourse.com)
The study identifies multiple factors contributing to poor web accessibility in the Global South. One of the primary barriers is the heavy reliance on mobile internet access. Unlike desktop environments, mobile interfaces introduce unique accessibility challenges, such as small screen sizes, touch-based interactions, and inconsistent website layouts. Many developers, particularly in low-resource settings, lack the expertise or tools to ensure mobile-friendly accessibility compliance.
Council Post: Better Workplace Inclusivity Through Technology: Practical Strategies (forbes.com)
From digital tools that support all team members to solutions designed and built by and for diverse groups, technology can play a role in workplace inclusivity.
Why Appliance Accessibility is More Than Just Adding an App (accessaces.com)
I have been so frustrated lately with how so many things are adding complexity in the name of security. I am a firm believer in security, but lately it’s been sending me on a rampage.
Survey shows disparity, inconsistency over accessibility in America (news3lv.com)
Paralyzed Veterans of America launched “Barriers Still Exist." The new multi-part public service announcement is in response to their recent survey that revealed widespread accessibility struggles remain and have a devastating emotional impact on people with disabilities.
County govts’ urged to enhance accessibility for PLWDs (youtube.com)
Coast region County Governments have been challenged to develop policies that ensure Persons with Disabilities (PLWDs) can access essential services in multi-storey buildings. The Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights has formally submitted a petition to the Senate and issued a two-month ultimatum for the legislators to respond to an inquiry into the accessibility of buildings in Mombasa.
Alt Text Accessibility: Balancing AI and Human Oversight (equalentry.com)
At a time when visual content drives engagement and shapes brand identity, accessibility often becomes an afterthought. Yet, for millions of users who rely on image information and assistive technologies, accessible content is a necessity. To bridge this gap, companies like Scribely are pioneering innovative solutions. By specializing in high-quality image descriptions for photos, videos, and audio content, Scribely empowers organizations to meet accessibility standards while maintaining their brand’s unique voice and visual impact.
Speech Accessibility Project data leads to recognition improvements on Microsoft Azure (speechaccessibilityproject.beckman.illinois.edu)
Microsoft's speech recognition tools have seen “significant improvements” for people with speech differences because of a disability.
Hekman elevator shutdown sparks conversation about well-maintained accessible infrastructure (calvinchimes.org)
The mechanical issues, which were uncovered during routine maintenance, were described as a “catastrophic hydraulic jack failure” by Lisa Kooy, assistant director of student success, who was quoting information from facilities staff. The elevator provides the only elevator access to the fourth and fifth floor of the library. As a result, this breakdown has posed significant challenges for all who use the elevator.
Redefining recreation: Making campus activities more accessible to all (ualberta.ca)
From wheelchair-accessible Zumba to macrame workshops, Campus and Community Recreation offers activities that go beyond sports to foster connection and community.
Accessibility Series 2025: DeafSpace with Hansel Bauman and Melanie Drolsbaugh (brynmawr.edu)
Hansel Bauman, DeafSpace architect, and Melanie Drolsbaugh, ASL professor, present DeafSpace- a concept of building spaces that respect and reflect the way Deaf people inhabit space.
UMich unveils digital accessibility initiative to expand online access (michigandaily.com)
On Jan. 13, the University of Michigan announced the creation of the Digital Accessibility Strategic Initiative, a program which aims to promote equitable access to digital services at the University and Michigan Medicine.
Noyes Partners with Nonprofit to Create Disability Arts Program (stockton.edu)
Museum’s Access to Art program supported by $70,000 from Atlantic Center for Independent Living, Inc.
Students voice accessibility concerns at SGA, DSA town hall (gwhatchet.com)
SGA Sen. Jacob Wilner (CCAS-U) and Alex Radt, the Disabled Students Collective events coordinator, hosted the meeting, which featured six panelists including Director of Disability Support Services Rochelle Mills and Director of Campus Living and Residential Education Joe Paulick.
Addressing the uphill battle of safety, accessibility on campus (tuftsdaily.com)
It is undeniable that Tufts’ infamously hilly campus is challenging to navigate. Try as students might, an uphill trek is nearly unavoidable. The pedestrian experience is a part of day-to-day life here on campus. While many pedestrian safety issues go unnoticed by students in the chaos of each day, this was not the case for junior Anand Patil, when he took his first steps at Tufts as a first-year in 2022.
UF ceases DEI and accessibility funding (alligator.org)
All diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility activities required of federal funding in grants will cease at UF, according to an email sent by the university’s Vice President for Research, David Norton.
Center for Human Services, Missouri State Fair win two national awards for accessibility initiatives (sedaliademocrat.com)
At the 2024 International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) Convention, Center for Human Services (CHS) and the Missouri State Fair received two first-place national awards.
Title IX, Accessibility Offices to comprise new division (news.clemson.edu)
Previously housed under the Office of Access Compliance and Education, Clemson’s Title IX Coordinator and ADA Services will now be part of a new University division. Max Allen, senior vice president and chief of staff, will coordinate the establishment of the new division, and Katherine Weathers has been named interim Title IX coordinator. Alesia Smith, previously Title IX coordinator, has accepted a new position within the Division of Student Affairs.
Equal Rights Center Files Accessible Design and Construction Complaints Against Properties in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore (prnewswire.com)
Today, the Equal Rights Center (ERC) filed two complaints alleging accessible design and construction violations at properties in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD. The ERC filed a housing discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) against Chasen Construction LLC d/b/a Chasen Companies and CS 421 South Broadway LLC alleging Fair Housing Act (FHA) violations at The Brixton, an apartment building in Baltimore, MD. The ERC also filed a lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court against 1214 Bladensburg LLC and McWilliams Ballard, Inc., alleging unlawful discrimination in the design and construction of the Bonsai Apartments, a multi-family building in Northeast D.C. in violation of the D.C. Human Rights Act ("DCHRA") and the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act ("DCCPPA").
On-Demand Webinar | Web Accessibility in 2025 (info.usablenet.com)
Prepare for web accessibility lawsuit trends in 2025 with this free webinar featuring seasoned Digital Accessibility Lawsuit Defendants David Stein and David Nieporent.
Affordable Care Act Section 1557: New Language Accessibility Requirements (morganlewis.com)
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain healthcare activities. Among other requirements, all healthcare providers that receive, directly or indirectly, federal financial assistance, including but not limited to participation in Medicare or Medicaid must now provide a notice of availability of language assistance services free of charge. The US Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) new set of requirements was finalized in April 2024.
Accessibility to be made a requirement for the private sector (cms-lawnow.com)
Previously, only public sector bodies had to offer an accessible website to ensure no visitors faced any barriers. The German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) has now considerably expanded the requirements to ensure accessibility on the basis of European provisions. From 28 June 2025, companies will have to make services and products accessible to consumers on a large scale. This will affect services and products that enable digital participation in society. In future, they will be expected to also be accessible to people with cognitive or physical disabilities. The scope of the law is very broad and ranges from smartphones and notebooks to online shops.
Visit Nottinghamshire Announce Partnership with UK Accessibility Specialists to Develop Nottinghamshire as an Inclusive Tourism Destination (marketingnottingham.uk)
Visit Nottinghamshire is delighted to have partnered with leading national disability organisation, AccessAble, to enable tourism and hospitality businesses to develop quality assured accessibility information.
3Play Media Expands Executive Team with Strategic Promotions to Support Growth and Innovation in Media Accessibility & Localization (businesswire.com)
3Play Media, the leading media accessibility and localization provider in North America, today announced the promotion of two key executives to its C-suite, strengthening the company's leadership team as it continues to innovate and expand its solutions. Lily Bond has been promoted to Chief Growth Officer, and Dan Caddigan has been elevated to Chief Technology Officer.
The Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection joins the movement towards helping the community and earns the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. This certification is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations that demonstrate a high level of commitment to ensuring their services are accessible and accommodating to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. Through this certification process, the staff received training to best equip them with the knowledge and resources needed to provide a great experience for autistic guests and their families.
Grant Will Aid Kelly Brush Foundation and Partners to Promote Accessible Mountain Biking In Vermont (bicycleretailer.com)
Grant funding will help to promote a holistic view of accessible active outdoor vacation opportunities in VermontBURLINGTON, VT, February 4, 2025 - Stable, three-wheeled adaptive mountain bikes offer people with all abilities open access to a variety of terrain, where riders can enjoy the challenge, fun, and fitness benefits of mountain biking. Often, the only thing that stops three-wheeled riders from enjoying a trail is closely spaced trees or a rock at the entrance to a trail, intended to keep vehicles out.
A' Accessibility, Assistive Technologies, and Inclusive Design Award Announces Final Call for Entries (wvnstv.com)
The A' Accessibility, Assistive Technologies, and Inclusive Design Award, a highly regarded recognition program in the care design sector, announces its final call for entries for the 2024-2025 competition period. Established in 2008, this distinguished award aims to recognize and honor excellence in accessibility solutions, assistive technologies, and inclusive design innovations that enhance the quality of life for individuals worldwide.
Accessibility upgrades to popular South West and Great Southern tourism attractions complete (perthisok.com)
Accessibility upgrades to South West tourist attractions are now complete with $5.7 million changes made to Ancient Empire Walk and Walpole and Narnolup Inlet Marine Park.
Hundreds celebrate talent at Down Syndrome Association's 'Dancing with Our Stars' gala (cwcolumbus.com)
Hundreds gathered for a memorable evening at the Down Syndrome Association's 'Dancing with Our Stars' gala, where 54 individuals with Down syndrome danced.
Platform to help businesses comply with European accessibility legislation goes live (techcentral.ie)
An Irish company has launched an online platform that can help businesses avoid fines of up to €60,000 and comply with new accessibility legislation coming into effect in Ireland in June of this year.
City of Yuma reminds community to provide feedback on ADA accessibility (kyma.com)
The City of Yuma is asking locals to provide feedback on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Liverpool City Region champions accessibility with groundbreaking forum (investliverpool.com)
The “Liverpool City Region For All Forum: Unlocking an accessible visitor economy” marked a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to universal accessibility, headlined by Paralympic champion and disability rights advocate Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL.
RBC Invests $1 Million in Glenbow to Drive Increased Accessibility (newswire.ca)
Glenbow is delighted to announce a $1 million gift from the RBC Foundation as part of RBC's new Community Infrastructure Fund. Specifically designated for accessibility, this gift supports Glenbow's efforts to accommodate and welcome visitors with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory needs.
Postal Museum planning £1 million upgrade to improve accessibility (ianvisits.co.uk)
The Postal Museum has outlined plans to create a virtual Mail Rail ride to open the tunnel experience to people who can't ride their small trains through the narrow tunnels.
South Arts invites applications for Accessibility Grants program (philanthropynewsdigest.org)
Headquartered in Atlanta, South Arts is a nonprofit, regional arts organization that aims to empower artists, organizations, and communities and increase access to arts and culture.
New passenger assistance technology launched across Japan (globalrailwayreview.com)
A new web application Passenger Assistance is due to be launched in Japan in Spring 2025, by Transreport in partnership with Hankyu Corporation (Hankyu).
$18m for accessibility upgrades at Toronto Old Mill Station (railway-technology.com)
The TTC board has given green light for undertaking accessibility enhancements at Old Mill Station on Line 2 of the Toronto Subway in Canada.
City engaging residents on Age-Friendly Accessibility Plan (e-know.ca)
The City of Kimberley, in conjunction with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, is developing an Age-Friendly Accessibility Plan.
Torch Theatre invites public to share views on accessibility (pembrokeshire-herald.com)
THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven is calling on the local community to share their views on accessibility as part of a national scheme aimed at improving inclusivity in theatres across Wales.
3Play Media Launches AI-Enabled Accessibility Tools (campustechnology.com)
Accessibility provider 3Play Media has introduced new AI-enabled video accessibility solutions designed to help colleges and universities meet ADA Title II compliance regulations.
Iberia launches app as part of accessibility initiative (businesstraveller.com)
Iberia has launched an app in partnership with startup Háblalo to make travel more accessible for those with hearing or verbal communication difficulties.
Google Maps can help you find accessible locations — here’s how (tomsguide.com)
Google Maps makes finding accessible locations easier than ever.
AI, Hearing, And Accessibility, A Market Shift You Can’t Ignore (forbes.com)
The strides we've made in this field inspire hope for a future where hearing loss is not a barrier but a challenge we can overcome.
Cory Lee: Redefining Accessibility with Google Workspace (wdef.com)
Featured in Google Workspace’s upcoming Super Bowl ad, Travel Blogger and Accessibility Advocate Cory Lee is proving that technology can break barriers and open the world to everyone.
How Emirates eye masks are helping the visually impaired (aircraftinteriorsinternational.com)
The eye masks given out by crew in Emirates’ business-class cabins help customers sleep during flights. However, the masks have a lot more potential, as the airline recently demonstrated when it distributed more than 12,000 of the eye masks to schools for the blind, sensory services, and vision support centres in the UK.
AI-powered lipstick robot redefines beauty accessibility (trendwatching.com)
Grupo Boticário’s AI-powered Smart Lipstick enhances beauty accessibility with robotic precision, empowering users with motor and visual impairments.
Carnival Cruise Line answers key internet question (thestreet.com)
Passengers need to know this information and, in many cases, the answer isn't what they think it is.
From Airports to Amusement Parks, Seekr Navigation Aims to Enhance Accessibility for All (hypepotamus.com)
James Mead is changing how blind and visually impaired individuals navigate complex public spaces with Seekr Navigation.
Bengaluru-based NGO launches India’s first AI-powered accessibility evaluation app (deccanherald.com)
YesToAccess serves as a digital public good, blending cutting-edge technology with community-driven efforts. By allowing individuals to contribute accessibility data, the app empowers users to play an active role in building an inclusive India.
voco St David’s Cardiff Enhances Accessibility with AccessAble Initiative (businessnewswales.com)
voco St David’s Cardiff has announced a new partnership with AccessAble, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all guests.
Greater Manchester leading the way in boosting rail station accessibility (premierconstructionnews.com)
Work to build a more inclusive and accessible rail network in Greater Manchester will see twice as many rail stations becoming step-free in the next three years than in the preceding decade.
Air Canada Marks One Year of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program (openjaw.com)
Air Canada launched its Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program one year ago, enhancing travel accessibility for individuals with non-visible disabilities.
Elemore Country Park Expands Accessibility with Free Sensory Room (sunderlandmagazine.com)
The sensory room, which is part of the country park’s ongoing transformation and commitment to accessibility, is free to use 7 days a week with no pre-booking required.
GoodMaps app helps blind navigate sites, gets first Tennessee location (local3news.com)
Learn about a new app in Tennessee designed to enhance accessibility for people with visual impairments and other disabilities, making it easier to navigate public spaces.
Berghaus Adapts Program Removes Barriers to Outdoors for Disabled (sgbonline.com)
British outdoor brand Berghaus is adapting kits to make the outdoors accessible to more people with physical disabilities.
Google Meet adds enhanced screen reader control in accessibility win (androidpolice.com)
Most people don't realize how likely it is that any given internet user they interact with deals regularly with vision difficulties or other information processing-related challenges. Not only do many people living with blindness use the internet, they're also often more proficient at doing so, according to a (somewhat small) 2018 study.
How a small team is helping to move accessibility forward, one thumbstick at a time (eurogamer.net)
We chat to the man behind Thumb Soldiers, an outfit allowing players with disabilities to get better control of thumbsticks.
ESA Brings top studios together at GDC to unveil new accessibility initiative (gamedeveloper.com)
On Thursday, March 20th at 12:15-1:15pm, GDC will present From Idea to Action: Lessons from a New Accessibility Initiative.
Innovative Program PlayAbility Revolutionizes Gaming Accessibility (evrimagaci.org)
By allowing disabled gamers to control games with facial gestures, PlayAbility offers affordable access and inclusivity.
Motion sickness accessibility in video games (news.ycombinator.com)
Narrow FoV ruins me. Even after all these years, Far Cry 2 on PC was one of the worst video game experiences ever for me because it had FoV tuned for couch gaming. IIRC I was able to somewhat fix it with a console command to adjust the FoV, but actions like sprinting which forced the FoV to something even narrower than default would undo that.
Universal Design for a More Inclusive World (respectability.org)
The term Universal Design is increasingly common in conversations around accessibility, but what exactly does it mean? Universal Design is the configuration of a space or environment so it can be accessed, used, and understood by the greatest number of people, regardless of their size, age, or ability. This concept ensures buildings, parks, homes, and public transportation are approachable and inclusive for all.
“FROM BED-BOUND (Literally) TO BREAKING BARRIERS—WHAT SUCCESS REALLY MEANS.” (quirkyquad.com)
Thank you to Los Angeles Magazine for featuring my TEDx talk as one of the top 30 impactful talks of this century! A huge congratulations to my fellow TEDx’ers!
Teenagers mocked by nurses at Skye House children's psychiatric unit (bbc.com)
A BBC investigation finds some nurses were verbally abusive and cruel towards unwell teenagers.
Black, Grown and Autistic (thestoop.org)
We explore what it’s like to be a Black autistic adult with the story of artist, author, and illustrator Ayanna Davis, AKA ‘Phenomenally Autistic.’ We also hear from advocate and autism media consultant Diane Wright, plus special education professor Dr. Jamie Pearson breaks down why Black autistic people are diagnosed so late in life.
Pedersen and Kampschreur's rivalry elevates Para alpine skiing to new heights (paralympic.org)
Jesper Pedersen and Jeroen Kampschreur will compete at the Maribor 2025 Para Alpine Skiing World Championships , just over a year before the opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
Here’s how you can fight back (autisticadvocacy.org)
The past three weeks of the Trump Administration have been incredibly difficult. Marginalized people are facing attacks on our rights, the programs we depend on for survival, and our existence itself. Our communities are understandably scared, and that fear is what people in power are trying to create.
Bison Filmmakers (gallaudet.edu)
First ever Film Camp at Gallaudet University, is a unique opportunity tailored for deaf and hard of hearing students entering 10th – 12th grade. Participants will develop technical and creative skills in filmmaking, from concept to production, using Apple’s advanced technology and tools. This immersive experience meets the growing demand for expertise in the arts and technology, empowering campers with hands-on skills and encouraging their creative potential.
How can we make the world a more sensory inclusive place? (vox.com)
These individuals are championing a world that meets everyone’s needs.
Disabilities Beat: If federal funding stops, what’s at stake for disabled people? (wxxinews.org)
This week on the Disabilities Beat, WBFO’s Emyle Watkins speaks with Stephanie Orlando, from Western New York Independent Living, about what is at stake for disability programs if funding is paused — or ends.
People With Disabilities Say Budget Cuts Would ‘Bring Us Backward’ (disabilityscoop.com)
Proposed cuts at the state level and fears over federal changes to Medicaid have people with disabilities and their caregivers on edge.
Accessible Hotel of the Month: The Schoolhouse Hotel (travelabilityinsider.com)
Travelers and event planners who are seeking small-town charm with modern amenities will find their heart’s desire in The Schoolhouse Hotel, a bespoke lodging in the Allegheny Mountains of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Renovated from the town’s beloved schoolhouse, the hotel offers guests a true community experience that’s perfect for every kind of personal or professional gathering.
Innovation of the Month: Hero Door Opener (travelabilityinsider.com)
Pierre pointed out that there are over 42 billion doors worldwide, less than 5% of which are automatic. The closed doors for people with disabilities are not metaphorical in this situation.
Trump's war on Medicaid will institutionalize millions of people (motherjones.com)
The GOP wants to fund billionaire tax cuts—and let disabled Americans pay the price.
Global Map of Deaf Restaurants (signsofgoodfood.com)
Signs of Good Food is a platform that explores the intersection of good food and deaf culture, run by deaf chef David Uzzell and deaf engineer Brienna Herold.
Insider accessible travel tips from a disabled traveller (disabilityhorizons.com)
Disabled traveller Wolf has travelled the world, including to Spain, Germany and the USA. Read his insider disabled travel tips from his years of experience to help make your accessible holiday stress-free.
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people: Chinese New Year, filmmaking and autism acceptance with Beatrice Leong (sites.libsyn.com)
First impressions can take only 6 seconds to make! But if you’re neurodivergent, those quick judgments about you can be misleading.
AXSCHat with Kathryn Townsend, Mark Horrocks and Emily Baum (axschat.com)
Kathryn has been leading the advancement of accessibility in business for more than a decade. In addition to her day job as Head of Customer Vulnerability & Accessibility at Nationwide Building Society, Kathryn is the Government’s Disability & Access Ambassador for the banking sector. Kathryn’s key priorities as Ambassador include tackling barriers faced by deaf and hard of hearing people, in accessing and understanding financial services and increasing visibility of the needs of people with a learning disability. Prior to joining Nationwide, Kathryn led the disability and vulnerability program at Barclays. Kathryn is a trustee of Euan’s Guide the disabled access charity and is part of the Project Nemo team tackling financial exclusion.
Donors must urgently fund disability organisations affected by US aid cuts (edf-feph.org)
Disability organisations and services in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus have been directly and severely affected by the stop-work order and cuts to US Government funding. Thousands of persons with disabilities have lost support, and disability organisations face existential threats.
Accessible online shopping with Innosearch (lifeofablindgirl.com)
*This post is a paid collaboration with Innosearch, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
An open letter to my parents following my diagnosis (myblurredworld.com)
Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition which would result in me slowly losing my eyesight over time. It sounds like the beginning of a sob story but I can assure you that it’s not.
Disability and Housing: she’s better off in a residential care home… (disabilityhorizons.com)
Alicia Wood is the housing guru and chief executive at Housing & Support Alliance. H&SA is delighted to join with Disability Horizons to offer a monthly article with help and top tips on housing. This month, we’re talking about care homes.
First disabled candidate on The Apprentice (disabilityhorizons.com)
Souleyman Bah, who is visually impaired, is the first disabled candidate to take part in The Apprentice. Find out more about Souleyman Bah, his visual impairment, his time as a para-athlete and on The Undateables.
Working for the BBC: challenging perceptions of disability (disabilityhorizons.com)
In our series of interviews with various disabled BBC employees across the business, we delve into what it’s really like working there.
3 Things Every Teacher Should Know About Learning Differences (edweek.org)
A researcher, a teacher, and a student all weigh in: What do you wish all teachers knew about students with learning differences?
Understanding What Disability Policy Means, Within Education (thinkingautismguide.com)
How can education and disability policy best serve disabled learners, and also support those learners and their families?
Texas v. Becerra: What it is and How You Can Help Stop the Attack on Section 504 (dredf.org)
This page explains what the lawsuit Texas v. Becerra is, how Texas v. Becerra threatens Section 504, and why Section 504 is important. Further down on this page, learn what you can do to help.
Communication page I used to handle that invasive woman I met. (ballastexistenz.wordpress.com)
It’s been quite some time since I posted my letter to the woman who accosted me on my way to the para transit van. But I wanted to update people on how I handled the situation when she approached me the next day. Which was a success.
C.D.C. Posts, Then Deletes, Data on Bird Flu Spread Between Cats and People (nytimes.com)
The data, which appeared fleetingly online on Wednesday, confirmed transmission in two households. Scientists called on the agency to release the full report.
Health clinics grapple with US funding squeeze (reuters.com)
Some had to close or lay off staff. Others lost grants for HIV prevention.
Woman denied part of cancer treatment turns to social media, receives tip that changed everything (nbcchicago.com)
When a Wheaton woman’s cancer treatment was denied days before it was supposed to start, her desperate posts for help gained her an unexpected ally.
Claims Denials and Appeals in ACA Marketplace Plans in 2023 (kff.org)
This brief analyzes federal transparency data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on claims denials and appeals for non-group qualified health plans (QHPs) offered on HealthCare.gov in 2023. It finds that HealthCare.gov insurers denied nearly one out of every five claims (19%) submitted for in-network services. Information about the reasons for denials is limited, and few consumers appeal claims denials.
Super Bowl sign language performers already had low screen time before attacks on DEI (axios.com)
The National Association of the Deaf has advocated for fully visible ASL performers during the broadcasts.
Sergey Brin’s $2 Billion Quest To Tackle Parkinson’s, Bipolar Disorder And Now Autism (forbes.com)
The Google cofounder has donated more than $1.5 billion to Parkinson’s research. Now, as he takes on autism, he’s also investing in startups that might help.
Against Technoableism (techanddisability.com)
Book page for Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement
Impact of anti-LGBTQ policies on public health in America (urevolution.com)
Anti-LGBTQ+ policies harm public health for all Americans, increasing stress, healthcare disparities, and mental health risks. Learn about their impact.
I Went Undercover to Report For 'Sophie Morgan's Fight to Fly' Documentary (simplyemma.co.uk)
I joined Sophie Morgan's Fight to Fly documentary to reveal the harsh realities of air travel for disabled passengers and to highlight the ongoing fight for a more inclusive and accessible flying experience.
Advocates Fear RFK Jr. Could Reverse Decades of Progress for Autistic Kids (the74million.org)
Kennedy’s belief that autism should be eradicated & blame on vaccines raise concerns he will undermine $2B Autism CARES Act if confirmed for HHS.
DWP is ‘broken and not fit for purpose’, says disabled MP (disabilitynewsservice.com)
A disabled MP has warned the government that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is “broken” and “not fit for purpose”, and that major changes to the social security system need to be co-designed with disabled people and benefit claimants.
Choosing to write (carriesbench.org)
For people with disabilities who came before me and who follow
Watchdog shows UK has taken zero action in response to UN recommendations in six areas of disability rights (disabilitynewsservice.com)
Successive UK governments – mostly Conservative-led – have failed to take any action to address six key disability rights recommendations made by the UN over the last decade, according to the human rights watchdog.
Infection-related hospitalizations in this study correlated with more than twice the risk of heart failure (startribune.com)
Researchers enrolled more than 14,000 people in the 1980s from Minneapolis and three other U.S. sites, and checked on their cardiac health two to three decades later.
NIH announces new funding policy that rattles medical researchers (npr.org)
The National Institutes of Health has dramatically changed its grant-making terms by limiting how much it will disburse for costs such as equipment and administration.
Blind B.C. skater working on documentary to raise funds to help blind kids (cbc.ca)
Brett Devloo lost his vision 13 years ago, but it didn't stop him from skateboarding and adapting to limited vision at the skate park. He and his friend, Mike Faux, are working on a documentary on Devloo's life to raise funds and buy tablets to help blind kids.
Bill would force banks to carry out ‘mass surveillance’ of millions of innocent disabled people, MPs are told (disabilitynewsservice.com)
A new government bill would force banks to carry out “mass surveillance” of millions of innocent disabled people and other benefit claimants, MPs have been warned.
How I'm Keeping Healthy And Happy During The Covid-19 Lockdown (disabilityhorizons.com)
Zubee Kibria, who has cerebral palsy, has faced a number of challenges with the Covid-19 lockdown. Here, she details what she's doing to keep happy and healthy, including exercises for disabled people.
The Great British Sewing Bee (disabilityhorizons.com)
The Great British Sewing Bee, a BBC reality show in which 12 people compete to be the best sewer, is featuring a contestant with a visible disability but does not refer to it.
Disability Short Story Series | Cinderella Part Two (disabilityhorizons.com)
Hayleigh Barclay, a talented disabled writer, excites us with the second part of her new short story, a spin on the classic Cinderella story.
6 Ways To Stay Fit And Healthy During Lockdown If You're Disabled (disabilityhorizons.com)
It might seem hard to keep fit and healthy during the Covid-19 outbreak and UK lockdown, but these 6 simple tips will help you to stay in tip-top condition, even if you're disabled and in isolation.
Blue Badges will become eligible for people with hidden disabilities (disabilityhorizons.com)
On 30 August 2019, Blue Badges will become eligible for people with hidden disabilities, such as autism, dementia, depression and anxiety. Find out more about how the change to the Blue Badge scheme could affect you.
Disabled basketball coach shows students that “Anything is Possible” (disabilityhorizons.com)
Despite being disabled at birth, David Solano overcame many obstacles in life and is now encouraging his students to do the same. He is an influential teacher, basketball coach and founder of a non-profit organisation.
A firefighter with Parkinson's lost her health benefits. Supreme Court weighs if she can sue (eu.usatoday.com)
The issue of whether retirees can sue their former employers under the Americans with Disabilities Act has divided lower courts.
NIH cuts billions of dollars in biomedical funding, effective immediately (washingtonpost.com)
Researchers say it would hurt facilities that work on medical issues such as cancer research and heart disease. Elon Musk contends the old policy was ‘a ripoff.’
Chaos Continues in Federal Health System (kffhealthnews.org)
The Senate has yet to confirm a Health and Human Services secretary, but things around the department continue to change at a breakneck pace to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive orders. Payment systems have been shut down, webpages and entire datasets have been taken offline, and workers — including those with civil service protections — have been urged to quit or threatened with layoffs. Meanwhile, foreign and trade policy changes are also affecting health policy. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico and Lauren Weber of The Washington Post join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KFF Health News’ Julie Appleby, who reported the latest “Bill of the Month” feature, about a young woman, a grandfathered health plan, and a $14,000 IUD.
Stafford man convicted for assaulting deaf passenger during flight to Dulles (dcnewsnow.com)
A federal jury convicted a Staford County man for assaulting a fellow passenger while on a flight from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport (IAD) last fall, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) announced.
Doing Harm: How The Remnants of “Hysteria” Impact Chronically Ill People (rootedinrights.org)
The word “hysteria” inherently evokes misogyny. Deriving from the Greek word for “uterus,” it was used in ancient Greece as a diagnostic label for women with symptoms ranging from dizziness to paralysis and menstrual pain—all of which were attributed to a “wandering womb.” Throughout history, the label was given to women who were perceived as unreasonably ambitious, attention-seeking, neurotic, or sexually dissatisfied. In Freudian times, it eventually evolved to refer to a mental disorder thought to primarily affect women, causing physical manifestations.
The Rise and Fall of Access (buttondown.com)
In the Year 2000, Google’s 23rd employee, Paul Buchheit was pulled into a “meeting to decide on the company’s corporate values.” He was fairly new to Google, but was keenly attuned to the hypocritical practices of its competitors, and as such, found himself resistant to corporate platitudes.
Journalist Resources - Transgender Law Center (transgenderlawcenter.org)
No matter who we are or where we’re from, we all deserve to feel seen, understood, and represented by the media we consume. Media shapes how we view the world, helping us make sense and meaning of polarized and emerging topics. The existence of trans people is as old and inarguable as society itself, yet the rise in far-right attacks on trans folks has contributed to an escalation of mis- and disinformation in reporting on our communities.
Northeast Florida Congressman will help relaunch the Congressional Deaf Caucus (eu.staugustine.com)
Rep. John Rutherford, a Republican from Jacksonville, will co-chair the bipartisan Congressional Deaf Caucus with a California Democrat.
Why Autism in Black Boys Is Often Missed (psychologytoday.com)
Reducing biases that lead to the misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of Black boys with autism can broaden our understanding of how autism presents itself within them.
Disabled Londoners ‘face disaster’ if mayor and councils fail to take urgent action on accessible housing (disabilitynewsservice.com)
There will be “disastrous consequences” for disabled Londoners if the mayor and local authorities fail to take urgent action to increase the number of accessible homes in the capital, according to new user-led research.
The flu season is so severe that it's forcing schools to close across the country (today.com)
Schools around the U.S. are closing due to surges of flu and other illnesses, which are sickening students and staff. Here's what parents need to know.
US aid funding cuts put HIV prevention at risk, warns UNAIDS (news.un.org)
The US pause in foreign assistance funding has created “confusion” in the vital work of community HIV prevention, despite a waiver issued for HIV/AIDS programmes, the UN agency to combat the still deadly disease said on Friday.
At Omnium Circus, inclusion and accessibility take center stage (dctheaterarts.org)
'So much is dividing us; we have to find more of what unites us,' says founder Lisa B. Lewis. The multi-abled circus plays the Warner Theatre on February 22.
Six million people could die from HIV and AIDS if US funding stops, UN agency warns (reuters.com)
More than six million people could die from HIV and AIDS in the next four years if U.S. President Donald Trump's administration pulls its global funding for programmes, the United Nations AIDS agency said on Friday.
These People Turned AirPods Into Hearing Aids. Here Are the Pros and Cons. (wsj.com)
AirPods are better for amplifying conversation, if you can find the controls—and keep the buds from falling out.
Medicaid is Under Attack! Tell Your Elected Officials “Hands Off Our Medicaid!” (dredf.org)
This page explains what Medicaid is, why Medicaid is important for people with disabilities, how Medicaid is under attack, and what you can do to help protect Medicaid.
'Unprecedented': White House moves to control science funding worry researchers (npr.org)
If the Trump administration continues targeting DEI in science and seeking to slash funding, American science will look fundamentally different.
Setting the record straight on AAC and speech (theinformedslp.com)
In which we refute the myth that AAC hinders oral language development. Hang on, though… slinging citations won’t convert most skeptics. Bring your curiosity and empathy, too.
Rape crisis centers see funding delays amid Trump administration spending upheaval (npr.org)
Groups addressing sexual violence report not getting expected payments from grants that they depend on to keep running.
Paving The Way To Make Sports Fully Inclusive (disabilityhorizons.com)
Tracy, a nutritionist, talks about how how sports and fitness equipment is still inaccessible to many people with disabilities.
Mayor with prosthetic leg faced online abuse over wearing flat shoes (disabilityhorizons.com)
A mayor with a prosthetic leg faced online 'abuse' because she wore flat shoes. She fears this will discourage other disabled people from getting into politics. Read on to find out more.
Aesthetic Access for VR: Centering Disabled Artistry (schedule.sxsw.com)
We will share technical innovations to produce ground-breaking aesthetic access from pre-production to virtual worldbuilding. “Territory” is an equitably accessible VR experience which can serve as a case study for future productions. The first PCVR experience to use Meta Haptics Studio, Territory created narrative haptics in parallel with music and sound design. The session will explore the artistry of audio description and artistic closed captions. Sharing our approach to disability aesthetics, the panel will offer general techniques for creators interested in making accessible work.
Embodiment (westerngallery.wwu.edu)
The exhibition Embodiment brings together works by 18 artists who confront social perceptions of disability. All the works originate in the artists’ own experiences. Drawing on their unique perspectives, the artists convey both the pleasures and difficulties of their daily lives. They express the emotional toll of marginalization and the experience of vulnerability in face of dependency and exclusion, but also the comfort of convivial forms of care and the liberating potential of social interdependence.
Virtual Lecture: Alice Sheppard (westerngallery.wwu.edu)
The Western Gallery is excited to announce the virtual lecture “Inside Disability Arts + Aesthetics” with Alice Sheppard. Alice serves as Artistic Director of the internationally recognized arts ensemble, Kinetic Light.
Uber Adds Option For Riders With Service Animals (disabilityscoop.com)
Uber is introducing a new feature to better accommodate passengers with disabilities who have long complained that they face discrimination from drivers.
Toxic air threatens children’s lives across East Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF warns (news.un.org)
More than 100 children under the age of five die every day in East Asia and the Pacific due to air pollution, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned in a new analysis released on Thursday, calling for urgent action to tackle the crisis.
Disabled man self-harms in public and dies after losing PIP, but DWP silent on 30 years of safeguarding failures (disabilitynewsservice.com)
A disabled man who was plunged into poverty after his disability benefits were removed died hours after self-harming in public, apparently in protest at his treatment by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Covid inquiry ‘must examine’ pandemic’s steep rise in deaths of disabled people who receive care at home (disabilitynewsservice.com)
Four national disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) have called on the Covid public inquiry to examine why there was a huge increase in deaths of disabled people receiving care in their own homes across the UK during the pandemic.
Iowans with disabilities call for Medicaid changes so they can advance their careers (iowapublicradio.org)
Iowans with disabilities are asking state lawmakers to loosen Medicaid income limits so they can advance their careers and get married without risking the loss of health care services they rely on.
The Cost of Comfort: Paying the Price for Dietary Accommodations (rootedinrights.org)
I stumbled upon this cozy little café in Puerto Vallarta that had the perfect vibe: a swinging chair, cute plants hanging from the walls, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Best of all: everything on the menu was entirely gluten-free. I treated myself to a bacon-wrapped shrimp burger, refreshing hibiscus lemonade, and a rich chocolate mousse that felt like a slice of heaven. As someone with Celiac disease, finding a spot like this felt like winning the jackpot—it was one of those rare places where I could indulge without worrying about gluten sneaking into my meal.
USAID’s reproductive health funding has saved millions of lives. Now it’s gone. (19thnews.org)
For decades, USAID’s family planning program was the main source for contraception and HIV treatment in some countries. Experts say without it, women and LGBTQ+ people will die.
Message from President Cordano (youtube.com)
Video Description: Gino S. Gouby, CDI & SC:L, signing on behalf of President Cordano, sits in front of a tan wall. He is wearing a black button up long sleeved shirt. He delivers a message in American Sign Language. Transcript below.
‘Friendly Signs’ Documentary Follows One Man’s Quest to Create Community for Deaf Prisoners (themarshallproject.org)
Director Rahsaan “New York” Thomas explores the impact of Tommy Wickerd’s sign language class at San Quentin and the challenges of prison filmmaking.
Deaf pupil wins legal fight for sign language interpreter in class (bbc.com)
A deaf teenager has won a legal fight against Fife Council to have a British Sign Language interpreter in her class for school lessons.
She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 27. These were her warning signs. (washingtonpost.com)
People with early-onset Parkinson’s face challenges different from those with traditional late-onset Parkinson’s.
The Overlooked Target: Accessibility in the Crosshairs of the Trump Administration's Backlash Against DEI Programs (substack.com)
At the top of the list—among the new administration's first priorities—was the sweeping elimination of DEI programs1. While public attention has focused heavily on the executive order's targeting of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, a critical fourth letter has gone largely unnoticed, despite being explicitly mentioned throughout the document. The executive order doesn't just target DEI—it targets DEIA. The A stands for accessibility, and its inclusion marks a significant expansion of the order's scope.
Disabled passengers fear for their safety on the MTA’s paratransit program (gothamist.com)
The MTA pays for-hire vehicle companies to transport disabled passengers. Their vehicles are often missing seatbelts for wheelchairs.
Musk's DOGE granted access to US Medicare and Medicaid systems (reuters.com)
Representatives of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency have been working at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services where they were granted access to agency systems and technology, CMS said on Wednesday.
Cole Schmidtknecht, 22, couldn't pay for his daily inhaler due to the “prohibitively expensive” price increase. Two weeks later, he had an asthma attack and died, per a lawsuit filed by his parents.
Head Start child care programs are still unable to access federal money after Trump's funding freeze (nbcnews.com)
Programs serving 20,000 children have faced funding delays since the Trump administration announced (and then announced rescinding) a temporary freeze on federal aid last week.
Some people on sickness and disability benefits ‘taking the mickey’, says Liz Kendall – as it happened (theguardian.com)
The work and pensions secretary said those who think they were unable to work probably could with the right support
"How to tell people about the icky parts of paralysis" (disability-thinking-weekday.ghost.io)
This seems like a very specific topic – how to explain paralysis-related bladder and bowel management to others. But it's also a pretty good summary of the arguments in favor of proactively explaining any of our disabilities to the people around us – as opposed to maintaining a very tight circle of defensive privacy around our disability-related needs and experiences. I like that she's specific about this disclosure being with family and close friends, who want to be part of our lives and who we want to be part of our lives. Strangers are a different story. And while this is definitely a pro-disclosure video, it's not at all advocating that disabled people feel obligated to share. It's simply pointing out all the ways it's so much easier for a disabled person if they can be open about things with the people close to them. I also love that Brittney offers a video by her speaking directly friends and family, that a paralyzed person can share to do the explaining for them. It's a creative way to use online video.
Assessment Survival 101 (disabilityhorizons.com)
Social care assessments, benefit assessments, equipment assessments, adaptations assessments… if you need it, you’ll be assessed for it. This can be a long, boring and stressful process, as the paperwork can be unnecessarily complicated and the outcome is important to you. Simon Stevens takes us through his top survival tips. What is an assessment?
‘Third Act’ Navigates Identity, Art, and Parkinson’s Through an Intergenerational Lens (respectability.org)
While striving to create a film worthy of his father’s legacy, Tadashi is simultaneously working through his own feelings about the Parkinson’s diagnosis and the reality of his father’s looming mortality.
This week on Accomable... (disabilityhorizons.com)
Every week, we’ll be posting a selection of holiday rentals that have been posted to our new listing service, Accomable. So if you’re looking for that perfect place to get away and have a break, take a look at some of these…
6 ways to meet new people and find support if you're disabled (disabilityhorizons.com)
Loneliness can be a big problem if you're disabled. But there are things you can do. Read our six simple tips to help you meet people, find friends, get support and beat loneliness.
Disability and travel: top 10 tips for accessible travel (disabilityhorizons.com)
Disability travel expert Carrie-Ann Lightly from Tourism for All gives us her top 10 accessible travel tips to make sure your next holiday is stress-free.
Pam Bondi Instructs Trump DOJ to Criminally Investigate Companies That Do DEI (slate.com)
Civil rights advocates may well file suit immediately against the Justice Department to secure an injunction.
Shoshannah Stern’s “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” Showcases Matlin’s Ongoing Legacy for Deaf Community (respectability.org)
“I became an advocate without knowing it at first. I was thrust into it, but that was okay.” – Marlee Matlin
What it’s like to call a crisis hotline for depression (urevolution.com)
Struggling with depression, self-harm, and identity, Amos calls a crisis hotline. A raw, honest story of mental health, survival, and seeking help.
How Adaptive Clothing Boosts Assistive Technology Use (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
Find out the best ways that assistive technology paired with adaptive clothing benefits seniors and people with disabilities. Read on to find out more!
Nanoparticle Vaccine Could Protect Against Future COVID-19 Variants – Plus Other Coronaviruses (iflscience.com)
And maybe even the next coronavirus that comes along.
The Pokédex of Accessibility (a11ynews.substack.com)
You wanna be the very best in software testing, like no one ever was? Testing for access barriers is part of a comprehensive quality assurance process. But where does one start? While the WCAG are as extensive as the Pokédex, what exactly is the assistive tech equivalent of Bulbasaur? Where do you start to catch ‘em all?
DEI professionals worry about the future of their industry as Trump targets the field (amp.cnn.com)
The shift in the DEI industry, consultants and analysts say, has left many professionals concerned about their job stability and the future of their careers in the field.
Iilluminaughtii's (Un)Truth about BIID (youtube.com)
This video is about a condition called BIID, or body integrity identity disorder. People with BIID feel like a part of their body doesn't belong to them, and they often want to amputate that body part. The YouTuber in this video discusses the condition and some of the challenges that people with BIID face.
Top 10 tips to finding work if you are disabled (disabilityhorizons.com)
As we know, it’s twice as hard to find paid, sustainable work if you are disabled than if you are non-disabled, and even non-disabled people are finding it difficult it this climate! I’m Jane Hatton and I run Evenbreak, a not-for-profit job board which helps disabled people find work. Here are our top tips for finding work.
'Ok but, what is an emerging writer?' (emergingwritersfestival.org.au)
Unsure if you can apply to be part of the 2025 Emerging Writers' Festival? Read on the find out all about to application process.
The Wheeler Centre (wheelercentre.com)
The Wheeler Centre’s Hot Desk Fellowships are back for 2025 – this year made possible by the generous support of the Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne, the Readings Foundation and the Just Pretending theatre group.
2025 National Regional Arts Fellowship (regionalarts.com.au)
Expressions of Interest to the 2025 National Regional Arts Fellowship Program are now open!
Kensington Town Hall Experimental Film and Video Art Residency (melbourne.vic.gov.au)
The Kensington Town Hall Experimental Film and Video Art residency offers a space for artists and collaborators to develop experimental and short video works for up to 10 months.
Quick Response Arts Grants (melbourne.vic.gov.au)
Assistance of $5000 for projects with a short turnaround time. These grants are available for individual artists and small to medium arts organisations.
Contemporary Music Touring Program (creative.gov.au)
This program provides up to $50,000 to support national tours by musicians performing original contemporary music.
Arts Projects for Individuals & Groups (creative.gov.au)
Up to $50,000 for a range of activities and projects, both national and international, across all art forms.
Creative Projects Fund (creative.vic.gov.au)
The Creative Projects Fund supports projects led by Victorian professional artists, creative practitioners, groups/collectives and creative micro to small organisations which can include projects collaborating with creative and non-creative personnel (such as technicians, publicists etc).
Music Works (creative.vic.gov.au)
Funding supports a variety of projects that contribute to Victoria's contemporary music sector’s growth, stability and diversity.
‘Fruit Chaat’ tackles disability tropes with humour and wit on screen (reframingdisability.substack.com)
Tanzila Khan on the making of the web series, media recommendations and resources
Facts, not faith, in the assisted dying debate (theguardian.com)
Letters: We must remember that Kim Leadbeater’s bill offers assisted dying only to the terminally ill, writes Lyn Dade, whose daughter gave evidence to the committee. Plus, a letter by Prof Katherine Sleeman
Then Barbara Met Alan | BBC Film About The Rise Of The Disability Discrimination Act (disabilityhorizons.com)
Then Barbara Met Alan is a factual drama that tells the true story of how two disability activists who became the trailblazers for disability rights in Britain and help make the Government create the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
VIDEO: Tanni Grey-Thompson on changing the world for disabled people (disabilityhorizons.com)
We interview Tanni Grey-Thompson about her career as a Paralympian and now in politics. Find out how she's trying to change the world for disabled people from her position in the House of Lords.
Top tips on how to make your bathroom accessible (disabilityhorizons.com)
We’ve spoken to accessible bathroom specialist Clos-o-Mat for its top tips on how to make your bathroom accessible, no matter what your disability.
7 Amazon Originals With Disabled Actors & Characters (disabilityhorizons.com)
We share seven Amazon Original TV series and films that includes disabled characters and actors on Amazon Prime Video.
Portrait Positive campaign aims to redefine beauty standards (disabilityhorizons.com)
We spoke with Stephen Bell, creator of Positive Portrait. With photographer Rankin, he has featured 16 women with facial disfigurements in this exhibition and book, all aimed at changing perceptions of beauty.
ED: How to Prioritize Accessibility in K-12 Technology (educatingalllearners.org)
The U.S. Department of Education issued guidance this week on steps school systems can take to make accessibility a core component of K-12 learning technology, including who to involve and what resources to consult.
See the ability not just the disability (disabilityhorizons.com)
As someone with a visual impairment and a keen interest in politics, you might think I would be buoyed by various government declarations that speak of the leap in the number of disabled people in employment, the Disability Confident employers and the support available to make a return to work. Indeed these may well be true scenarios for some, but for me I see a system of good intentions marred by a reality that does not come close to fulfilling its aims.
Join BCID in Protecting Medicaid (youtube.com)
BCID wants to let you know why we need to protect Medicaid
Family pleads to remain in Australia after visas rejected due to son's disability (abc.net.au)
An Indonesian family whose Melbourne-born son has a disability have appealed to the immigration minister for a health waiver that would allow them reunite in Australia after more than a decade of living apart.
USAID unions sue Trump administration to halt 'unconstitutional and illegal' cuts (npr.org)
After Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved less than 300 essential personnel to continue in jobs past Friday, unions representing USAID workers sue the Trump administration over cuts to the agency.
Without USAID funding, Kansans who help children with disabilities lose jobs (eu.cjonline.com)
Without USAID funding, a business co-owned by a Kansan who promotes education of children with disabilities is now on the verge of bankruptcy.
Dating, Disability and Body Acceptance with Good Bad Things star Danny Kurtzman (newmobility.com)
There’s a reason why the dramedy Good Bad Things earned buzz on the festival circuit: The film offers an authentic perspective on disabled life, from dating, to business, to the friendships that energize us. It’s now available to rent or buy on Apple TV+ and other streaming platforms, but it almost didn’t make it to the screen.
NaTasha Yvette Williams, Jenna Bainbridge & Daniel Quadrino to Join WICKED (broadwayworld.com)
WICKED on Broadway will welcome three new cast members to the Gershwin Theatre this spring. See who is starring in the production and learn more about the show.
Guillain-Barre syndrome: India faces outbreak of creeping paralysis (bbc.com)
GBS is a rare disorder where the immune system attacks nerve cells, causing paralysis.
A controversial autism therapy is gaining prominence, but some say it hurts neurodiverse people (salon.com)
Applied Behavior Analysis is increasingly popular, but does it do more harm than good?
Students With Disabilities Are Entitled To Job Training. Many Don't Get It (disabilityscoop.com)
There's a half-billion-dollar federal program that is supposed to help students with disabilities get into the workforce, but most parents — and even some school officials — don't know it exists.
New Wheelchair User - 10 Products that you must know about (shop.disabilityhorizons.com)
When you’re new to using a wheelchair, it can take time to adjust. There’s a whole range of products you may have never seen before that are designed to make your life easier, make you more independent, and boost your comfort. Whether you’re moving around at home, heading out on the go, or just getting on with daily jobs, here’s a list of must-have items for new wheelchair users.
Protecting Your Mental Health From Donald Trump's Outrage Machine (perfectingrol.substack.com)
Editor’s Note: This essay might help you find ways to avoid bad moods, depression, outrage, or other negative emotions during or after watching the news.
Stop work (disabilitydebrief.org)
The US aid freeze's devastating impact on disabled people
Running Completely Anonymous Meetings (buttondown.com)
Do you know how many ways your activities online can be tracked? Every click, login, video teleconference, and conversation leaves a digital footprint that companies, governments, and even bad actors can follow. When privacy matters most, completely anonymous meetings offer a way to communicate without leaving a trace. Whether discussing sensitive topics, protecting personal information, or avoiding surveillance, these meetings create a space where identity stays hidden. With the right tools and practices, you can talk freely without worrying about who's watching.
Mark Zuckerberg’s charity confirms support for DEI despite Meta’s overhaul (theguardian.com)
Exclusive: Chan Zuckerberg Initiative workers express concern, as recent changes there similar to those at Meta
Spotlight on Keith Jones: Transforming Disability Advocacy Through Art and Action (fun4thedisabled.com)
As we embark on another transformative year, it’s vital to celebrate the impactful voices shaping the disability community. Few resonate as powerfully as Keith Jones—a lifelong disability activist dedicated to dismantling systemic oppression and amplifying marginalized voices, particularly those of Black disabled individuals. Keith’s work spans advocacy, art, and music, creating ripples of change that extend far beyond his immediate community.
The idea of ‘welfare’ has lost all meaning. Just look at the cruel state of women’s prisons (theguardian.com)
A new report says there’s a ‘basic lack of decency’ in England’s jails. It’s a motif repeated across a nation stripped to the bone, says columnist Zoe Williams
"I realised I can inspire others. I want to do more to make a difference" (inclusion.eu)
How we work together to close institutions and to strengthen self-advocates in Eastern Europe.
Inclusion indicators 2024 - Europe for us (inclusion.eu)
Europe for Us is an easy-to-read magazine. It is published four times per year in English, French, German, Spanish, Romanian, Hungarian, Dutch, and Italian.
Call to action: The Use of EU money for independent living and inclusion (inclusion.eu)
The call to action highlights the significant lack of utilisation of the EU budget for advocating for deinstitutionalisation and community-based support.
Witnessing 25 years of innovation at AbilityNet (abilitynet.org.uk)
As Disability Consultant Alex Barker prepares to move to another organisation, he reflects on the digital accessibility improvements he's witnessed for disabled people in that time.
Tinnitus In The Workplace: Breaking The Silence (criplife.co.uk)
During Tinnitus Week, we’re starting the conversation on how simple workplace adjustments can improve focus, wellbeing, and productivity. Learn about practical solutions and how a workplace assessment can help.
Blink review - a National Geographic documentary (havewheelchairwilltravel.net)
Blink is a National Geographic documentary which explores the ultimate travel bucket list created by three children with retinitis pigmentosa.
Living With The Impact Of Disability Hate Crime (disabilityhorizons.com)
Hear the story of one woman dealing with the impact of living with ongoing disability hate crime for more than two years.
InnovationRx: Billionaire Trump Donor Elon Musk Wages War On USAID (forbes.com)
Plus: A new non-opioid painkiller, the wave of lawsuits against Trump EOs, a key vote for RFK Jr., a big radiopharma deal and more.
Artificial limbs from 1900 were decades ahead of their time (mashable.com)
James Gillingham ran an ordinary shoemaking business, the Golden Boot, in Chard, England. In 1866, he met a man who had lost an arm in a cannon mishap and had been told by doctors that there was nothing to be done about it.Eager to put his craftsmanship to test, Gillingham offered to make the man a new arm for free.The new leather limb he built was strong and rigid but also perfectly fitted. The medical world noticed his talent, and Gillingham soon began producing a variety of artificial limbs.Using a secret process wherein he molded the leather to the client’s limb before hardening it, Gillingham started a business making prostheses. By 1910, he had restored mobility and function to over 15,000 patients.He photographed many of his patients, and published the photos in medical journals to advise surgeons on the best amputation methods.Gillingham died in 1924, but his family continued his business for decades before finally closing in the 1960s.
Disability and entertainment: the feeling of music (disabilityhorizons.com)
Hayleigh Barclay is delighted to join in with Disability Horizons to offer a monthly article on entertainment. Hayleigh has a Masters in Creative Media Practises, is doing a Doctorate of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and she’s going to use her expertise to open up the world of entertainment to Disability Horizon’s readers. This month, the feeling of music.
The Invictus Games 2014 - Q&A with Derek Derenalagi (disabilityhorizons.com)
Derek Derenalagi, a TeamGB discus thrower took the time out of his preparations for the games to have a Q&A with Disability Horizons.
So Far So Good (smartasscripple.blogspot.com)
Every now and then, especially near the end of the year like this, I pause to make sure I still have a pulse.
Today's DHR - Dave Hingsburger's Birthday (sarahlevis.substack.com)
Over three years after his death, Dave Hingsburger remains one of Canada's most prolific disability activists.
The Real Threat Behind Trump's Disability Comments: A Warning About What's Coming (substack.com)
The dangerous connection between demeaning disabled Americans and dismantling their essential support systems.
A Journey Worth Every Step (respectability.org)
At Disability Belongs™, eliminating barriers to work and advancing competitive, integrated employment (CIE) is one of our top policy priorities. We are committed to ensuring all workers are valued and paid fairly in inclusive workplaces. The path to fair wages and inclusive employment for disabled workers is a challenging one, but with your continued support we can help make it a reality. That starts with legislation that ensures all employees be compensated fairly and equitably.
‘Time is the enemy’ for actor playing Richard III (bbc.co.uk)
Actor Michael Patrick has just picked up an award for his unique portrayal of Shakespeare’s Richard III, which gives the play a fresh twist inspired by his own experience of living with motor neurone disease (MND).
I Have ADHD. Here Are 9 Productivity Tips That Really Help Me (self.com)
Tips and tricks I use daily.
Here is how we know that vaccines do not cause autism (statnews.com)
Vaccines do not cause autism. You’ve almost certainly read that before — but often without a full explanation of how we know it to be true. Here's how we know.
MasterChef winner Christine Ha and poet Edward Hirsch on turning blindness into brilliance (ctpublic.org)
On this episode of Audacious, meet chef Christine Ha, who became the first blind person to win MasterChef, and poet Edward Hirsch, who finds exhilaration in his blindness.
Advocates push for policy changes at Disability Awareness Day (kxnet.com)
Advocates, families, and organizations gathered at the North Dakota State Capitol for Disability Awareness Day, an event focused on promoting inclusion and pushing for policy changes affecting people with disabilities.
A sense of foreboding hangs over the National Institutes of Health (npr.org)
There's widespread confusion and fear among scientists and doctors on the sprawling National Institutes of Health campus and at institutions dependent on the agency's funding.
How the US foreign aid freeze is intensifying humanitarian crises across the globe (edition.cnn.com)
Food distribution is being stopped. Health services are being shut down. Lifesaving aid is being tied up, with no way to disburse it. These aren’t warnings of what’s to come, but examples of what aid workers say is the fallout of the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid and the gutting of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Autism Takes Center Stage As RFK Jr. Nomination For HHS Secretary Advances (disabilityscoop.com)
Despite concerns about his history promoting a debunked link between autism and vaccines, a key U.S. Senate panel advanced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to become the nation's health secretary.
Why do you hate my voice? (lucywebster.substack.com)
Hello, Deconstructing ableism, how it works and where it arises and how it affects us (individually and collectively), is perhaps a whole lifetime of work for those of us trying to change it.
When the Federal Goverment refuses to follow its own laws, chaos reigns. (buttondown.com)
When federal agencies fail to follow laws in place for decades, the result often resembles the Wild West—unpredictable, inconsistent, and often inequitable. Refusal to enforce federal laws or case law creates a patchwork of state responses that range from progressive and inclusive to outright neglectful. Recent executive orders have made it clear that the current administration does not care about or want to spend a single dollar on disability inclusion or accessibility despite the ADA still being the law of the land.
How Riding Upfront In Your Accessible Vehicle Can Be Beneficial (disabilityhorizons.com)
Hear from three wheelchair users about how riding upfront in their accessible vehicle, next to the driver or as the driver, has made a huge difference to their lives.
Disabled People Face Waits Of Over 2 Years For Vital Home Adaptations (disabilityhorizons.com)
Research by Leonard Cheshire and Disability Horizons has found that some disabled people have to wait more than 2 years to get home adaptions and find the process challenging.
“Deaf President Now!” Shows Importance of Fighting For Deaf Rights – in 1988 and Today (respectability.org)
“Deaf President Now!" screening at Sundance 2025 is truly a universal story about people refusing to be invisible.
Meet the Four New Board Members Championing Neurodiverse Talent at Exceptional Minds (exceptional-minds.org)
Exceptional Minds welcomes four industry leaders to its Board of Directors, strengthening its mission to empower neurodiverse talent in entertainment.
Reid Davenport’s “Life After” Casts Disability Into a Political Light, Wins U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award (respectability.org)
“Life After” starts with a story about Elizabeth Bouvia, a disabled woman from California who sought the right to die in 1983. But it is about so much more.
Republican State Sen. Dan McConchie to Resign, Launch National Disability Nonprofit (news.wttw.com)
“I am the first paraplegic to be elected to state office in Illinois history,” said Dan McConchie, who suffered a spinal cord injury during a 2007 hit-and-run crash. “I recognize some needs of things that needed to be done.”
Disabled workers are getting screened out of digital hiring (cnbc.com)
Big questions are emerging about the equity of digitized hiring assessments and the impact they have on disabled people.
Disability advocates fear backlash, discrimination after Trump’s FAA comments (washingtonpost.com)
Veterans’ groups and advocates for those with disabilities have issued scathing criticisms of the president’s baseless comments about the reasons behind the fatal plane crash last week.
JD Vance Was a DEI Yale Admission & A Coup is Taking Place (kamredlawsk.com)
The DEl war serves as a catchall manufactured distraction to disparage - a great distraction from the real cover story: the wealthiest man in the world, an unelected official, has unchecked access to our government, including pushing out top officials & illegally gaining access to Americans'
Award-Winning Designer Partners with Pottery Barn for Accessible Furniture Line (newmobility.com)
Pottery Barn has partnered with Michael Graves Design, a leader in accessible design innovation, to create a collection of accessible furniture that doesn’t sacrifice beautiful design.
Ali McManus: a disabled singer with an unbreakable spirit (disabilityhorizons.com)
We interview disabled musician Ali McManus, who has Osteogenesis Imperfecta and uses a wheelchair, about her album Unbreakable, and her single Roll this Way, featuring Steve Tyler from Aerosmith.
Getting your life back on track after disability (disabilityhorizons.com)
Anthony Wright overcame countless obstacles after having a brain tumour, and is now trying to help others find their path to recovery through writing and public speaking.
How are people with disabilities portrayed in films and on TV? (disabilityhorizons.com)
Our Deputy Editor, Shannon Kelly, looks at recent examples of how people with disabilities have been portrayed in TV shows and films. Do you agree with her views on how these depictions could change society's view of disabled people?
Art Saved My Life When I Was a Student. Now, It's Helping My Multilingual Learners (educatingalllearners.org)
This article was written and Published by Edgar Miguel Grajeda — January 22nd, 2025 Earlier this month at Truesdell Elementary, in the last five minutes of one of my classes, I called for my students’ attention. “Class, class!” I called. “Yes, yes,” they responded in unison.
Accessible bathrooms in Japan (havewheelchairwilltravel.net)
Accessible bathrooms vary in facilities around the world so here's our review of accessible bathrooms in Japan.
As Labour touts more brutal cuts to benefits, how is this different from life under the Tories? (theguardian.com)
There may be no nasty impulse to punish ‘skivers’, but the end result – the most vulnerable hit hardest – is exactly the same, says columnist Frances Ryan
Alarming levels of microplastics found in human brains (nationalgeographic.com)
A new study finds that microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate at higher levels in the brain than in the liver and kidney.
NAD asks Trump White House to bring back ASL interpreters (dailymoth.com)
The National Association of the Deaf wrote an open letter to the White House asking them to reinstate ASL interpreters for their press briefings.
Deaf federal workers face uncertain access following Trump’s DEIA orders (washingtonpost.com)
Advocates for deaf employees said President Donald Trump’s DEIA orders may have led some to lose access to American Sign Language interpreting services and other accommodations.
Submit a Blog Idea (rootedinrights.org)
We invite you to pitch us, because your words have power and we want to help you share them.
Watchdog Says Residents Waiting Months To Leave Institution (disabilityscoop.com)
As residents with developmental disabilities leave an institution following reports of mistreatment, a watchdog finds that many are waiting too long or that they're being sent to other large facilities.