How can you achieve Inclusion in the field of Youth in European Youth Projects?
I’m Raul Krauthausen the founder of SOZIALHELD*INNEN, an NPO and consultancy from Germany, focussing on Disability Mainstreaming. With this newsletter, I share hand-picked links from around the world.
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Thank you,
Raul
We wrote a children’s book (in german)
Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
How can you achieve Inclusion in the field of Youth in European Youth Projects? (edf-feph.org)
This June, Loredana Dicsi, Membership, Internal Communication, and Youth Coordinator, attended the Inclusion & Diversity Forum. Although this was the forum’s third edition, it was EDF’s first participation, thanks to an invitation from SALTO Inclusion and Diversity. But what exactly is SALTO, and how does it relate to inclusion and youth?
RestFest Film Festival (restfestfilmfestival.org)
RestFest is a virtual film/video art festival & online gathering space created by/for the Disabled, d/Deaf, chronically ill, neurodivergent, mentally ill, and/or mad community worldwide.
Disability Groups Condemn Mask Bans, Urge Lawmakers to Protect Rights (dredf.org)
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund and Disability Rights California Condemn Mask Bans and Urge Lawmakers Not to Adopt Them to Protect the Right of People with Disabilities to Participate in the Community Safely During the Ongoing Pandemic.
Embodied (wunc.org)
Sex and relationships are intimate — and sometimes intimidating to talk about. In this award-winning show, host Anita Rao guides us on an exploration of our brains and bodies that touches down in taboo territory.
Elevated Embrace (ghostmachine.nyc)
Elevated Embrace brings together works by Howard and Moreno which consider relational aspects integral to power: domination and subjugation. These artists employ tactile materials, text, and forms that signify strength and vulnerability as mutually contained, often in conversation with personal and archival narratives informed by BDSM and disability vantage points. By exploring the interdependency of command and submission, Elevated Embrace destabilizes fixed notions of control and foregrounds the shared participatory negotiation of these mutable social contracts.
Open Call: Kayla Hamilton (theshed.org)
An immersive dance performance honoring lineages of Black disabled imagination.
The Art of Disability Justice Now in the Twin Cities (disabilityjusticeart.com)
The Art of Disability Justice Now is a community-led exhibition that is curated and organized by local disabled artists, activists, and organizers. This exhibition serves as a snapshot of what Disability Justice is now in the Twin Cities, and why it’s important.
Guiding Vision of the Australian Disability Justice Network (disabilityjusticenetwork.com)
In the spirit of love and justice, we, as multiply marginalised disabled people across so-called Australia, have come together to share space, organise, provide mutual aid, and care for each other through the Australian Disability Justice Network.
A People's Guide to Abolition and Disability Justice (Paperback) (pilgrimsway.com)
Disability justice and prison abolition are two increasingly popular theories that overlap but whose intersection has rarely been explored in depth.
“Please Touch the Art!” A Tactile Exhibition (artsaccessinc.org)
Arts Access Gallery is excited to host a tactile exhibition during National Disability Awareness month titled “Please Touch the Art! A Tactile Exhibition”, featuring works of art created by artists with disabilities. The exhibition is an opportunity for patrons with vision loss to engage with artwork interactively.
“Please Touch the Art!” A Tactile Exhibition (artsaccessinc.org)
Arts Access Gallery is excited to host a tactile exhibition during National Disability Awareness month titled “Please Touch the Art! A Tactile Exhibition”, featuring works of art created by artists with disabilities. The exhibition is an opportunity for patrons with vision loss to engage with artwork interactively.
Strategy Clinics for Black Disabled Movement Workers, Fall 2024 (peopleshub.org)
We invite Black disabled movement workers into strategic conversations to sharpen our organizing approaches, develop points of unity amongst Black radical disabled people and share tools, skills, and resources that continue to support black disabled people.
Disabled And Here participants needed! (affecttheverb.com)
Affect creates media campaigns and resources that amplify multiply-marginalized folx and embody disability justice.
Town hall meeting on need to stop cop city in Dallas (fightbacknews.org)
On Saturday, July 6, the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR) Dallas partnered with the Stop Cop City Dallas coalition for a town hall meeting at Pan-African Connection to educate the community on the planned construction of a police training facility to be built on the University of North Texas at Dallas campus.
Tim Walz is leading the way on Long Covid funding (motherjones.com)
Under the new VP nominee, Minnesota became the first state to fund research on the debilitating condition.
Disability Data Alarmingly Absent From AI Algorithmic Tools, Report Suggests (forbes.com)
New report highlights the disability data black hole impacting many widespread AI algorithmic tools.
Review: Adventurous Adeline and the Back-to-School Party by Mary Fashik (mydiversability.com)
Adeline's adventures are not just entertaining but also educational, teaching children about inclusivity, friendship, and resilience.
Telling time: Putting an impassioned end to excepting my MS (acoupletakesonms.com)
Is it possible to live in denial of something you think you accept?
Cook Government unveils funding to boost disability employment (disabilityinsider.com)
The Cook Government has announced $300,000 to improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the small-to-medium enterprise sector.
How Caffé Nero Needs To Be More Accessible (criplife.co.uk)
Charlotte Croft, who was recently diagnosed with FND and uses a wheelchair, shares her experience of trying to access a Caffé Nero store in her hometown of Ipswich and the barriers she encountered when trying to get a coffee and find disabled toilets.
The Triple Crown (activehands.com)
Rob Smith took part in the Triple Crown wheelchair racing event in the US this year. He writes about his experiences.
Why do user research? Interview with user research experts (abilitynet.org.uk)
Being accessible means ensuring everyone can use your digital products and services without barriers. Making products and services accessible is a journey, and inclusive user research is an essential part of that journey which keeps users at the heart of your services and digital products.
Unisa Student and Reigning Miss SA 2024: "Words can't harm me" (thedeafdiary.com)
Back in 2015, when Mia Le Roux made it to the top five of Miss Deaf South Africa 2015, it did not dawn on her and the organisers of the pageant that she would later be crowned Miss South Africa 2024.
Review of Sean Gold’s “The ABCs Of Disability” (mydiversability.com)
The ABCs of Disabilities by Sean Gold is a children's book that expertly introduces young readers to the concepts of disability, accessibility, and inclusion. This beautifully illustrated ABC book stands out because of its engaging content and commitment to fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, making it a must-have for every classroom, library, and family collection.
First I Married My Amazing Husband, Then I Became Paralyzed (newmobility.com)
On April 6, 2013, I married my amazing husband. On August 13, 2013, I became paralyzed. We are still going strong and celebrating our third year anniversary. This is a shout out to him and to all amazing partners. It’s also encouragement to people out there: Good people do exist in this world!
Empower Ukraine (edf-feph.org)
Empower Ukraine is a project working towards the better inclusion of at-risk internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, veterans, older people, single-headed households, adults and children in institutions, and members of host communities with and without disabilities in specifically six oblasts (regions) in Ukraine.
Disability issues in the Hungarian Presidency of the Council (edf-feph.org)
Hungary has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (the Council) on 1 July. This means that Hungary will now chair all the relevant Council formations and technical bodies, such as the Education, Employment, and Social Affairs Council meetings of the national ministers (EPSCO) or the Social Questions Working Party meetings which usually discuss issues related to disability. Hungary follows a successful Belgian Presidency.
Climate Change and Disability-Inclusive Action: Your Participation Matters! (edf-feph.org)
Climate change is one of the most significant threats to development and quality of living today. Persons with disabilities are particularly at risk, representing the most vulnerable minority group impacted by climate change.
Access City Award 2025 (access-city-award.ec.europa.eu)
The Access City Award has been created by the European Commission to reward cities that have prioritised accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Bonn Conference: advocating for disability-inclusion climate action (edf-feph.org)
EDF participated in the UN Bonn Climate Change Conference (SB60), which took place from 6 to 8 June 2024. The Bonn Conference is an annual meeting that serves to discuss and prepare commitments for the COP – the flagship UN Climate Change Conference.
Council adopts recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers (edf-feph.org)
The Council of the European Union adopted a recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers on Friday, 21 June.
The European Pillar of Social Rights and Disability (edf-feph.org)
The European Pillar of Social Rights was proclaimed by EU leaders in 2017. It sets out 20 key principles that, in the EU’s own words, “represent the beacon guiding us towards a strong social Europe that is fair, inclusive and full of opportunity in the 21st century.”
European Semester Spring package 2024: Disability issues remain very present (edf-feph.org)
The European Semester is an annual review of the Member States’ social and economic policies by the European Commission.
EDF Youth Committee 2023 Annual Report (edf-feph.org)
In the beginning of the year, they attended two dialogues with commissioners, organised in the framework of the European Year of Youth. The Committee also went to the Zero Project Conference, were active in a project of the European Youth Forum on Activism and participatedin several events of EDF members or EDF itself.
Could new EU legislation on traineeships support young people with disabilities? (edf-feph.org)
In March, the European Commission proposed a law to improve the quality of traineeships. The proposed Directive raises hope for many young people in Europe, who have experienced how traineeship programs can take advantage of young people just arriving into the labour market. Young people with disabilities are at particular risk due to their low employment rate: only 47.4% (of the total population with disabilities in Europe, only 51.3% of persons with disabilities are employed, compared to 75.6% of persons without disabilities). For young women with disabilities and for young people with high support, access to employment proves even more difficult.
Will learning mobility be more disability-inclusive? (edf-feph.org)
The Council of the European Union published Council Recommendations ‘Europe on the Move’ – learning mobility opportunities for everyone in May. The focus of the recommendations is on improving learning mobility (such as programmes like ERASMUS+) and making it more inclusive.
Intersecting paths: Perspectives from queer youth with disabilities (edf-feph.org)
Being young, having a disability, and in the LGBTQIA+ community can often mean that your voice is underrepresented in the media and the wider public. The EDF Youth Committee set out to explore how young people with disabilities who identify as queer experience the disability community and gather their advice on inclusivity. We interviewed three individuals from the LGBTQIA+ and disability communities to share their perspectives.
The importance of media representation for persons with disabilities (edf-feph.org)
Media representation is a powerful tool in shaping public perception and societal norms. Especially for youth with disabilities, seeing themselves accurately and inclusively portrayed in the media is crucial. It helps in forming their self-identity and their ambitions, it also affects how they are seen and treated by their peers.
Workers with disabilities facing inaccessibility, lack of support in workplaces (edf-feph.org)
Ibrahim, who works in Belgium, often must take his personal laptop to work as his organisation doesn’t have the assistive technology necessary to do his job. Steven, a wheelchair user from the Netherlands, was told to be grateful for the accommodations he got.
Worrying lack of mention of disability in the next Commission’s political priorities (edf-feph.org)
The European disability movement is extremely concerned that disability issues are not mentioned in the document outlining the political priorities of the European Commission for 2024-2029. We sent a letter today to President Von Der Leyen seeking urgent clarification on this exclusion.
European Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 (edf-feph.org)
The 2024 edition of the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference is taking place in Brussels on 28-29 November 2024.
G7 (Group of Seven) Ministerial Meeting on Inclusion and Disability (edf-feph.org)
The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal forum that brings together Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union (EU) also participates in the Group.
Alzheimer Europe (alzheimer-europe.org)
Alzheimer Europe and Alzheimer Schweiz Suisse Svizzera invite you to the 34th Alzheimer Europe Conference organised in Geneva from 8 to 10 October 2024.
About the 2024 CEFEC Conference (cefecannualconference.eu)
We have the pleasure to invite you to the SFE CEFEC 38th Annual Conference, which will be organized in Lisbon, Portugal, taking place between 18-20 September 2024, in collaboration with the ARIA – Associação de Reabilitação e Integração Ajuda, under the title “The Europe of Today: New Challenges, New Social Entrepreneurship Opportunities.”
A decade of step-free delay (julianvaughan.blog)
In 2015, Sir Peter Hendy, now Lord Hendy and currently Minister of State for Rail, was appointed as Chair of Network Rail and tasked to conduct a review of the enhancement programme for Control Period 5, which ran from 2014-2019. From the resulting ‘Hendy Report’ this programme was “prioritised to reflect the government’s commitments to maximise passenger and freight user benefits” in light of issues with increased costs and deliverability. As a result, funding for ‘Access for All’ projects to deliver step-free railway stations was cut from £135m to £87.1m and 27 stations had their funding deferred until Control Period 6, 2019 – 2024.
Should public transport be free? (share.snipd.com)
Exploring the concept of free public transport in various cities around the world, including Luxembourg where it's national, Delhi where it benefits women in the workforce, and Kansas City facing financial challenges. The podcast delves into the impacts on commuters, social inequality, taxi industry struggles, wellbeing, safety, and the debate on the financial sustainability of free transport schemes.
Only 2.3% of UK chargers accessible for motorists with disabilities (motortrader.com)
Only 2.3% of the UK’s on-street EV chargers are adapted to be accessible for disabled motorists, according to Freedom of Information research by Vauxhall.
Hooray, We Have More Disabled Passengers! (accessiblelink.substack.com)
The CAA released its annual Airport Accessibility report
Rebel Health (susannahfox.com)
Health care needs to invite the rebels inside, to connect them with the resources they need to test and scale their ideas. Rebel Health is a how-to guide.
2024 Call for Proposals (tangledarts.org)
We invite submissions from Deaf, Mad, and Disability-identified artists and curators, as well as arts organizations and other cultural producers who practice Disability Arts and Curation.
The challenges facing the millions of unpaid carers (bbc.co.uk)
Almost three-quarters of people looking after loved ones are suffering from a lack of support.
Social model support scheme that tackles barriers secures nearly £600,000 funding (disabilitynewsservice.com)
A peer support scheme that has helped hundreds of disabled people in a single borough with the barriers they face in their daily lives has secured nearly £600,000 in funding over the next five years to continue its work.
Colin Farrell On His Son Who Has Angelman Syndrome (buzzfeednews.com)
Colin has opened up about his fear of what will happen to his son when he is no longer around to “protect” him, saying: “I want the world to be kind to James. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”
Mia le Roux is first deaf winner of Miss South Africa (bbc.com)
Mia le Roux says she hopes to inspire those who feel excluded from South African society.
Nobody's Normal (wwnorton.com)
A compassionate and captivating examination of evolving attitudes toward mental illness throughout history and the fight to end the stigma.
N.M. School for the Deaf educators start a new school year with union representation (santafenewmexican.com)
A union card check found majority support to establish a new local branch of the American Federation of Teachers-New Mexico.
Unlocking Dreams: The Power of Student Loan Forgiveness for People With Disabilities (thearc.org)
Student loan debt is a disability rights issue. Nearly 3 in 5 people with disabilities with student loans struggle with food insecurity and paying house or utility bills.
Interview with Deaf DNC Delegate Eric Scheir (dailymoth.com)
Here is an interview with Eric Scheir, who was selected as a Washington state delegate and will be attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He is from Seattle.
Gulliver's employee shocked by 'unfair' dismissal was sent P45 with no explanation (warringtonguardian.co.uk)
A Gulliver’s World employee has been left shocked after receiving a P45 by email and no explanation as to why her employment had ended.
The challenges facing the millions of unpaid carers (bbc.com)
Almost three-quarters of people looking after loved ones are suffering from a lack of support.
EEOC Sues Champion Media for Disability Discrimination (eeoc.gov)
Federal Agency Charges News Organization Refused to Hire Applicant Because of Deafness.
UNITED AIRLINES – BROKEN Wheelchair (My LEGS) AGAIN (quirkyquad.com)
There are a few major challenges that I’d like to address. The first is that every major airline contracts with a third-party company to handle ground transportation (folks that help individuals with disabilities inside the airplane & around the airport.) Very occasionally I get folks who are semi-knowledgeable & really great at taking direction on how I need to be moved. More often than not though, and it happened on my most recent trip to Denver… The several men trying to lift me in and out of chairs did not speak English. This is very challenging when you’re trying to give directions.
Exclusive Interview: Alice Wong (the Disability Visibility Project) (justaddcoloronline.com)
The Disability Visibility Project's Alice Wong is giving those with disabilities a place to share their views on ableism and media representation.
Notable Quotable: Petra Kuppers, Disability Culture Activist and Community Performance Artist (arts.gov)
In this notable quotable: Petra Kuppers, disability culture activist and community performance artist, reflects on the importance of inclusivity and constant discovery in disability culture, focusing on expanding access and participation rather than adhering to fixed best practices.
Government silence over missing £65 million of rail access funding (disabilitynewsservice.com)
Both the government and Network Rail have refused to say what will happen to £65 million of funding that was allocated to improving access at rail stations over the last five years, but was never spent.
Prince and the Sparkle Brains (cw: disability, ableism, sexual abuse) (karriehiggins.wordpress.com)
The day Prince died, I was walking to the audiologist office to pick out hearing aids, Purple Rain playing on my purple iPod, my lipstick-red walking cane tapping its drumbeat on the sidewalk, vibrating through my wrist bones to my elbow bones to my shoulders to my clavicles to my brain, telling me: I am whole. Without my cane, without that drumbeat, my brain gets confused: Where is my musical limb?
The Banality of Heroism (greatergood.berkeley.edu)
Circumstances can force almost anyone to be a bystander to evil, but they can also bring out our own inner hero. Zeno Franco and Philip Zimbardo show how we’re all capable of everyday heroism.
Stand up! But what if you can’t? (disabilityhorizons.com)
‘Get Up! Sitting less can add years to your life’! This headline caught my 1 eye and made me think: as a full-time wheelchair user for the last thirty five years, I wondered if I should be worried, and what on earth I could do about it.
Who am I? (disabilitydaily.substack.com)
Much more than words, like all of us!
Coping with negative emotions when you have a disability (youtube.com)
Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home.
The Judith Campaign - Keith Wright's Story (youtube.com)
In our last spotlight for the first part of the Judith Campaign, we're featuring Keith Wright, who is Kevin's older twin brother. In his engaging video, Keith talks about Adaptability. He explains that the people we support, especially those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, naturally have amazing adaptability skills. This video includes captions.
The Judith Campaign - Mathew McCollough's Story (youtube.com)
We are very excited to spotlight our sixth Judith Campaign, featuring Mathew McCollough, Director of the Office of Disability Rights (ODR). In the video, Mathew discusses what it is like living with physical and developmental disabilities. He shares his experiences in school and how they helped him understand the hidden disabilities that others may have. This video includes captions.
New U.S. Department of State Award Honors Former Special Advisor for International Disability Rights (state.gov)
The new Judith “Judy” Heumann Memorial Award for Leadership and Service in accessibility, disability rights, and inclusion recognizes U.S. Department of State employees whose efforts in the fields of accessibility and disability rights helps to build and retain an inclusive work environment where employees with disabilities have equal opportunity and access.
Saint Michael’s first-year students to explore disability rights advocacy through Judith Heumann’s memoir (smcvt.edu)
Each year, all incoming first-year students read the same book to provide a common basis for discussion, learning, and introduction to college across all First-Year Seminar courses. These texts often explore themes such as diversity, equity, and humanity, which can be discussed from a number of different academic disciplines and perspectives.
Judy Heumann Center Official Dedication Event (youtube.com)
This week we officially dedicated the Judy Heumann Center, our new home for the Adult Transition Program. In celebrating this achievement we got to hear why this new center is so special, how it will improve the lives of our students, and why it is so important to carry on the legacy of Judy Heumann as told to us by her own family.
504 Sit-In: Puzzle (historicons.com)
Historians have to piece clues together to learn about the past. Now it's your turn! Learn all about The 504 Sit-In, celebrating Disability History. Included are magnetic puzzle and backer board, clue key cards, age-leveled game instructions, and a reusable canvas bag. For young historians age 5 and up, our kid's puzzle games feature.
Voices of Disability Pride: 'Don't let the fear stop you,' shares Michael Rogers (wamc.org)
This week, we share the first installment of a new series of profiles of leaders in the disability community, called “Voices of Disability Pride.” Each of these profiles is a chance to hear about someone’s advocacy journey, the skills that helped them succeed and what advice they have for people new to the disability community. This week we’re highlighting Michael Rogers, a prominent self-advocate in Buffalo and Regional Organizer for the Self Advocacy Association of New York State.
The Best Movies to Watch on Netflix Right Now (time.com)
From Netflix originals and stone-cold classics to directorial debuts and just plain great watches.
‘Spirit of Possibility’: Berkeley Center for Independent Living celebrates disability pride, new chapter (dailycal.org)
The 1960s marked the beginning of the disability rights movement, with Berkeley at its forefront. Now, six decades later, the Center for Independent Living, or CIL, continues efforts, including the recent Disability Pride celebration and a new executive director, hoping to enhance the disability community through partnerships and engagement.
Notes from America: 'Students sit together' (share.america.gov)
In the United States, students with disabilities are guaranteed accommodations in the classroom and school.
Creating Communities for Disability Activism (daily.jstor.org)
In the 1960s, young disabled people found each other at camps and colleges, creating ever-expanding networks for challenging discrimination.
The best 4th of July movie on Netflix is still 'Crip Camp,' the... (decider.com)
If you're not feeling so patriotic this 4th of July, watch this documentary about the American disability rights movement.
Explore the history of how the rights for disabled people were won with “Children’s Books on Disability Rights Movement, Coloring and Activity Book on The Story of the 504 Sit-In, For Kids.” This educational coloring and activity book brings the story of the 504 Sit-In to life, highlighting the determination of disability rights activists who fought for the first ever civil rights for people with disabilities in the United States. This event led to the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The Day Hunter Became a 3x Paralympian (youtube.com)
Paralympic Trials was such a fun competition. so many amazing days in a row, we are excited to share it with you. so many updates and new videos coming soon!
More disabled homeless veterans may qualify for subsidized housing (nbcnews.com)
Disability payments had sometimes been considered compensation and pushed veterans over the income limits for receiving assistance. The policy was changed Thursday.
AI interview showcases a Syracuse start-up's breakthrough in sign language translation (cnycentral.com)
Sign-Speak, an AI research and product startup in Syracuse, is on a mission to empower deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
The worst pain (carlyfindlay.com.au)
I hate that my social media has become a cancer diary, and that cancer is all I think about, talk about and feel right now. When I write about Ichthyosis, I am very deliberate to share the social barriers encountered, like discrimination, bullying, exclusion and violence; and I advocate for equal rights, accessibility, representation and inclusion. I’m used to living with a rare severe skin condition, to choosing treatments that give me a quality of life, and to living the very best life I can while still experiencing pain and discrimination.
Deaf qualified educator: “Deafness is not a curse or something to be fixed” (thedeafdiary.com)
“I just became deaf! My Grandfather called my name, but I didn’t turn or move.... He was the first person that found out about my deafness.” These are the words of Siyanda Alfred Nxumalo, a 32-year-old youth from Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
British Vogue Pioneers Inclusivity with New Audio and Braille Editions (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
Discover British Vogue's commitment to accessibility with audio and Braille editions, making fashion inclusive for all.
Women’s Day: We honour a Deaf businesswoman who has empowered 480 Deaf people (thedeafdiary.com)
As millions of South Africans from all walks of life commemorate the annual Women’s Day, today, 9 August, the Diary Series of Deaf People focusses on the success of a proudly Deaf businesswoman who unceasingly opens doors of job and entrepreneurship opportunities for many in the Deaf community.
CEO makes a difference in the lives of Deaf beauty queens (thedeafdiary.com)
Commitment to preserve her relationship with her husband internally and bridge communication gap between themselves, motivated the CEO of Miss, Mrs & Mr Deaf South Africa to effectively learn South African Sign Language (SASL).
Sensory resources help aspiring Paralympian from Essex (bbc.com)
Jacob, from Harlow, who dreams of being a Paralympian, can learn about the history of the Olympics.
Meet Hunter Woodhall, husband of 2024 Paris Olympics long jump winner Tara Davis-Woodhall (sports.yahoo.com)
Tara Davis-Woodhall embracing her husband after winning gold in the women's long jump is among the memorable scenes from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
From jellyfish to basking shark, we’re developing 100 new signs to deepen deaf people’s connection with the ocean (theconversation.com)
A new glossary of environmental science terms offers deaf people a new way to visualise and understand marine ecosystems.
Crowdfunder success means every MP will receive copy of book that lays bare decades of DWP violence (disabilitynewsservice.com)
Thanks to the success of a crowdfunding initiative, every MP is to receive a copy of a book that investigates how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) caused countless deaths of disabled benefit claimants over the last 14 years.
The time a celebrity used my disability for their own social media (gemturner.substack.com)
Recently I shared the story about when Wayne Lineker’s PR team used my image on his Instagram stories. Yep. Let me summarise…
Looking like myself (lucywebster.substack.com)
On self-expression and disability
The Story of a Couple with Disabilities on the Russian Border (inkultur.org)
"Valia, That's It, We Need to Run": The Story of a Couple with Disabilities on the Russian Border and Their Evacuation through the Countryside.
We Ranked Disabilities by How Embarrassing They Are to Disclose (thesqueakywheel.org)
Most disabilities come with some form of stigma, but not all disability stigma is created equal. The Squeaky Wheel ranked all seven disabilities (yes, any disabilities not on this list are fake) by how humiliating they are to reveal. 7. Cancer Revealing a hidden cancer diagnosis is the biggest power move possible.
Jasper Co. enhances voting accessibility ahead of Missouri Primary (fourstateshomepage.com)
Jasper County upgraded its ADA voting equipment in 2022 to follow standards in the “Help America Vote Act.” Touchscreen panels are an option, but they also connect to an audio ballot for the visually impaired. There’s also an option for quadriplegic voters for an independent ballot.
MTA begins station accessibility project in Brooklyn, N.Y. (masstransitmag.com)
Classon Avenue is one of 13 stations in the accessibility project and will receive updates to increase access to wheelchairs and strollers for the community.
c2c Appoints Accessibility and Integrated Travel Manager (railmagazine.com)
Train operator c2c has strengthened its commitment to accessibility by appointing Steve Scutt as its first Accessibility and Integrated Travel Manager.
National Centre for Accessible Transport: Have your say (devon.gov.uk)
A new fund to help improve the experience of disabled people in accessing transport is launching in the Autumn. Ahead of the launch, there is an opportunity to have your say on the scope of the new programme.
Travelmation Announces Inaugural Accessibility Cruise (travelagewest.com)
Travel agency Travelmation recently announced it is teaming up with Royal Caribbean International for the inaugural Travelmation Accessibility Cruise.
Destination Door County Offering Accessibility Grants (wdor.com)
Last week, Destination Door County launched its new Accessibility Mini-Grant Program where local businesses, nonprofits, or government entities may apply for grants up to $1,000 to help increase accessibility to the public. Some of the eligible grant projects may include automatic door openers, ramps, grab bars, lifts, mobi-mats, track chairs, adult changing tables, captioning, audio description of materials, and more. Community Engagement Manager Amanda Stuck says they are trying to help make Door County more available to all our visitors…
Types Of Accessibility Approaches (melsumner.github.io)
Some context: This blog piece is really me unpacking some emotional stuff. I know! Feelings! In a tech blog? No way! But seriously, maybe it will help you too, though. If not, that’s totally fine…YMMV.
Currys expands accessibility initiative to London (finance.yahoo.com)
The WelcoMe app provides Currys staff time to prepare for customers with disabilities appropriately.
CTA updates station accessibility program (progressiverailroading.com)
Unveiled in 2018, the plan is an evolving document that will be updated over time to reflect the ongoing planning, modernization and construction work as envisioned by the authority's capital program, CTA officials said in a news release.
WebAIM: Decoding WCAG: “Change of Context” and “Change of Content” (webaim.org)
As was mentioned in an earlier blog post on “Alternative for Time-based Media” and “Media Alternative for Text,” understanding the differences between terms in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is essential to understanding the guidelines as a whole. In this post, we will explore two more WCAG terms that are easily confused—change of context and change of content.
Everyone Can Benefit From These 7 Mac Accessibility Features (howtogeek.com)
Yes, even you.
Sinead O'Dwyer Brings Accessibility to Copenhagen Fashion Week (yahoo.com)
Sinead O'Dwyer is always one to watch, and that didn't change just because she moved from London Fashion Week to Copenhagen. If anything, the Irish designer's Danish debut was a level above her previous showcases, thanks partly to the city's glorious Opera Park in which the show was held, and in majority due to O'Dwyer's affinity for accessibility.
Interactive Art Experiences for All Ages (colorfactory.co)
All ages immersive art installations in NYC, Chicago & Houston that engage your senses and inspire joy. Get Tickets!
Travelmation is partnering with Royal Caribbean for accessibility cruise (travelweekly.com)
The first Travelmation Accessibility Cruise will sail on the Utopia of the Seas in October 2025.
Olympic National Park seeks public input on plan to improve accessibility (nps.gov)
“We are dedicated to providing all visitors with opportunities for meaningful park experiences.” said Jeff Doryland, Olympic National Park’s Facility Manager and Accessibility Coordinator. “This tool will help us develop effective plans to improve those opportunities.”
Respectability Wins Microsoft's AI Challenge for People with Disabilities (news.microsoft.com)
Microsoft AI for Accessibility Hackathon (AI4A Hackathon) is a competition launched by Microsoft in 2019 to seek initiatives using AI to improve daily life activities for people with disabilities. This year, AI4A Hackathon 2024 in Southeast Asia attracted more than 650 contestants from 180 teams from more than 20 universities in 7 countries. In Vietnam, AI4A Hackathon 2024 was jointly organized by Microsoft and RMIT University Vietnam within the framework of RMIT Vietnam’s Accessibility Design Competition 2024. Teams that compete with AI-related initiatives and make it to the second round of the Accessibility Design Competition 2024 will be eligible to participate in Microsoft’s AI4A Hackathon 2024.
Minnesota State Fair announces new rides, accessibility measures and more (brainerddispatch.com)
With three weeks until the gates open, the State Fair has announced new rides, accessibility measures, food competitions, and other features for this year’s event, which kicks off Aug. 22.
AI, accessibility at the forefront of Remarkable's disability tech cohort (smartcompany.com.au)
Disability tech accelerator Remarkable has announced a mix of Australian and international startups for its 2024 cohort.
Next 12 London Underground stations to have step-free accessibility upgrades announced (newcivilengineer.com)
Feasibility assessments and design work for step-free access is being carried out by Transport for London (TfL) at 12 more London Underground stations.
Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West Boosts Accessibility, Renews Autism Certification (fox40.com)
Demonstrating the hotel’s efforts to create a more inclusive location, Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West has completed the renewal of their Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. The certification, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), requires at least 80% of front-facing staff to complete training and certification to better serve autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.
Indiana State Fair holds Ability Awareness Day to recognize disabilities, promote accessibility (wishtv.com)
It’s day three of the Indiana State Fair and leaders with Easterseals Crossroads say Sunday is a day for Hoosiers to celebrate disabilities.
The Great New York State Fair Expands Accessibility Efforts with Dedicated Sensory Room and Hours (nysfair.ny.gov)
While many fairgoers are captivated by the bright lights, loud sounds, and live music at The Great New York State Fair, others can find the environment to be a potential cause of stress and anxiety. In an effort to make The Fair more inclusive of all New Yorkers, The Great New York State Fair is proud to announce the addition of a dedicated sensory room and sensory friendly hours as part of its mission to improve programming and infrastructure with the goal of making one of summer’s most beloved traditions more accessible.
Construction to Start on Affordable, Accessible Homes for Individuals with Brain Injuries in Swift Current (saskatchewan.ca)
Four individuals in Swift Current with brain injuries will soon have access to newly constructed, safe and affordable housing thanks to a joint investment from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.
e.l.f. Cosmetics and World Champion Blind Swimmer Anastasia Pagonis Launch “Beauty For Every Eye” Accessibility Bundle (morningstar.com)
e.l.f., the purpose-driven beauty brand with a mission to bring the best of beauty to every eye, lip, and face, has teamed up with world champion blind swimmer Anastasia "Tas" Pagonis in service to the broader community. Together, e.l.f. and Pagonis are on a journey to make beauty products more accessible for the blind and low-vision community.
AudioEye Launches Accessibility Testing Software Development Kit (SDK), Empowering Developers to Build Accessible Websites (prnewswire.com)
"Achieving full-scale digital accessibility requires a three-pronged approach: automation, human-assisted technology, and developer tools," said David Moradi, CEO of AudioEye. "With our SDK offering, we're empowering organizations to take a proactive approach to their website accessibility by equipping developers with the tools they need to prioritize accessibility from the outset. By integrating the SDK into our suite of tools, we are reinforcing our commitment to helping our customers achieve comprehensive accessibility and usability for all their customers."
White House Disability Pride Month Convening (youtube.com)
The White House Office of Public Engagement was proud to host White House Disability Pride Month Convening on Monday, July 29th. During this convening, senior disabled Biden-Harris Administration leaders and advocates reflected on the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability pride, and our shared commitment to build a nation where people with disabilities are afforded the opportunities, independence, and respect we deserve.
Supporting Digital Accessibility in the Public and Private Sectors (askearn.org)
Explore strategies that have been identified by research as promising practices to help ensure digital accessibility in organizations.
Title II Rule on Digital Accessibility | Division of Access Opportunity & Diversity (diversity.uiowa.edu)
The Department of Justice released new regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on April 24, 2024. These rules mandate that all web content, mobile apps, and electronic documents from the University of Iowa meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1, Level AA standards by April 24, 2026, with few exceptions.Affected areas include academic and administrative technologies, course materials, departmental websites, mobile applications, social media platforms, third-party content, and other technologies involved in university programs and services.The Office of Civil Rights Compliance is spearheading efforts on campus. Achieving compliance will necessitate a collective effort across the university. The office is collaborating with partners at the university to organize efforts campus-wide and devise strategies to fulfill ADA requirements and ensure technology access for everyone in the University of Iowa community.For more details:The Justice Department offers additional resources including a fact sheet outlining rule requirements.The official rule is available in the Federal Register.A YouTube video in American Sign Language explains the rule announcement.For inquiries: Reach out via email at ocrc-disability@uiowa.edu or visit the web home of the ADA Coordinator for more information.
More agencies turn to AI to fix website accessibility issues (federalnewsnetwork.com)
More than half of all government websites have at least one accessibility issue, according to data collected by OMB and GSA.
Strategies to Promote Culturally Competent Mental Health Awareness in Workplaces (askearn.org)
Learn about the partnership between the Steve Fund and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as they discuss the importance of mental health and trauma-informed practices in talent acquisition and workforce retention, with a particular focus on youth of color.
Legislation to Ensure Digital Access for Americans with Disabilities Proposed (fedmanager.com)
Proposed legislation aims to ensure that Americans with disabilities can access digital services from the federal government, including websites, documents, and other digital information.
Council Post: How Government Websites Can Prioritize User Experience–And Why They Should (forbes.com)
Governments urgently need to catch up to better serve their constituents.
Six ways to support disabled online learners (insidehighered.com)
Research from the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice identifies six ways to improve accessibility in online education through intentional design principles.
US Accessibility Index (nowpatient.com)
In the US an estimated of 40 million people are living with a disability, that’s why we wanted to know which states are the most accessible.
Sundowning: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment (webmd.com)
Understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment of sundowning, a syndrome in which Alzheimer's patients experience confusion and agitation as the day closes.
Paris 2024: the most inclusive and accessible Games (orange.com)
As a partner of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it’s safe to say we celebrate the determination, equality, inspiration, and courage of parasport. Beyond the world of sport, and for more than 20 years, we’ve been committed to promoting a more inclusive society and working to ensure that disability is never an obstacle to personal or professional development. Discover how disability inclusion, through sport as well as in the workplace, symbolizes a society where everyone plays a role, regardless of their background.
A Brief Meditation on Disability Excellence (linkedin.com)
In a few weeks, the Paralympics will begin, and it got me thinking about the merit of Disability Excellence. By conventional wisdom, excellence is typically associated with high performance and outstanding accomplishments; however, in the realm of disability, excellence often involves navigating unique challenges where the achievements of disabled individuals may not always align with standard benchmarks. Still, they reflect an alternative narrative of resilience, innovation, and profound personal and collective success. Disability excellence resides not merely in exceptional feats but in the capacity to thrive and make impactful contributions despite systemic barriers.
Digital accessibility (businessanddisability.org)
Digital accessibility is a key concept in creating more diverse and inclusive companies. The business case for digital accessibility – both in terms of attracting more diverse talent, including employees with disabilities, and increasing the base of disabled customers – is increasingly recognized by companies worldwide.
New guidance for accessible and inclusive facilities (sportengland.org)
Sport England has produced Accessible and Inclusive Sports Facilities Guidance for planners, architects, building owners and operators, to help ensure sport and leisure facilities are safe, welcoming and accessible to all.
Widgets vs. Direct Remediation: A cost analysis for SMBs (afixt.com)
Despite the fact that accessibility experts across the world have assembled together to speak out about them, and despite there being scores of articles published against them, accessibility widgets are being found on more and more websites these days.
Public Spaces and Accessibility: Smart Strategies for Inclusion (buildings.com)
Adaptability and inclusivity are often a struggle for public spaces, especially those built years ago. Check out this episode of the Buildings Podcast for accessibility strategies you can use—and what it means to create a space that’s inclusive for everyone.
Urbanism 101: 15-Minute Cities, Walkability, and Accessibility (theurbanist.org)
#Doug Trumm August 5, 2024 What is a 15 minute city and how might Seattle be able to get closer to achieving it? Other cities around the world offer a model.
Pikes Peak region focuses on becoming more accessible for travelers (youtube.com)
As News5's Brett Forrest reports, our rocky mountain terrain is actually becoming quite accessible.
AI, location intelligence, and overcoming the accessibility divide (fastcompany.com)
Location insights enable employees to solve complex business problems, and AI and ML can make it far easier for far more people to access them and put them to work.
Lessons for Brands: Creating Inclusive and Accessible Advertising (lbbonline.com)
She is a vibrant social media influencer who happens to be blind. Sarah loves sharing her daily experiences, tips on living independently, and product reviews with her followers. Despite her active presence on social media, she often feels left out of the conversation when it comes to advertisements. Most ads she encounters are heavily visual, lacking the necessary audio descriptions or alternative text, making it impossible for her to fully engage with the content.
How Miami Beach Convention Center Is Embracing Inclusivity and Accessibility (tsnn.com)
With 5% to 16.5% of attendees having symptoms associated with sensory processing challenges and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. with autism, more venues and destinations are committed to making sure autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors feel welcome and supported while attending meetings and events.
Accessible design is in demand. Is the home industry ready? (businessofhome.com)
This week, Pottery Barn released a series of new collections that appear nearly identical to its existing Sausalito, Farmhouse and Cayman lines. Closer inspection reveals subtle differences: a dresser with a raised edge that runs along the top, a bed with a built-in bench at the end, a side table equipped with power outlets. For some, these changes offer a functional boost to everyday life—but for consumers with disabilities, they can make a world of difference.
New report highlights sport’s inclusion and accessibility barriers (marketingderby.co.uk)
A collaborative research project involving Nimbus Disability has published a report highlighting the barriers faced by disabled people wanting to participate in and watch sport.
Former Paralympian keeps athletics accessible in Collingwood (collingwoodtoday.ca)
People of Collingwood: Chris Stoutenburg, events co-ordinator with the Town of Collingwood, retired Paralympian and co-owner of CrossFit Indestri
Accessibility at the heart of Beat the Street thanks to collaboration (activityalliance.org.uk)
Activity Alliance and Intelligent Health have worked to improve accessibility of activity game Beat the Street.
5 Ideas to Make Your Small Business More Accessible (rbcroyalbank.com)
Embracing accessibility isn't just about compliance, it's about unleashing the economic power of the 1 in 4 Canadians living with a disability.
How southern Colorado is making travel more accessible for those with disabilities (youtube.com)
Opened in June 2021, the new Pikes Peak summit expOpened in June 2021, the new Pikes Peak summit experience was designed with accessibility in mind. It might be the region’s top visitor attraction, but other sites around Colorado Springs have the same mindset.erience was designed with accessibility in mind. It might be the region’s top visitor attraction, but other sites around Colorado Springs have the same mindset.
How to make the internet more accessible (bostonglobe.com)
Despite the availability of tools to make the digital world accessible, many websites and digital services remain inaccessible to people with disabilities.
Disability campaigners demand more accessible homes (housingdigital.co.uk)
Habinteg joined campaigners to deliver a letter to Downing Street asking the prime minister to raise the accessibility standard for all new homes
Auchan Romania Launches Accessibility Project (esmmagazine.com)
Auchan Romania has implemented a pilot project in its Berceni hypermarket, aimed at enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities.
Independence is a priority for Julie. But it's also something that can feel out of reach at home (abc.net.au)
NSW is one of two states to not opt into mandatory accessibility guidelines for new residential developments. Advocates and researchers say more must be done to improve the quality of life for people who are disabled.
Accessibility of Guernsey States properties assessed (bbc.com)
There are about 80 buildings included in the programme covering the full range of public services.
HONOR the Challenger: When accessibility tech challenges the boundaries of innovation (bbc.com)
At the age of 41, Dutch entrepreneur Bernard Muller received devastating news: he had the incurable neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He remembers the feelings of "disbelief, disorientation, being powerless and feeling robbed".
NCPWD presents accessibility regulations documents to housing ministry (thecable.ng)
In a bid to make housing more affordable and accessible for people with disabilities (PWDs), James Lalu, the executive secretary of National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) has presented copies of the accessibility regulations documents to Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development in Abuja.
The Question of Accessibility: How Are Niverville and Ritchot Doing? (nivervillecitizen.com)
According to Statistics Canada, based on data from 2022, 27 percent of Canadians aged 15 years and older live with at least one kind of disability.1 This being true, much work needs to be done to make our communities more accessible.
Prize for the eyes: WHO honors film on Indonesia's pioneering women eye docs (npr.org)
The short documentary is called The Visionary Women of Indonesia. It profiles women ophthalmologists who are addressing the high rate of blindness in their country — and fighting sexism as well.
Bridging the digital divide: Accessibility challenges faced by students living with disabilities in Benin City (nigerianobservernews.com)
In the southern heart of Nigeria, Benin City, a vibrant yet challenging ecosystem emerges for many students living with disabilities striving for academic excellence. While the city is known for its rich cultural heritages, beliefs and historical significance, it is also a place where modern educational challenges persist. One of the most pressing issues is the accessibility of digital resources and technology for these students, a problem that has far-reaching implications for their academic and personal growth.
5 beaches that are accessible by public transit in Montreal (montrealgazette.com)
Montreal might not be a beach town, per se, but there are still a handful of sandy spots to enjoy on those hot summer days.
Top Tips For Planning An Accessible Staycation In Kent (indexdigital.co.uk)
Accessible hotels, attractions, trails, transport, restaurants, cafes and vehicles in Kent. Planning an accessible staycation in Kent. Holidays in Kent.
Map shows UK's most accessible walks (countryliving.com)
Top accessible walks in Britain, as recommended by our ambassadors...
More Than 1 in 4 Americans Over 50 Are Now Caregivers (medicinenet.com)
More than 1 in 4 Americans 50 or older are now caregivers, looking after at least one family member or friend who has a health problem or disability, a new poll has found.
Including People With Disabilities in Data Collection (govtech.com)
Government and industry leaders are working to better understand how data collection may not effectively document what people with disabilities need. They're improving the process by doing a better job of gathering information.
Partnerships key in supporting military-connected students with disabilities (k12dive.com)
Military families' frequent moves can cause stress and anxiety about potential gaps in special education services, said OSEP conference speakers.
Parents of Kids with Disabilities Praise Colin Farrell for Opening Up About His Son's Special Needs Diagnosis (people.com)
Parents of kids with disabilities are praising Colin Farrell after the actor opened up about his son's Angelman syndrome diagnosis with PEOPLE in an exclusive interview.
Violent dementia patients leave nursing home staff and residents ‘scared to death’ (npr.org)
Verbal, physical, and sexual aggression among dementia patients in long-term care facilities are alarmingly common. “There is a real problem with endemic violence,” one researcher says.
Minot Public Transit provides accessibility for all (kxnet.com)
Many North Dakotans rely on public transportation as their only way of getting around, but accessibility can often feel like a overwhelming issue for those dealing with disabilities. According to the Bureau of Transportation, over 18 million disabled Americans have no access to public transportation, and Minot Public Transit bridges that gap in the community.
Virginia agency websites are getting more accessible, but local governments and schools lag behind (wvtf.org)
Efforts by the legislature to require state and local agency websites to become more accessible failed during this year’s general assembly session, but a study of new state compliance rules is underway in Richmond.
How NSA Ensures Technology Remains Accessible and Usable for All Employees (fedtechmagazine.com)
The National Security Agency’s accessibility program leads the Intelligence Community in meeting the technology needs of employees with disabilities.
Tampa Bay organization works to address accessibility challenges during storms (wfla.com)
A Tampa Bay organization is in high demand for the support they offer families who are facing accessibility challenges in their homes.
Lawyer alleges widespread scheme to ‘extort’ money from Portland businesses over disability access (msn.com)
ichard Baek received a letter last fall from a lawyer demanding that he bring his family’s Southeast Portland strip mall into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Detroit to use $6.6M ARPA funding toward home upgrades for residents with disabilities (eu.freep.com)
The city is using federal funding to pay for home modifications for low-income seniors and residents with disabilities.
Detroit Home Accessibility Program to provide crucial modifications for Detroiters living with disabilities (detroitmi.gov)
The City of Detroit, in partnership with CHN Housing Partners (CHN) and Detroit Housing Network (DHN) Members today announced the opening of the application process for the Detroit Home Accessibility Program, which will make safety and access improvements at the homes of Detroit residents with disabilities and low-income senior s. This groundbreaking initiative, funded with $6.6 million from City of Detroit ARPA Funds, aims to improve the living conditions of residents who struggle with basic access to and inside their own homes.
AWS CEO talks expanding accessibility in Fort Wayne (wboi.org)
AWS Foundation works with several organizations around the area to ask questions about accessibility.
As A Mom To A Son With Rare Diseases, Here’s What I Think About Trump’s Alleged Comments About Disabled People (huffpost.com)
"If it’s true that Donald Trump made these statements, I am appalled ... partly because my 6-year-old son is one of those people."
New Crosswalks Make Hell’s Kitchen More Accessible for Visually Impaired (w42st.com)
Hell’s Kitchen streets are now more accessible than ever before, as the city ups the pace of installing crosswalks for the visually impaired.
Kendal Calling festival accessibility issues 'dehumanising' (bbc.com)
Kendal Calling festival goers say an accessible side entrance was closed during some performances.
Paris revolutionises accessibility ahead of the Paralympic Games (insidethegames.biz)
As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games continues, the City of Paris has emerged as a leader in accessibility and inclusion, spurred on by significant investments aimed at transforming the French capital into a more inclusive city.
IPC President praises accessibility improvements made by City of Paris (paralympic.org)
Andrew Parsons says Paris has made more progress in the last seven years than any other Paralympic host city when it comes to accessibility
CAA tells five UK airports to make accessibility improvements amid general progress (ttgmedia.com)
The CAA says five UK airports need to improve accessibility for those with mobility issues but says the situation generally is improving
CAA publishes airport accessibility report (adsadvance.co.uk)
No UK airport has received a ‘poor’ rating for their accessibility performance over the last year according to a report by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), for the first time since 2020.
‘More work to do’ on airport accessibility, aviation watchdog warns (uk.finance.yahoo.com)
Britain's aviation regulator has said "more work" needs to be done to improve airport accessibility, despite significant improvement over the last year.
Habinteg marches to Downing Street to ask for more accessible homes (hqnetwork.co.uk)
Habinteg’s Director of Social Impact and External Affairs, Christina McGill, spoke to the crowd about how inaccessible homes impact disabled and older people.
What is disability pay gap reporting? (economicsobservatory.com)
Disability pay gap reporting would require UK employers that have more than 250 members of staff to publish annual declarations of the percentage difference in average hourly pay between disabled and non-disabled employees in their organisation. This mirrors the framework for gender pay gap reporting by large employers that is already in place.
Health Disparities in the Medical Record and Disability Determinations: Proceedings of a Workshop (nap.nationalacademies.org)
Read online, download a free PDF, or order a copy in print.
Disability Accessibility Mossel Bay system prioritises accessibility for persons with disabilities (youtube.com)
A new initiative has been launched in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to grade businesses' accessibility for people with disabilities.
Reducing Disparities Through Online Accessibility Information (jamanetwork.com)
This Viewpoint describes the need for more health care organizations to include disability accessibility information on their websites and to improve physical access for patients with disabilities.
Accessibility, AI and growing moustaches: The future of public sector digital services (thinkdigitalpartners.com)
The public sector must modernise its existing infrastructure to drive successful innovation in the UK digital landscape. Here, Gavin Elliot, chief design officer at Scrumconnect Consulting, highlights the need for user-centred approaches for delivering value through public services. He believes the UK has significant potential to drive an inclusive and innovative digital public sector, but only if current systems are updated to deliver real value to citizens.
Inside CAI’s Mission To Make Every Workspace A More Neurodiverse Place (forbes.com)
Park told me CAI Neurodiverse Solutions is the avenue through which prospective employers are able to “tap into the neurodiverse talent pool.”
Accessibility isn’t rocket science. What you need more than anything is the intent (linkedin.com)
Accessibility isn’t rocket science. What you need more than anything is the intent Meet the Indian news service embracing all audiences, no matter how they access the content “Product experts have long cited empathy as the secret sauce behind successful products.
Karen Chadwick Column: Accessibility shouldn’t come with a higher price tag (laois-nationalist.ie)
As a deaf person with disabilities who has more than ten years’ experience of working in the disability sector, Portlaoise resident Karen Chadwick continues her series of articles that aim to foster open conversations and raise awareness about disabilities
How to... Support Users of Powered Mobility Devices (accessiblelink.substack.com)
No power, no mobility
Top 5 iOS Mobile App Accessibility Issues Pt 1. (dev.to)
Over the last few years, I have been asked more and more "Mark, what are the most common issues in mobile applications". Normally I would respond with what I know, however lately I have began to ask myself "What is the current state of mobile accessibility" and "are the common issues still the same?"
DOOM + DOOM II Accessibility Guide (slayersclub.bethesda.net)
Experience the classics that helped define first-person shooters with modern accessibility features like input mapping, high contrast text, audio options and more.
Microsoft Gaming Accessibility Team (youtube.com)
The Microsoft Gaming Accessibility Team uses this channel to host videos for documentation (such as the Xbox Accessibility Guidelines) as well as link out to other content that may be useful for developers and customers on the subject of inclusive game design and gaming accessibility.
Apple Makes Mega Accessibility Breakthrough With Advanced Voice Control Feature In New iPhone and Mac (digitalinformationworld.com)
Apple's new Voice Control feature in iOS, macOS betas fixes dictation issues for disabled users.
*UKHotViewsExtra* Accessibility - yesterday’s assistive tech is today’s emerging trend (techmarketview.com)
Bringing you opinionated, authoritative research & analysis on the UK technology scene.
Miracle-Ear Foundation's New Website Will Support Access to No-Cost Hearing Aids (hearingreview.com)
The Miracle-Ear Foundation launched a website dedicated to expanding its reach and services for patients in need of no-cost hearing aids.
Apple Voice Control solves a huge accessibility problem in iOS 18 (9to5mac.com)
A disability campaigner has highlighted what he says is a huge accessibility breakthrough with Voice Control in the latest iPhone and Mac betas.
Bite Execs Talk Technology And Accessibility In The Food Industry In Interview (forbes.com)
On its website, Bite touts itself as designing technology solutions which "[elevates] hospitality everywhere."
Birmingham Airport improves accessibility with new check-in option (internationalairportreview.com)
Birmingham Airport have introduced a new check-in process for those with hidden disabilities, ensuring greater accessibility.
DevA11y: Using AI to make apps and websites more accessible (siliconrepublic.com)
Founded by Cormac Chisholm and Patrick Guiney, AI start-up DevA11y is part of the latest NDRC accelerator cohort which kicked off last month.
Webster woman creates sunscreen accessibility product (rochesterfirst.com)
A Webster woman has patented a new product which helps users apply sunblock to those hard-reach places. Kathe D’Alfonso is the creator and owner of Solo Beauty.
Colin Farrell Foundation (colinfarrellfoundation.org)
Empowering Individuals and Families Living with Intellectual Disabilities Through Education, Advocacy, & Innovative Programs.
Chad Allen Magic: Close-up Magician (chadallenmagic.com)
Official website of Chad Allen, blind magician, motivational speaker, and Academy of Magical Arts member. Providing unique entertainment for various events.
Overtime Mandate Has Disability Providers Considering Service Cuts, Advocates Say (disabilityscoop.com)
Millions more workers will soon qualify for overtime pay and advocates are warning that the changes are likely to further erode the availability of developmental disability services.
Could the EU adopt legislation on Independent Living? (enil.eu)
The EU has adopted an impressive body of disability legislation which is essential to implement the UN CRPD. Provisions from the EU treaties, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Guidelines on Deinstitutionalisation, including in emergencies, could grant competences to legislate on Independent Living.
‘People always ask – can she have sex?’: the stars of TV’s racy, hilarious new disability comedy (theguardian.com)
We Might Regret This is one of TV’s most frank depictions of caring for a wheelchair user – and one of its funniest. Its creators talk steamy scenes, stereotypes – and getting drenched in urine
Community For Accessible Transport: Research Panel On Accessible Transport Reaches Over 1,000 Members (criplife.co.uk)
A research panel - Community for Accessible Transport - created by ncat has grown to well over 1,000 members.
Colin Farrell opens up about son with Angelman syndrome: ‘We still struggle’ (theguardian.com)
Actor discusses son’s neurological condition and launches foundation supporting people with intellectual disability
Meet Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2024: Shanta' Favors' Inspiring Advocacy Journey (fun4thedisabled.com)
Join Vanessa Harris from Fun4theDisabled as she chats with Shanta’ Favors, Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2024! Hear how Shanta’ turned adversity into advocacy, pushing for better support for the disability community. Discover her platform, “Bridging the Gap,” and learn how she’s making a difference both locally and nationally.
Blood test may predict chronic lung disease in preterm babies (disabilityinsider.com)
A blood test can help predict which preterm babies will go onto develop chronic lung disease, allowing for earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatments, according to a new study.
Australia allocates $375,000 to strengthen disability workforce (disabilityinsider.com)
The Australian Government is investing in the future careers of disability workers by announcing $375,000 in grant funding for a recruitment initiative and leadership diploma, which aims to upskill young people entering the disability workforce.
Ms. Wheelchair California 2024: Julienne Dallara’s Inspiring Journey to Advocacy & Community (fun4thedisabled.com)
Join Vanessa Harris of Fun4theDisabled as she chats with the incredible Julienne Dallara, Ms. Wheelchair California 2024! In this heartfelt interview, Julienne shares her journey from working at the Abilities Expo to becoming an advocate for progress through collaboration. Discover how she’s preparing for the Ms. Wheelchair America competition and what drives her passion for bringing nonprofits together.
Colin Farrell launches foundation for people with intellectual disabilities (disabilityinsider.com)
Colin Farrell has announced the launch of the Colin Farrell Foundation, dedicated to supporting people with intellectual disabilities, motivated by his son James, who has Angelman syndrome. In a interview, Farrell opened up about their life together, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect for his son.
Peter Gosnell obituary (theguardian.com)
Other lives: Civil servant at the forefront of the drive for equal employment rights in the 50s
Special education advocates focus on funding, mental health and teacher shortages (educatingalllearners.org)
Kevin Rubenstein, president of CASE (on left), and Kareem Thompson, president of CEC, welcome attendees to the Special Education Legislative Summit in Alexandria, Va., on July 30, 2024. Behind them sit Myrna Mandlawitz, a policy and legislative consultant at CASE (on left), and Kuna Tavalin, CEC’s senior advisor for policy and advocacy. Kara Arundel/K-12 Dive.
Uncover the latest ALTA IP Encoder Enhancements (ai-media.tv)
Alta IP Encoder Enhancements include captioning with multi-language dubbing, automated ad break captions, and Google Cloud deployment.
‘This is also about love!’: the Ukrainian disability campaigner on the brink of reality TV stardom (theguardian.com)
Amputee war hero Oleksandr Budko will use his appearance as a contestant on The Bachelor to fight stigma – and hopefully find a partner
Disabled voters were excited about their own Zoom call for Harris. It didn't go as expected. (19thnews.org)
While organizers say the call was a success, participants and community leaders are frustrated by a lack of substance, organization and policy discussion.
Wheelchair Accessible Trip Ideas in New York State (iloveny.com)
Looking for a getaway that packs in plenty of fun and also happens to be completely wheelchair accessible? Look no further than New York State!
Disability rights groups 'devastated' by government's Royal Commission response (sbs.com.au)
The government has responded to the Disability Royal Commission's recommendations, 10 months after its submission. Advocates say the response is "deeply disappointing".
Wheelchair users’ wait for elevator at some CTA stations could take awhile — nearly 14 years (chicago.suntimes.com)
The CTA is more accessible than systems in some big cities but hasn't added an elevator in five years, and the estimated price tag for its plan has more than doubled to $4.9 billion.
Disabled Journalism - with Cara Reedy (disabilityrightsflorida.org)
A conversation about Disabled Journalists Association, ableism within journalism, and the power of disabled storytelling.
Heather & Devyn (vimeo.com)
This is "Heather & Devyn" by Alliance to Protect Home Care on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
Where to watch the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games (paralympic.org)
Find out how how you can watch the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Focus on Ability Film Festival (focusonability.com.au)
FOCUS ON ABILITY is a short film festival that will encourage the community to become more aware of the ability of people with a disability.
Blind musicians and teachers communicate through vibration using Canadian-made device (cbc.ca)
A PhD student at Carleton University in Ottawa has developed a device that allows blind and low-vision students to feel music cues, replacing the need to see them.
Neurodivergent workers' AI edge (axios.com)
Some 50 million Americans are neurodivergent.
Braille menus make National Federation of the Blind feel welcome at Orange Co. Convention Center (foodservicedirector.com)
The Sodexo Live! team in Orlando showed forethought, caring and true hospitality at the annual gathering by having braille and large-print
Deaf golfer Diksha Dagar is used to overcoming adversity. What's a little more when you're trying to win an Olympic medal (golfdigest.com)
The 23-year-old from India is playing on despite being in a car accident last week at the Olympics that injured her mother and is keeping her caddie from working as her caddie for the first time in her career
Comcast Announces Team USA Sponsored Athletes for The Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 (corporate.comcast.com)
Comcast, a proud partner of Team USA, today announced its roster of sixteen sponsored athletes on the road to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
How Pink Umbrella Theater Company Spotlights Disabled Actors and Artists (milwaukeemag.com)
The theater company also helps the greater Milwaukee theater and arts community provide sensory-friendly opportunities through workshops and guidance.
Welcome to the Autistic Community (autismacceptance.com)
April is Autism Acceptance Month! That is a great time to learn more about autism. But we think people should learn about autism acceptance all year round. So we wrote a book to tell people all about autism.
Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal (rdsjournal.org)
RDS provides an international forum for people with disabilities, academics, professionals, artists and creators from all backgrounds and expertise to express ideas relevant to disability studies.
Matt Bush: Two-Time Para Taekwondo World Champion Aims For Gold In Paris (criplife.co.uk)
We speak to Matt Bush about becoming a taekwondo athlete, his sporting success so far and what he is most looking forward to at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
What are you proud about yourself? (happysmilestraining.co.uk)
Team News Read about our week, including asking our team the question 'What are you proud about yourself?'
What accessible accommodations do you have around food? (happysmilestraining.co.uk)
Read about our week, including asking members of the team the question 'What accessible accommodations do you have around food?
What is travelling on a plane like for you? (happysmilestraining.co.uk)
Read about our week, including asking our team the question What is travelling on a plane like for you?
What has been your most accessible holiday? (happysmilestraining.co.uk)
Team News Happy Smiles Training Read about our week, including asking our team the question ;What has been your most accessible holiday?
Breaking Barriers: LACHI on Music, Advocacy, and Redefining Disability Narratives (youtube.com)
LACHI is a multifaceted artist, celebrated for her prowess as a singer, songwriter, and producer, as well as her advocacy for disability visibility and rights. Born with a visual impairment, LACHI has used her platform to challenge and redefine the narratives surrounding disability in the music industry. Her unique blend of electronic pop, soul, and dance music has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base worldwide. Beyond her musical achievements, LACHI is a prominent speaker and activist, working tirelessly to promote inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of life. Particularly fitting in July, which is Disability Pride Month, her inspiring journey and unwavering commitment to her craft and community make her a powerful and influential figure in both the arts and social advocacy realms.
Work with RAMPD (rampd.org)
Work with RAMPD to become a global social impact leader.
Breaking Barriers: How RAMPD Supports + Celebrates Music Professionals With Disabilities (channelkindness.org)
When people think ‘Disability,’ they often have misconceptions of trauma or tragedy due to tropes reinforced in the media. RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities) is working to change the way disability is viewed and to instill pride in one’s natural body-mind.
Renegades (pbs.org)
This documentary series explores the lives of diverse, lesser-known historical figures with disabilities and their impact on U.S. society.
American Masters Premieres Renegades, A New Documentary Short Series About Disabled Icons in October on PBS (prnewswire.com)
Hosted by award-winning musician Lachi, the groundbreaking series is brought to life by the industry's largest disabled filmmaking team.
Volunteer with Knowbility (knowbility.org)
Knowbility has welcomed volunteers in key roles in our work for more than 20 years.
Knowbility Learning Center (learning.knowbility.org)
One in five internet users has a disability. That's 20% of the visitors to your website. Our Learning Center workshops and resources will teach you how to get your site ready for 100% of your visitors and show your commitment to digital equity and inclusion. Powered by Knowbility.
Accessibility Internet Rally (AIR) (knowbility.org)
The Accessibility Internet Rally (AIR) is a pioneering web accessibility awareness program. Started by Knowbility in 1998 as a local event in Austin, Texas, the rally has evolved into an innovative, unique teaching and learning experience that puts accessibility and digital inclusion front and center – where it belongs.
Inclusion Begins With A Curiosity About What People With Disabilities Can Offer (reframingdisability.substack.com)
Shweta Ghosh on accessible practices in filmmaking, practice-based film research and education, and loads of resources
Web Accessibility Annotation Kit (figma.com)
Accessibility annotations help capture design intent that cannot be conveyed through visual design alone. This can help prevent many accessibility issues earlier and create more usable digital experiences.
A11y Annotation Kit (figma.com)
Design and build experiences everyone can use.
Include—Accessibility Annotations (figma.com)
Include is a tool built to make annotating for accessibility (a11y) easier—easier for designers to spec and easier for developers to understand what is required. The intent is to have accessibility considerations included during the design phase of any project, and to help with the designer-developer collaboration. Ultimately creating digital experiences that anybody can use!
Week off (haveyoutriedwalkinglately.wordpress.com)
I’m a disabled mum of three school-aged children. They’re 13, 10 and 7 years old and currently on their school holidays (summer break). Being a mum to 3 is challenging as you can imagine, and maybe a little more challenging as a mum with a disability, or at the very least, challenging in very different ways to a non-disabled parent. These aren’t new challenges to me though, they were founded when I first became a parent – places weren’t accessible, or if they were accessible it was very unlikely I could also join in on an activity. There’s the issue of other people’s questions and judgements of my parenting, and also the emotional turmoil of ‘inflicting’ my parenting on three children. Would they do better with a normal mum? It’s a bit late for that now though. They’re kind of stuck with me.
What it's like to run for office as a young, blind person (motherjones.com)
Disability rights are at the heart of Madeline Ryan Smith's campaign against a 20-term GOP incumbent.
Lisa Blumberg: The 504 Regulations Now Explicitly Prohibit Healthcare Discrimination Based on Disability (notdeadyet.org)
The updating of the 504 Regulations by the Department of Health and Human Services under the Biden-Harris administration is historic. Various provisions included in the amendment interact and work together to promote equal access to healthcare for persons with disabilities. Not Dead Yet’s response to the Department’s request for public comment when the updates were proposed was focused primarily on section 84.56 which explicitly prevents discrimination in medical treatment based on disability. While our public comment did not result in any text changes, the Department addressed virtually all the points we had raised in its commentary to the final rule and did so in favorable fashion.
INVACARE PLANS SUPER ACTIVITIES AT SUPERHERO TRI POWERED BY MARVEL (ablemagazine.co.uk)
We’re super excited to be supporting and participating in the Superhero Tri event on 17 August in what will be a fun filled day of sports and activities specifically for people with disabilities.
Afrox says it has terminated its relationship with PCD College (thedeafdiary.com)
A German company that sponsors the electrical occupational skills training of Deaf students and those with different disabilities at PCD College in Pretoria says it has allegedly terminated its relationship with the College.
Therapists are scared of getting it wrong on race (bbc.co.uk)
Why some people from ethnic minority groups benefit less from counselling.
Essential Special Education Planning (Back to School edition) (buttondown.email)
August marks the end of summer vacation in the United States. For students with disabilities, it’s also the last time that Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans can be revisited or created before the beginning of the next school year. The content for these plans requires careful consideration, collaboration, and a thorough understanding of each student’s unique needs. Without going into too much detailed jargon like FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) or LRE (Least Restrictive Environment), here's a quick overview of what needs to go into a good IEP or 504 plan.