How the upcoming Paralympics are driving accessibility in Paris
I’m Raul Krauthausen the founder of SOZIALHELD*INNEN, an NPO and consultancy from Germany, focussing on Disability Mainstreaming. With this newsletter, I share hand-picked links from around the world.
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Raul
We wrote a children’s book (in german)
Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
How the upcoming Paralympics are driving accessibility in Paris (lonelyplanet.com)
Paris is preparing for the Paralympic Games, with a number of changes aimed at improving the city's accessibility.
Back-to-School Tips for Families of Children With Disabilities (kit.org)
Essential back-to-school tips for children with disabilities. Prepare with practical advice and connect with KIT and AlphaBEST for support.
Jade Atkin: The Rising Wheelchair Basketball Star Ready To Make History At Paris 2024 (criplife.co.uk)
We speak to Jade Atkin about being diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia, becoming a wheelchair basketball player, her sporting success so far and what she is most looking forward to at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
This special education expert is William L. Buck's newest principal (educatingalllearners.org)
William L. Buck School Principal Michael DeBlasio introduced himself to the community on a sunny August afternoon, ahead of his first year of leading the school.
Disabled victims of crime feel ‘infantilised’ by police, report finds (theguardian.com)
Largest study of its kind by victims’ commissioner reveals high levels of dissatisfaction in England and Wales
‘Tell Them You Love Me’ Became The No. 1 Title On Netflix. So Why Did So Many Film Festivals Reject It? (deadline.com)
'Tell Them You Love Me' became a huge hit on Netflix. So why did film festivals reject it?
How the Paralympic Village has been transformed with accessibility in mind (cbsnews.com)
The village reopened on Aug. 21, transformed to meet the specific needs of the 4,400 para-athletes.
Rhiannon Clarke is a hugely successful para-athlete, but as a child she struggled to talk about her disability (abc.net.au)
Rhiannon Clarke is a two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, a three-time World Championship medallist and now a dual Paralympian, but that's not how she measures her greatest success.
Ex-Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson forced to ‘crawl off’ train (theguardian.com)
Former athlete sent series of tweets when her LNER train arrived at King’s Cross with no one available to help her
Getting Mouthy: New Device Brings Access Closer Than Ever (wheelieoutthere.blogspot.com)
“There's a lot of fun things I'm doing nowadays … that I couldn't do before,” says , attorney and quadriplegic Josh Basile. Using a new device called the MouthPad, he's playing game apps with his son that were too fast for him before, and racing bots through the house with his daughter “with precision accuracy,” he says.
On the Front Line of Mask Bans (ngwagwa.substack.com)
On August 5th, a handful of autonomous organizers from various groups in NYC and Nassau County came together to testify against the Mask Transparency Act— proposed by legislator Mazi Pilip, an Ethiopian Jew and former IDF gunsmith part of the 35th Paratroopers Brigade. Lately, there has been a push of Zionists weaponizing anti-semitism under the guise of feigning concern for their safety in response to the Palestinian solidarity encampments that swept the globe just a few months ago. In real time, from the Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, to Kamala Harris, to Mazi Pilip, we are seeing imperial nation-states utilize Black faces to carry out their fundamental interests of fascism and genocide, here and abroad.
Colonialism and Capitalism: From Earth to Space (projectcensored.org)
Exploring colonialism & capitalism’s impact on disability and eco-anxiety. We discuss Disability Divest & Zara Zimbardo examines astro-colonialism.
For Seattle drag performers, sick days are not an option (kuow.org)
For many performers, a missed show can mean a huge pay cut.
These Are the Drag Artists and Organizers Fighting to Make Queer Spaces More COVID Safe (them.us)
Air purifier lending libraries, mask blocs, and mutual aid initiatives are just a few of the ways activists are making spaces where LGBTQ+ people gather more COVID-safe.
Kayla Hamilton on Disability as Method and Access as Artistry (dancemagazine.com)
Dancer and educator Kayla Hamilton is about to premiere her largest ensemble project yet, and recently launched the cultural organization Circle O.
Mapping Injury (bostonreview.net)
Sunaura Taylor on what the environmental and disability movements can learn from one another.
Duckworth Joins Markey and Kaine in Expressing Concerns with Barriers to Accessing Disability Benefits for Individuals Living with Long COVID (duckworth.senate.gov)
Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in calling on the Biden Administration to improve guidance for those living with post-COVID conditions—also known as long COVID—who apply for disability benefits. Existing Social Security Administration (SSA) guidance requires applicants for disability benefits to provide a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis with limited exceptions, which many Americans living with long COVID cannot produce due to barriers in accessing testing, especially for communities of color, and the difficulties in diagnosing long COVID patients who also experience disorders like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Research suggests that one-third to over one-half of surviving COVID patients will develop symptoms of long COVID, which could include symptoms such as debilitating fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, exercise intolerance and chronic joint or muscle pain.
Open Call: Building Accessibility (archleague.org)
Seeking New York City Region-based architects for accessibility assessments and renovations funded by the Fair Housing Justice Center.
Emergency Relief Fund (inevitable.foundation)
Breaking down barriers keeping mid-career disabled screenwriters from reaching their full commercial and creative potential.
Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) (inclusivedesign24.org)
A free 24-hour online community event on accessibility and inclusion
Accessibility is not a checklist (uxcon.io)
Accessibility is not a checklist! Yet many focus on checking all the boxes to make their UI accessible and miss the bigger picture. Accessibility is not the goal in itself, but simply a means to an end: an inclusive experience for all users!
Design for the mind: Neurodiversity and mental health in UX (uxcon.io)
Did you know that one in five people globally is neurodivergent? Or that half of all individuals will experience a mental health condition at some stage? Yet, many products are designed without considering the full spectrum of human experiences and abilities.
Accessible typography for web & UI design (uxcon.io)
How can you best combine sublime typography with web accessibility? This fun and practical workshop gives you clear guidelines for a seemingly too fuzzy area. Learn how to set the text in your design projects beautifully accessible, making it reach and convince more people, while meeting legal requirements.
Peterborough is my new Zurich (accessiblelink.substack.com)
Why travel decisions of disabled people are sometimes complex
BT Group partnership to help disabled people and older people master (abilitynet.org.uk)
AbilityNet and telecommunications company BT Group has today announced the strengthening of its partnership to help improve the digital skills of people over 65, and disabled adults, across the UK.
Dahnon Ward: From Wheelchair Tennis Junior Champion To Paralympic Debut At Paris 2024 (criplife.co.uk)
We speak to Dahnon Ward about living with a rare condition, becoming a wheelchair tennis player, his sporting success so far and what he is most looking forward to at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
ENIL meets the Ministry of Justice of Germany (enil.eu)
On Thursday the 15th of August ENIL Policy Coordinator Florian Sanden and European Disability Forum board member Kristjian Grdjan met with a delegation from the German Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Social Affairs. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the EU regulation on the protection of vulnerable adults in cross-border situations.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is about an autistic boy. But it hasn’t always been autism-friendly (theguardian.com)
Mark Haddon’s bestselling novel gets an Australian adaptation ‘that Christopher himself would enjoy’ – with a warning system, ‘timetables’ and an autistic star
Launch of the ENIL Freedom Drive Demands (enil.eu)
From the 23rd to the 25th of September hundreds of disabled people will be present in the capital of Europe, during the Freedom Drive to reclaim their rights.
C2HR 2024 Award Recipient (blindinstituteoftechnology.org)
BIT is proud to announce that our Founder/Executive Director, Mike Hess, has been honored with the prestigious C2HR Content & Connectivity Human Resources Game Changer Award in the Ignitor category for his outstanding commitment to creating clear pathways for employment opportunities for professionals with disabilities.
Research examines falls in adults with cerebral palsy (disabilityinsider.com)
A new study exploring the causes and effects of falling for adults with cerebral palsy (CP) throughout their lives, has found there is a lack of appropriate support from health agencies in helping to manage or prevent them.
Aviation standards welcomed, but require co-design for disability inclusion (disabilityinsider.com)
The Justice and Equity Centre (‘JEC’) and People with Disability Australia (‘PWDA’) welcome today’s White Paper announcing the Government’s intentions to develop new Disability Standards for air travel. This is a significant first step in addressing longstanding discrimination by airlines which has prevented people with disability from being able to travel by air equally with others in the community.
Students urged to protect against deadly meningitis (disabilityinsider.com)
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding all higher education and university students – freshers and returning students – to make sure they are up to date with their free NHS childhood and adolescent vaccines against meningitis, measles and HPV ahead of starting the new academic year.
Paralympians to receive equal medal incentive payments (disabilityinsider.com)
The Australian Government will provide Australia’s Para-athletes with the same financial incentives for winning medals at the Paris Games as our Olympians.
Don't overlook older women and women with disabilities in gender violence (disabilityinsider.com)
Gendered violence is a national emergency. Last Wednesday, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin stated in her National Press Club address that Australia needed to take threats of gendered violence as seriously as it takes terrorist threats. The urgency of the need to take real action was also reflected in the Report of the Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches recommendations released last Friday.
Advocating for Independent Living in the US (enil.eu)
“What do we want? – Independence! – When do we want it? – Now!” This chant, familiar to Independent Living (IL) activists in Europe, was loud and clear during this year’s (soaking wet) IL march to the Capitol Hill in Washington DC, United States. Fittingly, people also chanted: “We’re here, we’re wet, our needs must be met!
Accessible Aroostook: what it means to be ‘accessible’ (wagmtv.com)
Accessibility is important to feeling welcome in a community, but it's something some parts of Aroostook County are still working on. In this segment of Accessible Aroostook, NewsSource 8's Rothery Sullivan looks at ways businesses, people and municipalities can work to be more accessible for their community.
AIDC24 (youtube.com)
Recordings from The Accessible and Inclusive Design Conference 2024
Roles — Web Accessibility Guide (govtnz.github.io)
Filter the guidance by the typical roles or functions on a web team that directly impact or influence the accessibility of web content.
Virginia state park becomes first in US to install audio system for the blind (abc27.com)
The Natural Bridge State Park has announced it’s the first national park to install the RightHear Accessibility system making it fully accessible to people who are blind and visually impaired.
A visionary approach: How a team developed accessible maps for colorblind scientists (phys.org)
Imagine having to do your job, but not being able to visually process the data right in front of you. Nearly 8% of genetic males and 0.5% of genetic females have some form of Color Vision Deficiency (CVD), or the decreased ability to discern between particular colors. CVD is commonly referred to as color blindness.
Inside VITAC’s Role In Making The Democratic National Convention ‘The Most Accessible’ In History (forbes.com)
One aspect of the DNC you likely won’t hear anything about in most, if not all, mainstream news coverage is the accessibility of it.
Inclusion at the Missouri State Fair: making fun 'accessible to all' (kbia.org)
For many people, some of the enjoyment of going to the Missouri State Fair is the spectacle – the sights, sounds and smells. But that can be overwhelming for some. KBIA's Rebecca Smith reports from Sedalia on one effort to make the fair more accessible – and enjoyable – for all.
OCR says Michigan seeking to ‘shield itself’ from scrutiny for Section 504 noncompliance (k12dive.com)
The state has argued that it cannot be held accountable for missteps taken at the district level even if local school systems followed state guidance.
Demonstration held to protest ADA accessibility on WeGo transportation (fox17.com)
Members of the community gathered outside the mayor's office Monday to protest ADA accessibility and equitable services on WeGo transportation.
The Emotional Support Parrots vs. the Co-op Board (nytimes.com)
Three pet parrots at a Manhattan apartment building irritated their neighbors, who moved to evict them and their owner. The owner took the neighbors to court and was awarded $165,000 in damages.
Airbus eyes cabin accessibility solutions; says industry not there yet (runwaygirlnetwork.com)
Several aviation stakeholders are doing admirable and important work to address a glaring cabin accessibility problem: wheelchair users cannot currently remain in their own mobility devices onboard aircraft. And the threat of seeing their chair damaged in the cargo hold is all too real.
Advocates Celebrate Improvements to Beach Accessibility (vineyardgazette.com)
Families sprawled across Jetty Beach in Oak Bluffs Tuesday to celebrate efforts to make Island beaches more accessible.
Fresno is the least accessible city for wheelchair users, study says (yourcentralvalley.com)
The study says that 12.1% of adults in the United States have a mobility disability. According to the study, they considered 10 metrics across nearly 100 locales and analyzed certain factors.
Forbes says Fresno is worst place for people who use wheelchairs. How does it figure that? (fresnobee.com)
More than 12% of adults in the United States have a mobility disability, experts say.
Effort to make more Vermont trails accessible to all (wcax.com)
The Vermont Land Trust has been working on a series of projects to make it easier for people with disabilities to access their network of trails. Our Hailey Morgan reports.
Accessible Adventures offers wheelchair tennis classes (foxrochester.com)
Rochester Accessible Adventures (RAA) says 26% of disabled people have been unable to participate with family in health and wellness spaces.
Specialist Access Tracks to Improve Beach Accessibility for Disabled Visitors, Says Colwyn Bay Mayor (north.wales)
Specialist access tracks will make Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea beaches more accessible for people with disabilities, says the town’s mayor, who is himself registered blind.
The Nottingham and East Midlands attractions hailed for their accessibility (lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
More than 200 UK-wide attractions are featured
Newcastle United (newcastleunited.com)
Newcastle United and the club's principal partner Sela have committed to creating a lasting legacy for fans who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Chennai’s low-floor buses offer greater accessibility for disabled passengers, but infrastructure shortcomings at bus stops persist (thehindu.com)
Chennai's new low-floor buses aim to improve accessibility, but further infrastructure upgrades are needed for wheelchair users.
Make schools accessible for children with special needs: CBSE (newindianexpress.com)
NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has amended the guidelines for children with special needs (CWSN) in schools.
Guernsey mobility scooter user slams lack of improvements (bbc.com)
A woman who relies on a mobility scooter says more needs to be done to improve accessibility.
Supreme Court’s direction on special news bulletins for the disabled is welcome, but a lot more needs to be done (hindustantimes.com)
Continued legal pressure and timely notification of accessibility standards are essential for meaningful progress in making media content accessible to all.
Totton: Disabled access issue tackled at railway station (bbc.com)
Affected passengers had been unable to get off at Totton station's north side because of steps.
Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities hails e-bus launch as win for accessibility in Belize City (breakingbelizenews.com)
Тhе Веlіzе Аѕѕеmblу fоr Реrѕоnѕ wіth Dіvеrѕе Аbіlіtіеѕ (ВАРDА) іѕ сеlеbrаtіng thе іntrоduсtіоn оf еlесtrіс buѕеѕ іn Веlіzе Сіtу аѕ а mајоr ѕtrіdе tоwаrd а mоrе іnсluѕіvе рublіс trаnѕроrtаtіоn ѕуѕtеm. Васkеd bу thе Unіtеd Nаtіоnѕ Dеvеlорmеnt Рrоgrаmmе (UNDР), thе іnіtіаtіvе dіrесtlу аddrеѕѕеѕ thе lоngѕtаndіng сhаllеngеѕ fасеd bу Реrѕоnѕ wіth Dіѕаbіlіtіеѕ (РWD) іn ассеѕѕіng rеlіаblе аnd аffоrdаblе trаnѕроrtаtіоn.
Most disabled Canadians won't qualify for national dental care plan, advocates say (cbc.ca)
Critics say Ottawa shouldn't be using a tax credit to decide who is eligible for its disability support programs — because most people with disabilities don't receive it.
TAP and Pact launch accessibility guidance toolkit (theknowledgeonline.com)
The toolkit has been produced to support the production sector to embed accessibility and inclusion throughout all processes.
Bus accessibility: Brighton and Hove and Metrobus leading the way (route-one.net)
Accessibility to bus services is mandated legally - but Brighton and Hove Buses and Metrobus are going further than that baseline.
Championing accessibility (bangkokpost.com)
Irish ambassador Pat Bourne is a big advocate of disability inclusion in Thailand
CBSE issues revised guidelines for schools to improve accessibility for children with special needs (bestcolleges.indiatoday.in)
The Board has received numerous requests and discussion points from schools and stakeholders regarding the optimisation of guidelines for CwSN students
According to the UN, Canadians with intellectual disabilities are being exploited (theconversation.com)
According to the UN and rights organizations, people with an intellectual disability are still often exploited in workplaces in Québec and Canada.
‘We are expected to be dead … or hidden away’: Resident raises concerns with accessibility in downtown Peterborough (thepeterboroughexaminer.com)
Increased roadwork and traffic is making it harder for some people with disabilities to get around.
Accessibility features at new Toronto courthouse 'missing or botched': AODA (cp24.com)
An advocacy group is calling Toronto's newest courthouse a 'billion-dollar accessibility bungle' after releasing a video showing what it says are various barriers throughout the building.
Advocates decry long list of problems with Ontario’s ‘most accessible courthouse’ (globalnews.ca)
Accessibility advocates are blasting the Ontario government for a string of design flaws at a new billion-dollar courthouse in downtown Toronto they say will make it harder for people with disabilities to access the justice system.
Nova Scotia Communities Face Urgent Accessibility Challenges (evrimagaci.org)
Accessibility challenges have recently come to the forefront of discussions across various communities in Nova Scotia, particularly concerning the experiences of individuals with disabilities. A recent incident involving Milena Khazanavicius, who is blind, exemplifies the urgent need for improved accessibility measures.
'Left stranded': Wheelchair users denied access to BC Place lounge (bc.ctvnews.ca)
Frustrated ticketholders are speaking out after multiple groups with wheelchair users were refused entry to a lounge at BC Place with accessible seating.
Blind woman nearly hit at intersection raises questions about construction accessibility (cbc.ca)
After she was almost struck by a vehicle last week while struggling to cross a Halifax intersection being reconfigured to accommodate bike lanes, Milena Khazanavicius says the city needs to step up its game to improve accessibility in construction zones.
Report highlights accessibility challenges for disabled bus passengers (cittimagazine.co.uk)
Passenger rights charity Bus Users UK has published a new study investigating the lived-experiences of disabled bus passengers across England, Scotland and Wales.
'We're reliant on people's goodwill': Advocates say Ontario will not meet accessibility requirements without enforcement (toronto.citynews.ca)
Advocates speak out about the province not meeting the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act deadline despite a 20-year timeline.
"It is still possible for blind and partially sighted people to go to matches and enjoy them” (rnib.org.uk)
Adam Woodmason has Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION). After receiving his diagnosis and being signposted to RNIB, Adam felt confident to get out and about in his community, which enabled him to reach out to his local football club to make attending matches more accessible. Adam speaks of his experience with Ipswich Town Football club and why it’s important to raise awareness of blind and partially sighted people who enjoy football, to motivate other stadiums to become more accessible to those with vision impairment.
August 20 is National Accessible Air Travel Day in the United States. The day was initiated by All Wheels Up (AWU), an organization set up in 2011 to increase awareness for safer and more dignified accessible air travel through research and advocacy. AWU created this annual day in 2022, to raise awareness about the need to improve accessible air travel for people with disabilities and to recognize achievements being made. To mark the day, Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer, Stephanie Cadieux, is providing an update on progress made since Canada’s first-ever National Air Accessibility Summit.
Young inventor of accessible device pitches idea to Paralympian Ellie Challis (pa.media)
A 10-year-old schoolgirl who designed a wearable device to help “all of the disabled people in the world” make payments hopes her invention could one day be used at the Paralympic Games.
Many people with disabilities in low-income settings, such as Sierra Leone, do not have access to the assistive technology (AT) they need, yet research to measure and address this issue remains limited. This paper presents a case study of the Assistive Technology 2030 (AT2030) funded Country Investment project in Sierra Leone. The research explored the nature and strength of the AT stakeholder network in Sierra Leone over the course of one year, presenting a snapshot of the network before and after a targeted systems level investment.
The first store featuring the standards is the Union Market store located in Washington DC. The newly-renovated space has accessibility-minded attributes like improved acoustics, lighting, and more for customers and employees alike.
Giving the Disabled Community a Voice: Largest minority in U.S. (26%) and l (iheart.com)
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Myrna Cayton.
Should you try a do-it-yourself hearing test? (health.harvard.edu)
An online test offers only a basic assessment, but that might be enough to answer important questions.
Could This Be the Future of Festivals? 5 Changes We’d Like to See for Improved Accessibility (youthmusic.org.uk)
Attending a UK festival now comes with a hefty price tag. Officially some of the most expensive to attend in the world, it’s the result of soaring running costs and the long-lasting impact of Covid cancellations. Price hikes year upon year continue to freeze out young music lovers from lower economic backgrounds, increasingly turning festivals into a playground for the wealthy.
Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) FY24 annual report (mass.gov)
Our impact on individuals, municipalities, and state agencies through expert guidance, training, and strategic partnerships
Bus Users UK report exposes accessibility challenges for disabled passengers (highways-news.com)
Bus Users UK, the leading charity campaigning for passengers’ rights, has published a revealing new study entitled ‘Why are we waiting? Disabled people’s experiences of travelling by bus’.”
How Daniel’s Music Foundation Is Making Music More Accessible (forbes.com)
Daniel's Music Foundation helps individuals with disabilities develop not only skills but also trusting relationships, using music as a universal bond.
New report launch on assistive products aims to address market failures (atscalepartnership.org)
Assistive Products Market Report 2024, a new report from ATscale, analyses markets for eyeglasses, hearing aids, prostheses, wheelchairs, and digital technology, outlining solutions to improve cost and availability.
How employers can improve accessibility in the workplace (cushingsdiseasenews.com)
Columnist Noura Costany shares several ways to improve accessibility and inclusion for employees with illnesses and disabilities.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) vs. Difference (lflegal.com)
This article is written by Jutta Treviranus. Jutta is an AI ethics expert. She discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) can make existing social inequalities worse. AI can cause more unfairness in housing, education, and healthcare. AI favors the average or typical. This can lead to less support for people who are disabled. Jutta explains how AI’s focus on statistics can ignore the needs of individuals who don’t fit the norm. She also knows that AI can also be very helpful to disabled people. It can help make things accessible. The author is working on ways to make AI more inclusive and supportive of differences. This is a hard task requiring broad community support.
Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (wa.gov.au)
Plan The Department is committed to ensuring that people with disability, their families and carers are able to access the Department’s services, facilities and information by providing them with the same opportunities, rights and responsibilities enjoyed by all other people in the community.
Design with colour in an accessible way — Web Accessibility Guide (govtnz.github.io)
Make sure that people with low or partial vision and/or colour vision deficiencies can perceive all web content that communicates information.
Accessibility specialists warn against AI for alt text (ukauthority.com)
Accessibility specialists in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) have cautioned government colleagues against the use of AI in writing alternative text for images on their websites.
Equal Play: Award-Winning Documentary Starring Hannah Cockcroft Champions The Fight For Disabled Children’s Right To School Sports (criplife.co.uk)
Winner of the Audience Award at Lebron James’ Uninterrupted Film Festival, EQUAL PLAY is a powerful documentary that highlights the need for equal access to school sports for disabled children, with just one in four saying they currently take part in sports at school.
Three things with Michael Klim: ‘If times get really tough, I can always sell my Olympic medals’ (theguardian.com)
In Guardian Australia’s weekly interview about objects, the athlete turned author shares why he doesn’t keep his trophies at home – and the object he can’t live without
Three months since it all changed (carlyfindlay.com.au)
Today (25 August) is three months since Jeanette Findlay and I flew home from a seven week trip to South Africa and France. We talk about the great times we had and the wonderful people we met daily, and how lucky we travelled before I knew that I had a cancerous tumour.
See Us. Hear Us. - Jordyn Zimmerman (youtube.com)
This open-captioned short documentary film features Jordyn Zimmerman, and is the first in CommunicationFIRST's See Us, Hear Us film series, produced by award-winning filmmaker Dan Habib. It first aired on CommunicationFIRST's 3rd birthday on October 7, 2022.
Comedian Francesca Martinez: 'I've accepted my cerebral palsy - now I'm calling on others to join the revolution' (independent.co.uk)
After years of being defined by her cerebral palsy, the comedian, author and actor had an epiphany. She decided to stop trying to fit in and just accept herself – 'wobbliness' and all.
'We're really focused on employee wellbeing': The office where pets are welcome (abc.net.au)
A company policy to allow dogs in the workplace has expanded from one day to five at a Hobart-based business after employees discover the health benefits of having pets in the office.
Inevitable Foundation Seeks a Level Playing Field for Disabled Writers (writtenby.com)
From fellowships to a staffing and development platform, the newcomer supports writers with disabilities in myriad ways.
Robert Kennedy dodges his support for the failed autism/vaccine link (leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk)
I’ve been watching Robert Kennedy (RFK Jr.) for nearly 20 years now. Watching him closely. As I recently wrote: I’m an autism parent. No way I will vote for Robert Kennedy Jr.. He’s gutless. And now we have a new example of his lack of backbone.
Let’s talk about my vision impairment related anxieties (myblurredworld.com)
Life as a vision impaired person can come with lots of different feelings. Time for me to open up about some of the anxieties I experience.
Finding My Way (meriahnichols.com)
This is a personal post related to my brother and grief. Maya Angelo once said, I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
Paralympics 2024: How Networks In The U.S. & UK Want Their Coverage To Leave A Legacy (deadline.com)
Paralympics 2024: NBC and Channel 4 Plans have been analyzed featuring Sophie Morgan, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Ade Adepitan.
Cultivating Inclusive Outdoor Exploration: Enhancing Accessibility on Openlands' Get Outside Map (accessliving.org)
Access Living will soon host focus groups to identify best practices for making Openlands’ trail experiences more inclusive. Are you a disabled person interested in learning more about this project?
A new round of free COVID tests is coming soon (npr.org)
Starting in late September, Americans will be able to order up to four free at-home COVID-19 tests that will be delivered to your mailbox. The tests will be able to detect newer variants of the virus.
New book explores human connection beyond language (binghamton.edu)
Anthropology Professor Joshua Reno draws on his relationship with his nonverbal son as he challenges assumptions surrounding disability
The National Park Service is Improving Accessibility Outdoors for Everyone (blog.christopherreeve.org)
Partnering with the Reeve Foundation's ‘Outdoors for Everyone’ initiative, the National Park Service is working to increase water access for people with disabilities in national parks.
Thanks to 'All the Light We Cannot See,' I've Never Felt So Seen (collider.com)
This series did something that was nothing short of monumental.
Sounds of Blackness Singer, Melody Doyle "A Super Woman On a Mission." von Phenomenal Disabilities With Tree Lowe (podcasters.spotify.com)
Melody Doyle is a singer from the music group Sounds of Blackness. She's had her own experience navigating addiction, dealing with in and out of jail correctional facilities, sobriety, her neurodivergent disabilities, family, and so much more. She is a mother of two children, recently engaged, a peer coach, and her collaborative role with Sounds of Blackness helped win the group numerous awards. Melody encourages everyone never to give up and find more in their life. This show episode is not only about Melody's journey, it provides insight into an ongoing issue that affects so many people who navigate mental disabilities, addiction, and deal with a lack of resources. Many involve inadequate rehabilitation in correctional facilities, lack of schooling, housing availability after leaving prison, etc.). Stay TUNED for Melody's live performance on Phenomenal Disabilities with Tree Lowe.
WCAG’s A and AA distinction is mostly academic (yatil.net)
On Mastodon, Steve Faulkner shared a link to a GitHub discussion around the A, AA, and AAA levels of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). In it, the question is asked what makes a Success Criterion (SC) A, AA, or AAA. Basically, the question is what criteria are used to decide the level for any specific Criterion.
Solomon Islands locals still face accessibility barriers (dailymotion.com)
Sun, sandy beaches and palm trees. The Solomon Islands seem to be the quintessential pacific island dream. But some in the community don't feel they belong. People living with disability often face discrimination, especially when it comes to accessing education or employment opportunities. Nas Campanella travelled to Honiara to meet some of the locals forging their own path to success.
How to... Make Waiting Areas More Accessible (accessiblelink.substack.com)
Create a welcoming space.
Classification Education & Resources (paralympic.org.au)
Online courses Paralympics Australia courses In partnership with Sport Integrity Australia, Paralympics Australia has launched two free education courses: Introduction to Classification: suitable for anyone wanting to learn more about classification, this course will give you the basics. International Classification: a more advanced course for athletes and team staff who are involved in international classification.
Paralympian Tracy Otto’s inspiring message (nbcnews.com)
Tracy Otto, a Para Archery athlete, makes her Paralympic debut in Paris at the 2024 Games. After a catastrophic domestic violence attack, and just three years after taking up the sport, Otto says she hopes people realize they can do anything they want to do. NBC News’ Kate Snow reports on her journey and message to fans.
2023 CHAS: Disability (coloradohealthinstitute.org)
Over 335,000 Coloradans Couldn’t Work Due to a Disability
RightCare dementia scenario (england.nhs.uk)
Hospital admission can trigger distress, confusion and delirium for someone with dementia that can contribute to a decline in functioning and a reduced ability to return home to independent living (NICE: Hospital care).
The ADA Turns 34: The Intersection of Technology, AI, and Individuals (littler.com)
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. On the recent 34th anniversary of the ADA, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) General Counsel Karla Gilbride and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Mathis issued an announcement affirming the agencies’ “Commitment to Technological Equity for People with Disabilities.” The agencies’ joint announcement explained: “As the ADA reaches its 34th anniversary this month, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the [EEOC] are working closely with one another to prioritize issues of technological equity, inclusion and accessibility through a multi-pronged approach.”
Poetry Center adds more than 12,000 caption files to recordings dating to 1963 (news.arizona.edu)
The Voca poetry readings archive is now accompanied by digitized captions, making one of the world's major poetry audiovisual archives fully accessible and searchable.
Innovative Speech Language Therapy programme earns professional accreditation (massey.ac.nz)
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Speech Language Therapy programme has achieved professional accreditation from the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association.
Working at the Accessibility Services Office (neolaiacampus.eu)
Digging deeper into the focus area of Diversity and Inclusion in the context of the NEOLAiA network, we welcome Anika Voigt, who is employed at the Accessibility Services Office at Bielefeld University. She guides us through her year-long experience in inclusion-related topics and shares interesting information and statistics regarding students with disabilities and chronic illnesses in Germany. How has her experience as a student and later as an employee been like? What tips does she have for students? What are the latest developments at the Accessibility Services Office in Bielefeld?
MSU Museum receives grant to enhance accessibility (msutoday.msu.edu)
The Michigan State University Museum has been awarded a significant grant of $190,132 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as part of a nationwide initiative to improve community services in museums. This grant is part of a larger $3.3 million fund distributed among 18 projects across the country.
Oschadbank supported the Ukrainian Paralympic Movement as part of the inclusive program “My Accessibility” (oschadbank.ua)
Oschadbank has become the general partner of the National Committee of Sports for Disabled People of Ukraine/National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine and the National Paralympic Team of Ukraine.
Province appoints Information and Communication Committee related to Accessibility Act Implementation (989xfm.ca)
Two Pictou County residents have been named by the province to a 22-member Information and Communication Accessbility Committee. The committee will develop recommendations for the Nova Scotia Government to remove and prevent barriers to accessing information and communication. Most committee members identify as persons with disabilities. Local committee members are Natasha Benincasa of New Glasgow and Debbie Cavers of Westville. The committee will be chaired by Jeff Overmars of Dartmouth.
UNDP helps develop methodological recommendations for ensuring accessibility in the media sector (undp.org)
The United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine assisted Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Information Policy in drawing up Methodological Recommendations for Ensuring Accessibility in the Media Sector, which have just been approved by the government.
Shapiro-ordered study of Pa. Capitol’s accessibility for visitors with disabilities gets underway (witf.org)
Gov. Josh Shapiro last week took the next step to assess the state Capitol building’s accessibility to visitors with disabilities – answering years-long calls for change from disability advocacy groups and following up on an executive order he issued in May.
West Miami Police Department Enhances Community Accessibility with Autism Training (kxan.com)
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) recognizes the West Miami Police Department (WMPD) as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC). This designation follows the department’s completion of specialized autism training and certification, underscoring its commitment to fostering a safe environment for all community members, including those with autism and sensory sensitivities.
Ms Wheelchair America celebrates resiliency, advocacy of those with disabilities (fox17online.com)
'I was given a 1% chance of survival' Ms. Wheelchair America celebrates resiliency, advocacy of those with disabilities.
City’s Residential Accessibility Modifications Program is now open (963xke.com)
The Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services is now accepting applications for the City of Fort Wayne’s Residential Accessibility Modifications Program.
New accessible apartments ready for people with disabilities in Butler County (wvxu.org)
Organizations that assist people with developmental disabilities cut the ribbon Wednesday on eight accessible housing units in Middletown and Trenton.
Enhancing Accessibility: New Changing Places facilities in Southend-on-Sea (southend.gov.uk)
Southend-on-Sea City Council is thrilled to announce the completion of three new accessible changing facilities in our City.
Green Bay unveils public school district's third ADA-accessible playground (eu.greenbaypressgazette.com)
Aldo Leopold Community School's middle schoolers were integral to the playground's creation.
Veritone Wins Netty Award for Best Use of AI for Accessibility (morningstar.com)
Veritone’s winning entry represents groundbreaking work in the field of synthetic voice creation for the over 2 million Americans who rely on augmentative and alternative communication devices. The company’s proprietary AI-driven voice technology allows users to create personalized voices that closely match their natural speech, providing a powerful tool for those who rely on text-to-speech devices. Veritone’s VocaliD technology is critical to enhancing accessibility, allowing individuals to reclaim their voices and communicate with greater authenticity and confidence.
New Zealand partnership targets accessible digital services (channellife.co.nz)
A new partnership, Ghost is for All, aims to transform New Zealand's digital services, focusing on accessibility for 1.1 million disabled citizens.
Colorado's Shine Music Festival adding color accessibility (cbsnews.com)
Shine Music Festival strives to break down barrier that prevent music lovers from enjoying a festival.
ACT Election Information 2024 (advocacyforinclusion.org)
AFI are active in this election providing information to people with disability about policies, candidates and the voting process. We are also an engaged part of consultations to ensure the election is fully accessible and that people with disability can exercise our franchise including through the ACT Electoral Accessibility Advisory Accessibility Committee. This work includes ensuring materials about voting are clear, accessible and provide positive information about being involved in the voting process. We are also involved in work to set up a Low Sensory Early Voting Centre.
Australia's First Accessible Camp Kitchen unveiled (oursc.com.au)
BIG4 Caloundra Holiday Park, an award-winning destination on the Sunshine Coast, has launched Australia's first purpose-built accessible camp kitchen on the East Coast.
New look Scotland’s People website coming soon (nrscotland.gov.uk)
Scotland’s People will launch a refreshed website at midday on 3 September.
PIDA 2024: Accessible & Inclusive Design (packagingnews.com.au)
The PIDA Accessible & Inclusive Packaging Design Special Award is designed to recognise packaging that is accessible, intuitive, easy-to-open and innovative. Accessible Packaging Design needs to include measuring techniques, understanding injuries caused by packaging and consumer satisfaction levels with packaging accessibility.
Delhi Changemakers Recognised For Accessibility And Inclusivity (outlookbusiness.com)
Three Delhi-based organisations have been honoured with the 15th NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Award for their groundbreaking work in promoting accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities.
Making Ballarat more accessible (ballarat.vic.gov.au)
With an eye to the future, members of the City of Ballarat Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) are reflecting on their successes and challenges in making Ballarat a more inclusive and accessible place for all.
Accessible EV Charging Ports (trendhunter.com)
Volkswagen Financial Services Fleet emphasizes the importance of accessible EV charging ports in the UK. As the adoption of electric vehicles grows and regulations tighten, the Volkswagen Financial Services Fleet guides UK companies to install charge points that accommodate disabled drivers.
Nature In The Palm Of Your Hand: Accessible Ways To Connect With Our Natural World (nantucketcurrent.com)
In the busy world we live in today, connecting with nature can seem like a daunting task. Nature is all around us, but it can be easy to overlook the wonderful sights and sounds the natural world has to offer. We are here to provide some easy and accessible ways that one can connect with nature throughout the day. Whether on your commute to work, walking downtown, or at your own home, there are free and simple ways to slow down and enjoy the outdoors!
ReadSpeaker collaborates with Qualitus to develop ILIAS text-to-speech plugin (openpr.com)
ReadSpeaker, the most trusted independent digital voice partner for educational institutions and innovative brands worldwide, has collaborated with established ILIAS partner Qualitus to develop a state-of-the-art text-to-speech (TTS) plugin for the ILIAS community.
May Mobility Champions Codesign In Autonomous Vehicle Disability Access (forbes.com)
Michigan-based May Mobility is focused on shaping its autonomous ride-share service by working in extremely close partnership with local communities.
AI-based medtech startup tackles blindness with accessible eye screening (rbj.net)
New York-based startup AI Optics provides an AI-driven solution that enables patients to be screened during an annual visit with their primary care provider.
Accessibility for parents and consumers with disabilities (about.doordash.com)
Delivery helps busy parents save time and consumers with disabilities access the food they need.
Accessibility-Focused Nature Trail Apps (trendhunter.com)
The Able Active app is designed to help users find accessible trails and amenities by providing comprehensive, real-time information and peer reviews. It offers a range of features, including detailed profiles for natural destinations and hiking infrastructure, alongside accessibility ratings from individuals with various needs, and weather forecasts.
Empowering Nonprofit Organizations (trendhunter.com)
Nonprofit organization NTI supports the disability community by providing accessible job opportunities, training, and partnerships. Known for pioneering a virtual call center for the U.S. government, NTI focuses on helping individuals with disabilities find work-from-home positions and work to remove the employment barriers that many face.
Three new accessibility services launch at Halifax's airport (atlantic.ctvnews.ca)
Travellers heading through Atlantic Canada's largest airport will be able to access new tools for their journey.
Guide to accessibility at West End theatres (londontheatre.co.uk)
Learn more about the accessible performances, seating options, facilities, and audio devices available before arranging your trip to see a London show.
Hurray! It may just become easier to see more of your face at a time.
Xbox Adaptive Joystick Expands Accessibility in Gaming (techopedia.com)
Microsoft revealed the Xbox Adaptive Joystick and three other accessories for Xbox and PC, designed specifically for gamers with disabilities.
Concord Reveals Extensive Accessibility Options (msn.com)
Concord unveils an impressive array of accessibility options, aiming to ensure an engaging gaming experience for a diverse group of players.
All Concord accessibility options explained (sportskeeda.com)
Concord is a new 5v5 character-based FPS coming to PS5 and PC on August 23, 2024.
Anne Carlsen Center video game club aims to make gaming accessible to everyone (kfyrtv.com)
In 2019, Henry Hobert and Onyx Gourneau started the video game club at the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown.
How to View Graphics With a Color Blindness Simulator for Better Accessibility (creativepro.com)
Learn how to check your graphics for better accessibility by using a color blindness simulator with this tip from accessibility expert Colleen Gratzer.
Star Wars: Outlaws’ dev talks creative control, accessibility, and the fluffy force (store.epicgames.com)
Creative Director Julian Gerighty outlines Massive Entertainment’s accessibility future, and how your furry friend acts as a standin for The Force.
7 Android accessibility features that can make your life easier (zdnet.com)
For those who need their mobile OS to assist them with specific tasks, Android has plenty of features to make life a little bit more accessible.
Updated: Atomfall is Loaded with Accessibility Features (lordsofgaming.net)
While playing the game, the player will explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight, and talk their way through the countryside. It is filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies that will create a varied and captivating gaming experience.
How To Make Your Phone Accessible (ndtv.com)
Your smart phone might be the most inclusive gadget. Chances are you have already used the features that make it easier for a person with disabilities to use a smart phone. NDTV's tech experts lay out the top three of such features.
Amy Wang-Hiller | Professional Violinist, Teacher, & Keynote Speaker (amywanghiller.com)
Amy Wang-Hiller, a virtuosi violinist, has continued actively performing in the DFW area despite facing progressive myelopathy caused by several spine complications from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
UK producers get tools to improve accessibility for talent with disabilities (kidscreen.com)
TV Access Project and Pact want to make the industry fully inclusive by 2030.
Medical Assistance In Dying: Resistance in Canada (cjds.uwaterloo.ca)
Tomorrow’s historians will find rich veins of meaning in the crush of narrative and counter-narrative that swirl around Canada’s controversially named “Medical Assistance in Dying” (MAID) regime. Expanded in March 2021 to authorize medical practitioners to administer euthanasia or suicide assistance to disabled persons who are still very much alive and in no way approaching the end of their natural lives, the regime has been championed in public policy debates as progressive and humane. Whose voices will prevail when the story of MAID is written? This special issue of the Canadian Journal of Disability Studies argues, not surprisingly, for disabled voices to be heard with resounding force. To this end, we have assembled in this volume testimonial statements entered into the parliamentary record by disabled and disability-aligned citizens immediately prior to a radical and – as argued in these texts – discriminatory, expansion of MAID law and the regime it authorizes.
What Tim Walz's son Gus Walz means to the disability community (abc7chicago.com)
The moment Minnesota governor Tim Walz gave a heartfelt shoutout to his family, and his son Gus Walz's tearful response, captivated the nation Wednesday night.
Meet Ana Victoria Espino, the Latina making history as the first lawyer with Down Syndrome (latintimes.com)
She said her goal is to become a legislator to end discrimination against people with dissabilities.
Disability & Gender Equity - with Marissa Ditkowsky (disabilityrightsflorida.org)
A conversation about disabled women's access to healthcare, financial freedom, and employment equity.
Biden Administration Strikes Deal To Cut Cost Of Expensive Medicare Drugs (forbes.com)
The White House claims the new prices will help save $6 billion in taxpayer money while Medicare enrollees will save $1.5 billion.
Deaf actor hopes new Bristol Old Vic role will inspire others (bbc.com)
Ciaran O’Breen is playing a character who communicates without speech in a new production.
Disability Representation and the Problem with “Inspiration Porn” (the-toast.net)
Imagine waking up and realizing that your right hand looks, moves, and feels completely unlike your left hand. You stand up and walk over to your dresser and notice you are limping, but decide to ignore it and get ready for your day. As you lift the shirt you’ve chosen to wear and pull it over your head, your right arm suddenly stiffens, and it takes an additional two minutes to get your arm through the armhole. Once you’re dressed, you figure that the worst is over — until you go to tie your shoes. Your fingers on your right hand cannot grip the shoestring long enough for your left to do most of the work. Later, you leave to meet a friend for lunch, but when you step outside you notice that people you don’t know are staring at you, wide-eyed and open-mouthed. You try your best to avoid their gazes as you enter the restaurant. Your knees begin to buckle, and you know you’re going to fall.
Lottie McGuiness: The Powerlifting Prodigy Ready To Make Her Mark At Her Debut Paralympics (criplife.co.uk)
We speak to Lottie McGuiness about living with dwarfism, becoming a powerlifter, her sporting success so far and what she is most looking forward to at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Dancing Dreams: How a Small Wish Grew into a Transformative Dance Program for Children with Special Needs (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
Discover Dancing Dreams, a nonprofit empowering children with challenges through dance. Founded by a pediatric PT, it offers adaptive classes and celebrates ability.
Stephen Fry: The mental scars of Ukraine's war (bbc.co.uk)
Broadcaster and writer Stephen Fry has travelled to Ukraine to see how war is impacting the country’s mental health.
Which benefits are available to vulnerable people under Labour? (theguardian.com)
As the winter fuel allowance is scrapped for many pensioners, we outline some other key benefits
Bob Williams on Literacy and AAC (communicationfirst.org)
Bob's presentation was first given at the Future of AAC Research Summit.
From Institutions to using Personal Assistance (enil.eu)
Due to his disability, Aleksander Praprotnik lived for a long time in an institution – a senior citizens’ home, where he also met his current partner, Viktorija, who worked there. The spark had ignited and after eight years, Sašo and Viki (as they are called by their friends) wanted to move in together somewhere on their own. That’s when YHD – Association for Disability Theory and Culture stepped in and helped Aleksander to move in one of their transitional flats.
Lyme disease misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia: a personal story (urevolution.com)
Discover a powerful journey of where Lyme disease was misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia. Learn about the challenges, treatments and discovery of the underlying cause.
Does working from home increase anxiety? (urevolution.com)
Explore how working from home may increase anxiety and affect mental well-being. Find out if working from home is truly causing you more anxiety.
US releases $140 million for disability housing (disabilityinsider.com)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $138.5 million in grants for more than a dozen state housing agencies to expand the supply of housing and supportive services for low-income persons with disabilities across America.
Advocating for Your Student in the Special Education System (educatingalllearners.org)
To the simultaneous cheers and tears of parents all over the metro area, school is once again starting! Supplies have been purchased, meet-the-teacher dates published, and all the anxieties about returning to school are sprouting all over the place.
Paris 2024 Paralympic Watch Guide (newmobility.com)
When, where and what sports you should check out as the Paris Paralympics get underway.
Paris 2024: Live From Paris, The Best of the Paralympics! (youtube.com)
Experience the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games live! 🥇 Don’t miss a moment of the action as the world’s top athletes compete for glory. Tune in to our YouTube channel for live coverage of every action, record-breaking moments, and the spectacular Opening and Closing Ceremonies — all in real time. Subscribe now and be part of the Paralympic spirit from start to finish!
Dear Abby: I don’t feel I should have to explain to strangers why I use a wheelchair (nj.com)
The issue is, I get dirty looks from other elderly people who see an old man pushing what looks like a healthy younger person.
Shows That Get the Special Needs Sibling Relationship Right (psychologytoday.com)
Special needs siblings are looking for representation in media. When we see ourselves reflected in television and movies, we feel less alone in the world.
The Walzes have been nearly perfect in talking about their neurodivergent son, Gus (msnbc.com)
The Walz family’s words and their embrace of their son may seem utterly unremarkable. But that’s the point.
School Incident Lands Teen With Autism In Prison For 5 Years (disabilityscoop.com)
Brendan Depa, a Florida teen with severe autism whose assault on teacher’s aide Joan Naydich went viral last year, was sentenced this month to five years in state prison followed by 15 years of probation.
The forgetting of trauma-manufactured intimacies (mediadiversified.org)
Dr. Asim Qureshi in a complentative meditation on his and Cage International’s work over decades, and their commitment to supporting their communities and individuals targeted by the State despite the the State’s continual efforts to stop their work.
Countering Ableism In The Paralympics And Disability Sport Coverage (mail.google.com)
Journalist Aman Misra on mainstreaming non-ableist coverage of Paralympics, acceptance of psychosocial disabilities in newsrooms, WhatsApp accessibility, and recommendations.
Curated safety (lucywebster.substack.com)
And how privileged that is
Disability-rights activists say Biden was ‘set aside, just like so many of us’ (politico.com)
The group is in Chicago to push for the passage of the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act.
Project 2025 would make workplace discrimination a lot easier (motherjones.com)
"They really are trying to attack and decimate disability rights."
Why does Trump hate people with disabilities so much? (bostonglobe.com)
To Trump, we’re just a bunch of losers.
Embracing Disability: “I Am Proud To Be Disabled” (criplife.co.uk)
Nicole Demos, a disabled inclusive educator, candidly shares her personal story, the struggles she faced growing up with a disability, and her journey towards embracing disability and advocacy.
Journalism Resource Guide on Behavioral Health (cartercenter.org)
The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. Under the leadership of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a longstanding champion for the rights of people with mental illnesses, the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program works to promote awareness about mental health issues, inform public policy, achieve equity for mental health care comparable to other health care, and reduce stigma and discrimination against those with mental illnesses.
Tone It Down Taupe: Redefining Autism Awareness & Acceptance (urevolution.com)
Discover the meaning of "Tone it down taupe" in Autism awareness, and how it challenges traditional representations, especially of "Light it up blue."
Euan MacDonald (euansguide.com)
As the driving force behind the idea of Euan's Guide, Euan has been a central part of our journey from an idea to a thriving, independent charity that helps hundreds of thousands of disabled people and their families, friends and carers each year. Euan was an inspiration to many, leading the way as an altruistic and selfless philanthropist and social entrepreneur.
Deaf tattoo artist named finalist in local BBC awards (bbc.com)
Naomi Dalby says her deaf clients regularly travel to be inked by her.
Ex-cerebral palsy footballer Jordan Smith: Work to do in push for equality (independent.co.uk)
Data from Sport England shows disabled people or those born with a long-term health condition are twice as likely to be physically inactive.
The Nothing Took Everything (dkkgstudio.blogspot.com)
I cannot believe it took over a year to create a piece of art; the old crew at Towson U. would be, what the hell, man? That is what happens when you turn 50, and your life does a 360 on your ass. I knew it was time to create a new self-portrait since it had been ten years since my last one, and I had been working on a new medium.
Tatiane Hilgemberg (fulbrightprogram.org)
Media studies expert and Fulbright Visiting Scholar from Brazil seeks better representation of Paralympic athletes.
4 everyday innovations you probably didn’t know came from the disability community (perkinsaccess.org)
Find out which technologies you use every day were actually created by and for people with disabilities.
Essential Special Education Planning (Back to School edition) (buttondown.com)
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.
Live at the Edinburgh Festivals: Adam Hills and Dan Tiernan (bbc.co.uk)
Comedians Adam Hills and Dan Tiernan join Emma and a live audience in Edinburgh
The Mountain Within Me review – disabled heroes take on the Himalayas (theguardian.com)
Documentary traces Ed Jackson’s extraordinary journey from paraplegia to extreme climbing, and follows him through spectacular landscapes
‘Joy Existed Even if My Memories Were Not Free From Pain.’ (brainlesionandme.com)
The first feeling I had as I stared at the confirmation email that landed in my inbox was excitement. I felt exhilarated at the prospect of escaping the gilded cage that illness had created for me. I was excited by the promise of a change of scenery from this gilded cage my home has become. But it also came with trepidation. Why? Because, unfortunately, I’m unable to escape my disabled body. I can’t take a holiday from this illness that controls much of my life. Instead, I have to make room and take them with me. Because wherever I am, the symptoms will be, too. Where I am is irrelevant; pain and all the other symptoms will exist no matter where I am. So how can I feel joy about travelling while I’m drowning in a torrent of pain and besieged by a myriad of other horrible symptoms?
Sam Murray And Annie Caddick: The Para Rowing Dynamic Duo Aiming For Gold In Their Paralympic Debut At Paris 2024 (criplife.co.uk)
We speak to Sam Murray and Annie Caddick about how they became Para rowers, their sporting success so far and what they are most looking forward to at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Wings Still Wet (rebekahtaussig.substack.com)
Greeting our stories like brand new butterflies.
Can ABA Therapy Affirm Neurodiversity? (thinkingautismguide.com)
The answer is that, no, ABA therapy cannot affirm neurodiversity, not without becoming something that is not ABA therapy.
Accessibility Is Expensive (gracedowwrites.com)
Two years ago, Pottery Barn debuted an accessible home collection geared toward disabled people. Their website features over 200 items including such as home furniture, bathroom fixtures, office furniture, and lighting. The collection grew even larger earlier this month.
This Is My Reality as a Student With Dyslexia (educatingalllearners.org)
What teachers should know about accommodating students with learning differences.
Albanese government strikes crucial deal with states to pass contentious NDIS reforms (theguardian.com)
Bill Shorten announces first ministers have agreed a number of co-governance changes to the $35bn scheme
AI technology improves early detection of autism (disabilityinsider.com)
A new machine learning model can predict autism in young children from relatively limited information. This is shown in a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in JAMA Network Open. The model can facilitate early detection of autism, which is important to provide the right support.
What Not to Say to Someone with Anxiety (urevolution.com)
Learn what not to say to someone with anxiety and discover supportive alternatives. Enhance your understanding and communication with these essential tips.
Engagement (axisdance.org)
AXIS' Engagement Programs launched in 1989 in direct response to the community’s desire to study this new artform - integrated dance.
A COVID-19 wave has surged in all US regions. Know the symptoms and new variant (eu.usatoday.com)
The U.S. is experiencing its largest wave of COVID-19 cases since January. CDC data shows the increase across regions; we break it down.
I felt beautiful - until a group of men started to laugh (metro.co.uk)
I felt objectified, threatened, and – honestly – worthless.
Accessibility checklist (magentaa11y.com)
Automatically generate test cases for Web, iOS and Android components.