How to Disable the Annoying Soap Opera Effect That's Ruining Your TV
I’m Raul Krauthausen the founder of SOZIALHELD*INNEN, an NPO and consultancy from Germany, focussing on Disability Mainstreaming. With this newsletter, I share hand-picked links from around the world.
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Thank you,
Raul
I wrote a book (in german)
In this book, I raise fundamental questions about inclusion in Germany. In conversations with experts, we sketch out an idea of how inclusion can work together at all levels.
Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
How to Disable the Annoying Soap Opera Effect That's Ruining Your TV (cnet.com)
Does your new TV make everything look like a cheap soap opera? Here's how to turn off that eerie, ultrasmooth motion.
Adaptive Collection (jansport.com)
Shop JanSports Adaptive Collection for backpacks that can adapt to all lifestyles, from wheelchairs to strollers and more.
Walmart Makes Sensory-Friendly Hours Permanent (disabilityscoop.com)
After a successful trial period, the nation's largest retailer says it will offer sensory-friendly hours each day at every one of its stores across the country.
Tui launches accessibility guides for customers at 200 of its hotels (ttgmedia.com)
Tui has released its first Detailed Access Guides across dozens of hotels in a bid to support customers with accessibility needs.
Senior leadership appointments to assist Valuable 500’s mission to unlock disability inclusion (thiis.co.uk)
Valuable 500, a global business partnership of 500 companies working together to end disability exclusion, has today announced several senior leadership appointments to support its mission to accelerate disability inclusion across the global business landscape.
'It's just so beautiful': Snorkelling in paradise now possible with mobility aids (abc.net.au)
Wheelchair-user Chris Kerr has snorkelled at the Abrolhos Islands for the first time and says new devices are opening up a "whole new world" of adventure for people with disabilities or mobility issues.
I Hid My Disability At Work For 6 Years. When I Stopped, My Entire Life Changed. (huffingtonpost.co.uk)
"Most people with invisible disabilities choose not to disclose these to their managers for fear of being seen as less capable and having their career progress stalled."
Innisfil building $5M park in accessibility advocate's honour (innisfiltoday.ca)
The 3.5-hectare Margaretta Park will include an all-inclusive accessible playground, a splash pad and multi-use trails.
20 Must-Read Fiction and Nonfiction Books about the Disability Experience (bookriot.com)
Read your way into 20 outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction about the disability experience in all of its diversity.
Madeleine Stewart: Talking Dating With A Disability (abc.net.au)
Did you know if you’re on the disability support pension it might stop you from taking your relationship to the next level? Award winning writer, stand up comedian and disability advocate Madeleine Stewart joins Pip to chat about what’s going on.
Army engineer, teacher and disability model among The Traitors contestants (standard.co.uk)
The reality show returns for a new series.
With the aid of beer and a 'badgering' neighbour, an invention that could change lives takes shape in a shed (abc.net.au)
Tom Carr had only just moved to his 93-hectare property when an accident left him in a wheelchair. It didn't take the mechanical engineer long to improve the equipment he needed, and soon his Magic Carpet idea was taking flight.
The Mother Of Disability Rights: Meet Judith Heumann. (inspiremore.com)
Judy Heumann was a tireless advocate for disability rights. Join us as we celebrate her legacy and review her many accomplishments in life.
'When you have a disability, it doesn’t stop you doing what you like' says Ben, 10, from Cork (irishexaminer.com)
Children can face obstacles getting treatment for spina bifida or scoliosis but Ben is among those benefitting from a partnership between Enable Ireland, the South Infirmary, and CHI Crumlin.
$1.1M For Oregon Coast: Funding to support Accessibility and Inclusion Initiatives (yahoo.com)
Dec. 13—Oregon Coast organizations have received $1,109,761 in competitive grants from Travel Oregon to fund accessible and inclusive tourism projects in the region. Across Oregon, 56 grant recipients were awarded $3.6M aimed at enhancing local economies and communities through visitor industry improvements and promotion.
Organization looks to ease air travel stresses for young passengers with autism (abcnews.go.com)
A former travel agent set up Autism Double-Checked as a way to help the industry update its practices to be more accommodating to those on the spectrum.
DI Partners With Accessibility Expert to Advise DMOs (northstarmeetingsgroup.com)
TravelAbility will offer strategies to Destination International's members, aiming to increase inclusion in travel and meetings.
24 Accessibility Champions to Watch in 2024 (travelabilityinsider.com)
We think of champions as the visionaries and motivators who inspire the rest of us with their commitment to a cause and, often, their eloquence which is always backed up by concrete action. We are kicking off a year-long celebration of 24 Champions of Inclusive Travel.
Busting 6 myths about employing disabled people (abilitynet.org.uk)
Our Workplace and education inclusion consultants, Adam Tweed and Lizi Green, bust six myths they have come across about employing disabled people.
Ucare (ucare.me)
How to Dance in Ohio (howtodanceinohiomusical.com)
How to Dance in Ohio is a heart-filled new musical based on the Peabody Award-winning HBO documentary. Now on Broadway.
Risky Disco, by Sara Hendren (harpers.org)
A sensory workshop bridges the gap.
After Tackling 'R-Word,' Disability Group Seeks To Erase Stigma Associated With 'Special' (disabilityscoop.com)
With a new campaign, Special Olympics wants to take back the word "special" and other language that they say has been turned against people with disabilities.
Will fashion ever be truly diverse? (washingtonpost.com)
A new program at Parsons School of Design aims to close the gap for designers with disabilities.
Episode 118: O Twitter, Where Art Thou? Or, where does the online DisCo go now? (theaccessiblestall.com)
we lament twitter but also it kinda sucks now but also also disabled people really used it for a lot of good work????? it’s complicated, man… xoxo, emily and kyle Click here for a transcript for this episode.
The Role of Artists in Health & Disability Justice (youtube.com)
The video is about the role of artists in health and disability justice. The speakers, Po Herbert and Ali A Muhammed, are both artists and activists who have been working in these fields for many years. They discuss the importance of art in raising awareness of these issues, challenging stigma, and creating spaces for healing and community. They also talk about the challenges that artists face in working in these fields, such as the lack of funding and support.
Our Gratitude in PDF form :) "Resources Centering Ecology and Disability" (culturepush.substack.com)
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Donors and Supporters who empower our Culture Shakers!
Long Live the Disabled Artist, Long Live the Disabled Artist(s) (mnartists.walkerart.org)
On weaving a life as a disabled artist: sustaining friendships, navigating systems, carrying grief, and advocating for each other.
Abolition in the Interstices (lpeproject.org)
Within prison abolitionist movements and discourse, the idea of non-reformist reform often serves as a litmus test for assessing campaign goals and strategies.
Listening to Black Californians with Disabilities (chcf.org)
Approximately one in five Listening to Black Californians survey respondents (19%) reports having a “disability of any type (such as mobility, cognitive, visual, or sensory).” Reports of disabilities among Black Californians rise markedly after age 55, with more than half of respondents (54%) age 55 or older reporting disabilities.
Mixed Feelings centres accessibility with a multi-language radio experience (refugeworldwide.com)
Refuge Worldwide is proud to begin a new series of radio shows embracing the diverse talents and stories of artists from the disabled community. Our Mixed Feelings project will experiment with multiple ways of broadcasting, with radio episodes accompanied by sign language and others in spoken language, both featuring English subtitles.
"Nothing brings me more joy than experiencing art": A day in the life of a blind theatre critic (abc.net.au)
"Perhaps, the thing that perplexes people the most is how I can be a theatre critic if I can't see what is happening on stage," says writer and performer Olivia Muscat.
Justin Cooper: The Accessibility Advocate (chicagoreader.com)
Justin Cooper, 41, is a Black disabled photographer and filmmaker. He produces and cohosts a podcast at Crip Crap, a disability media company created by and for disabled people.
Filmmaker Liz Sargent’s ‘Take Me Home’ explores family (pbs.org)
Writer-director Liz Sargent’s short film captures nuances of a sibling story.
1,374 Days: My Life With Long Covid (nytimes.com)
Chronic illness has a way of picking apart your mind and breaking your heart.
Third Wave Fund - Director of Programs (thirdwavefund.org)
The Director of Programs (DoP) will be responsible for leading Third Wave in researching, building, implementing, and maintaining innovative systems and processes to support our grantmaking and capacity-building programs. This includes grantmaking systems, grants data, evaluations and learning, program work plan alignment, program team training, and other programmatic strategy setting and execution. Reporting to the Co-Directors, the DoP would be a new member of Third Wave’s leadership team and will be involved in a wide range of strategic planning and programmatic initiatives. This position will be responsible for the overall success of our six grantmaking programs: Mobilize Power Fund, Grow Our Power Fund, Own Our Power Fund, Sex Worker Giving Circle, Disability Frontlines Fund, and Accountable Futures Fund.
RespectAbility Lab: Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities (respectability.org)
Los Angeles (In-Person): May 1 – June 9, 2023. Virtual: August 14 - September 22, 2023.
Why I’m so short (robertreich.substack.com)
Holiday thoughts on heightism.
New 'Special Persons Registry' law pleases many, raises concerns (baynews9.com)
The law aims to help first responders react to situations.
Lawmakers with disabled children find common ground in divided Congress (seattletimes.com)
The common ground these lawmakers, often from opposite political parties, have found is a reminder of the human elements of serving in Congress.
Disabled Outrage and #PodSaveJon (disabilityvisibilityproject.com)
This summer marks my tenth year on the hellsite known as Twitter. I honed my voice as a writer, found community, and carved out places by creating the hashtag #CripTheVote for example. From The Great Peeled Fruit Debate to plastic straw bans, I participated in conversations that push back at ableism where the scenario follows the same formula repeatedly.
Disabled People Share Advice for Caregivers (mydiversability.com)
Four members of the Diversability Leadership Collective share their gratitude for their caregivers.
Level Access crosses the line; buys accessibility overlay company (yatil.net)
Observations about Level Access buying UserWay.
Vogue model Ellie Goldstein: 'Doctors said I wouldn't walk or talk' (bbc.com)
Model Ellie Goldstein, who has Down's syndrome, says people should never give up on their dreams.
Emily Blunt wants to make film about stuttering (www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org)
The actress says she wants to "destigmatise" the speech condition she had as a child.
Adapt to Perform (withkoji.com)
Roll into a world of transformative fitness with "Wheelchair Fitness Guidelines," authored by Ben Clark, the founder of Adapt to Perform—the world's most trusted resource for wheelchair fitness. This book is a for individuals who navigate the world from a wheelchair, offering a starting guide to unlocking the full potential of adaptive exercise.
New comic series hilariously depicts what it's like to live with a disability (mashable.com)
The jerks and perks of living #TheDisabledLife.
The January Gym Paralympic Programme (activehands.com)
Ah the holidays – that magical fortnight where time seems to slow down and all of life’s worries are cast aside. Friends and family come together, meals are prepared, parties are thrown, and diets are thrown out the window! Whether it’s an excess of food, an excess of drink, a lack of exercise, or, more likely, a combination of all three, the festive season takes its toll on our bodies every single year. And the gym programme gets thrown out of the window!
104 films in post-production on The Letter (104films.com)
104 films are now in post-production on The Letter, a harrowing one-off drama set in 1930s Germany, which tells the story of how the Deaf community are impacted by the rise of the Nazi’s. This gripping drama will be on Sky television screens in 2024. Directed by Sam Dore, written by Julian Peedle Calloo and produced by Justin Edgar and Theresa Larche.
Easy Read Version - The Little eBook of Ableism (unhiddenclothing.com)
Ever heard of Ableism? No judgement here- most people haven't!
Accessible Travel Phrasebook (PDF) (shop.lonelyplanet.com)
All travellers will get more out of their trip by being able to speak a few words of the local language, but for people with a disability it’s often vital to be able to explain your particular needs.
Unhidden's Gift Guide (unhiddenclothing.com)
We’ve asked the office what’s on their Christmas wish list! From the perfect stocking fillers and Secret Santa presents to gifts to gifts that come with love as well as impact.
We Keep Us Safe: Bay Area Businesses Practicing Community Care (disabilityvisibilityproject.com)
As of December 2023, society has largely abandoned disabled people to COVID. This includes most businesses in the Bay Area. There are observably fewer wearing respirators now than at any time since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic began in 2019. Few hospitals require masks and even fewer businesses. This is despite the fact that COVID is still a leading cause of death and mounting evidence it causes serious medical conditions (including an almost 20% chance it results in chronic symptoms). Even worse, the Bay Area is currently in a massive COVID surge according to wastewater data. This means many disabled, immunocompromised, and elderly people forgo necessary medical care due to the high risk of nosocomial infections. Many of us can’t afford to get sick while seeking essential services, let alone participate in non-essential activities that once brought us joy — like holiday shopping, parties, and events.
Invisible No More in 24 (invisibledisabilities.org)
Oftentimes in order to move forward, we need to look back. The Invisible Disabilities Association was founded in 1996. What was the reason for the
Squid Game: The Challenge- Was The Deaf Contestant Looking For Sympathy? (linkedin.com)
On September 17, 2021, the Korean TV show, Squid Game, began to take the entire world by storm. It became the number one most watched show on Netflix.
Year Ender 2023: How Artificial Intelligence tech became the equaliser people with disabilities have been looking for (www-moneycontrol-com.cdn.ampproject.org)
Robotics and AI have a huge potential to transform the lives of people with disabilities. It can be an equaliser, bridging the divide between people with and without disabilities. However, how financially viable will it be?
Answering The Most Obnoxious Questions About Disability (forbes.com)
Here are a few typical questions we as disabled people hate to be asked – and some answers, so hopefully they don’t have to be asked quite so often in the first place.
Wheel the world launches destination verified program to accelerate accessibility (travelpulse.com)
Wheel the World, the travel company dedicated to making travel more accessible for travelers of any disability, recently launched its new Destination Verified program as a way to accelerate accessibility within destinations themselves and promote these destinations to those with disabilities.
Disability Thinking Weekday - December 2023 Recap (open.substack.com)
Here is a look back at December’s Disability Thinking Weekday links. They are sorted, roughly, into three broad topic categories — Disability Life & Culture, Politics, Policy & Activism, and Practical Information
Another Year in the Castle (substack.com)
A letter shared by Little Miss Good for Nothing to be buried in the time capsule. The letter comes as she has been observed doing nothing for an inordinate and perhaps concerning amount of time.
5 Adaptive Winter Sports Programs in the U.S. That Make Skiing and Snowboarding More Accessible (travelandleisure.com)
There are over 100 certified adaptive winter sports programs in the U.S. — here's how to pick one that's right for you.
Thousands of Black children with sickle cell disease struggle to access disability payments (cbsnews.com)
New data show how one federal safety net program has been out of reach for thousands of children who need it most.
Goodbye 2023: Highlights from the Year (mydiversability.com)
As 2023 comes to an end, we at Diversability want to reflect and thank you for being a part of our journey.
2023 (yatil.net)
I’m not a good “retro” person. I always want to move on to the next thing. But reflecting over the past achievements is a good habit, so let’s do it.
It’s ok if all you did this year is survive (carlyfindlay.com.au)
I've just posted my highlights of 2023, and I'm very aware of my privilege. For many people, their 2023 was a really difficult year. It's ok if all you did this year is survive. It's ok if your highlight reel comprised of seeing a beautiful sunset and enjoying a cup of tea, rather than grand
Episode 23.5: Building a New Disabled South with Dom Kelly (cripcrapmedia.com)
Dom Kelly spends time with Justin and Kennedy to discuss his organization, New Disabled South.
Jonathan Sigworth: Building a Global Community (newmobility.com)
The realities of disability in a developing country.
Potentially Panama? (newmobility.com)
What would life in Panama look like for an aging quad.
Independence Through Art (newmobility.com)
Painting is more than a hobby for the talented artists of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists.
Wheelchair Users’ Voices Booming in Hollywood (newmobility.com)
When Danielle Perez learned she was cast to play Sun-Spider, Marvel’s wheelchair-using spider hero in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, she couldn’t believe it. “It wasn’t until I was driving onto the Sony lot to record the voice-over, that I was like, oh my God, this is really happening,” says Perez, a bilateral below-the-knee amputee and wheelchair user. “The security guard knew who I was, and everyone was excited to have me there to create and play and to make movie magic.”
Tinker Time (newmobility.com)
Life is all about identifying things that turn your crank and taking steps to make those things happen. Your gut will tell you what feels right, and then somehow the world/life/universe/God has a way of helping you figure out how to manifest your vision. Big projects and exciting adventures are great, but sometimes little projects can be just as satisfying. Over the years I have learned that I love to solve problems — and quadriplegia comes with a multitude of things to problem-solve. Often the solutions pop into my head about 2 a.m., and once they do, going back to sleep is not an option.
Adulting With CP (newmobility.com)
“What the hell did you just do?” I could hear the little voice in my head screaming before I could make sense of the words coming out of my mouth. “Yes, I will do shots of Funfetti vodka with you guys.” We were at Bill’s Bar and Burger, and it was my birthday. I knew the vodka would be gross, but looking around the table at the small gathering of friends smiling warmly at me, something told me that this would be the best birthday ever. It only took 28 years.
Day in the Life: Captain Tyler Turner (newmobility.com)
At the peak of summer tourism season in Depoe Bay, Oregon, you don’t need to search far to find Capt. Tyler Turner. Long before the sun’s first rays reach the small inlet that US Harbors magazine named the “Best Harbor in the U.S.,” Turner stations himself on the Surfrider, his 50-foot boat, to prepare for another day helming one of the region’s most popular charter services.
Me and My Algorithm (newmobility.com)
Every time a targeted ad pops up on my phone or computer, I’m torn between being repulsed and fascinated. My intellectual side rages against living in a world where every electronic device doubles as an artificial intelligence-fueled spy devoted to knowing me better than I know myself. But then I see an ad for a Die Hard Nakatomi Tower advent calendar or tickets to see the Star Wars burlesque show, and my eyes light up.
2023 Person of the Year: John Morris (newmobility.com)
Most people know John Morris from his industry-leading accessible travel site, but he has emerged as one of our community’s most effective advocates for accessible air travel.
Disability In Design | Chilean Universal Design Episode 1 (fun4thedisabled.com)
Hi, This is Vanessa Harris with Fun4theDisabled. I’m here with Kristine France Zúñiga and Andrea Legarreta, who are experts from Chile on Universal Design & Universal Accessibility. Welcome to Fun4theDisabled.
2023 (teawithhb.com)
2023 was yet another year of serious illness for me and my loved ones. But I will not let it be defined by heartbreak or disappointment or fear for my life. I cannot. Because it was so much more. It always is, and thank goodness for that. I have not only survived another year, I have, albeit reluctantly, thrived. This was the year I created my own website, reaching thousands of vulnerable people across the world, and all because of the support from this very communi-tea. This was the year of Poetry Orchard, creating writing workshops with two of the best people I have ever had the pleasure to know, and meeting incredible writers. This was the year my brother got married and I became an aunt! The memories I have made with my family are ones I will treasure forever.
Moments of Breakthrough and Breakage (touretteshero.com)
So that’s another year done! In just a few hours we’ll say goodbye to 2023 and welcome in the New Year. For the Touretteshero team, 2023’s been a year of contrasts. We’ve had incredible moments of joy, making and touring new work and becoming an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), and Biscuitland was nominated for a BAFTA! But we’ve also had to navigate some big challenges, individually and collectively. Our team experienced significant bereavements and illness in 2023, but we’ve steered our way through these challenges together, doing our best to do this with care and kindness for each other and for the communities we’re part of.
China allows use of HIV drug for adults with Covid-19 (scmp.com)
Medical products regulator announces conditional approval in notice on Monday.
Long covid: Damage to multiple organs presents in young, low risk patients (bmj.com)
Young, low risk patients with ongoing symptoms of covid-19 had signs of damage to multiple organs four months after initially being infected, a preprint study has suggested.
DOJ: Anoka's "crime-free" housing program violates ADA, Fair Housing Act (cbsnews.com)
The investigation says that, due to the ordinance, tenants with mental health disabilities, or their families, would refrain from calling emergency services for help to avoid risking current or future housing.
States Expand Health Coverage for Immigrants as GOP Hits Biden Over Border Crossings (kffhealthnews.org)
More than 1 million immigrants, most lacking permanent legal status, are covered by state health programs. Several states, including GOP-led Utah, will soon add or expand such coverage.
It’s not just bullets and bombs. I have never seen health organisations as worried as they are about disease in Gaza (theguardian.com)
A quarter of its Gaza’s population could die within a year due to outbreaks caused by this unprecedented conflict, says Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh.
Covid scientists issue warning new variant could cause global 'heart failure pandemic' (gbnews.com)
It comes as there has been surge in the number of flu and Covid admissions to hospitals in England.
Why This Common Slang Word Harms People With Cerebral Palsy (themighty.com)
"We need to think before we speak."
Nebraska hotel group to pay $100,000 to resolve disability discrimination lawsuit based on mental health (nebraskaexaminer.com)
Nebraska hotel group to pay $100,000 to a former manager to resolve a disability discrimination lawsuit based on mental health.
‘A huge shock to the system’: Doctors warn about asthma inhaler switch coming in January (edition.cnn.com)
Starting January 1, a drug that thousands of patients depend on to help them breathe will disappear from pharmacy shelves, and doctors are concerned patients may have delays switching to alternatives and getting them covered by insurance.
Alan Benson: Tributes from ‘heartbroken’ colleagues to ‘astounding campaigner’ (disabilitynewsservice.com)
Countless tributes have been paid by friends, fellow campaigners and colleagues following the death of Alan Benson, an “astounding campaigner and ambassador” who played a major role in the fight for an accessible transport system.
Barbies With Disabilities Are Impacting A New Generation. Here's Why It Matters (forbes.com)
On the heels of Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster 'Barbie' movie release, it’s safe to say that Barbiecore and Kenergy are here to stay. But how inclusive is Barbie Land?
COVID mask mandates return to hospitals in five states (newsweek.com)
Mask mandates for hospitals are being reintroduced as COVID-19 hospitalizations increase in the country.
2024 could mark the end of government complacency on deaf issues (liamodell.com)
I shouldn’t feel smug about foreseeing something so predictable from the UK Government.
The Funny Side (substack.com)
Reflecting on 2023
If Money Talks, What Does the Subminimum Wage Say? (newamerica.org)
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Disabled workers can't have equitable access to the workforce until we eliminate the loophole that allows them to be paid as little as pennies per hour.
Thoughts on being featured on Getty Images (carlyfindlay.com.au)
I don’t write this out of vanity, I write this because I believe it’s important that disabled people are featured everywhere – in ordinary and extraordinary ways, where we are in control of our stories. No inspiration porn, limited medical details and settings, and showcasing the diversity of disability.
‘Am I disabled?’: Confronting your internalised ableism (youtube.com)
Do you feel ‘lucky’ to not be disabled? Do you really know that you aren’t disabled? Society largely views disability as a personal tragedy and that non-disabled people are lucky to not be in the same position. Jo encourages the audience to face their internalised ableism and challenge their perceptions of what it means to be disabled. She also delves into the most common disability faced by individuals; society.
The Census Bureau Needs to Start Counting Us (communicationfirst.org)
On December 19, 2023, CommunicationFIRST asked the US Census Bureau to begin formally counting the estimated 5 million people in the US who need and use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools and supports to be understood.
Sign language course at UWE Bristol 'could save lives' (bbc.com)
The British Deaf Association is calling for courses like this to be mandatory.
Airlines damaged thousands of mobility aids this year: Here's how 30+ flyers were affected (eu.usatoday.com)
More than 30 flyers who rely on mobility devices shared their stories of damage by airlines in 2023. Here's what we learned.
Canadian Summers (accessability.substack.com)
Much about my personality is explained by my summers in the “Down East” corner of Canada Much about my personality is explained by my summers in the “Down East” corner of Canada.
What Tech Gets Wrong About Disability with Ashley Shew - Factually! (m.youtube.com)
Over 34 million disabled Americans, but despite the commonality of having a disability, there's still a social tendency to want to "solve" disability out of view with technology. As useful as robotic limbs or exoskeletons for walking might seem on paper, they don't always consider the practicalities of living with a disability. In this episode, Adam speaks with Ashley Shew, author of "Against Technoableism," about how technology is best suited to make an impact for the disabled and when it's only used to hide disability to make the abled more comfortable.
Empowering Change: Unveiling the Untapped Potential of Disability Innovation and Inclusive Design (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
Discover the transformative power of disability innovation and the untapped market potential in this crucial sector with the Moonshot Disability Accelerator Initiative.
2023 reading roundup (carlyfindlay.com.au)
I haven’t kept count of the number of books I’ve read (or bought) this year – I suspect it’s over 50. Here were my faves – I read them all as audiobooks.
2023 fashion roundup (carlyfindlay.com.au)
This year I’ve had such fun with fashion! I’ve played with layers, reached for clothes I hadn’t worn for a while, created three costumes, entered my power suit era, matched my accessories to what I’m doing, had things professionally tailored, and dressed up more fancy.
WCAG 2: Guidelines and Guardrails · Eric Eggert (yatil.net)
A blog post about the two standards that are actually inside of WCAG 2.
The ‘Test’ of Civil Rights, Past and Present (wsj.com)
A Supreme Court decision that eroded the standing of testers would endanger people with disabilities.
Call the Midwife characters recreate breathtaking nativity tableau for Sister Monica (radiotimes.com)
It was a show-stopping moment.
Andraéa LaVant Went From Hiding Her Disability To Proudly Taking Up Space (womenshealthmag.com)
"I’ve transformed into someone who is going to disrupt."
What readers have to say about Individualized Education Programs (motherjones.com)
The United States guarantees 7.2 million students with disabilities an equal education. But the system is broken. For this package, we spoke with students, parents, teachers, and advocates about the dire state of—and efforts to fix—programs for students with disabilities. You can read all the stories here.
What Disability Adjustments Are Reasonable? Four Tips For Employers. (forbes.com)
The current cost model relies on waiting for people to get diagnosed, which is usually time consuming and expensive.
How $37 billion in federal funding is being used to improve at-home caregiving (19thnews.org)
Shared first by Vice President Kamala Harris, new data on American Rescue Plan funding for home and community-based service highlights successes and underscores the need for more.
Seven 2024 Accessibility Projections (accessability.substack.com)
Here are the topics I think will be in the forefront of disability inclusion and accessibility next year.
AMC apologizes after civil rights leader says he was kicked out of screening (theguardian.com)
The Rev William Barber says he was trying to use his own chair in the disabled section for a screening of The Color Purple.
Scope Calls On Broadcasters To Shift The Dial On Disability Representation (criplife.co.uk)
Disability equality charity Scope has released new data showing that TV viewers feel Black, Asian and minority ethnic disabled people are severely underrepresented on our screens, with a quarter of us barely seeing someone from that background in the last year.
Ontario in a 'crisis state' on accessibility, unlikely to meet 2025 goal: report (nationalpost.com)
A new report says Ontario is in a “crisis state” when it comes to accessibility, noting it’s a “near certainty” the government will fail to meet its goal of making the province accessible for people with disabilities by 2025.
Ontario accessibility in 'crisis,' says report quietly released by Ford government (cbc.ca)
A new report finds that Ontario is in a crisis state when it comes to provincial accessibility, with one year left until the province is mandated to be fully accessible.
Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination enhancing accessibility and inclusion in Egypt (mediaoffice.abudhabi)
Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports have partnered to implement the Bridge of Amal Holding programme. The programme aims to raise awareness and support People of Determination in various rural areas in Egypt.
The Clarion: The accessible musical instrument trying to find its soul (bbc.com)
The classical music world welcomes a fully inclusive instrument into the fold - meet the Clarion.
Accessibility Woes Plague Chromepet Railway Station: Commuters Demand Urgent Action (news18.com)
Chromepet Railway Station in Chennai faces severe accessibility challenges, with debris, non-functional infrastructure and uneven surfaces, leaving commuters, especially those with mobility impairments, struggling.
Calgary family raises questions about accessibility at local ski hills - Calgary (globalnews.ca)
A Calgary family is asking a nearby ski resort to reconsider its policies after a support staff for their autistic son was denied a complimentary ticket.
Peak District village unveils new accessibility features for disabled visitors (derbyshiretimes.co.uk)
One of the Peak District’s most popular villages is now more welcoming than ever thanks to a new initiative to improve support for people with disabilities and other accessibility needs.
Life-saving NSW bushfire app no longer accessible for vision-impaired (9news.com.au)
A major flaw has been discovered in a life-saving app that warns residents in New South Wales of nearby bushfires and floods.
Air Canada fined for accessibility violations | CityNews Vancouver (vancouver.citynews.ca)
Air Canada has been fined $97,500, after a disabled B.C. man was forced to drag himself off of a flight this summer.
What does a building need to call itself ‘accessible’ – and is that enough? (architectureau.com)
University of Melbourne's associate professor of urban geography, Ilan Wiesel, and professor of social epidemiology, Rebecca Bentley, explore the concept of designing for dignity in delivering accessible buildings, and question whether the current standards should be improved.
Crafting Inclusive Narratives: The Role Of Sensitivity Consultation In Media Design (sciencefriday.com)
We share what we learned about how to design accessible media when telling stories about the deaf community.
Designs and initiatives that address and inspire accessibility and inclusivity (stirworld.com)
2023 STIRred: STIR enlists design innovations from 2023 that aim to append the fields of architecture and design with inclusive features and initiatives.
Do you hear what I see? How blindness changes how you process the sound of movement (theconversation.com)
Detecting and tracking motion is key to survival. The ability to extract auditory information from a noisy environment changes when your brain isn’t wired to rely on vision.
Digital inaccessibility: Blind and low-vision people have powerful technology but still face barriers to the digital world (theconversation.com)
Assistive technology like screen readers for the blind help people with disabilities use computers and smartphones, but they can be tripped up if webpages or documents are improperly formatted.
Newly Proposed Census Revisions Could Undercount Millions Of Disabled Americans (huffpost.com)
Disability researchers and advocates say the proposed changes could cut their numbers by millions.
Judge refuses to block laws aimed at curbing ‘ADA abuse’ (courthousenews.com)
Three wheelchair-bound men claim California's law meant to discourage serial ADA litigants has only served to empower large law firms that specialize in that type of litigation.
TikTok's 'Wheelchair Dad' Builds Elaborate Bedroom for Daughters: 'It's a Huge Emotional Reward' (people.com)
After a construction accident left Dan Kotter paralyzed, he was determined not to let life in a wheelchair prevent him from being "fulfilled as a father."
'Extremely humiliating': Why this passenger crawled to his seat on a flight (eu.usatoday.com)
Sean Chang said he was running late getting through security, and the boarding assistance he normally relies on was not available.
'This is a business process’: Improving accessibility for neurodiverse, visually impaired audiences (prdaily.com)
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International internal comms lead talks about how to meet unique audiences where they are. Autism diagnoses are increasing in the United States and one in five people are considered neurodiverse. Neurodiversity is perhaps best known to mean autism and spectrum disorders, but it can also include anxiety disorders, dyslexia and other sensory disorders and mental illnesses.
Eye On America: Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s research and new helmet makes football accessible (cbsnews.com)
In New York, we sit down with acclaimed actor Michael J. Fox to discuss his foundation’s continued research into combatting Parkinson’s disease. In Washington, D.C., we see how a new football helmet with technology to help hearing impaired players is making its way onto the field. Watch these stories and more on Eye on America with host Michelle Miller.
Making workspaces accessible for people with conditions not visible to the naked eye (newstalk.com)
New legislation from the European union is on its way in 2025, which will mandate companies to ensure that workplaces are not just physically accessible for all types of workers, but also accessible for people with conditions not visible to the naked eye.
After losing vision, passenger brings new perspective to transit accessibility (metrotransit.org)
After Annie Young lost her vision several years ago, she saw transit as key to maintaining her independence. So, she made it her mission to do what she could to help it feel safer to get around on buses and trains.
The impact of technology-enabled passenger accessibility initiatives (intelligenttransport.com)
Keolis' Alistair Gordon shares the role of innovation and community engagement in advancing the company's commitment to accessibility.
Potential problems with accessibility audits and what to do about them (cerovac.com)
Don't think accessibility audit alone will help making things accessible. It can even mean ineffective use of resources as there are several things you need to consider before just auditing.
ChatGPT is not ready to handle web accessibility remediation (karlgroves.com)
Recently a friend shared with me a “Custom GPT” called “Accessibility Copilot”. This is one of many interesting applications of ChatGPT that are arriving to market at breakneck speed, but is unfortunately not something I would rely on for effective remediation of accessibility issues.
Screen Reader Struggles: Navigating Restaurant Reservations (blog.usablenet.com)
Read about about web accessibility for restaurants. Learn how to share your menu, describe your food, and make the reservation process accessible.
Designing Your Home For Accessibility: How to Get Started (finehomesandliving.com)
If you’ve been thinking about updating and modernizing your home, why not also consider making it more accessible? There are a variety of ways to make your space more accommodating for those with disabilities. Doing so ensures that all members of the family—and any close friends or relatives who may have limited mobility—can enjoy all aspects of their home sweet home. In this blog post, we’ll give you tips on how best to design an accessible space that reflects both your and your loved ones' needs and offers maximum comfort in an aesthetically pleasing environment. Get ready to turn accessibility into art!
6 Medical Conditions That May Cause Memory Loss (alzsd.org)
There are medical conditions that mimic symptoms of Alzheimer's - learn about common, treatable conditions that may cause memory loss.
The Intersection of SEO and Accessibility – Designing for All Users (bdaily.co.uk)
In the dynamic world of digital marketing, the synergy between Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and web accessibility is increasingly gaining recognition. As we strive for inclusivity and user-centric design, the importance of ensuring websites are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, cannot be overstated. In this exploration, we delve into the crucial intersection of SEO and accessibility, emphasizing the need to design websites that cater to diverse user needs and preferences. Join us on a journey where the principles of inclusivity align seamlessly with the goals of SEO, ultimately leading to a richer online experience for all users.
Creating A Culture of Accessibility: What HR Needs to Know (microassist.com)
HR plays a key role in creating workplace accessibility - from the hiring and recruiting process, through on-boarding and retention.
Screen Reader Accessibility: Event Ticket Troubles (blog.usablenet.com)
Explore the accessibility challenges faced by a screen reader user when purchasing event tickets with a narration of both the positive and negative.
Case Study: Accessibility Is Not an Option (youtube.com)
Accessibility is not just another regulatory hurdle for business. As Sara explains, following basic compliance principles makes all emails more broadly deliverable, readable, and actionable. From text embedding to color choices, sentence length to logical interfaces, optimizing for accessibility is an opportunity for deeper engagement across a broader audience.
Jenna's ACI Journey (autisticadvocacy.org)
Being an Autistic person, especially an Autistic student, can often feel isolating and hopeless, but over the summer, I learned that it does not always need to feel this way.
How to program for blind (theconservativenut.com)
Source: codejumper.com Introduction Introduction to programming for the blind Code Jumper™ is an incredible innovation that helps in the learning of computer coding for students who are blind or visually impaired. It is a tactile tool that puts the block code in students’ hands, giving them an opportunity to learn together in an inclusive setting.
MVP and Accessibility (nicsteenhout.substack.com)
Accessibility should be part of your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Remember this if you read nothing else of this blog post.
Annual Reports (tiltingthelens.com)
Through data collection, robust measurement, and detailed insights, we aim to keep our partners, clients, and the broader Disabled community engaged in our activities, while holding us accountable to our mission.
Accessibility Resources for Products & Apps (about.google)
Develop universally accessible products and apps with tools and resources designed to help developers and organizations meet accessibility standards.
Meet Idan Meir (canvasrebel.com)
We were lucky to catch up with Idan Meir recently and have shared our conversation below. Idan , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?
CaixaBank and ONCE improve the bank's touch POS terminals’ accessibility for blind people (ffnews.com)
CaixaBank has implemented a new functionality that enables blind people to make purchases with increased security at touch POS terminals.
For Vuzix CEO Paul Travers, The Future Of Accessibility Is Literally In People’s Faces (forbes.com)
Vuzix describes its connected smart glasses on its website as maintaining “the perfect balance of balance and comfort,” adding that the company’s primary concern is wearability and its products help people be better at what they do with their lives by providing all-day comfort and versatility.
Telefónica and ONCE Collaborate to Enhance Accessibility in Immersive Experiences (cointrust.com)
In a significant move towards fostering accessibility and inclusivity, Telefónica and ONCE have joined forces with a shared mission to collaboratively enhance immersive experiences for individuals with visual impairments across Telefónica's products and services that utilize such technology.
"Nagish" made its app available for the deaf and hard of hearing community without limitations and for free (calcalistech.com)
Following the situation in Israel, the technology company that provides accessible communication solutions for people who are deaf or hard of hearing decided to open its applications to Israeli residents without restrictions. As a result, thousands of people have already utilized this service to receive instructions from the Home Front Command, communicate with emergency and medical agencies, and stay in touch with family and friends.
NaviLens Launches Accessible QR Codes, Revolutionizing Digital Accessibility (bnnbreaking.com)
Spanish firm NaviLens introduces Accessible QR Codes designed for visually impaired and general users, underlining global commitment to accessibility and technological innovation.
As Vision Pro’s Launch Purportedly Nears, Its Accessibility Story Must Be Told (forbes.com)
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports today Apple is ramping up production of its first mixed reality headset and is planning to launch come February.
App provides accessibility reviews of public places worldwide-- and you can help add to their database (kxxv.com)
Roll Mobility allows users to filter the kind of accessibility they're looking for. The app then color codes public places from green to red based on how accessible it is.
Braille maps and signs to enhance accessibility in Indore (knocksense.com)
In a bid to enhance accessibility for the visually impaired, Braille maps and signs were recently introduced at the local railway station and selected shopping malls in Indore. Young Indians, a group of young industrialists associated with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), spearheaded the initiative.
Reviewed Returns to CES with Second Annual AccessABILITY Awards (gannett.com)
The AccessABILITY Awards Honor the Top Products for Consumers with Disabilities.
Stratford teen's stop-gap ramp project nabs him city accessibility award (stratfordbeaconherald.com)
Nathaniel DeWeerd, 14, received Stratford's accessibility award this week for his efforts in building stop-gap ramps for local businesses.
5 non-slip ice cleats that boost stability on slick surfaces (reviewed.usatoday.com)
For when ice is not nice.
Baldur's Gate 3's color filters are a sore reminder that most color-blind accessibility options are still a total mess in games (pcgamer.com)
I can't see clearly now.
Controller grips and thumbsticks have changed the way I play - because of accessibility, not performance (techradar.com)
Despite primarily being a console player for my entire gaming life, I’ve always thought controller grips and add-on thumb grips or sticks were for those pretending to be ‘pro gamers.’ Or, to put it crudely, just for fools. There, I said it.
WCAG Cheat Sheets WAI-ARIA Cheat Sheets & Mobile Accessibility Cheat Sheets (digitala11y.com)
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world, with a goal of proving a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally.
Accessibility Inspector (developer.apple.com)
Reveal how your app represents itself to people using accessibility features.
Over Half Of Call Of Duty: MW2's Players Have Used The Game's Accessibility Settings (gamespot.com)
A new blog highlights interesting statistics for MW2's settings, plus new MW3 accessibility settings are detailed.
Quest Pro VR tongue tracking hailed as “accessibility at its finest” (dexerto.com)
A new feature added to the Meta Quest Pro allows for the position of the tongue to be tracked, which opens up new frontiers for accessibility.
The design business tips, thoughts and advice you needed this year (designweek.co.uk)
From navigating difficult client conversations to accessibility and sustainability, we look back on the best nuggets of wisdom Design Week offered over the last 12 months.
The 10 Most Accessible Video Games of 2023, Ranked (inverse.com)
As the year ends, Inverse examines some of the most accessible games of 2023, highlighting exactly what made them great.
What's behind the shortage of workers who support people with disabilities (pbs.org)
The nearly five million direct care workers who support older adults and people with disabilities are the largest workforce in the U.S. But despite high demand, many are paid little more than minimum wage. A longstanding workforce shortage means people with disabilities who depend on those workers are left without the support they need. Judy Woodruff reports for our series, Disability Reframed.
How to navigate a chronic illness (vox.com)
Whether it’s your own or someone else’s.
Schools continue to stigmatize (and scorn) autism. Are robots really to the rescue? (motherjones.com)
Humanoid robots teaching social skills can seem counterintuitive, but preliminary research suggests what some parents of autistic children have already discovered: It works.
I’m Broken and It’s Beautiful (accessability.substack.com)
A new anthem for disability rights.
APH InSights Art (insights-art.org)
An Annual Art Competition for Artists Who are Blind.
Philadelphia is the country’s first ‘sensory-inclusive city.’ What does that mean for people with other disabilities? (inquirer.com)
Philadelphia is the first city in the country to receive a Sensory Inclusive Certification from KultureCity, a nonprofit focused on sensory accessibility nationwide.
Asset limits are just one economic hurdle people with disabilities face (wbur.org)
It’s been decades since the government set how much money someone with a disability can keep in savings and still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Accessibility Guidelines Working Group (AG WG) Charter (w3.org)
The mission of the Accessibility Guidelines Working Group is to develop specifications to support making implementations of web technologies accessible for people with disabilities, and to develop and maintain implementation support materials.
Philadelphia is the country’s first ‘sensory-inclusive city.’ What does that mean for people with other disabilities? (inquirer.com)
Philadelphia is the first city in the country to receive a Sensory Inclusive Certification from KultureCity, a nonprofit focused on sensory accessibility nationwide.
Payback: Tracking the Opioid Settlement Cash (kffhealthnews.org)
Featured Story Map of Opioid Settlement Cash Table of state councils Localize The Data If you are a journalist who wants to investigate opioid settlement transparency data for your area, here’s how you can do that. Curious to See How Much Opioid Settlement Cash Your Locality Received?
‘Zombie deer disease’ epidemic spreads in Yellowstone as scientists raise fears it may jump to humans (theguardian.com)
Warnings that ‘slow-moving disaster’ in North America raises chances of fatal mad cow-type disease jumping species barrier.
Passenger in wheelchair says he was left with septic injury after being removed from flight on food trolley (cbc.ca)
A passenger who travelled through Vancouver International Airport during the summer of 2022 says he almost lost his foot to an injury that turned septic, after he was unable to disembark from a British Airways flight for hours.
‘Is There Anybody Out There?’ Director Ella Glendining on Her ‘Battle Cry for Disabled People’ Documentary, Scripted Feature Debut (variety.com)
Ella Glendining, who has a rare leg disability, discusses her award-winning documentary 'Is There Anybody Out There?' and her fiction feature debut.
Child's flu death a warning: Take these symptoms seriously (wral.com)
A Wilson girl is one of just a handful of young people to die of the flu in North Carolina this winter.
How deadly has COVID been in 2023? Here’s what the Ontario numbers are telling us (thestar.com)
A comparison between recent COVID-19 deaths and annual fatalities from motor vehicle collisions underscores the virus, while much less fatal than previous pandemic years, is still exacting a toll.
Why some doctors see COVID as a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease (ottawacitizen.com)
The virus causes inflammation of blood vessels that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
COVID JN.1 variant now leading cause of infections in US - Here's what you need to know (abc7.com)
The Omicron coronavirus subvariant JN.1 now makes up 44.2% of COVID cases in the United States, according to the CDC.
Trained AI models exhibit learned disability bias, IST researchers say (psu.edu)
Artificial intelligence tools, such as sentiment analysis and toxicity detection models, often exhibit biases toward people with disabilities, according to a new paper from researchers in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology. The work won the Best Short Paper Award from the Association for Computation Linguistics.
COVID and flu infections to see holiday surge as JN.1 variant sweeps the Northeast (nydailynews.com)
COVID-19 and flu infections are expected to surge in the upcoming weeks due to a combination of holiday gatherings, a new coronavirus variant known as JN.1 and the high percentage of the population that remains unvaccinated, U.S. health officials said Friday.
Sue TV Interview (youtube.com)
Sue Costello interviews Vince Skaskel Publicist for Actors with disabilities about how they keep mobile.
Mavo (facebook.com)
“Here Comes Mavo” aims to be first ASL animated series created by Deaf people.
A rainbow playsuit and a pink ramp? Wheelchair Barbie is like looking in a mirror (theguardian.com)
I don’t believe a toy will solve society’s problems, but finding a doll that looked like me sent the wordless message, ‘You belong’, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan.
Hanif Kureishi: accident ‘completely eradicated’ sense of self and privacy (theguardian.com)
Author says he had to adjust to ‘becoming another person’ after injuries in Boxing Day fall last year.
Disability News and Mental Health, Best of Access All 2023 (bbc.co.uk)
Nikki and Emma look back at a year of interviews with disabled stars.
The Path of Having a Disability (michellesmission.net)
Having a Learning Disability has been like walking on path.
Guide for social media accessibility (kerry-thompson.com)
With the festive season in full swing, social media has gone into Christmas overload with decorative trees.
Sebastião Salgado's "Amazônia Touch" Brings Tactile Photography to the Visually Impaired (assistivetechnologyblog.com)
Explore Sebastião Salgado's "Amazônia Touch," a tactile photography project for the visually impaired, and other similar innovative initiatives.
Crips for eSims for Gaza (disabilityvisibilityproject.com)
As disabled people around the world and as disabled diasporic Asian queers, we have been grieving heavily and finding as many ways we can to be in solidarity with Palestinians during the last 80 days of the genocide against Palestinian people.
Can You Take a Wheelchair on a Plane? Here’s What to Know! (curbfreewithcorylee.com)
By understanding where wheelchairs are stored on planes and the available accommodations, you can navigate air travel with confidence.
Squid Game: The Challenge- Was The Deaf Contestant Looking For Sympathy? (medium.com)
On September 17, 2021, the Korean TV show, Squid Game, began to take the entire world by storm. It became the number one most watched show on Netflix.
Hawaii gave $10,000 raises to teachers. It’s working—for now. (motherjones.com)
The state reduced vacancies by a third, and other states have adopted their approach. Is it enough?
America’s housing stock isn’t ready for aging boomers (fastcompany.com)
U.S. housing is not meeting the needs of older people, according to a Harvard report.
‘Until It Is Fixed’: Congress Ramps Up Action on Social Security Clawbacks (kffhealthnews.org)
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, vowed to meet monthly with Social Security officials until the problems surrounding overpayment demands are fixed.
‘Barbie' now has ASL as an option and the reactions are beautiful (nbcconnecticut.com)
“Barbie” painted the globe in pink over the summer, and now it’s turning its attention to making the movie more accessible.
How to Make Comics Accessible to Those Without Sight? (goldengatexpress.org)
As a visual art, comic books have always been inaccessible to the blind and visually impaired. Over 7 million Americans are blind or have vision loss. That is 2% of the total U.S. population that cannot read or interact with this medium.
This Activist's Approach to 2022 Goals Is the Burnout Solution You Need (shape.com)
Activist, author, and podcast host Emily Ladau wants you to consider trading "S.M.A.R.T." goals for something a little more fun — literally. Her new approach to goals for 2022, dubbed F.U.N. goals, allows for a less strict and more enjoyable way of pursuing goals after two long, stressful years of a global pandemic.
Difficult conversations about disability and birth defects (substack.com)
Prenatal testing is directly linked to the sharp decrease in congenital medical conditions around the developed world. Is that a good thing?
Festive Infected (open.substack.com)
Bonus Letter!
Life Before the ADA (open.substack.com)
The ADA turned 29 last week. These are things that people thought were acceptable before the ADA passed.
My Gimpy Life (youtube.com)
The awkward adventures of a driven actress (Teal Sherer) trying to navigate Hollywood in a wheelchair. Written by Gabe Uhr Directed by Sean Becker Guest Starring: Gary Anthony Williams, Felicia Day, Patricia Tallman, Amy Okuda, Marissa Cuevas, Brent Bradshaw, Eric Acosta, Daryl Crittenden, Yuri Lowenthal, and Teale Sperling.
Gallaudet adds resources specifically for Black Deaf students (insidehighered.com)
Gallaudet University is raising millions of dollars to introduce more supports for Black Deaf students and make amends for past wrongs.
“Disability is part of being human”: As a society, what will we lose if we cut the NDIS? (abc.net.au)
After months of talk about cost blowouts, there is bipartisan agreement that the NDIS needs to be reformed — but this begs larger questions over what value we place on the lives of those with a disability?
‘Game-changing’ £1.5 million will fuel ALLFIE’s fight for inclusive education (disabilitynewsservice.com)
A £1.5 million grant has helped secure the long-term future of the disabled people’s organisation (DPO) that leads the fight for inclusive education in the UK.
A Self-Advocate's Guide to Medicaid (autisticadvocacy.org)
Medicaid is the biggest health care program in the country. It's an important part of the United States health care system. But a lot of the information out there about Medicaid and attempts to change it can be difficult to understand and navigate.
How to Ventilate Your Home For the Holidays to Help Reduce COVID Risks (kqed.org)
If you’re getting together with family and friends this holiday season, the risk of COVID-19 transmission in crowded indoor spaces increases if someone in that room has the virus, whether they know it or not.
States are trashing troves of masks and pandemic gear as huge, costly stockpiles linger and expire (apnews.com)
Some states that stockpiled millions of masks and other personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic are now throwing the items away.
Disability pride guide to Melbourne (news.melbourne.vic.gov.au)
Get to know more about disability pride, explore curated lists of accessible adventures, and make the most of Melbourne your way.
Deaf actress shares insight on representation in Kean President’s Distinguished Lecture Series (unionnewsdaily.com)
Tony-nominated actress Lauren Ridloff, the first deaf superhero in the Marvel film universe, shared a message about inclusion and representation during the Kean University President’s Distinguished Lecture Series.
Shocking: Disabled Passenger Taken Off Airplane with Beverage Cart (wheelchairtravel.org)
Most disabled passengers use an aisle wheelchair to deplane, but a British man was offloaded on top of a drink cart in Vancouver.
My mum fought for the underdog all her life – and I was one of her biggest missions (theguardian.com)
From 1920s Salford to teaching disabled children, my mother Marje gave so many people hope, says Guardian features writer Simon Hattenstone.
WHO designates JN.1 as separate COVID-19 variant of interest (cidrap.umn.edu)
Due to its rapid growth and potential to add to the respiratory virus burden in Northern Hemisphere countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) today designated JN.1, part of the BA.2.86 SARS-CoV-2 lineage, as its own variant of interest.
Wheelchair Ramps & Modular Systems (defender-protects.com)
Rockharz – the metal festival in the Harz Mountains region of Germany – is no ordinary music festival. Those who come here not only experience rock and metal music at its finest, but also values that are put into practice: sustainability, environmental awareness, regionality, and inclusion. For Rockharz inclusion officer Björn Schulz, this means: "I can celebrate with my friends and have a good time together with all disabled groups." To ensure that Rockharz is a great experience for ALL visitors, the organisers opted for the DEFENDER MIDI 5 2D modular cable protection system.
Center for Racial and Disability Justice (crdjustice.org)
The Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Center for Racial and Disability Justice (CRDJ) is a first-of-its-kind center dedicated to promoting justice for people of color, people with disabilities, and individuals at the intersection of race and disability.
How Disabled People Are Building Political Power (nonprofitquarterly.org)
Because of systemic barriers, disabled people are underrepresented at the polls and on the ballot. Galvanized by the momentum of recent years, organizations run by and for disabled people are working to combat these barriers and build political power.
We’re the Superhumans (criticalaxis.org)
‘We’re the Superhumans’ first aired on Channel 4 in the UK for the 2016 Paralympic Games. A disabled man operating a drum set with his feet opens a big band, Sinatra-inspired performance.
New Boyfriend (criticalaxis.org)
The lead character in ‘New Boyfriend’, portrayed by disabled actress Storme Toolis, tells a story to her friends about a recent sexual encounter she had with her new boyfriend.
#ColorForAll (criticalaxis.org)
We instead consider how to move beyond the fleeting nature of initiatives and into the more concrete space of a brand’s ethos.
LEGO Braille Bricks (criticalaxis.org)
Braille Bricks are a good idea. Unfortunately they’re not LEGO’s idea.
The Blind See More (criticalaxis.org)
‘The Blind See More’ campaign won a DANDAD Graphite Pencil for New Branding Schemes. How did it fare from a Disability Studies perspective?
ThisAbles (criticalaxis.org)
The idea for ThisAbles was conceived of and fought for by the very disabled person they positioned as the saved user.
We All Win (criticalaxis.org)
We’re asking Microsoft to invest in a global ad campaign for the Xbox Adaptive Controller that credits disability culture and the disabled gamers who created it.
Start Your Impossible feat. Lily Rice (criticalaxis.org)
Toyota’s latest ‘Start Your Impossible’ ad leaves us wondering what brands need to learn about disability culture, in order to ensure that the representation they create is liberating rather than stigmatizing.
Jessica Long’s Story (criticalaxis.org)
Toyota’s 2021 Super Bowl spot, titled ‘Jessica Long’s Story’ was immediately lauded by non-disabled folks, with one YouTube comment proclaiming it the “Best Ad ever.” Actress and writer Mindy Kaling, who has 11.7 million Twitter followers, tweeted “I’ve never been more moved than watching that Toyota ad”, to which disabled writer and advocate Mx. Charis Hill responded, stating, “Disabled people hate this ad. Full stop.” This ad reminds us that few people outside of disability circles seem to know or care about the difference between disability representation and disability exploitation.
World’s First Adaptive Deodorant (criticalaxis.org)
Degree recently announced the launch of a new product, Degree Inclusive, with a pair of spots featuring disabled athletes. Billed as “the world’s first adaptive deodorant built with a diverse disability community,” Degree Inclusive consists of specialized roll-on packaging with features targeted to users “with limited grip or sight.” The ads for the prototype feature Maria, “the blind skater whose passion for the rink won’t be held back by limits” and Nick, “the boxer who battles in and out of the ring against being told what he can and can’t do.” Our analysis will focus on the ad featuring Maria. Before we hit play on the videos, their Youtube summaries let us know that we are about to be inspired by a narrative of overcoming and corporate saviorism.
Youth Leadership Programme 2023: Young People's Experiences (youtube.com)
The Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) involved recruiting four young disabled activists to spend a week with an organisation advocating for independent living and the rights of disabled people in another European country for 1 week each.
EnsuringIndependent Living and Deinstitutionalisation (enil.eu)
All EU funds operations should follow the EU and international law, in particular fundamental rights and non-discrimination requirements.
A Christmas that changed me: I found my self-confidence on a hellish journey home (theguardian.com)
When everything went awry, I pushed aside my fears and did what disabled people do best – planned meticulously!
BDA calls on Government to invest in Deaf teachers to deliver British Sign Language GCSE (bda.org.uk)
The British Deaf Association (BDA) has welcomed today’s news confirming that pupils across the country will soon be able to take a British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE and implored the Department for Education (DfE) to invest in Deaf teachers to lead this initiative.
‘They’re doing the wrong thing’: accessible taxi drivers at Melbourne airport filmed refusing service to wheelchair user (theguardian.com)
Under Victorian regulations, accessible cab drivers must prioritise wheelchair users and cannot refuse a fare.
A Reflection on Autism and Christmas (respectability.org)
"We deserve to feel and express all of our feelings, both good and bad, without judgment."
Practical Accessibility Tips for Holiday Gatherings (respectability.org)
The best way to make it enjoyable for everyone is to ensure everyone who attends the holiday celebration is included!
Disabled actors and advocates plead to Hollywood: 'Give us a chance, please!' (latimes.com)
When Hollywood discusses diversity, it tends to focus on race, gender and, maybe, sexual orientation — but it almost always ignores disability.
The Legend of Goddess Bunny, Hollywood's Forgotten, Disabled, Trans Art Star (vice.com)
The Goddess Bunny entertained generations of gay punks through her tap dancing, film roles, and avant-garde performances. I assumed she had died—until one of her adopted "sons" sent me a message, asking me to tell her story.
Dis Education Flipping The Script on Viewing Disability (youtube.com)
To celebrate the parts of our identity society dictates we are most ashamed of, is to win at life. Through a passionate, high-energy musical performance, Lachi defines and celebrates Disability Culture and identity pride, the independence of interdependence, recognizing disability as a natural life hack–and the power of disability collective liberation.
Disabled Business Owners are Providing Answer to Fake Representation (facebook.com)
SO proud to be collaborating with a talented and determined fellow disabled entrepreneur / artist Tim Cox who created this video for PUSHLiving Photos He can help you create the creatives and we can provide the photos to show inclusive marketing and advertising is not only good for business but looks great!
A Happy Accessibility Article (substack.com)
Accessibility isn’t punishment, it is about helping others so they can do all the things people without disabilities take for granted.
Digital Accessibility Concerns in Design Affordances (accessability.substack.com)
A design affordance is a clue about how an object should be used, typically provided by the object itself or its context. For example, anyone handling a kitchen utensil for the first time should be able to easily guess which end you hold and which end you use just based on how it looks and feels. There are five different types of affordances that apply to the digital world which have very specific accessibility implications. It is important for designers / developers to identify these and make implementation choices that are both accessible (i.e. WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant) and usable.
Mini Budget leaves disability workers without Christmas presents (disabilityinsider.com)
The disability sector had hoped for a commitment from the Government to fund Pay Equity for care and support workers in the Mini Budget, but has been left empty-handed, says New Zealand Disability Support Network CEO Peter Reynolds.
Tory disregard for disabled people could prove costly at the ballot box (theguardian.com)
Letter: Ditching the role of a dedicated minister for disabled people is troubling, says Colin Hughes.
Federal Policy Updates for December 2023 (respectability.org)
Learn about RespectAbility's 2024 federal policy priorities, and updates on our advocacy work for the end of 2023.
RespectAbility Calls for Re-Introduction of the Accessible Voting Act (respectability.org)
RespectAbility and other members of the National Coalition on Accessible Voting are calling for the re-introduction of the AVA.
Sensory friendly play space officially open (disabilityinsider.com)
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson joined Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison MP on Thursday to officially open the new Sensory Friendly Stay and Play Zone at the Victoria Park Inclusive Play Space.
New guidelines for diabetes-related foot disease prioritize those at greatest risk (disabilityinsider.com)
Director of Griffith’s First People’s Health Unit (FPHU), Professor James Charles, has contributed decades of knowledge to the podiatry profession and culturally safe care to help develop National guidelines for diabetes-related foot disease (DFD).
Wheelchair accessible taxi trips get double payments on Christmas (disabilityinsider.com)
The Miles Government is doubling the lift payment for taxi drivers on Christmas Day – to be set at $40 per eligible trip.
Children with disabilities lag across all development markers, reveals new report (disabilityinsider.com)
Children with disabilities in Indonesia confront notable challenges across crucial aspects of their well-being, spanning education, health, and social inclusion. This comprehensive examination, unveiled today by UNICEF and BAPPENAS, marks the first in-depth analysis of children with disabilities in the country, shedding light on the pressing issues they encounter.
Obamacare Enrollment Sets Another Record Even As Trump Threatens The Law Yet Again (forbes.com)
A record 19 million Americans are expected to purchase individual coverage also known as Obamacare via the health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act for the 2024 coverage year.
'I've been told that my job sounds like a punchline. I am a deaf music critic' (abc.net.au)
When it comes to reviewing music, I don't consider my hearing loss a liability. I believe that deaf people are the best listeners in the world.
State Policy Updates for December 2023 (respectability.org)
Learn more about how the first few months of 2024 will bring significant opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
2024 Wheelchair Accessible Group Trip to Barcelona & Madrid, Spain (wheelchairtravel.org)
Explore Spanish culture, cuisine and art on this accessible group trip to Barcelona and Madrid with Wheelchair Travel's John Morris.
How Malaria Shaped America (pbs.org)
Today, Malaria is considered a tropical disease, but it wasn’t always that way.
ABBA Voyage is phenomenal - including disabled access! (euansguide.com)
A blog post by disabled access charity Euan's Guide volunteer and ambassador on the ABBA Voyage show in London.
From “Places to Avoid” to “Places to Visit” - Reimagining Tokyo’s Toilets (euansguide.com)
A blog post by disabled access charity Euan's Guide volunteer on THE TOKYO TOILET project.
How Alexa – and AbilityNet – are helping older users feel more (abilitynet.org.uk)
Angela Rippon,has joined with Amazon to help raise awareness of the power of voice assistants to help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Data Corner for December 2023 (respectability.org)
The labor force participation rate for people with disabilities grew from 38.8% in November 2022 to 41.5% in November 2023.
Expanded Choices for Support Services for Autistic People (respectability.org)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its 2022 Report to Congress on Supportive Services for Individuals with Autism.
Inclusion indicators 2023 (mcusercontent.com)
Rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in 29 European countries.
A controversial Census Bureau proposal could shrink the U.S. disability rate by 40% (kuow.org)
The Census Bureau has proposed changing how it produces data about people with disabilities. It could reduce the national rate of disability by about 40%. That's sparked controversy among advocates.
2023 and other numbers (inclusion-europe.eu)
2023 in Inclusion Europe work, and related developments for people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Europe.
France On Wheels (Part 2) (adventuremadeaccessible.wordpress.com)
Thank you for taking the time to read about my wheelchair-accessible adventure in Europe so far. Catch up on my trip to London and Paris here! In this blog, we will be exploring other parts of France!
IAEA pledges to transform lives through inclusive education (disabilityinsider.com)
An IAEA initiative in Malaysia is seeking to create greater inclusivity in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education with the support of a regional IAEA technical cooperation (TC) project on Strengthening Nuclear Science and Technology (NST) Education at Secondary and Tertiary Levels. The project recognizes the pivotal role that nuclear science plays in achieving several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in health, food security, energy and environmental sustainability, and has the goal of reaching 10 million students in Asia and the Pacific. The initiative will now be extended to other schools in the region with the aim of including more curricular activities for special needs STEM students, marking a significant stride toward universal inclusiveness in nuclear science education.
UK responds to safeguarding disabled children review (disabilityinsider.com)
The recent national review in the UK delving into the harm and abuse suffered by over 100 children with complex health needs and disabilities in residential settings in Doncaster emphasized the crucial necessity of amplifying the voices of these children. The review unequivocally outlined the imperative changes required in provision, commissioning, and regulation to effectively address their needs.
Organizations collaborate on research and development in accessibility standards in Canada (disabilityinsider.com)
Accessibility Standards Canada and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It aims to improve the coordination between both organizations and help influence accessibility standards across Canada and the United States of America.
Disney Wonder review - accessibility & entertainment - Have Wheelchair Will Travel (havewheelchairwilltravel.net)
Disney Wonder is now offering cruises from Australia and has brought all the magic of Disney down under including great accessibility.
David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived — A Refreshingly Balanced Look at Life of Stuntman Paralyzed on Harry Potter Set (newmobility.com)
The HBO Documentary follows the life of David Holmes and his friendship with Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.
Barrow school ditches French lessons to teach sign language instead (nwemail.co.uk)
A HEADTEACHER in Barrow has spoken of the 'brilliant impact' on pupils after his school became one of the first in the UK to add British Sign Language (BSL) to its curriculum.
A disability advocate preserves his voice with iPhone (apple.com)
For professor and disability advocate Tristram Ingham, Personal Voice provides a new type of reassurance.
This App Is Changing the Game for Vision-Impaired Makeup Lovers (cosmopolitan.com)
Voice-enabled Makeup Assistant is here—and Cosmo chatted with four of the app’s users.
The BBC TV drama Doctor Who: from a disability perspective (disabilityarts.online)
In a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the BBC TV series Doctor Who, Will Reynolds conveys the importance of the characters, plotlines and nuances of story that have given meaning to him as a disabled person.
What a year (lucywebster.substack.com)
On taking big swings.
Ukrainian marine travels to US for prosthetic arm (edition.cnn.com)
Heorhii “Gosha” Roshka lost his arm to a mortar blast while defending Mariupol during the Russian siege of the city. Since Ukraine’s prosthetic system is overwhelmed, the organization “United Help Ukraine” flew him to America for treatment.
Opinion: We must keep protecting against COVID-19 (njspotlightnews.org)
Only 7 million people in the U.S. have received the current 2023-2024 CCOVID-19 vaccine which was approved in mid-September.
A controversial Census Bureau proposal could shrink the U.S. disability rate by 40% (npr.org)
The Census Bureau has proposed changing how it produces data about people with disabilities. It could reduce the national rate of disability by about 40%. That's sparked controversy among advocates.
Meet Victoria: from Germany to Sweden, and a clear dream in mind (studyinsweden.se)
I've had the pleasure to meet Victoria, an Erasmus student from Germany, living in Gothenburg. Find more out about her life and her dreams!
The Sweet Sounds of Inclusion (inclusionrules.com)
I love playing music when I present or work in classrooms. I have playlists related to collaboration, movement, reflection, and other activities. Today, I want to share one of those lists with you, my inclusion-themed playlist! Hope you enjoy it and have fun creating your own lists related to connection, belonging, and community.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Conference feedback form (inclusionrules.com)
We are getting close to our fall conferences here in my Chicago suburb and it got me thinking about some of the questions I liked to ask families during my classroom days. Conferences are typically centered on what is happening in the classroom, but during that first set of meetings, I often shifted the focus to the families and the student. I would ask how they thought the year was going, what “wins” they had experienced, what questions they had and so on. Many of my students didn’t have reliable ways to communicate with me, so getting that information was key to school success. If you can relate to this scenario, I have created a form that you can download and use for family conferences, IEPs, or other parent/guardian meetings.
FREE DOWNLOAD: "Universal Design Daily" Book Study Form (inclusionrules.com)
Are you and your colleagues using Universal Design Daily as a book study or support for your work in inclusive classrooms? If so, you may find this form helpful as you choose strategies and discuss ideas.