UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture recognises institutions as places of deprivation of liberty
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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Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture recognises institutions as places of deprivation of liberty (enil.eu)
The United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (hereafter “the Subcommittee”) has recently released its General Comment n°1 on Article 4 of the Optional Protocol (places of deprivation of liberty). The Subcommittee was created in 2004 following the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. Its primary role is to work directly within Member States to prevent torture and ill-treatment in places where the deprivation of liberty occurs. The Subcommittee is a unique entity within the UN insofar as it conducts on-site visits to detention facilities, providing hands-on monitoring services. This operational approach is complemented by its advisory function, where it offers guidance to both State parties and national preventive mechanisms.
2025 Public Season Launch (royalcourttheatre.com)
On Thursday 17 October, we’re announcing a new season of work at the Royal Court Theatre. As part of your Writers’ membership, we’re inviting you to our season launch event. You will get an early insight into what’s coming up at the Court, with an introduction from David Byrne talking you through it.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an annual observance held every October to recognize the valuable contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workforce and economy. It celebrates the progress made toward creating more inclusive workplaces. It also raises awareness about the employment challenges individuals with disabilities face. By highlighting the skills, talents, and perspectives contributed by people with disabilities, NDEAM encourages employers and organizations to create opportunities for these individuals to thrive professionally and actively.
I’m visually impaired but thanks to my guides I loved exploring Austria’s Tirol (theguardian.com)
A trip that pairs partially sighted people with fully sighted guides offers reassurance while expanding the possibilities of travel, as our writer discovered in Austria and Germany
Our Intern Journalist Interviews President Ramaphosa (thedeafdiary.com)
“Children or learners with special needs are a treasure of the nation and we need to ensure that they get the best education that South Africa can give,” these are the significant words of South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa.
How to Design an Accessibility Friendly Website (bluebadgestyle.com)
Creating an accessible website benefits everyone that visits your site, including people with disabilities. An accessible site follows best practices and standards that make content easy to perceive, understand, navigate and interact with for the widest range of users. This includes creating banner ad designs that are readable, non-intrusive and easy to dismiss.
Judy-Lynn del Rey “Challenged the Status Quo and Pushed the Boundaries of Inclusion,” Forever Changing Sci-Fi (respectability.org)
Judy Lynn del Rey is the latest subject of “American Masters: Renegades,” a documentary series showcasing the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities.
Sophie Sagan-Gutherz’s Horror Short POSSUM is “the change you wish to see” (respectability.org)
The short film POSSUM by Sophie Sagan-Gutherz and co-written by Daisy Rosato is a satirical horror about five young adults at an artist retreat.
World Mental Health Day 2024: Prioritise Workplace Mental Health with (abilitynet.org.uk)
This year’s World Mental Health Day, observed on 10th October, focuses on an issue that affects millions of workers across the globe — Mental Health in the Workplace.
Bus franchising guidance – an opportunity to improve services (bususers.org)
In its recent consultation on Bus Franchising Guidance, the Department for Transport aimed to remove some of the technical barriers to franchising and support safer and more accessible services.
Neurodiversity FAQ (thinkingautismguide.com)
So you’re doing a story about Neurodiversity, or you want to know more about the Neurodiversity Movement. We’re here to help.
LGBTQ+ women face disproportionate rates of mental health issues and barriers to care (npr.org)
A new report finds that LGBTQ+ women in the U.S. experience high rates of trauma, mental illness, and other health conditions. And they're less likely to seek medical care.
Caregivers and single moms are the non-voters politicians have ignored. Will 2024 change that? (19thnews.org)
Care has entered the 2024 discourse — and organizations are working to lower barriers for these voters in a political system that has sidelined them.
How a Blacksmith in Jordan Created His Own Sign Language (youtube.com)
“In this place, the way you treat someone determines who you are.” Abdullah Ahmad, a blacksmith from Wahdat, Jordan, has lived by this precept his whole life. Abdullah was born deaf, but through care, trial, and patience, has developed an improvised sign language largely unique to him and his family and friends. Join us for an intimate glimpse into Abdullah’s world, as he demonstrates how he navigates the stigma of disability in the city.
Hopkins elementary school debuts fully accessible playground: "There are good people in this world" (cbsnews.com)
Everywhere you look at Glen Lake Elementary School in Hopkins, Minnesota, love is in the air because of what is now on the ground.
PDF: ABA, the troubling history & legacy of today's most popular autis (booksbyanneking.com)
A pdf of the book ABA: The troubling history & legacy of today's most popular autism therapy. Not configured for e-readers. Contains hyperlinks to all references. E-book also available on this site.
The language that school professionals use to describe disabled students can reveal and perpetuate ableist assumptions. Professionals’ language choices can also challenge ableist attitudes to help create more inclusive, equitable learning environments. This tutorial seeks to guide speech language pathologists (SLPs) and other school professionals to identify ableist language, understand the ableist ideologies that such language reveals, and develop strategies to implement ways of communicating with and about disabled students that align with an anti-ableist stance. We offer a brief description of ableism in schools, describe models of disability and their varying alignments towards ableist ideologies, and identify ways in which language can reflect and perpetuate ableism. Using Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals as an example, we examine the ways in which ableist language can manifest in school practices. Finally, we provide suggestions to guide SLPs and other school professionals to examine and change their language to better align with an anti-ableist stance. Conclusion: School professionals’ language use is not neutral and may reveal and maintain ableist assumptions about disability and disabled students. While dismantling ableism requires systemic change, we suggest that individual professionals can use language in ways that resist ableism and powerfully impact their students’ educational experiences.
Kamala Harris Proposes Major Initiative To Help Millions Of Seniors — And Their Caregivers (huffpost.com)
The Democratic nominee has a plan to help the "sandwich generation," aging Americans and people with disabilities.
“The Silent Hour” starring Sandra Mae Frank (dailymoth.com)
There is a new movie, “The Silent Hour,” that has a Deaf actress in a key role. Her name is Sandra Mae Frank. The movie will be released this Friday, October 11. I watched it through a screener sent by Paramount for reporters. It is 99 minutes long. The film is about a Boston detective, portrayed by Joel Kinnaman. The character’s name is Frank Shaw. He was hearing but went through an incident, an accident/injury, that caused him to lose his hearing. He became a late-deafened person. It altered the course of his life and he had to learn sign language. He had to meet with an audiologist, use technology to hear, and was struggling.
The Silent Hour (youtube.com)
Boston Detective Frank Shaw (Joel Kinnaman) returns to duty after a career-altering injury leaves him with permanent hearing loss. Tasked with interpreting for Ava Fremont (Sandra Mae Frank), a deaf witness to a brutal gang murder, they find themselves cornered in a soon-to-be-condemned apartment building when the killers return to eliminate her. Cut off from the outside world, these two strangers must lean on each other to outsmart killers they can’t hear coming for their only hope of making it out alive.
Hurricane Helene Disability Response Update (disasterstrategies.org)
We are only just beginning to understand the enormity of Hurricane Helene’s devastation. From its landfall on Thursday, September 26th in Florida, to its movement north over the weekend into Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, it has destroyed whole communities, like Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in North Carolina, and taken out large portions of bridges and roadways, public waterworks, and communications systems. Emergency response operations have been limited by power outages, responders who are unable to report for work due to road closures, and others who were directly affected by the storm.
AAPD Disability Policy Download (mailchi.mp)
Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26th, and more than a week later hundreds of thousands of people remain without power and access to basic supplies. Disabled people are at increased risk during disasters and experience a greater likelihood of injury and death in a disaster. The poverty and inaccessibility disabled people experience during blue sky days makes things like preparing, evacuating, and recovering from a disaster even more difficult, and disasters can cause critical gaps in services people with disabilities need to survive.
Destination Accessibility providing resources for anyone with a mobility disability (krqe.com)
Adelante is a nonprofit that supports people with mental and physical disabilities, seniors and disadvantaged populations. Destination Accessibility is a wheelchair and scooter rental business that supports accessible tourism in New Mexico.
Virgin Atlantic expands on their dedication to accessible travel with new initiatives? (cntraveller.com)
The UK's only airline to offer BSL-trained cabin crew has been working to make the in-flight experience more inclusive than ever.
Astro enhances accessibility to content for the visually impaired with new initiative (marketech-apac.com)
‘Dari Mata Turun Ke Hati’ is the first drama in Malaysia to introduce the Audio Description feature.
Samsung Home Entertainment Exec James Fishler Talks TVs And Making ‘Screens For All’ (forbes.com)
Samsung, he said, has been the #1 global television maker for 18 years running.
Taxi manufacturer LEVC drives EV accessibility forward at Edinburgh Castle with TX Access (taxi-point.co.uk)
The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has announced that its TX Access taxi will be available to provide comfortable transport to and from the historic site.
Broadway Grand Rapids Introduces Enhanced Accessibility Technology at All Broadway Performances (broadwayworld.com)
Broadway Grand Rapids announced new accessibility features with the GalaPro app, enhancing the theater experience for patrons with hearing and vision impairments.
How PS Is Striving to Be More Accessible (popsugar.com)
PS makes wellness more accessible through real-life stories, first-person perspectives, and expert-backed information. Our staff of journalists and subject-matter experts research, report, and produce articles, videos, and social content that help people feel good about their well-being choices, no matter what they are. Via our core verticals — Health, Fitness, Beauty, Balance, Identity, and Shopping — we help our audience proceed with confidence.
Virgin Atlantic creates Accessibilty Advisory Board (globetrender.com)
Virgin Atlantic has upped its commitment to inclusivity by collaborating with disabled thought leaders to review and refine its accessible travel experience. Olivia Palamountain reports.
Ranking Names Best Cities For Those With Disabilities (disabilityscoop.com)
Using dozens of metrics on everything from the economy to health care and quality of life issues, a new ranking is shedding light on which U.S. cities are the best and worst for people with disabilities.
Gatwick becomes first UK airport to receive ACI accessibility accreditation (travelweekly.co.uk)
Gatwick has become the first UK airport to receive an accreditation that recognises commitment to accessibility services through its strategy, policies and projects.
ACI World urges airport to ensure accessibility (regionalgateway.net)
Airports Council International (ACI) World’s Airports and Accessible Travel: A Practical Guide is aimed at improving accessible travel for all passengers.
John Wayne Airport receives $20M FAA grant for accessibility improvements (heysocal.com)
The John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana has been awarded a $20 million grant through the Federal Aviation Administration, officials announced last week.
New regulations come into force to improve accessibility on local buses and coaches (gov.uk)
Local bus and coach services will have to provide real-time onboard route and stop information.
AudioEye Acquires ADA Site Compliance, a Digital Accessibility Compliance Company (prnewswire.com)
"ADA Site Compliance has an impressive client list and a talented team with which we see synergy," said David Moradi, CEO of AudioEye. "Scott has built a strong business where we believe we can leverage our products to expand customer relationships further. Our goal is to replicate the success we had integrating our 2022 acquisition of the Bureau of Internet Accessibility, where we materially deepened customer relationships and increased ARR."
Lotus Wins for Groundbreaking Wearable Innovation Empowering Individuals with Disabilities at Vista Center's Accessibility (streetinsider.com)
Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a nonprofit supporting individuals with vision loss for over 75 years, recently held its inaugural Startup Pitch Competition to showcase innovations in the underserved accessibility area. Lotus won the competition with its wearable device, the Lotus Ring, which allows users to control home environments with simple point-and-click gestures. Founded by former Apple engineer Dhaval Patel, Lotus empowers individuals with disabilities. The company will present at Sight Tech Global in December 2024 and receive Harvard Business School Alumni Angels mentorship.
40 Study Tips for Neurodiverse Students (studocu.com)
College can be a challenge for anyone, but it's especially tough with neurodiversity. This guide provides 40 effective study tips to help students thrive.
Reflecting on Deaf Awareness Month (thedailytexan.com)
Senior columnist Arista Rail argues that students should take advantage of Deaf Awareness Month to learn more about the deaf community.
Co-Creating A Disability-Friendly Academic Year (my3.my.umbc.edu)
Creating a disability-friendly campus is a collaborative effort that benefits everyone, fostering inclusivity and ensuring equal opportunities campus wide. By doing our part and working together, we create a campus environment where people with disabilities feel supported, respected, and empowered. This post may be a gentle reminder of resources and departments for some, and create new awareness for others, as accessibility is everyone's responsibility.
Making Mobility More Accessible (youtube.com)
For many of use, getting from point A to point B is as simple as getting in the car and going. Yet there are large populations out there who don’t have the same luxury of mobility. In this episode, we talk with those in our communities striving to connect us better to one another, removing mobility hardships and making accessible transportation something everyone has access to.
Construction in Plass hinders accessibility (washburnreview.org)
The Plass Learning Resource Center is in the process of becoming the new location for University Libraries, and with this change, accessibility issues for disabled students arise.
SDC Staff recognized with Accessibility Awards (michigantechhuskies.com)
Michigan Tech Athletics and Recreation was honored with Accessibility Awards last week at the inaugural Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit.
Use automated tools to review accessibility (servicenow.iu.edu)
Indiana University Knowledge Base - - Automated tools can be useful for identifying certain types of web accessibility issues. There are many tools you can use, each with different strengths and weaknesses.
U of G-Developed App Opening Doors to Accessibility (news.uoguelph.ca)
Researchers at the University of Guelph are looking for ways to improve accessibility, one door at a time.
Captioning for Education: How Caption Apps are Changing eLearning (techbullion.com)
As the digital domain evolves, so does education. From K-12 classrooms to professional training programs, educators of all kinds have discovered the potential of multimedia to engage students, and the need for accessible and effective learning tools is growing. Videos, especially ones with closed captions, seem to be exactly that. Captions are revolutionizing e-learning by making educational content more accessible, enhancing comprehension, and supporting diverse learners. Let’s explore the impact of caption apps on education and contemplate the future of subtitles in e-learning.
OPINION: Disabled at UP — Accessibility and UP's New Disabled Student Union (upbeacon.com)
I’ve been disabled throughout my entire time at UP, but it wasn’t until this semester that I became a full-time wheelchair user. Most students get around our small campus easily, a max 10-minute walk from one class to another. It’s normal not to think about accessibility, especially when visibly disabled people make up such a small minority of our campus. Back when I walked around this campus, even as a disabled person, only the occasional broken elevator brought access to the forefront of my mind. It’s impossible to know how inaccessible somewhere is, until it’s inaccessible to you.
Michigan Tech Athletic Staff Praised For Making Facilities More Accessible (radioresultsnetwork.com)
Michigan Tech Athletics and Recreation was honored with Accessibility Awards last week at the inaugural Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit.
October Is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (news.stonybrook.edu)
Stony Brook University has scheduled a series of programs for National Disability Employment Awareness Month to help maintain an accessible university.
FAU Awarded $10M to Train People with Disabilities for High Tech Jobs (fau.edu)
The FAU College of Education and College of Engineering and Computer Science project will help individuals with disabilities nationwide gain certified skills for entry into high quality technology sectors.
'One-in-a-million type of leader': UNC senior develops accessible vision care startup (dailytarheel.com)
UNC senior Sasha Surkin is the CEO and founder of the startup WeyeZE, a company that creates self-corrective glasses kits to address geographic and financial issues in optic care.
SHOWAbility Partners with Georgia State University to Hold First Accessibility-Below-The-Line™ Expo (wgno.com)
In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), SHOWAbility, a leading 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting accessibility in the performing arts, is partnering with Georgia State University to host an informational expo focused on accessibility in the film industry.
Touchstone Theatre's Festival UnBound explores disability and the arts, accessibility access (lehighvalleynews.com)
The four-day festival will feature performances by Kinetic Light, a disability arts ensemble and a Latin fest. It starts Thursday, Oct. 3, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 6.
‘Just Ask: Accessibility & Disability at UND,’ coming to campus on Oct. 14-15 (blogs.und.edu)
This two-day hybrid event will bring together experts and peers from across campus and beyond to highlight the lived experience of those who must daily navigate inaccessible environments, structures and systems, and to provide opportunities to discuss how these environments can be made more inclusive for all.
University Accessibility Center strives to improve mobility options for disabled BYU students (universe.byu.edu)
BYU has seen improvements to physical accessibility on campus in recent years but there is still room for additional mobility resources to be implemented.
U of A Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month Throughout October (news.uark.edu)
The 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrations to feature free webinars, a Disability Resource Fair, sporting events, and the third annual Advocacy Awards ceremony.
5 Questions With Diversity and Inclusion’s New Director of Learning and Development Carrie Murawski (news.syr.edu)
Carrie Murawski started a little over two months ago in her role as the inaugural DEIA director of learning and development for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). Already immersed in expanding learning experiences on campus to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), Murawski was drawn to the University because of the importance it places on DEIA and the community of people dedicated to the work.
Planning for accessible volunteer training (castanet.net)
A little-discussed area of volunteer training is accessibility.
AI's transformative role in accessibility (eschoolnews.com)
Ongoing collaboration among educators, policymakers, and tech developers is essential to navigate the complexities of AI in accessibility.
Kicking the tyres of third party products (linkedin.com)
Kicking the tyres of third party products Why procurement is part of the a11y solution One of the trickier digital accessibility conundrums for the journalism industry is just how we make the plethora of visual data journalism elements we see every day accessible to everyone. I’ve written extensivelOne of the trickier digital accessibility conundrums for the journalism industry is just how we make the plethora of visual data journalism elements we see every day accessible to everyone. I’ve written extensively in the past about how blind audiences are being left behind in the data visualisation revolution, but almost two years on from that research piece we’re not really any further down the road. We still rely a lot on alt text to do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to making graphs and charts and maps and infographics accessible for a significant part of our audience. A lot of news organisations use third party tooling to create their visual data journalism, but far too often these tools aren’t being built with accessibility in mind. If you are involved in any way in procuring third party suppliers for your visual data journalism, this piece from WebAIM on How to check third party vendors for accessibility is something you need to digest and pin up around your newsroom. We know that sales departments are likely to promise accessibility is an integral part of the product they’re selling, but anyone involved in that procurement process needs to be able to kick the tyres and ask with confidence the a11y questions that need to be asked in order to mitigate against any future accessibility roadblocks. It’s going to be interesting to see what impact the European Accessibility Act has on these third party suppliers when it comes into force mid-2025. Look out for an edition of Journalism A11y coming in the next few months which will take a deep dive into the implications of the EEA for the journalism industry.
'Global Leader In Accessibility In The Performing Arts' (scoop.co.nz)
“For a country with a population of just over five million, New Zealand shows a tremendous commitment to accessibility both for its performing artists and their audiences,” writes Nicole Gluckstern, a freelance writer based in San Francisco.
AirPods 4 secretly added an Apple Watch's best accessibility feature (kind of) (yahoo.com)
How Apple is subtly enhancing everyday usability
Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack Is Owed An Ode In Terms Of Accessibility (forbes.com)
Introduced in 2020 with the iPhone 12 series and the advent of MagSafe charging, the MagSafe Battery Pack is not at all a case.
Idemia boosts digital ID app accessibility for people with disabilities (biometricupdate.com)
Idemia worked with state governments and companies like Applause to address accessibility challenges before launching the app.
Diageo and Nestlé Increase Inclusivity with Accessible QR code (packworld.com)
Major brands have implemented Accessible QR (AQR) codes across several product lines to improve user experiences and inclusivity in product information access.
Making Maps Accessible to Screen Readers (mn.gov)
The State of Minnesota’s State Agency GIS Collaborative gave a presentation to state employees about listening to your maps. This article summarizes that presentation and provides resources to help digital map designers incorporate accessibility into their maps. We have also included information about how the state’s new Digital Accessibility Standard and WCAG 2.1, Level AA impacts digital map design.
The State of Accessibility (tpgi.com)
Learn about ADA Title II and the European Accessibility Act in detail and explore recent research around accessibility overlays.
How Robert Became the First Blind Person to Pass the EMR Exam (pocketprep.com)
Learn how Robert, a visually impaired individual, used Pocket Prep to become the first blind Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).
Bridging the gap: Accessible information for all (orfonline.org)
Examine how the digital divide limits access to information and discover key strategies to improve digital literacy, connectivity, and inclusivity for all communities.
Accessibility Online (accessibilityonline.org)
How does Customer Experience (CX) improve accessibility? How can agencies effectively support the needs of their customers? Nicshan Floyd, Deputy Director for Customer Experience at DHS and his team will discuss the importance of building human-centric products and services through customer experience best practices and accessibility guidelines. They will walk through key steps for inclusive design, cover the benefits of Customer Experience (CX )and talk about how to build accessible products beyond the Section 508 standards.
Calling all Games changers ready to make a difference (statements.qld.gov.au)
Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing.
Digital Accessibility: The Foundation of Inclusive Hybrid Workplaces (shrm.org)
One of the world's leading entertainment services companies has always had digital accessibility as one of its core principles. The company has made entertainment accessible to everyone by introducing features such as audio description and keyboard navigation to cater to blind and partially sighted viewers—something that has allowed the company to gain the trust and membership of 270 million people. So, it wouldn't be wrong to say that what works for customers can also work well for internal customers, i.e., employees.
"AI can assist in making the digital space accessible, but it won't solve every prob (calcalistech.com)
Yossi Synett, Chief Scientist at Evinced, spoke at Calcalist's AI conference about utilizing AI to create more accessible applications and websites for visually impaired people from the offset rather than relying on AI to solve issues after the fact.
How Judy-Lynn del Rey shaped science fiction as we know it today (youtube.com)
"Judy-Lynn del Rey: The Galaxy Gal" tells the story of a woman with dwarfism who revolutionized the world of science fiction by editing and publishing books from sci-fi writers such as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Philip K. Dick and George Lucas’ “Star Wars” in novel form. See how science fiction narratives, through their speculative and imaginative nature, offer a more inclusive and equitable lens through which to redefine disability.
Europe’s APACE: Only 1 in 4 Publishers Produces Accessible Ebooks (publishingperspectives.com)
Fondazione LIA’s new APACE: 30 million Europeans await the EU Accessibility Act, but will publishers be there for them?
WCAG 2.1's Success Criteria for Motion Actuation: Don't rely on sensors (mn.gov)
Motion Actuation is about allowing the user a choice to use normal controls or motion controls, like shaking or tilting.
State CIOs Can Maximize Effective Citizen Services by Considering Inclusiveness (statetechmagazine.com)
Addressing the needs of the disabled community with artificial intelligence can help everyone.
How ‘doing differently’ instead of ‘doing more’ defined the journey of an inclusive gathering (reframingdisability.substack.com)
Tania G on making events inclusive; recruiting for inclusion; reporters’ toolkit on mpox and elections, an exhibition by deaf artists, and plenty of media recommendations
Call for Good Practices | Museums for Everyone: Innovative Practices in Accessibility and Inclusion (unesco.org)
UNESCO and Chinese Museums Association (CMA) are seeking innovative practices of universal accessibility among Chinese museums.
5 Airlines & Airports Using Sign Language To Improve Accessibility For Deaf Passengers (simpleflying.com)
Much progress is still needed to ensure the industry becomes fully inclusive.
Mojacar brings accessibility to its beaches (euroweeklynews.com)
Mojacar continues its efforts to establish itself as a tourist destination for all.
Fun, unexpected, and accessible: A roundup of recommendations for travelers with mobility issues (msn.com)
We asked some travel-happy folks to weigh in on the places that were unexpectedly delightful and easy to navigate. Here’s what they shared.
Automatic speech recognition learned to understand people with Parkinson’s disease — by listening to them (eurekalert.org)
Listening to people with Parkinson’s disease made an automatic speech recognizer 30% more accurate, according to initial findings from the Speech Accessibility Project.
Take a seat for a tactile treat: Exhibit explores accessibility in modern art (statehornet.com)
Sacramento State library gallery hosts the exhibit ‘Don’t mind if I do’, organized by artist Finnegan Shannon and curated by Lauren Levy to challenge preconceptions of modern art while expanding accessibility.
Kevin McCarthy Gets Defensive Addressing Trump’s False ‘Mentally Disabled’ Dig at Harris (thedailybeast.com)
“You’re okay with saying ‘mentally disabled, that’s the bottom line,” CNN host Manu Raju told former GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who couldn't give a straight answer.
Mo. voting system fails to include people with disabilities. Here’s what can be done (kansascity.com)
Ensuring accessibility in voting for people with disabilities is crucial. Missouri’s efforts to improve voting practices are a step towards inclusivity.
Lawsuit Filed Against MTA Over Accessibility Failures as Advocates Demand Full Funding for Subway Upgrades (eastnewyork.com)
Transportation advocates and elected officials rallied on Sunday to push for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to continue making all subway stations accessible for disabled riders.
Congestion pricing: Disability advocates filing new lawsuit to restart accessibility projects (amny.com)
Gov. Kathy Hochul's decision to pause on congestion pricing is now facing a third legal challenge, this time from advocates for straphangers with disabilities.
Disability Rights Advocate Virginia Rose Believes Birding Belongs to Everyone (popsugar.com)
Virginia Rose founded Birdability in an effort to make nature more accessible to all. What she didn't anticipate was rediscovering her sense of self.
RTAG announces plans for $25,000 grant, discusses ‘all-door boarding’ accessibility initiative (dailyfreepress.com)
The Riders’ Transportation Access Group announced plans to connect Boston’s biking and disabled communities, as well as plans for increased boarding and paying efficiency on buses and trolleys, at its advisory meeting on Thursday.
Council Post: How To Create More Accessible Social Media Content: Lessons From The Most Accessible DNC Ever (forbes.com)
Disability inclusion was in full force at the recent Democratic National Convention (DNC), which delivered the most accessible DNC in the event's history.
Perkins School for the Blind helps design new Audubon trail on Cape Cod. How it works. (eu.capecodtimes.com)
The Barnstable trail has 5 habitats - field, tidal flats, salt marsh, forest and freshwater pond, featuring purple martins, painted turtles and more.
Athens City Commission on Disabilities members call out the city for lack of accessibility (woub.org)
Chair Davey McNelly told the City Council the lack of accessibility is an embarrassment to those with a disability who visit Athens.
This AI tool could help cities improve accessibility at intersections (upr.org)
The tool can be used to identify barriers to accessibility — like broken signs and missing curb ramps — so cities can fix them more quickly.
Nonprofit hosts 'Ballot Bingo' Thursday to break down making voting accessible for people with disabilities (denver7.com)
A Colorado nonprofit is making voting and education around your vote more accessible for people with disabilities.
Alarming rise of 'super-fit' slim young people suffering heart attacks (dailymail.co.uk)
Doctors agree that the numbers of young people with heart attack on the rise, but disagree about the cause. In the meantime, young people share their struggles online.
Beyond Paralympic medals: The fight for accessibility in India (hindustantimes.com)
India's disabled athletes face ongoing accessibility challenges despite Paralympic success, with inadequate public spaces and transport options highlighting systemic indifference.
'It's time the aviation industry addresses its accessibility problem' (airlinergs.com)
ARGS interviews British TV presenter Sophie Morgan about her Rights on Flights campaign to improve accessibility for disabled passengers.
After my Coldplay ticket nightmare, it's obvious disabled people have no chance (metro.co.uk)
Fans are not impressed by the process to purchase accessible tickets.
Children with dwarfism on why accessibility, awareness are needed in Hong Kong (scmp.com)
As Little People of Hong Kong celebrates 10 years, there are still many misconceptions about this community.
Braille wave: Pancham Cajla is on mission mode to provide accessibility solutions for the disabled (tribuneindia.com)
At first glance, Pancham Cajla, 36, comes across as the boy next door who could be working in a corporate office or managing a cafe. All this, of course, he was doing until a few years back when he was working at Infosys in Mysuru and later running his cafe. But life had bigger plans — the foremost being making travel more accessible to the visually-impaired. From initiating the country’s first visually-impaired-friendly railway station at Mysuru in 2015 and the country’s first visually-impaired-friendly train, the Mysuru-Varanasi Express, in 2016, to making more than 150 railway stations, schools and heritage monuments accessible, this social entrepreneur wasn’t just waiting for things to change. He became the change himself.
Disability advocate speaks out after awards ceremony held without full accessibility (cbc.ca)
A Halifax woman being honoured for her volunteer work as a disability advocate is upset about the province's decision to hold an award ceremony at a venue that wasn't fully accessible.
Tim McCallum and Queensland Music Festival call to address ‘disappointing’ lack of accessibility at Australian music festivals (news.com.au)
Advocates have called for an end to the “disappointing” lack of accessibility at live music events, with a quadriplegic musician branding the ability to access live music events a “basic human right”.
Broad welcome for progress made on accessibility since first 'Make Way Day' in Dundalk (lmfm.ie)
There's been a broad welcome for the progress made in the Dundalk area since 'Make Way Day' was created seven years ago.
"A global leader in accessibility" (thebigidea.nz)
Nicole Gluckstern, San Francisco based freelance writer, describes New Zealand as "a global leader in accessibility in the performing arts," in her article.
SHIFT project uses tech to create accessible, inclusive and appealing cultural heritage (pro.europeana.eu)
Failures to address the needs of people with varied accessibility requirements and disabilities have long stood in the way of ensuring that everyone can enjoy cultural heritage in person and online. 13 European organisations have teamed up through the SHIFT project to take on this challenge - and make heritage more engaging in the process. EuropeanaTech invites the SHIFT consortium to share more about the toolkits they are working on and how you can use them.
Raising awareness about disability employment, inclusion and accessibility in Edmonton (edmonton.citynews.ca)
Advocates and community members in Edmonton are raising awareness about disability employment in Alberta’s capital, and making the city more inclusive and accessible. It’s coinciding with Disability Employment Awareness Month in Canada.
Unique theatre experience in Calgary combines art and accessibility (globalnews.ca)
A unique theatre experience just premiered in Calgary. It focuses on creating a sculpture from a collection of arbitrary objects by working together, without saying a word.
Govt committed to further increase accessibility for disabled (en.antaranews.com)
Presidential special staff for social affairs, Angkie Yudistia, accentuated the continuity of the government's commitment to improving accessibility for people with disabilities under the administration of Prabowo Subianto.
NSW gears up for accessibility push with new digital strategy (innovationaus.com)
The New South Wales government will make all of its digital services accessible and inclusive by 2030 as part of a new strategy that also places a focus on building public trust amid the artificial intelligence boom. The strategy, to be released on Thursday, is the first from the Minns government and comes almost five years after the last ‘Beyond Digital’ strategy was launched by the former Coalition government. Customer Services and Digital Government minister Jihad Dib said the strategy “sets the direction” for world-class digital services that both strengthen communities and support economic growth amid a productivity slump.
A path to independence: Navigating accessibility through AI (runnermag.ca)
Riya Daiya has had severe hearing loss in one ear and profound loss in the other since she was a month old due to complications with a premature delivery. “I was born along with a twin sister.
Redhill: Blind passenger helps write train audio guide (bbc.com)
Dave Smith sits on Thameslink's Accessibility Advisory Panel and advises on the guide to its trains.
Accessibility commissioner suing Ottawa, staff for $2.3 million following claims he mistreated staff (cbc.ca)
After facing an external investigation into claims he mistreated staff, Canada's first accessibility commissioner Michael Gottheil is now suing the federal government and unnamed employees for more than $2.3 million in damages.
The Changing Landscape of the Future of Work and Its Impact on the Disability Community (linkedin.com)
The future of work is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements, shifting demographics, and changing societal values. These transformations reshape how and where people work, bringing opportunities and challenges for the disability community.
Thameslink: Enhancing Accessibility for Blind Passengers (railtechnologymagazine.com)
Thameslink has introduced an audio guide for its fleet of 115 trains, created with the assistance of Dave Smith, a blind passenger from Redhill, Surrey. Dave, who is a member of Thameslink’s Accessibility Advisory Panel, shared his insights to enhance services for disabled passengers.
How ZipperBuddy is Enhancing Fashion Accessibility (bu.edu)
Sandi DeRuntz is empowering individuals with mobility constraints to dress independently with her venture, ZipperBuddy.
Healing Waves helps make the ocean accessible to all (guernseypress.com)
Children and adults with additional needs have been getting the chance to take to the waves at Vazon, with the help of charity Healing Waves Ocean Therapy.
Pottery Barn Expands Its Accessible Furniture Line (hospitalitydesign.com)
Pottery Barn and Michael Graves Design expand the Accessible Home furniture line with the Cayman dresser, Bradford armchair, and more.
Expanding Innovative Accessibility Solutions (new2.mta.info)
Provide your feedback on these features!
Accessibility for Publishers, Updated Edition (kwglobal.com)
Accessibility of books, journals, digital products, websites, and other content is essential to individuals with disabilities. Accessibility also holds important benefits for users (including students, researchers, and libraries) and publishers.
MEC Matome Chiloane’s Letter to his favourite Teacher (thedeafdiary.com)
To my favorite teacher, I’ve been reflecting on the impact you’ve had on my life, and I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude. You stood at the front of the classroom every day, bringing an energy that filled the room with possibility. You didn’t just share facts from textbooks; you opened my eyes to a world of critical thinking and exploration.
Diversability Amplified Podcast: Advocacy as the Parent of a Disabled Child with Author Kelley Coleman (mydiversability.com)
In this episode of Diversability Amplified, Tiffany Yu sits down with Kelley Coleman, author of Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child, to explore the transformative journey of parenting a disabled child and advocating for systems change. They discuss the importance of normalizing disability, unlearning negative messaging, and creating inclusive environments for both children and parents.
The Stimming Pool: Neurodiverse Artists Redefining Filmmaking (criplife.co.uk)
We speak to filmmakers of The Stimming Pool, a feature-length documentary where we see five neurodiverse artists create a singular visual project that offers a fascinating glimpse into their singular perspective on the human experience.
Texas judge halts $116 billion Medicaid proposal that could affect 1.8 million (dallasnews.com)
The ruling blocks the state health agency from finalizing a new set of contracts on coverage for low-income Texans.
THE STIMMING POOL (youtube.com)
Director: The Neurocultures Collective, Benjamin Brown, Georgia Bradburn, Sam Chown-Ahern, Robin Elliott-Knowles, Lucy Walker & Steven Eastwood.
Texas judge halts $116 billion Medicaid proposal that could affect 1.8 million (dallasnews.com)
The ruling blocks the state health agency from finalizing a new set of contracts on coverage for low-income Texans.
Oral Interview - Carlton Russell (vimeo.com)
This is "Oral Interview - Carlton Russell" by Little People of America on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
Equality left out in Commission portfolios (edf-feph.org)
The European Disability Forum is extremely surprised and disappointed with the downgrade of “Equality” to only be part of the portfolio of the Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. This represents a rollback on all the achievements of the previous Commission on Equality and sets a dangerous precedent.
Widespread deprivation of legal capacity leading to violence against persons with disabilities (edf-feph.org)
Our 8th European Human Rights report, released today, highlights that no EU country fully protects persons with disabilities from losing their right to make decisions – and this enables violence and abuse against persons with disabilities. The report also warns that the proposed EU Regulation on cross-border protection of adults will aggravate the issue if it’s approved in its current form. This Regulation would lead to adults who move to another EU country still being subject to more restrictive measures from their country of origin, even if more progressive policies are in place.
World Cerebral Palsy Day (worldcpday.org)
World Cerebral Palsy Day is a global movement that started in 2012. Last year, it reached over 10 million people. It aims to bring together people living with cerebral palsy, their families, supporters and organisations from over 100 countries. All with the aim to ensure a future in which children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society.
Laura Coccia, CP-ECA representative (edf-feph.org)
“The socio-economic and family context into which a child with cerebral palsy is born unfortunately determines his or her prospects and future, as CP is a complex condition. But we must ensure that everyone has equal access to the tools for diagnosis and inclusion in education, social and professional life.
Cerebral palsy – Let’s do better! (edf-feph.org)
Every year on 6 October, we mark World CP Day. What is cerebral palsy (CP)? How many people in Europe have cerebral palsy? And what difference does EU action make to their lives?
Manifesto for Cerebral Palsy (cp-eca.eu)
In preparation for the European Parliament Elections 2024, Cerebral Palsy Europe published a Manifesto for Cerebral Palsy, detailing how EU action – through legislation, standard-setting, funding or another form – makes a difference to the lives of the estimated 800,000 persons with cerebral palsy in the European Union.
European Economic and Social Committee advocates for better social integration (edf-feph.org)
Our board member, Dovilé Juodkaité, participated in a European Economic and Social Committee plenary debate on promoting the social integration of persons with disabilities, which was held on 18 September. Ádám Kósa, State Secretary for Disability Policy at Hungary’s Ministry of the Interior, also spoke at the debate.
The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on persons with disabilities (edf-feph.org)
EDF dedicated its 2020 Human Rights Report to the issue of poverty and social exclusion faced by persons with disabilities. The report was based on EU-level data from 2018, which was the most recent data available at the time.
More than 50 Civil Society Organisations react on the new European Commission (edf-feph.org)
In light of the recent unveiling of the new European Commission, European and national equality civil society networks and organisations wish to express their shock and dismay over the downgrading of the Equality portfolio compared to the previous mandate.
“They Destroyed What Was Inside Us”: Children with Disabilities Amid Israel’s Attacks on Gaza (hrw.org)
The 83-page report, “‘They Destroyed What Was Inside Us’: Children with Disabilities Amid Israel’s Attacks on Gaza,” documents that children who have acquired a disability and children who already had a disability in Gaza face a precarious security situation and additional difficulties as they struggle to comply with frequent Israeli army evacuation orders and a lack of effective advance warning of attacks. The ongoing siege of Gaza, the unlawful obstruction of humanitarian aid, the use of starvation as a weapon of war, and damage and destruction of hospitals cause disproportionate harm to children with disabilities, who struggle to access desperately needed medical treatment and supplies, assistive devices, food, and water. They are at particular risk of lasting psychological harm.
Global disability movement demands seat at the “COP table” (edf-feph.org)
Today, eight disability organisations representing both regional and global interests, sent a formal letter to members of the Paris Agreement criticising the exclusion of the disability movement from UN climate negotiations, mostly due to unnecessary bureaucracy.
UN Committee evaluation of Belarus, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands and Ukraine (edf-feph.org)
The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities organised its 31st session in Geneva from the 12 of August to the 5 of September. The Committee evaluated the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in several countries, including Belarus, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands and Ukraine.
European Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 (ec.europa.eu)
The 2024 edition of the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference is taking place in Brussels on 28-29 November 2024.
UN Climate Change Conference Baku - November 2024 (unfccc.int)
This UNFCCC handbook has been prepared to assist first-time observers attending a UNFCCC Session. It is also a valuable resource for seasoned observers, as it contains key information to help navigate COP 29. In the handbook, you will find some pointers on how to engage effectively and contribute to the UNFCCC process.
2024 Europe and Central Asia Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (efdrr.undrr.org)
The 2024 Regional Platform, taking place from 6 to 8 November 2024 in Montenegro, will assess progress on the regional roadmap, and build capacities of authorities and stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework.
74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (who.int)
Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature (mountaineers.org)
Foreword by Carolyn Finney. Edited by Shaz Zamore and Amber Wendler.
This COVID vaccine program offered a ‘bridge’ to uninsured adults, and then the funding crumbled (pbs.org)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the Bridge Access Program to connect U.S. adults with little to no health insurance to COVID vaccines. But funding cuts mean it will end this August.
Report: Oil Suppliers to Israel Like the US and Chevron May Be Complicit in Genocide (truthout.org)
Over half the fuel shipments to Israel occurred after the World Court’s January ruling of “plausible” genocide.
CineKink 2013 / Krutch p2 (youtube.com)
Lynsey G chats with filmmakers Clark Matthews and Mia Gimp about 'Krutch,' which won the award for Best Dramatic Short at CineKink 2013 - "the kinky film festival!"
Out of My Mind (youtube.com)
Melody Brooks, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy, has a quick wit and a sharp mind, but because she is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair, she is not given the same opportunities as her classmates. When a young educator notices her student’s untapped potential and Melody starts to participate in mainstream education, Melody shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it.
Subway Elevators are Not Just a Nice Lift, But a Basic Civil Right (nyc.streetsblog.org)
Accessibility is a must-have as cities compete to attract visitors and retain residents.
Fannie Lou Hamer and the Fight for Voting Rights (smithsonianmag.com)
Learn about Fannie Lou Hamer, a voting rights activist whose vision for an inclusive political future laid the groundwork for the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
The great cover-up: Europe is losing its penchant for public nudity (economist.com)
A columnist bares all in pursuit of the naked truth
“Under the Boardwalk” has signing characters (dailymoth.com)
The animated film, “Under The Boardwalk,” has a scene where two characters, who are hermit crabs, use sign language. Check it out. [Clip] Credit: Paramount Animation Neat. Shelly the crab is a “deaf sister” to Ramona the crab.
Long-term illness drives a shocking 8m from the workforce (dailymail.co.uk)
Since 2013 the number of people claiming they are too unwell to work has increased by 37 per cent, with figures rising from 6million to 8.2million.
Claimable Launches First-Ever AI-Powered Appeals Platform to Fight Unjust Healthcare Denials (globenewswire.com)
Claimable, a pioneering healthcare technology company, today announced the launch of its AI-powered appeals platform designed to combat unjust healthcare denials. The platform leverages purpose-built AI to analyze clinical research, policy details, appeals data, and patients’ unique medical stories, generating and submitting customized appeals in minutes.
Autistic people and those with ADHD are more likely to have eating disorders. Here’s why – and how this affects their treatment (theconversation.com)
More than 1.1 million Australians are estimated to be living with an eating disorder. Around a third of these people are also neurodivergent.
Comedians With Disabilities Act (freed.org)
Comedians with Disabilities is a fabulous collection of comedians with disabilities, both seen and unseen, who share their humor and personal experiences. Overall, the tour is designed to bring authentic and traditionally unheard voices to the forefront. We look forward to hosting this hilarious show as an opportunity to showcase disabled talent and create connections in our community.
Access / VSA (kennedy-center.org)
VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all.
A new initiative will allow UK deaf audiences to see captioned films before general release (abcnews.go.com)
Deaf audiences are being prioritized at U.K. cinemas
Webinar: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Employment Policy (ncil.org)
Join the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) for a webinar for people with disabilities and self-advocates. This webinar will cover the ASAN’s toolkit, Real Work For Real Pay: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Employment Policy.
The Future of Wheelchair Lacrosse (youtube.com)
Join us for an engaging and informative conversation with Mike Looney, the Vice President of Wheelchair Lacrosse USA, as we explore the exciting future of this dynamic sport.
ASL statue to enter MB public art collection (wpde.com)
A nine Rivoli Statue, designed by students from the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, will soon join Myrtle Beach’s public art collection. Featuring the ASL sign for "I love you" and Braille details, it highlights accessibility and deaf culture.
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (disasterstrategies.org)
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (The Partnership) is the only U.S. disability-led organization with a focused mission of equity for people with disabilities and people with access and functional needs throughout all planning, programs, services and procedures before, during and after disasters and emergencies.
Xbox Celebrates Accessibility in Gaming with New Adaptive Joystick and Continued Support for Special Olympics (news.xbox.com)
At Xbox, we believe that gaming is for everyone. Our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility drives us to create experiences that resonate with all players, including those in the Gaming & Disability Community. This month, we are proud to recognize the 425+ million players who make up this vibrant community. By fostering inclusive communities, enabling accessible design, and continually investing in accessibility, we aim to break down barriers and ensure that everyone can enjoy the magic of gaming.
What the Outdoors Community Gets Wrong About Deaf People (popsugar.com)
Sonya Wilson, founder of the ASL Climbing Network, opens up about creating a community for Deaf climbers and how hearing people can be more supportive.
How to help your child return to school after a long illness, new diagnosis or an accident (theconversation.com)
There are many reasons why children may need to have a significant break from school. It can help to return gradually.
The immovable veil of black disability: an introduction to Black disability threat theory and its application to the school to prison nexus (tandfonline.com)
I propose a new theoretical framework that incorporates an intersecting analysis of Blackness and disability: Black disability threat theory. A major contribution of this theory is the notion that being visibly Black and visibly disabled causes moral panic to disabled and nondisabled populations belonging to any racial group including non-disabled Black American persons and disabled White American persons. Additionally, a broader category of intersectional theories has been applied and leveraged to learn more about inequities and how we might resolve them. Being obviously Black and obviously disabled excludes one from belonging to and fully participating in either the disability culture or the Black culture as we are accepted by neither. In society (and schools), these persons – those who wear a veil of both Blackness and disability – are categorized, considered, and treated as the most dangerous of all which typically results in negative life outcomes.
Accessibility from the top down: 3 ways leadership can create a culture of inclusion for workers with disabilities (fastcompany.com)
Efforts to attract and retain a diverse workforce must go beyond the recruiting, hiring, and onboarding processes.
Why MSP Airport is building "sensory-friendly rooms" (axios.com)
The spaces should open in 2027 and 2028.
Jamaican British Poet Raymond Antrobus Shares His Experienceswith Deaf Communities Around the Globe (counterpunch.org)
In honor of Deaf Awareness Month and International Week of Deaf People both taking place in September, I spoke with, Raymond Antrobus, one of the international leaders in the deaf community about his experiences globally.
Official Trailer | ‘Patrice: The Movie’ (youtube.com)
‘Patrice: The Movie’ – a documentary rom-com about the next phase of marriage equality – disability. Streaming Sept 30th only on Hulu.
Alice Wong (macfound.org)
Increasing the political and cultural visibility of people with disabilities and catalyzing broader understandings of disability.
Disability sport: Call to make gyms more inclusive (bbc.com)
A charity is training gym staff to support people who feel like they are "being treated differently".
Couple Could Lose Everything If They Get Married. New Film Reveals Painful Journey (disabilityscoop.com)
Patrice Jetter and Garry Wickham want to get married, but they would lose their disability lifelines if they did. Their story is the subject of a new "documentary romantic comedy" on Hulu.
5 Reasons to Hire People with Disabilities (disabilityrightsflorida.org)
People with disabilities bring a wealth of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the workplace, making them excellent employees.
Accessing Democracy World Premiere (ndrn.org)
Join us for the world premiere of Accessing Democracy. This film follows Monica Wiley as she interviews voters with disabilities.
The Danger of Assisted Suicide Laws (ncd.gov)
Despite the growing understanding that disability is a normal part of the human experience, the lives of persons with disabilities continue to be devalued in medical decision-making. Negative biases and inaccurate assumptions about the quality of life of a person with a disability are pervasive in U.S. society and can result in the devaluation and disparate treatment of people with disabilities, and in the medical context, these biases can have serious and even deadly consequences. In this series of reports on bioethics, the National Council on Disability will explore how people with disabilities are impacted by biases and assumptions in some of the most critical healthcare issues we face, including...
ASLpalooza festival in Connecticut aims to celebrate Deaf culture with ASL performances and music (ctinsider.com)
ASLpalooza is set to take place at The Truck Bar at 151 Webster Square Road in Berlin on Nov. 23, from 7 to 11:30 p.m.
New Film Empowers Brooke Shields And Daughter Rowan To Reveal Type 1 Diabetes Journey (forbes.com)
Quarter, By Kelsey Bascom, Empowers Brooke Shields & Daughter Rowan To Reveal Type 1 Diabetes Journey & Ali Wentworth’s Return To Screen
Props No More (propsnomore.org)
The Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment (GADIM) has a documentary film, Props No More, underway that will introduce viewers to disabled media creators who are making content that challenges the continuing negative stereotypes of disability in much mass media. The disabled creators in the documentary are from journalism, film, online media, and the entertainment industry and illustrate to the world how to maneuver around barriers to make empowering and accessible media. Props No More the film will continue as Props No More the media platform to be a place for disabled media creators to teach and mentor disability community members worldwide who want to create their own innovative media content.
How New Orleans is using the Super Bowl to make the entire city more accessible (fastcompany.com)
More than 500 infrastructure projects are underway in New Orleans in the run-up to the Super Bowl.
The Open Doors Festival - Millennium Stage (October 18, 2024) (kennedy-center.org)
The Open Doors Festival is a celebration of disability culture through the arts, for and by people with disabilities. The festival elevates the voices of artists with disabilities and builds community with artists and organizations invested in disability arts in the DMV region.
European Regional Disability Summit (bmas.de)
6 December 2024 in Berlin and online.
What’s So Funny About Disability? (thestranger.com)
Comedian Tina Friml on Being “Unforgettable”.
Report: Disabled people are five times more likely to experience domestic violence (motherjones.com)
A new federal investigation "highlights a critical gap in our domestic violence services."
ORR calls for action after concerns about reliability of Northern Trains’ help for disabled passengers (orr.gov.uk)
The rail regulator wants to see an improvement plan from the train operator, who again rated poorly in ORR’s latest survey about the experience of passengers who pre-booked additional assistance with their journey.
The Purplewashing Paradox: Big Talk, Little Walk (accessiblelink.substack.com)
How to avoid Purplewashing
Researchers develop wearable device to predict stroke risk (disabilityinsider.com)
A team of researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have developed a potential new way to measure a person’s stroke risk that is cost-effective and noninvasive, akin to a cardiac stress test. If validated through further tests, the device could transform stroke care, making early detection of increased risk a standard part of medical exams around the world.
To boldly go: John McFall hopes to be the first astronaut with a disability (theguardian.com)
European Space Agency testing Paralympian sprinter to see how conditions in space would affect his prosthesis
Disabled People Jury Rigging Internet Connections During a Genocide: A Thank You Note (disabilityvisibilityproject.com)
Today marks one year since the amplified Israeli genocide of Gaza began on October 7, 2023. When we started Crips for eSims for Gaza a few months later, Alice, Jane and Leah thought that this would be a modest fundraiser that would hopefully last a few months and possibly raise a few thousand dollars. However, Crips for eSims for Gaza has done work beyond our wildest dreams—because of you, the over 160 volunteers who have been diligently sending eSims for over 9 months, and everyone sharing our posts week after week.
‘I don’t want to hide my son’: the Nigerian singer helping mothers find pride in their children with special needs (theguardian.com)
When musician Joy Eseoghene Odiete’s baby was born with cerebral palsy, she felt abandoned. Now, her foundation inspires and encourages others in a similar position
Wetwheels Solent, Accessible Sailing Experiences (disabledtravelwithgeorgina.com)
As the title may suggest, Wetwheels Solent are an amazing non-profit company who make boating experiences possible for those with disabilities or health conditions. I’d heard of their partner organisation in Yorkshire previously since Richard and I often visit the coast there and particularly enjoy Whitby Goth Festival (despite the hilly, cobbled terrain for my wheelchair!). The region that Wetwheels Solent covers includes Portsmouth, the South Coast and the beautiful Isle of Wight. Richard and I joined the team in Cowes Harbour (on the Isle of Wight) during our summer holiday of 2025, bringing our lovely staffy dog Milo with us.
Private firms ran almost all care homes forced to shut for breaches in England (theguardian.com)
Study finds more than 90% of facilities for children and 98% of those for adults that were closed down were run for profit
‘My disability is the least interesting thing about me’: Actor Adam Pearson on fame, film and his sibling rivalry (theguardian.com)
Actor Adam Pearson feels disfigurement onscreen is often presented as a problem. He sees it very differently. He talks about karaoke in Croydon, rivalry with his twin, Oscar ambitions – and why his mum refuses to believe he’s famous
She fled domestic violence fears in Mexico. Now she’s California’s first deaf Latina mayor (theguardian.com)
Josefina Dueñas faced doubts from her own colleagues on the city council. Now ‘I represent the women, the immigrants, the disabled, the homeless’
The nightmare of being a disabled Palestinian (theguardian.com)
Letter: Emma Vinicombe finds Frances Ryan’s article about the plight of disabled people in Gaza gut-wrenching on a personal level
Shiva Jukes Their Back Out (wheelieoutthere.blogspot.com)
A jack of all trades is a master of none, though oftentimes better than a master of one. That’s a caregiver, in a nutshell. Except a caregiver is usually limited to two arms, the righty and the lefty, the dexter and the sinister, which limits how many trades they can exercise at once. Many have 10 articulating fingers, true, and brains that span in a million directions, though all of their capabilities and selflessness is nailed down to a single austere plane, where a pair of clock hands turn on a perpetual axis of time: Everything is the slave of time.
Canada launches Framework for Autism and call for applications (disabilityinsider.com)
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the needs of all persons with disabilities in Canada, including people with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and those who care for them.
New strategy puts Queenslanders with disabilities in sector reforms (disabilityinsider.com)
A new engagement and co-design strategy will ensure the voices of Queenslanders with disabilities and the disability community are at the heart of significant disability reforms, leading to innovative solutions and improved outcomes.
Robert Kennedy isn’t just weird. Apparently, he’s also creepy. (leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk)
Robert Kennedy (RFK Jr) has been a parasite on the autism community for decades. In that time he has failed to impress on scientific acumen and integrity. Recent news articles have shown Mr. Kennedy to make very questionable choices. Such as leaving a dead bear cub in central park and transporting the head of a dead whale on the roof of his car. But a story out today, if true, shows Mr. Kennedy to be beyond weird. He may be a slimy creep.
Residential school students in England to get free dental, eyesight and hearing checks (theguardian.com)
NHS checks are expected to reach about 18,000 students with disabilities and additional needs
World Ostomy Day! (sobadass.me)
It is World Ostomy Day 2024! Sam Cleasby shares her journey with life with an ostomy bag and photos through the years
A Different Man review – beauty is skin deep in a surreal dramedy (theguardian.com)
Sebastian Stan excels as a facially disfigured actor whose life is transformed in Aaron Schimberg’s mordant oddity
When you are brave, good things can happen... (sobadass.me)
As a disabled woman, getting into work has been so tough, but I did something brave and something good happened. Disability and work.
Bus Users rounds off #CTBM with Stagecoach and the Minister for Local Transport (bususers.org)
Stagecoach invited us along to its Barnsley depot to round off Catch the Bus Month with Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport Simon Lightwood MP, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and representatives from local disability user group, Transport for All.
NDEAM Interview with Taryn Williams, Assistant Secretary of Disability Employment Policy at the U.S. Department of Labor - Disability Belongs (respectability.org)
A conversation about disability employment with the Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy at the U.S. Department of Labor.
AXSChat with Darryl Adams (axschat.com)
Darryl has recently retired after a xyear long career with Intel where he was an Assistive Technology Innovation Program Manager in the Intel Accessibility Office. Darryl’s mission was to connect his passion for AT innovation with Intel’s product development pipeline to make accessible computing experiences available to everyone, regardless of ability.
SAFA Ekurhuleni and City of Ekurhuleni Municipality accused of giving underprivileged soccer teams the runaround for cash prizes (thedeafdiary.com)
When some of the underprivileged youngsters from 68 soccer teams won the City of Ekurhuleni Youth Tournament, they had hoped to smile their way to the bank over their achievement.
4 Questions for Julie Sowash (publications.ici.umn.edu)
After graduating from Indiana University, I worked for the Medicaid office in the state of Indiana, managing the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. I was able to build a five-year strategic plan to overcome barriers to employment at the state level. I also built my expertise in affirmative action and federal contractor compliance, among other things that have helped me build and evolve Disability Solutions.
Crafting a Career: Art + Education (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I’m a creative person, and art is one of my passions. Education is another, and I was a camp counselor for a long time at a Jewish day camp, where I had also been a camper when I was younger. We did a lot of activities that related to being Jewish, but also did art activities there. So, I’ve been doing art and working with kids for a long time.
Cutting a Career Path (publications.ici.umn.edu)
The Cutting Edge Program at Edgewood College provides a fully inclusive college experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Established in 2007, the program offers individualized wrap-around services designed to support students in academics, independent living, social experiences, and internships. The overarching goal for all graduates is to lead fulfilling, independent, and inclusive lives.
ES-Coach: Supporting Employment Consultants In The Workflow (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Extensive literature describes best practices in supported and customized employment. The implementation of these practices is lagging, however, placing job seekers with disabilities at a higher risk of not receiving the quality services they need to achieve their career goals.
Perfect Pair: Employment Services in Self-Directed Settings (publications.ici.umn.edu)
People who have been using self-directed services in other areas of their lives tend to choose self-direction for day services, including competitive employment support. They want to make decisions about hiring employment staff and develop a truly personalized job plan.
A Paycheck, And More (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I’m just starting my shift at Pizza Ranch. I work four-hour shifts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Today I’m working at the cash register and later will be busing tables. I greet customers, help clean up, pretty much whatever is needed.
Becoming a Leader at Work (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I work at Medart Engine’s distribution center here in Anoka. It’s like an Amazon distribution center, but for lawnmower and snowblower parts. If a customer places an order, we grab them and ship them out.
Rising Above Barriers: Planning for the End of Subminimum Wage (publications.ici.umn.edu)
In 2021, officials at Rise, Incorporated voluntarily chose to end the organization’s 50-year-old, subminimum wage employment program by April 2024 as part of an incentive that the Minnesota Department of Human Services offered all providers in the state. As part of this process, Rise staff supported more than 200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they prepared to leave their long-held center-based, subminimum wage jobs.
Supporting Talent is Smart Business (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Employers across the globe are beginning to include talent with disabilities in their recruitment and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) planning. It’s smart business, accessing an often-overlooked talent pool with a variety of skills, strengths, interests, and a unique perspective that can inform marketing, product development, operations, and an inclusive workplace.
Achieving Meaningful CIE Through Customized Employment (publications.ici.umn.edu)
The value of meaningful competitive integrated employment (CIE) cannot be overstated, as it offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to earn an income and connect with their communities. Individuals with disabilities, especially those with more significant challenges, continue to be underemployed or unemployed, according to reports by the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion and by Lee Erickson and colleagues at Cornell University Supported employment (SE) and customized employment (CE) are essential strategies to improve employment outcomes. SE and CE are services provided by state vocational rehabilitation agencies and are designed for individuals who have historically struggled to achieve CIE. CE is tailored for those whose work experiences have been limited to segregated settings, such as facility-based programs, sheltered workshops, or subminimum wage positions, or for those who have had limited work opportunities due to low expectations.
Disparities in Employment and in Employment Services (publications.ici.umn.edu)
What are the disparities in employment and in employment services for people with disabilities and what are the solutions for improving cultural competencies to boost competitive integrated employment among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)? To begin to answer these questions, it is important to define some key terms. First, what do we mean by health disparity? According to the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHHD) a health disparity is a “health difference that adversely affects disadvantaged populations in comparison to a reference population, based on one or more health outcomes.”
What I Love About My Job (publications.ici.umn.edu)
What I love about my job is that I get to do more than I’m told, help other people, and take initiative. I want to extend myself. I want to do more than just what I’m told, and I have all the equipment I need to get the job done.
Evolving Day Services: Bridging Community Life and Employment for People with Disabilities (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Like the more recent evolution from sheltered workshops to competitive, integrated employment, day habilitation services for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) have been experiencing a simultaneous shift from facility-based programs to integrated, community-focused models. Facility-based day programs were initially developed as a result of the deinstitutionalization movement of the mid-20th century, when large institutions began to close and there was a need to create alternative, community-based services for people with disabilities. At that time, societal attitudes often viewed people with disabilities as needing protection and care in separate environments, away from the general public. Programs were designed to keep people safe and occupied but often resulted in isolation from the broader community and all its opportunities.
Helping People (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I worked at Burlington Coat Factory and The Gap, sorting clothes by size and color and stocking shelves. My manager at The Gap taught me what to do and she told me I did a good job. That felt good and I’d like to work in retail again. I haven’t worked since the pandemic as I’ve had some health issues.
What It’s All About (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I’ve been working with Meghan Burke and others on research projects having to do with employment and independent living. We’re just getting started, but it’s about talking to people about their lives and finding out what they need.
Falling Short: Opportunities, Support Lacking in Transition (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Compared with adults without disabilities, adults with Down syndrome are more likely to be unemployed and/or underemployed. Research is needed to identify and mitigate the barriers to employment among adults with Down syndrome. To this end, we conducted a national survey study with 101 caregivers of adults with Down syndrome who had exited high school in the last five years. The purpose of our survey was to learn about the employment experiences of young adults with Down syndrome. Most participants identified as white mothers of individuals with Down syndrome and had college degrees. We recognize the limited diversity reflected in our participant sample and address it in our recommendations for future research.
Letter from Minnesota: Sinking Subminimum Wages (publications.ici.umn.edu)
As the debate continues about what constitutes a livable wage, be aware that there is a group of workers earning far less than even minimum wage.
Emerging and Ongoing Policy Efforts in Community Employment (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Over the past two decades, there have been a series of policy initiatives at the federal and state levels with a consistent message: People with disabilities have the right to be employed in the mainstream workforce earning the same wages and benefits as other workers, with publicly funded services that fully support these efforts. In turn, public policies have also been clear that alternative options previously considered best practice (sheltered workshops, non-work facility-based day programs, subminimum wage, etc.), should be either reduced or eliminated altogether. This article provides an overview of these various public policy efforts, and their implications for the continued expansion of employment in the community.
Using Technology to Support Employment (publications.ici.umn.edu)
People with intellectual, developmental, and other cognitive disabilities depend on the disability services infrastructure to live and participate in their communities, including the provision of day-to-day supports with health and hygiene, transportation, employment, and leisure activities. High turnover and vacancy rates in direct support professional (DSP) positions can, however, significantly interfere with a person’s ability to live and work in home and community-based settings, as noted in a 2020 article in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Shredding Old Ways of Work (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I grew up in Red Wing but came to Duluth in 2010 to live with my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew after my mom passed. When I started at Udac in 2013, I was doing mostly paper shredding. Then in 2020, we closed because of the pandemic.
Dignity of Work: ‘I Just Want to be Helpful’ (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I have two jobs. I work at Essentia Health and Sammy’s Pizza. I started at Essentia in June of this year. Right now, I’m working in the cafeteria. I wipe tables, take out trash, and restock items like forks, spoons, condiments, napkins. I also make sure everyone is getting along, and I keep the peace. What else am I going to do? If I see something going on, I try to figure out what’s wrong or tell someone else who can help.
Putting My Voice to Work (publications.ici.umn.edu)
I volunteered for a long time before I started working, but my first paying job was at The Hair District, a salon. I worked there for six years folding towels and making sure dishes and bathrooms were clean. I’m really good at making sure everything runs smoothly.
Building Momentum: Innovation in Competitive Integrated Employment (publications.ici.umn.edu)
Work is an extremely important part of most adults’ lives. For many people, work provides their main source of income and access to benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans; for some, work also provides a sense of purpose, structure in their days, and opportunities to connect with other people. Many people with disabilities do not benefit from these advantages because they face significant disparities in employment. Fewer than one in four people with disabilities were employed in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared with nearly two-thirds among people without a disability. Among people aged 16 to 64, 37.1% of people with disabilities were employed, far less than the 75% among people without disabilities.
Inside MI5 with an autistic intelligence officer (bbc.co.uk)
This week, Access All lives up to its name - we’ve been granted permission to go inside MI5 and meet an autistic senior intelligence officer.
Newly diagnosed "can truly be optimistic about their prospects for a life free from disability" (wheelieoutthere.blogspot.com)
Years ago I was skeptical of all articles like the one I'm highlighting below. I'd see them regularly -- 'The New Drug on the Way Could Be a Game-Changer' or 'A Cure May Be In Sight,' stuff like that -- I mean, how many times can you hear them cry wolf? Particularly when you have primary progressive and there were no treatments at all. But now there is so much going on, and the post-pandemic science has moved the sticks so much. … The landscape feels much different to me now. It doesn't smell like BS anymore. (How's that for unscientific?) Even if there still isn't a treatment for me. Here's to someday.
Why Facebook Alt Text Is Important (And How To Do It Right) (blog.hootsuite.com)
Adding Facebook alt text to your posts is a great way to make your content more accessible and discoverable.
Parents with disabilities have faced discrimination for years in the US, but new rules will help ensure that child welfare systems treat them more fairly (theconversation.com)
As of 2010, 3 in 4 states had laws allowing a parent’s disability to be used as the grounds for terminating their parental rights.
Learn Which Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines are Right for You (ablenews.com)
The Katz Institute for Women’s Health (KIWH), the only network of experts devoted to every aspect of women’s care, is putting women first. The below content was originally published in its entirety on the Katz Institute for Women’s Health’s website and exemplifies its commitment to raise health for all women.
2024 MacArthur Fellows Program (disabilityvisibilityproject.com)
Hard to believe but I am a 2024 MacArthur Fellow! This has been a year with lots of highs and lows so receiving this was a surprise and it means a lot. I remember Ed Roberts was in the first cohort of fellows, later on Ralf Hotchkiss, Josh Miele, Susan Sygall, and perhaps a few others. There are so many disabled people out there doing amazing things and I hope there will be more disabled MacArthur fellows (disabled people of color in particular) in the future. Philanthropy is hella problematic and I hope I can use this opportunity to push for systemic change grounded in disability justice and anti-ableism and encourage more funding of disability culture and systemic change grounded in disability justice and anti-ableism.
Mattel will make 80% of its games color-blind accessible by the end of the year (fastcompany.com)
Mattel will make slight design changes to its card games so that gameplay is accessible for people with color blindness, too.
Yes, calling someone ‘mentally disabled’ causes real harm (theconversation.com)
Donald Trump’s words about Kamala Harris – she’s a ‘mentally disabled person’ – were widely criticized as coarse and ugly. They are also often found among disparaging descriptions used by others.
After Harris visited the border, Trump mocked her as ‘mentally disabled’ (19thnews.org)
His latest round of insults at battleground state rallies follow a long history of using disability as a slur, reviving calls from his allies to focus on the issues.
Disability Thinking Weekday - September 2024 Recap (disabilitythinking.substack.com)
Here’s a look back at September’s Disability Thinking Weekday links.
Having fun (lucywebster.substack.com)
A podcast episode and a thought about community
Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) concludes with a signed partnership agreement between City of Saskatoon, SaskAbilities (saskatoon.ca)
Am Montag, den 30. Oktober, ging die Stadt Saskatoon eine Partnerschaftsvereinbarung mit SaskAbilities ein und formalisierte damit eine Verpflichtung, die darauf abzielt, Beschäftigungsmöglichkeiten für Menschen mit Behinderung in der Gemeinde zu schaffen. Oben abgebildet sind Emily Hurd, Regionaldirektorin von SaskAbilities, und Jeff Jorgenson, Stadtdirektor.
In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October, the Autism Society of America is pleased to announce its new online training courses as part of its Employment Initiative. Launched through the Autism Society’s Training and Resource Center, the employment courses provide employers with foundational concepts of Autism and neurodiversity, explore common barriers, and recognize the importance of accommodations and natural supports in the workplace.
Nebraska organization recognizes individuals, businesses for Disability Employment Awareness Month (nebraskapublicmedia.org)
Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation – or Nebraska VR – celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month by honoring those creating inclusive workspaces.
Council Post: Three Easy Ways To Start Including People With Disabilities In Your Workplace (forbes.com)
Considerations for the disability community are often missing from DEI efforts. Does your company include disability awareness as part of its DEI initiatives?
Disability Benefits: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) (youtube.com)
John Oliver discusses why disability benefits can be hard to get and easy to lose, how getting them can turn people’s lives upside down, and why John fucking hates mimes. Ya, you heard us. John Oliver fucking hates mimes. Spread the word.
ENIL Freedom Drive sets new impulses for policies on Independent Living (enil.eu)
The Freedom Drive 2024 is over. From the 23rd to the 25th of September over 300 participants, the overwhelming majority disabled people, where with us in Brussels. In several events they discussed crucial topics with high-calibre speakers. During our protest, they raised their voices to push for a stop to segregation and full support to inclusion and empowerment.
Freedom Drive 2024 Brings Activists Together in Brussels (enil.eu)
The 11th edition of the ENIL Freedom Drive ended last week, on 25 September. After over a year of planning, we finally got together in Brussels for the three busy and magical days, filled with conversations, shouting, laughter and solidarity.
A Tribute to Adolf Ratzka (youtube.com)
A touching video in honor of one of the most important figure of the Independent Living movement in Europe and one of the co-founder of the European Network on Independent Living.
ENIL's 35th anniversary (youtube.com)
We've worked on a fun and informative video that will tell you a lot about our history!
Ableism still excludes too many from the workplace. Here’s how I’m changing that (fastcompany.com)
To kick off National Disability Employment Month, Keely Cat-Wells writes about efforts to increase visibility and equity for disabled people.
Annual MS Society of Canada Read-a-Thon fundraiser to start Oct. 14 (multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com)
The MS Society of Canada is hosting MS Read-a-Thon to encourage reading and help support people with multiple sclerosis in the community.
ABC’s ‘Patrice: The Movie’ - A Rallying Cry For Marriage Equality For The Disabled (forbes.com)
Patrice: The Movie is about the next arena for marriage equality legislation – disability. As told by one couple’s story.
Look and touch: How an occupational therapy graduate changed how people with disabilities visit the Milwaukee Public Museum (today.marquette.edu)
Occupational Therapy graduate Lexee Torchia has been fueled by helping people her entire life. Her capstone focused on helping people with dementia in public places.
Deafinitely Theatre (deafinitelytheatre.co.uk)
Producer of professional high quality theatre for deaf and hearing audiences of all ages and backgrounds, combining the visual storytelling of British Sign Language with the immediacy of the spoken word.
What if … there were no special schools? (link.springer.com)
Inclusive education is a human right that involves restructuring the school system and closing special schools. However, there is uncertainty about whether all or only some students in an inclusive system should attend regular primary schools and whether all or only some special schools should be closed. This question is usually only discussed in terms of the best possible care and education and the challenge of transportation to school and travel distances is neglected. This article attempts to take both into account. The federal state of Bavaria in Germany does not yet have a fully developed inclusive school system. Using school statistics data for the entire Bavarian primary school population in 2020 (N 445,000) and geographical data, we simulate deterministically what the Bavarian primary school system could look like with various underlying inclusion models. We analyse the resulting student numbers, support rates of primary schools and school travel distances of former special school students in an urban-rural comparison in four different simulated inclusion models. The results show that all models are potentially feasible. The student numbers at each primary school resulting from the closure of special schools would in most cases not change significantly, whereas the support rate (i.e., the percentage of students with SEN per primary school) would. Schooling close to home favours students in rural areas in particular and significantly reduces their journeys to school by up to 30 km, while for students in urban areas, all inclusive models would be possible. The pedagogical and systemic consequences of the simulated inclusion models are discussed.
Coffee Conversation: UDAC Hosts "Include" Exhibit for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (fox21online.com)
Karen Herman, Executive Director of UDAC, expressed enthusiasm for the event on the Fox 21 morning newscast, highlighting its importance in honoring the contributions of individuals impacted by Minnesota’s disability history.
Nike Announces GameOn, a New Career Program for All Athletes (about.nike.com)
NIKE, Inc., with support from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, is launching a new initiative to provide meaningful work experience for all athletes*, including those with disabilities. The initiative, announced during the Paralympic Games, is designed to increase awareness and underscore the importance of disability inclusion while also broadening the funnel for applicants who seek to develop their careers with Nike. Individuals interested in the one-year program may submit applications through jobs.nike.com/disability-inclusion. The first cohort will start in early 2025 at Nike’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
Disability rights advocates say adult changing tables prevent humiliating bathroom situations (iowacapitaldispatch.com)
Iowa DOT committed to including the changing tables in new or remodeled rest area facilities.
How do women with disability and LGBTQIA+ people experience menopause? (theconversation.com)
More than 85% of people with distressing menopause symptoms struggle to get appropriate care. These barriers can be compounded for LGBTQIA+ people and those living with disability.
Explore experiences of people with disabilities at annual film festival (news.nau.edu)
For the third year in a row, NAU is kicking off Disability Pride and Heritage Month with the Not Inspiration Pørn Film Festival, an opportunity for all community members to explore the diverse, authentic lived experiences of people with disabilities. It’s the brainchild of John Schaffer, the academic program coordinator and faculty member for the Disability Studies minor. Prior to the third annual film festival, he talked to The NAU Review about the types of films being shown, including the world premiere of two films made about NAU community members, and the importance to have conversations about the representation of people with disability in popular media.
Disability rights group advocates for a 'Week Without Driving' (kxlh.com)
Disability Rights Montana is asking Montanans to park their cars, put down their keys, and experience life for those who cannot drive.
Why Employers Should Support Remote Work (respectability.org)
It is important to understand the benefits of remote work for disabled job seekers and employees to create “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
A Vision for Vision Impairment (V I) Education: New Campaign Urges Government to Improve Education for Blind and Partially Sighted Students (pocklington.org.uk)
Our Education Team calls on the government to take action and implement five essential building blocks to ensure blind and partially sighted students have better access to all aspects of their education.
The Art of Being RESPONSIBLY IRRESPONSIBLE (quirkyquad.com)
I spent several weeks with friends and family living my best life in Costa Rica on an incredible trip engaging in Whitewater rafting, meditating, zip lining, and so many adventures with family.
Recorded hate crimes in Scotland up 63% since law introduced in April (theguardian.com)
Crimes against disabled people rise substantially, while elderly people are protected by new law for first time
Disabled Palestinians are facing horrors piled upon horrors. I think of their suffering every day (theguardian.com)
With every bombing, more people are left to survive without the devices and medications they need, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
Deputy Principal transforms the lives of children with disabilities (thedeafdiary.com)
A deputy principal who is transforming the lives of children with disabilities at Isizwe Setjhaba Special School in Sedibeng, Gauteng scooped the provincial award for excellence in special needs teaching.
Fitness with Friends: SPIRIT Gentle Yoga (fun4thedisabled.com)
Join Rebecca and David for a calming, low-impact 15-minute yoga session designed to help you wake up and stretch throughout the day. Whether you’re seated in a chair or on the floor, this gentle sequence is perfect for all levels and offers modifications to suit your comfort.
SEBASTIAN STAN, ADAM PEARSON AND AARON SCHIMBERG ATTEND SPECIAL SCREENING OF ‘A DIFFERENT MAN’ IN LONDON (ablemagazine.co.uk)
A special screening of new A24 film “A DIFFERENT MAN” took place this evening at the Electric Cinema, Notting Hill ahead of its release in UK cinemas this Friday 4 October.
Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm.
2024 MacArthur Fellows Program: Alice Wong (disability-visibility-newsletter.ghost.io)
Hard to believe but I am a 2024 MacArthur Fellow! This has been a year with lots of highs and lows so receiving this was a surprise and it means a lot. I remember Ed Roberts was in the first cohort of fellows, later on Ralf Hotchkiss, Josh Miele, Susan Sygall, and perhaps a few others. There are so many disabled people out there doing amazing things and I hope there will be more disabled MacArthur fellows (disabled people of color in particular) in the future. Philanthropy is hella problematic and I hope I can use this opportunity to push for systemic change grounded in disability justice and anti-ableism and encourage more funding of disability culture and systemic change grounded in disability justice and anti-ableism.
Number of people in UK out of work due to ill health growing by 300,000 a year (theguardian.com)
Data dashes hopes that effects of pandemic would subside and labour market would return to pre-Covid state
Working to work (disabilitydebrief.org)
Disabled people fighting for accessible livelihoods in India
This analysis examines who was eligible for Medicare and/or Medicaid between 2002 and 2022 because they received disability benefits from one of the country's Social Security disability programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Many who receive SSDI and SSI qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, known as dual-eligible individuals.
This disabled woman built a career. A federal program that helped now penalizes her (npr.org)
Supplemental Security Income provides the medical care that lets people work. But its rules are complex and out of date.
Music accessibility for d/Deaf people? How does that work? (reframingdisability.substack.com)
Music, and other accessibility at a world-class event
Failure to Comply (disability-visibility-newsletter.ghost.io)
To comply is to conform and perform. I think about compliance as a patient a lot since I experienced some pretty horrible medical ableism while in the hospital throughout my life. On that note, I'm excited to offer 5 print and 5 e-book copies of Failure to Comply: A Novel by Cavar available now from Featherproof Books. You can also read an excerpt and download a printable mini book from the publisher's website. Details below.
Autistic Filmmakers Changing Perceptions Of Casting Neurodivergent People In Hollywood (criplife.co.uk)
We speak to autistic filmmakers Sue Ann Pien and Bella Zoe Martinez about the award winning short film Once More, Like Rain Man.
A trip to the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris with Channel 4 and Shaw Trust (justcopy.co.uk)
In September, I went to the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, thanks to Channel 4 and Shaw Trust.
I hate accessibility barriers – so I did something about them (blindnewworld.org)
Jakob Rosin is totally blind, and has always been frustrated by inaccessibility - so he turned his accessibility advocacy into action.
How to identify a Toxic Accessibility Culture, and what you can do about it (buttondown.com)
In an immature organization, accessibility can unfortunately be both. Please interpret the below as the collection of my 15 years of experience working exclusively with people with disabilities, several decades of being a person with a disability, and the parent of someone who has a different disability than I do. I am not casting aspersions on my current or previous employers.