We post our bi-weekly bulletin to keep you up to date on disability-related resources, news, and other items of interest. This information is being provided solely for non-commercial, nonprofit educational purposes, including news reporting and research. It is not intended for commercial purposes. Further, we understand that our readers generally read the articles and information online, at the websites provided in the hyperlinks, rather than relying solely on our synopses or copies. We are not responsible for the accessibility or the content of other websites. Please be aware that some links provided are time sensitive, and may become inactive at any time.
We include links to articles, editorials and opinion pieces, press releases, and other materials that represent diverse perspectives. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of any products, services, sources, information, or opinions expressed in these materials.
General News
April: Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month
Paralyzed Veterans Recognition Day was declared by President Ronal Reagan in 1986. Today, PVA Awareness Month celebrates how far we’ve come in the fight to help paralyzed veterans, and to shine a spotlight on how much more we can do to help these heroes regain what they fought for: their freedom and independence. Check out PVA’s information and resources!
ADA Legal News
Justice Department Sues SeaWorld and Other Theme Parks over Wheeled Walker Ban
The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida filed a lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts Inc. and its subsidiaries (UPR), alleging UPR’s policy banning guests with disabilities from using wheeled walkers with seats, including rollators, violates Title III of the ADA. UPR owns, leases, or operates twelve parks and experiences in the United States, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando.
If you believe you have been a victim of disability discrimination by United Parks & Resorts Inc., please file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division.
Technology News
American Libraries: “Getting Started with Web Accessibility”
This article outlines steps that can have a significant impact on accessibility without requiring the wholesale redesign of a website.
Design for Inclusion
These writers encourage designers of products and technologies to think beyond compliance with minimum standards and consider accessibility a core principle of their work.
“The Biggest Barrier to Accessibility Is Not Usability: Design for Pride”
“Accessibility and Usability Belong at the Center of Design”
Health and Wellness News
SAMHSA Advisory: Expanding Behavioral Health Teams in Care Deserts With Community Health Workers and Peer Support Specialists
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released this new advisory, which explores solutions to improve access to life-saving behavioral health services in communities with limited access. The publication addresses strategies for recruiting and retaining community health workers and peer support specialists, as well as other options to expand access, such as telehealth, mobile clinics, and integrating mental health services with other medical disciplines.
Access to Home- and Community-Based Services for People with Disabilities Leaving Incarceration: Barriers and Policy Priorities
Each year in the United States, more than 600,000 individuals are released from state and federal prisons, and 9 million people cycle through local jails. Among them are people with disabilities, people of color, and multiply marginalized groups – populations that are overrepresented in carceral institutions.
This brief examines barriers people with disabilities face in accessing long-term services and supports when they are released from incarceration. The paper also proposes policy initiatives aimed at supporting successful reentry by improving access to home- and community-based services.
“After Man’s Death Following Insurance Denials, West Virginia Tackles Prior Authorization”
This latest installment in the “Cost of Denial” series reports on legislation recently enacted in West Virginia. The new law aims to curb the harms of delays and denials of insurance coverage for medical care recommended by doctors.
Arts and Culture News
“Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language to Debut on Disney+ April 27”
On April 27, in celebration of National Deaf History Month, Disney+ will debut three animated musical sequences from recent Walt Disney Animation Studios features, newly reimagined and animated in American Sign Language (ASL).
Additionally, a special featurette will take viewers behind the scenes and highlight the collaboration between the teams at Disney and the Tony Award-winning Deaf West Theatre, which made these reimagined songs possible.
Recreation and Leisure News
“How a Blind Man Made it Possible for Others with Low Vision to Build Lego Sets”
Matthew Shifrin launched “Bricks for the Blind” to provide accessible instructions that enable people who are blind or have low vision to put together Lego sets more independently.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Webinar: Post, Share, Amplify: Turning Social Media Stories into Assistive Tech Advocacy
The Mid-Atlantic ADA AT Champions Program equips young adults with disabilities to use social media as a strategic tool for Assistive Technology (AT) advocacy. Through mentorship, collaboration, and skill-building, participants developed and shared authentic stories to increase awareness and understanding of AT.
This webinar will highlight the program’s model, key lessons learned, and the measurable impact of online storytelling. Presenters will also discuss considerations for organizations interested in developing or adapting similar youth-led digital advocacy initiatives.
Seeking Adults with Serious Mental Illnesses for Community Participation Study
The Temple University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Community Living and Participation of Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses (TU Collaborative) seeks participants for a study on factors that make community participation harder for individuals with serious mental health conditions. Participation includes a 2-hour interview that may be conducted online. Participants must be 18 or older; have a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum, major depression, bipolar I, or bipolar II; live in the community; and currently receive mental health services.