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
“Meet the Disabled Leaders Redefining Their Industries This Disability Pride Month”
Marking the 36th anniversary of the signing of the ADA this year, this article highlights leaders in the ongoing disability rights movement.
State and Local Government News
DOJ Issues Notice, Will No Longer Rely on “Integration Mandate” Guidance
The U.S. Department of Justice issued a notice in the Federal Register, stating that they will not rely on their previously issued “Statement of the Department of Justice on Enforcement of the Integration Mandate of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Olmstead v. L.C.” (Olmstead Guidance).
Additionally, the Department plans to revisit the Olmstead Guidance to determine whether it is “consistent with the ‘single, best meaning’ of the ADA.”
People with Disabilities Fear Service Cuts as DOJ Questions “Integration Mandate”
This article reports on concerns that have intensified since the Department of Justice issued a legal opinion that says federal disability rights laws don’t require states to provide services that allow people with disabilities to remain in their homes rather than institutions.
ADA Legal News
Pennsylvania: U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement with Roll R Way Skating Center, Ensuring Access for Individuals with Food-Related Disabilities
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a settlement under Title III of the ADA with Roll R Way, a skating center with three locations in York, Chambersburg, and Donora.
According to U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller, several families complained that the management of the skating center refused to modify the “no outside food or drink” policy to accommodate children with diabetes. The settlement agreement requires reasonable modification of policies for patrons with diabetes, food allergies, or other dietary restrictions.
California: Sutter Roseville Medical Center Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Charge for $200,000
Sutter Roseville Medical Center agreed to provide $200,000 in back pay and compensatory damages and take other actions to resolve a disability discrimination investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
According to the EEOC, a complaint filed by a former staff nurse spurred an investigation, which found evidence that the employer terminated the nurse rather than provide her with the reasonable accommodation of a lateral reassignment to an open position.
Health and Wellness News
“Federal Survey Shows Promising Trends for Youth Mental Health and Drug Use”
A key U.S. government report on mental health, substance use, and addiction showed continued improvements in several metrics, especially among young people.
Fewer adolescents reported using alcohol or illicit drugs, as well as fewer serious thoughts of suicide, making suicide plans, or attempting suicide.
Travel and Recreation News
“Colorblind Viewfinders Make Appalachian State Parks More Accessible”
Virginia State Parks is the first park system in the nation to have a colorblind viewfinder at each of its 43 locations. The EnChroma-adapted viewfinders help people with red-green colorblindness see the views with a broader range of colors.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Webinar: ADA Compliance Behind the Walls: Disability Access in Prison Educational Settings
August 19, 2026
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Learn how the ADA and Section 504 apply in prison educational settings and how to reduce barriers for incarcerated individuals with disabilities. This webinar examines common compliance challenges, including policy modifications, effective communication, assistive technology, accessible educational materials, and continuity during transfers.
Survey: How to Make Research More Inclusive for People with IDD
The American Institutes for Research is looking for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) or their supporters who are 18 years or older to test a new way to take a survey. The researchers want to learn how to make it easier for people with IDD to take part in research that is done in online spaces. To find out more, complete the eligibility survey or contact study staff.
Seeking Disabled Adults for Survey on Sex Education
This survey seeks to learn more about the sexuality education disabled people received before they reached adulthood. Participants must be adults who were born before 1990 and became disabled before turning age 19, must have grown up in the United States, and cannot have been homeschooled for more than half of their education. The survey will take about 10 to 20 minutes.
If you have any questions about the study, contact researcher Arya Boris or faculty advisor Dr. Pamela Lannutti.