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.
Employment News
Updated Workplace Mental Health Toolkit
The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) recently revamped its Workplace Mental Health Toolkit to include updated statistics, accommodation ideas for employees with Long COVID, a new section on mental health and marginalized communities, and more!
Updated: Visual Disabilities in the Workplace and the ADA
The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) updated this guidance on how the ADA applies to job applicants and employees with visual disabilities. The guidance addresses when an employer may ask about visual disabilities, how to treat voluntary disclosures, types of reasonable accommodations, handling safety concerns, and preventing or addressing harassment or discrimination due to a visual disability.
NILG Federal Contractor and Subcontractor Compliance Info Center
A new online resource developed by the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN), in collaboration with the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the National Industry Liaison Group (NILG), offers information to help federal contractors and subcontractors comply with regulations and meet their disability utilization goals.
State and Local Government News
FEMA: Updated Preparedness Toolkit
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updated guidance for emergency management program development, evaluation, and improvement. New guides and tools provide insight on planning and conducting exercises that address inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
A series of training videos can also help with planning exercises that include the whole community.
Quick Resources for People with Disabilities Experiencing Disasters
The National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) collected materials and resources to help people with disabilities plan for, survive, and recover from disasters.
ADA Legal News
Management Company for 48 Skilled Nursing Facilities Agrees to Settle ADA Complaint
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced an ADA settlement agreement with Consulate Management Company, III, LLC (CMC), which manages 48 skilled nursing facilities. The settlement agreement resolves allegations that a nursing facility managed by CMC denied admission to an individual who is deaf because she would need sign language interpreting services.
CMC agreed to pay $40,000 to the individual who was denied admission and a $50,000 civil penalty to the United States. CMC will also adopt new ADA policies at all 48 of the nursing facilities it manages.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
National Telehealth Conference
September 12, 2023
This virtual conference will bring public and private sector leaders together to discuss telehealth best practices, including the importance of integrating telehealth into standard care and improving access for underserved communities.
Virtual Fall ADA Coordinator Conference
October 9 – 11, 2023
This 3-day training is open to the public; membership in the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP) is not required. ASL Interpreters and Real-Time Captioning (CART) will be provided in all sessions.
This training offers multiple sessions covering different aspects and titles of the ADA. Attending the full conference will earn ACTCP members the 12 required foundation credits, the 6 required optional foundation credits, 6 of the 22 needed elective credits, and the ACTCP Advanced Employment Certificate.
Study Seeks Input from Professionals Serving Youth with Disabilities Involved with Justice and/or Foster Care Systems
The Improving Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Outcomes for Out-of-School Youth Involved in the Justice and/or Foster Care Systems project seeks VR counselors and other employment professionals for online focus groups to share information about their experiences, barriers encountered, and strategies for reaching, serving, and supporting systems-involved youth with disabilities.
Seeking Public Comment on Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities
The U.S. Department of Justice has published its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), explaining their proposed updates to the regulations for Title II of the ADA to add more specific requirements related to web-based information and mobile apps.
The Department issued a fact sheet summarizing the NPRM, which includes links to a variety of related materials, the complete NPRM, and information about how to submit comments online or by mail. Public comments must be submitted by October 3, 2023.