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
Information and Resources for Accessible Holiday Travel, Events, and Celebrations
Quick Resources for an Inclusive Holiday Season
The National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) offers this collection of resources to help make travel and holiday gatherings more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Accessible Airline Travel
The U.S. Department of Transportation’ Aviation Consumer Protection division offers information on the provisions of the Air Carrier Access Act and air travel tips for people with disabilities.
Accessible and Adaptive Toys and Games
Check out these articles and resources for holiday gift-giving:
Adaptive Toys for Children with Disabilities and General Toy Safety
Inlusive Gifts for Kids with Disabilities and Their Families
What Are Switch-Adapted and Switch-Activated Toys and Games?
Transportation News
Community Conversation on Transportation Equity Toolkit
Achieving greater accessibility and fairness in transportation programs can be challenging. This toolkit from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) offers a structured approach and useful tools to initiate community meetings and move the needle towards more equitable solutions. The toolkit includes:
- Suggested recruitment strategies to help engage attendees with varying perspectives, expertise, and influence
- Two video presentations, one focused on urban environments and one focused on rural communities
- A facilitator’s guide and accessible meeting checklist to help plan and prepare for a community meeting
- A sample agenda and discussion guide
- An action plan tutorial and template to guide the group in ongoing work
ADA Legal News
Testing Entity that Administers the National Physical Therapist Examination Agrees to Settle Americans with Disabilities Act Complaints
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), which administers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), agreed to settle allegations under the ADA involving requests for accommodations for test candidates with disabilities.
FSBPT agreed to pay $295,000 to individuals who had to provide excessive and expensive documentation to receive, and/or were denied, disability-based testing accommodations. FSBPT has also agreed to make changes to its review process for disability-based testing accommodations to comply with ADA requirements. This settlement agreement ensures that individuals with disabilities seeking to become physical therapists or physical therapist assistants do not face discriminatory barriers to licensure.
Air Carrier Access Act News
Secretary Buttigieg Announces Sweeping Protections for Airline Passengers Who Use Wheelchairs
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule under the Air Carrier Access Act, Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs. The rule is designed to address serious problems related to mishandled wheelchairs and scooters and improper transfers to and from aircraft seats, aisle chairs, and personal wheelchairs.
Health and Wellness News
Music-Based Interventions for Brain Disorders of Aging
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a factsheet, Music and Health: What You Need to Know, also available in Spanish. The factsheet discusses how music-based interventions may be helpful for a variety of health conditions, including managing the symptoms of brain disorders related to aging. The factsheet discusses how music may help improve walking for people with Parkinson’s disease; improve balance, walking, and mood for people with stroke; and improve the emotional wellbeing, behavioral challenges, and quality of life for people with cognitive disabilities or dementia; among other health conditions.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Beinvenidos Todos: Webinar Series in English and Spanish Will Address Services and Resources for Latinos with Disabilities
Bienvenidos Todos will host webinar presentations about disability resources and services, especially for Latinos with disabilities, their families, caregivers, advocates, and those who serve Latinos. Monthly webinars will cover disability topics, especially as they pertain to Latinos and their different residency statuses.
These webinars will be held the second Thursday of the month through March, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in English only and from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in Spanish only.
Find details and registration for the English sessions.
Find details and registration for the Spanish sessions.
NPS Seeks Public Input on New Accessibility Policies
The National Park Service (NPS) has prepared updated policies and procedures for making facilities, transportation systems, information and communication technology, interpretive and educational programs and services, and commercial services accessible to visitors with disabilities. The public may submit comments by January 9, 2025.
US Department of Labor Announces Proposed Rule to Phase Out Certificates Allowing Payment of Less than Minimum Wage to Workers with Disabilities
The Department of Labor invites public comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would gradually eliminate certificates under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows payment of subminimum wages to certain workers with disabilities. Comments on the NPRM can be submitted through January 17, 2025.
Call for Applications: Inclusive App Accelerator
The Mobilizing Communities for Inclusive App Development project released this call for applications for the inaugural Inclusive App Accelerator (IAA), which seeks to fund the development of mobile apps to support the health and function, community living and participation, or employment of people with disabilities. Up to four teams will be selected to receive support to take their ideas through development to launch and initial marketing. Proposals are due by January 31st.
Community Participation Intervention for People with Mental Health Conditions 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 of a 6-month intervention to get out of the house and engage in more meaningful activities. Participants must be 18 and over, experience significant mental health issues, available to meet on the day the intervention takes place, and live in the United States. To learn more or to participate, contact switch@temple.edu.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants
This free course is designed to help train personal care assistants and increase their knowledge about SCI, improve communication, and enhance quality of care.