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.
Federal Employment News
Updated Jurisdictional Thresholds for Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) in the U.S. Department of Labor administers and enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 503) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). Generally, these mandates protect workers from discrimination and require companies doing business with the federal government to take steps to ensure equal employment opportunity. However, these mandates only apply to companies that have entered into federal contracts or subcontracts that meet specific dollar thresholds, which have been adjusted for inflation.
On October 1, 2025, the jurisdictional threshold for Section 503, which protects qualified workers with disabilities, increased from $15,000 to $20,000. The threshold for VEVRAA, which protects workers from discrimination based on veterans status, increased from $150,000 to $200,000.
The Affirmative Action Program (AAP) requirements for VEVRAA now apply to covered contractors and subcontractors that have at least 50 employees and a single contract of $200,000 or more. For Section 503, the AAP requirements apply to covered contractors and subcontractors that have at least 50 employees and a single contract of $50,000 or more.
Health and Wellness News
Taking Care of Yourself: Tips for Caregivers
This new tip sheet helps caregivers identify signs they may be overwhelmed, offers advice on how to ask for help, and shares resources to help coordinate caregiving responsibilities.
Communicating About Brain Injury
This new publication was developed by a working group that included researchers, advocates, practitioners, and people with lived experience of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. It clarifies important concepts, like the difference between traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury, explains how brain injury can be a chronic condition, and provides 12 practical considerations for communicating about brain injury in clear, respectful, and hopeful ways.
“Without Evidence, CDC Changes Messaging on Vaccines and Autism”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted information on its website that reverses its long-standing message that vaccines do not cause autism. Many doctors and scientists responded to the changed language with concern, calling it “scientifically false” and “stigmatizing.”
Another article, “CDC Website Changes to Include False Claim about Autism and Vaccines,” also reports on this issue.
Technology News
Lotus Ring Named a Best Invention of 2025
Lotus Ring was named one of the Best Inventions of 2025 by Time magazine. Inventions were evaluated on several key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact, placing Lotus Ring among 300 inventions that are making the world better, smarter, and more fun.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Survey on Home and Community-Based Services
This study seeks participants to test a set of surveys designed to determine how well home and community-based services (HCBS) are helping people to achieve person-centered outcomes. Eligible participants must be current or former recipients of HCBS, U.S. residents, 18 years old or older, and speak and understand English. Eligible participants will complete a one hour phone or virtual consent meeting, and two hour-long surveys about their daily life and their recent experiences with HCBS via phone or online.