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
G7 Ministerial Meeting on Inclusion and Disability: “A Global Affirmation of Disability Rights”
This post from the U.S. Department of Labor highlights the first-ever G7 Ministerial Meeting on Inclusion and Disability, recently held in Italy. Taryn M. Williams, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy and a member of the U.S. delegation, noted that “disability inclusion is not just an individual issue” but is “vital to collective progress.”
January Is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers the 2025 Human Trafficking Prevention Month Toolkit, which includes information about events, sample materials, and other resources to increase awareness, foster connections, and strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
The Department of Justice engages in educational and enforcement activities to address human trafficking and conducts a variety of initiatives to provide support to survivors.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) debunks myths and highlights a variety of resources for individuals who have experienced human trafficking.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign has additional resources to educate the public and law enforcement.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) notes that some people with disabilities may be vulnerable to trafficking victimization, and reminds us that everyone can play a role in the fight against human trafficking.
The bus industry has a key role to play in combating human trafficking. Transit Against Trafficking (TAT) offers free industry-specific training, toolkits, and posters, and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has information to raise awareness of transportation employees and travelers.
Anyone can report suspicious behavior by calling the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733.
Employment News
Impact: Employment and IDD
This issue of Impact magazine features articles that explore employment issues for people with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD), including the movement to end subminimum wages, and highlights strategies and promising programs focused on improving outcomes.
Transportation News
DOT Issues Final Rule Establishing Accessibility Standards for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published a final rule that will increase accessibility for transit users by providing technical accessibility standards for new construction and alterations of public transit stops in the public right-of-way.
The Final Rule on Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities: Adoption of Accessibility Standards for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way will become effective on January 17, 2025.
Transportation: A Key Component of Respite Care for Family Caregivers
This blog post from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) highlights the importance of transportation that connects individuals with disabilities, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, with respite care and programs that benefit them and their caregivers.
Accessible Transportation Resource Center
This resource from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services works to develop and promote strategies that make transportation services more accessible for people with disabilities, older adults, family caregivers, and others in their support networks. The site offers a variety of data, stories, fact sheets, and more.
Check out their National Accessible Transportation Accelerator Network, or NATAN. Members include individuals and advocates, local and state government officials, transportation planners, vehicle manufacturers, website and app developers, and others who want to learn and share resources and best practices.
ADA Legal News
District of Columbia: EEOC Sues Equinox Holdings, Inc. for Disability and Sex Discrimination
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit charging Equinox Holdings, Inc. (Equinox) with discriminating against a woman on the basis of disability and sex when it failed to hire her as a front desk associate. Equinox owns and operates fitness facilities and gyms nationwide.
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, the applicant, who previously worked in similar positions for other gyms, asked for her second-round interview to be delayed by a few days due to painful menstrual cramps she experiences due to endometriosis. The EEOC alleged that Equinox never scheduled her second-round interview, instead telling her via text message that she was passed over for the position because of concern about possible future absences “due to [her] monthly cycle,” and then hired a male applicant with no prior experience working in gyms for the front desk associate position.
Education News
“AI Transforms Learning for Students with Disabilities, but Schools Still Mastering It”
This article outlines some of the benefits and concerns around using assistive technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to support learning for students with disabilities.
Health and Wellness News
S.I.L.V.E.R. Facts: Aging with Chronic Physical and Serious Mental Health Conditions
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging Among Adults with Serious Mental Illnesses: Supporting Individuals to Live As Vibrant Elders in Recovery (RRTC – S.I.L.V.E.R.) published this brief on integrated illness management and recovery (I-IMR) for older people managing mental and physical health conditions.
AIR: Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Bundle for American Indians
The American Institutes for Research (AIR), in collaboration with American Indians partners, offers this collection of free, research-based, and culturally tailored resources to support American Indians with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), their families, and communities.
“’Would He Have Lived?’ When Insurance Companies Deny Cancer Care to Patients”
This investigative report explores research and personal stories of patients who have experienced delays and/or been unable to obtain recommended care due to insurance companies’ decisions to deny coverage.
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.
Trial: Reclaiming Employment Platform for Self-Employed Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted of the Reclaiming Employment platform, which includes self-paced courses, curated business resources, a community forum for mutual support, and one-on-one peer business coaching. Participants must be at least 18 years old, live in the U.S., and plan to start a business, among other requirements. Interested participants must attend an informational webinar January 6th, 7th, or 10th to learn about the peer-led study.
NIH Seeks Feedback on Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking input on a draft framework to address disability health research priorities in the coming years. Instructions for submitting feedback are included in the announcement. Comments must be submitted no later than March 12, 2025.
Survey of Rural School Administrators: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Employment
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are looking for rural school administrators to complete an online survey about the needs and experiences of rural school districts in preparing students with disabilities for employment. For more information, contact the study’s primary investigator, Michele Schutz.