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
“Sign Language Rights Are Human Rights”
This article recounts the history of oralism, an educational approach focused on teaching speech and discouraging sign language among deaf people. Oralism gained traction in the nineteenth century, and the effects are still being felt and debated to this day.
State and Local Government News
“People with Disabilities Are More Likely Than Those Without to Have Court Experience”
A recent nationwide poll by The Pew Charitable Trusts found that adults with disabilities were significantly more likely to have been involved in a court case than those without disabilities. Though most people with disabilities felt that judges and court personnel tried to be fair and respectful, people with disabilities also found courts difficult to navigate, including understanding procedures and forms.
Business News
“The Competitive Advantage No One Is Talking About — and How to Capitalize on It Today”
This author urges entrepreneurs to think of accessibility as a core principle rather than an afterthought or a “compliance checkbox.”
Transportation News
CCAM-TAC: Resources to Improve Community Transportation
The Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility Technical Assistance Center (CCAM-TAC) facilitates collaboration to enhance human-centered, community-based transportation services. The organization offers a wealth of information, resources, and training.
ADA Legal News
Washington: Builders FirstSource to Pay $26,000 to Settle EEOC Disability and Age Discrimination Lawsuit
Building supply company Builders FirstSource (BFS) agreed to pay $26,000 to settle a disability and age discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, a 67-year-old worker was assigned by a staffing agency to work as a temporary assembler at BFS’s truss assembly facility in Arlington, Washington. The worker was qualified for the position and had worked at other physically demanding jobs, but the EEOC alleged that a BFS manager regarded him as unsuited and asked for a replacement.
The lawsuit charged the company with violating both the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
To resolve the lawsuit, the company will pay $26,000 to the worker, review and/or revise its policies and procedures, and train its officers, managers, supervisors, and human resources personnel.
Health and Wellness News
Opinion: “Congress Should Ban Metric that Devalues People with Disabilities”
This article, authored by two former members of Congress on different sides of the aisle, urges Congress to oppose measures that seek to ration health care by de-valuing the lives of people with disabilities and elders.
“Doctors Break with CDC on Vaccine Guidance for Children”
The leading group of pediatricians in the U.S. continues to recommend kids get shots to protect them from 18 diseases.
“5 Ways to Find Affordable Care Without Health Insurance”
This article offers tips for people who are uninsured and facing the skyrocketing costs of health care.
“How to Increase Accessibility in Your Home”
Adding accessibility features can improve safety and enable more individuals to remain in their homes as they age.
Technology News
Quick Tips: Social Media Accessibility
These simple, practical tips from the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) will help you improve the accessibility of your social media posts. Check out the rest of their guides for tips on how to improve the accessibility of your web pages, email messages, PowerPoint presentations, videos, Word documents, and more.
Sports and Recreation News
NBCUniversal Enhances Accessibility of Coverage of Winter Olympics
NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be accessible to more viewers than ever before, providing the excitement of the Olympic Games with enhanced closed captioning, audio description, and improved digital content accessibility.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
2026 ADA State of the Science Research Conference
These free, virtual sessions will feature brief presentations from ADA researchers from the ADA National Network and other organizations.
Day 1: February 26, 2026
1:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Session A: Employment
Session B: Community living and participation
Registration closes February 23.
Day 2: March 12, 2026
1:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Session A: Health and society
Session B: Community needs and access
Registration closes March 9.
2026 National ADA Symposium
July 19 – 22, 2026
Phoenix, AZ
This year’s conference, facilitated by the Great Plains and Pacific ADA Centers and sponsored by the ADA National Network, offers an agenda packed with informative sessions and workshops, and kicks off with an afternoon of “Find Your Fun” opportunities to engage in inclusive recreation and entertainment.