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
The Families of L.A. Wildfire Victims Confront the Failures That Prevented Escape
This article highlights concerns being raised following the recent deaths of many elderly and disabled residents during the California wildfires. Families and advocates question whether planning and response activities adequately consider the needs of these populations.
ADA Legal News
DC: Federal Court Issues Landmark Civil Rights Decision Enabling Thousands of District Residents with Disabilities to Transition Out of Nursing Facilities to the Community
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a ruling in the class action case Brown, et al v. District of Columbia, finding that the District violated the rights of D.C. nursing facility residents with disabilities by failing to inform and assist them in transitioning to community-based living situations with in-home services and supports.
Education News
“17 States Sue to End Protections For Students with Special Needs”
This article reports on a lawsuit that seeks to have Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 declared unconstitutional. Section 504 requires recipients of federal funds to take steps to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in programs, services, and activities.
Though this article focuses on how this could affect education for students with disabilities, it should be noted that the elimination of Section 504 would affect a wide variety of programs and services that receive funding from any of the federal executive departments, ranging from Agriculture to Veterans Affairs.
“Teachers Fear Shuttering Department of Education Will Diminish Vital Programs”
This article reports on concerns that plans to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education will adversely affect opportunities for students, including those from low-income communities and rural areas, and those with disabilities.
“NSF Award Enables Deeper Understanding of ASL”
Teams from Gallaudet University and the Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID) were recently awarded a collaborative grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to conduct research around prosody in American Sign Language (ASL).
Non-manual markers, pauses, pacing, and other elements of ASL are known as prosody, which is responsible for marking prominence, regulating turn-taking, managing disfluency (breaks or disruptions that occur in the flow of language production), and other factors that affect cohesion in language.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act News
“Father of Special Needs Children Worries About Future of Department of Education”
This article highlights the concerns of a father with two children who receive services made possible through funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Air Carrier Access Act News
“Airlines Look to Remove Consumer Protections for Travelers Who Use Wheelchairs”
The trade group Airlines for America and five major airlines filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), seeking to rescind recent rules issued under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The rules required more training for airline employees and greater accountability for mishandling wheelchairs and other mobility devices. The lawsuit claims the DOT exceeded its authority and the entire rule should be set aside.
Health and Wellness News
“How One Girl’s Bionic Arm Sparked a Movement”
When Remi Bateman’s family raised more money than they needed to pay for a sophisticated prosthetic arm for her, Remi’s mom asked her what they should do with the surplus funds. Remi said “help more kids!”
“Invisible Crisis: America’s Caregivers and the $600 Billion Unpaid Cost of Their Labor”
According to some sources, 48 million people in the United States have taken on the role of providing care to a family member – with little to no financial help.
Technology News
“AFB Report Spotlights Impact of AI for Disabled People”
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) released a study spotlighting the impact artificial intelligence (AI) will have on people with disabilities. The study brings together leading experts to gain consensus on top issues, and presents guidance that industry, advocates, and government can use to ensure access and inclusion of people with disabilities while avoiding harm.
Arts and Culture News
Pilot at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery: ReBokeh Assistive Tech App Now Available for Free for Visitors with Low Vision
The ReBokeh mobile app leverages the real-time camera feed from a smartphone and allows users to overlay customized filters to adjust things like contrast, color hue, zoom, and lighting. The app is now available for free as a pilot project at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Webinar Series: The Human Experience of Black People with Disabilities and Their Rights Under the ADA
Join us as we unpack our research findings and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities, as well as the challenges and barriers, faced by Black individuals with disabilities in accessing information and exercising their rights under the ADA. The series features four free sessions, and you can register for any or all of them:
March 4, 2025: The Intersection of Race, Disability, and the ADA: Findings from a Focus Group Study
June 3, 2025: Intersectionality: Unpacking Discrimination, Stigma, and Multiple Marginalization
September 2, 2025: Fighting for Civil and Disability Rights: Strategies to Overcome Barriers
December 2, 2025: The Power of Visibility and Community Advocacy
Seeking Participants to Test HCBS Surveys
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is seeking people to test surveys designed to assess the person-centeredness of their HCBS services. Eligible participants must be current or former recipients of HCBS, at least 18 years old, live in the U.S., understand English, and have access to high-speed internet or telephone.
Interested individuals may complete an online eligibility screening.
Survey on Usability of Vehicle Controls and Displays
The University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute is seeking adult drivers and passengers with disabilities to take this survey. Researchers want to learn more about how to make vehicle interface designs more user-friendly.