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
Video: “Designed for Every Student”
This new music video from Apple, featuring performers with disabilities, promotes the message that people with disabilities are only “remarkable, because everybody is.”
Mathew McCollough: “DC Mourns Loss of ‘Fierce Advocate’ for Disability Rights”
Mathew McCollough, who served as the director of the D.C. Office of Disability Rights, has died. In addition to his work on behalf of the residents of the District, Mr. McCollough also served on many other boards and commissions, including the U.S. Access Board, and was a long-time friend and supporter of us here at the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. His unwavering dedication and unfailing good humor will be missed.
Employment News
ODEP Briefs Promote Employment Success for Workers with Autism
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) in the U.S. Department of Labor, through its REYAAS project (Research Support Services for Employment of Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum), issued two new briefs.
“Principles and Promising Practices for Hiring and Retaining Young Autistic Workers” offers practical tips and effective strategies for employers to attract and retain workers with autism, and Life Management Assistance Program (LifeMAP) highlights the LifeMAP program, which provides one-on-one job coaching to young adults who are neurodiverse.
“AI Hiring Tools Reject Qualified Candidates and Spark Discrimination Lawsuits”
This article reports on the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools used by employers to screen job applicants, and the increase in claims that such tools eliminate applicants based on factors such as age, race, and disability.
Health and Wellness News
“Groundbreaking Robotic Surgery, Alzheimer’s Blood Test: 7 of the Biggest Medical Breakthroughs in 2025”
This article highlights developments that show promise in diagnosing and addressing a variety of health conditions.
“Clever Hacks to Maintain Independence with Vision Loss or Blindness”
Blind writer and podcaster Maxwell Ivey shares his tips for navigating daily life.
“A College Student Fights an Insurance Denial to Get a Prosthetic Foot Before Graduation”
This latest installment in the “Cost of Denial” series highlights the story of a young woman who needed a prosthetic in order to walk with less pain and greater independence.
Travel and Leisure News
Guide Dog Joins Partner on Travel Mission
This video reports on a pair of “best pals” who are traveling to as many National Parks as they can.
“10 US Attractions Ranked for Hearing Accessibility”
This article reports on ReSound’s 2025 Accessibility Index for Hearing Loss, which reviewed and ranked tourist attractions according to how they support visitors with hearing loss.
“35 Years after ADA, People with Disabilities Still Find Hotels Unaccommodating”
This in-depth report from NPR is the result of more than 200 interviews and survey responses from people who use wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices, or their family members and caregivers. Many described frustrating experiences with unreliable reservation systems and properties that lack accessible features.
“Flipping Accessible: The People and Devices Tilting Pinball Toward Access”
This article reports on efforts to make pinball machines and events more accessible for people with disabilities.
“Mattel Adds an Autistic Barbie to Doll Line Devoted to Diversity and Inclusion”
Mattel is introducing an autistic Barbie as the newest member of its collection celebrating diversity. Mattel said it developed the doll in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and better media representation of people with autism.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Webinar: Travel & Tourism for All: Best Practices & Trends for Customers with Disabilities
January 21, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Join Craig Kennedy, Program Coordinator and Trainer with the Open Doors Organization, for an informative webinar on best practices for making businesses more accessible, as well as current trends for travelers with disabilities.
Seeking Study Participants: Aging Concerns, Challenges, and Everyday Solution Strategies (ACCESS) Study
The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technologies to Support Aging Among People with Long-Term Disabilities (TechSAge RERC) seeks participants for a study that explores the everyday activities and challenges among adults over the age of 60 with long-term vision, hearing, or mobility difficulties.