E-Bulletin: January 28, 2025

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.

Visit the Trainings section for more information on ADA and disability related trainings, meetings, and conferences.

General News

Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Issues Report Highlighting Critical Enforcement Work Over the Past Four Years

The U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division issued its 2021-2024 Civil Rights Division Highlights Report, outlining accomplishments in enforcing the nation’s civil rights laws and the Constitution.

The report reflects upon efforts to bring to justice those who harmed, threatened, and/or intimidated people because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, English proficiency, or disability status.

“People with Disabilities at Higher Risk in California Wildfires”

This article highlights some of the additional challenges faced by people with disabilities when disaster strikes.

New Technology Aims to Remediate Inaccessible PDFs

The Arizona State University Artificial Intelligence Cloud Innovation Center, powered by Amazon Web Services, partnered with The Ohio State University Libraries to tackle a significant challenge in the digital era: improving the accessibility of the library’s digital collections. The result is an innovative, artificial intelligence-driven solution designed to remediate PDF files quickly and efficiently.

FTC Order Requires Online Marketer to Pay $1 Million for Deceptive Claims that Its AI Product Could Make Websites Compliant with Accessibility Guidelines

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will require software provider accessiBe to pay $1 million to settle allegations that it misrepresented the ability of its AI-powered web accessibility tool, accessWidget, to make any website compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

According to the FTC’s complaint, the company engaged in deceptive practices to promote false and misleading claims related to its product.

“Ukraine Holds First Soccer Tournament for War-Wounded Amputees — and Plans to go International”

This article highlights the efforts of Ukraine’s Association of Football, which recently held its first soccer championship for amputees.

“Why Marlee Matlin Insisted That a Deaf Person Direct the Documentary About Her Life”

This article features an interview with actor Marlee Matilin and director Shoshannah Stern, who collaborated on a groundbreaking documentary on Matlin’s life and career. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Webinar: Common Myths and Mix-Ups: Accessible Parking

February 19, 2025
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
In this session we’ll address frequently asked questions, as well as some of the common misunderstandings that lead to confusion about accessible parking. We’ll provide an overview of where and how ADA requirements apply to parking, and outline where other laws or codes may apply instead of, or in addition to, the ADA.

Webinar: Financial Pathways to Independence: Assistive Technology and Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund

February 19, 2025
2:00 p.m. Eastern
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) and the Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund, which provides financing for assistive technology to residents in Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Seeking Trial Participants: Wellness Intervention for College Students with Mental Health Challenges

The Temple University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Living and Participation of Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses seeks participants for a trial of an online, peer-facilitated process to support a personalized system for recovering, sustaining, and/or improving health and well being. Participants must be 18 or older, experience significant mental health challenges, and be currently enrolled in college in the U.S. with at least two semesters left. Participation includes three interviews and five online group meetings.