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
“Celebrating 36 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Its Informational Network”
This article highlights the ADA National Network (ADANN), of which the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is a member. The ADANN is a reliable source of education and practical guidance on all aspects of the ADA.
State and Local Government News
“DOJ Delays Digital Accessibility Deadlines, Drawing Sharp Opposition from Advocates”
This article from the American Bar Association reports on concerns expressed by some disability advocates and professionals, who question the justification for the recent deadline extension of the rule establishing standards for the accessibility of state and local governments’ websites and mobile apps.
“‘How Do We Remember to Remember Disabled People?’: When Winter Weather Is an Accessibility Disaster”
This article reports on issues faced by disabled residents when their communities are overwhelmed by extreme snowfall. The author urges local government agencies and disability advocates to revisit (or begin) plans to address issues before the next weather disaster strikes.
ADA Legal News
Illinois: EEOC Sues Alight Solutions for Disability Discrimination
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit charging Alight Solutions, an employee benefits administrator, with violating the ADA by denying an employee a reasonable accommodation for his diabetes, and then firing him because of the disability.
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, the employer refused to allow the employee to take additional breaks to monitor blood sugar and to recover from diabetic episodes, even though he was willing to make up for the extra breaks by working a longer shift.
Massachusetts: Dunkin’ Donuts Franchisees to Pay $250,000 in EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit
The Daly/Kenney Group, LLC and 15 related companies, owners and operators of Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in Massachusetts, will pay $250,000 and take other actions to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, the companies refused to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with medical restrictions, regardless of whether they could perform the essential functions of their jobs. The EEOC’s lawsuit also alleged that two of the franchisees unlawfully commingled employees’ medical records with their personnel files.
Texas: EEOC Sues Buc-ee’s, Ltd. for Disability Discrimination
Buc-ee’s, Ltd., a travel center retailer with locations throughout Texas and in 10 other states, violated the ADA when it denied a disabled employee reasonable accommodations and subsequently terminated him, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit it filed.
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, a Buc-ee’s cashier with a chronic neuromuscular condition asked to have seating available at his workstation as a reasonable accommodation. But the employer denied the request and fired the worker when he was unable to work due to denial of his accommodation request, the EEOC charged.
Technology News
“Artificial Intelligence Has One Chance To Get Accessibility Right”
This article features interviews with two leaders working at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and accessibility. They discuss the challenges and opportunities we face as we move into an era where AI will be creating code models upon which future digital products will be based.
“When an AI model writes inaccessible code, it affects every product built with that model,” said one expert. “A model that generates low-contrast text doesn’t create one hard-to-read page. It creates millions of them.”
Education News
Podcast Episode: “Why Small Changes Make a Big Difference to Accessibility in Higher Education”
This episode of “Campus Talks” features an interview with Katherine Aquino, a social scientist and educational researcher who examines the complexity of disability in the postsecondary setting.
Five Practical Tips to Make Online or In-Person Courses Accessible
This article offers tips to help educators incorporate accessibility as a core component of universal design for learning. The author links to a number of great resources, including his own institution’s hub of information and resources for instructors and faculty, administrators, technical staff, librarians, and students: Digital Accessibility at Georgia Tech.
Health and Wellness News
“Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment Rule to Take Effect This Summer”
This article reminds state or local government health care providers covered by Title II of the ADA, as well as any health care providers that receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), that requirements related to accessible medical diagnostic equipment such as exam tables and chairs, weight scales, and X-ray machines are set to take effect this summer.
Recreation and Travel News
“Best Cruise Lines for Accessibility”
This article reports on a recent survey of travelers who rated their perceptions of the accessibility of ocean-going cruise lines. The article also offers tips and resources to plan and enjoy a cruise of your own!
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center Webinars
Neuroinclusive Design: Beyond Compliance Toward Sensory-Responsive Accessibility
June 24, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
This webinar introduces neuroinclusive design as an evidence-informed extension of ADA accessibility practice. We’ll explore how lighting, acoustics, color, wayfinding, predictability, and sensory load shape access for neurodivergent individuals, older adults, veterans, and people with invisible disabilities.
Turning Points: The Disability Rights Movement
July 16, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. When President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into law, he said we celebrated “another ‘independence day,’ … long overdue” for people with disabilities.
Join us for this session as we revisit some of the pivotal events of the disability rights movement, recognize some of the pioneers who led the way, and acknowledge the power of community that keeps us moving forward on the journey from isolation to inclusion of people with disabilities.
AMA: Caring for People with Disabilities Video Series
The American Medical Association (AMA) announced this new video series, developed in collaboration with the University of Colorado Anschutz. The series is designed to help physicians and medical students provide high-quality, respectful, patient-centered care for people with disabilities.
The series offers free opportunities to earn continuing medical education (CME) credit. Each module in the series is under 30 minutes and accompanied by searchable transcripts.
2026 U.S. Adaptive Open Golf Championship
July 6 – 8, 2026
Woodmont Country Club
Rockville, Maryland
Find our more about this exciting event coming soon!
Cultivating Connected Communities Prize Challenge: Expanding Access in Community Gardens
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) launched this national challenge, which supports community garden projects that expand accessibility, healthy eating, and community connection for people with disabilities and older adults. Potential activities may include adaptive gardening tools, accessibility upgrades, and inclusive programming enhancements. Individuals, groups, and organizations are invited to apply. Check out the website for more details about eligibility requirements, a June 15th informational webinar, and application timelines (deadline to submit applications is August 26th)!
Online Survey: Accessibility Experiences with Small Business Websites
Researchers want to better understand the kinds of accessibility barriers found on the websites of small businesses. The online survey should only take about ten minutes!
Research Study on Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace
Researchers at the University of Washington are studying the best ways to help people with disabilities navigate the reasonable accommodation request process. Study participants must be 18 years old or older, currently employed or actively job searching, have a disability and need or are considering a workplace accommodation, and read and speak English.
The study is fully online and involves surveys, review of materials, and possibly a brief follow-up interview. If interested, email the researchers to learn more.