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
“Supreme Court Narrowly Spares ‘Intellectually Disabled’ Murderer from Execution”
The Supreme Court spared the life of a death row inmate, dismissing an appeal by Alabama officials who claimed the man’s multiple IQ scores show he is competent and eligible for execution.
The justices were narrowly divided, but allowed a lower court ruling to stand that determined death for the inmate would violate the Eighth Amendment prohibition of “cruel and unusual” punishment.
“Service Dog Steals the Spotlight at College Graduation Ceremony”
A recent graduate of Texas Tech University will “never forget” the special moment when her service dog was awarded a “dogploma” of her own.
Fair Housing Act News
HUD Changes Guidance on Emotion Support Animals as Reasonable Accommodations Under the FHA
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a memo to staff in the office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), revising guidance on reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The guidance instructs staff to consider animal-related reasonable accommodation complaints only in cases of animals trained to provide disability-related assistance (i.e., service animals).
The memo changes HUD’s previous guidance that considered the potential to allow residents with disabilities to have emotional support animals without being subjected to certain restrictions related to pets.
The memo notes that the new guidance is specific to the Fair Housing Act, and does not address how complaints will be addressed under either the ADA (which applies to housing provided by state or local governments) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (which applies to federal housing or federally-funded housing).
A number of articles have appeared in the media since the memo was issued on the 22nd of May, including these two, which also include a copy of the memo available for download:
“HUD Issues Fair Housing Enforcement Memo on Animal Requests”
Health and Wellness News
CDC: Data on Mental Health Conditions and Care
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses recent data to tell the story of mental health and well-being in the U.S. This page provides data and resources about depression and anxiety experienced by U.S. youth and adults. Both national and state-level data are available according to age, sex, race, and ethnicity.
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.
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.