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
Clarification on Service Animals in Laboratories: Compliance with Federal Laws and BMBL Guidance
This memo was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Laboratory Safety (OLS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) to clarify guidance issued in the 6th edition of Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL).
The memo notes that restrictions on animals in laboratory settings “must not be construed as superseding applicable laws regarding service animals” or “used as a basis to deny reasonable accommodations or service requests.”
State and Local Government News
DOJ Memo: States Not Subject to “Integration Mandate”
A recent memo issued by the Office of Legal Counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice, entitled “Application of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to State Institutionalization of Patients with Severe Mental Illness or Disabilities,” opines that neither the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 nor Title II of the ADA obligates states to provide treatment and services to “mentally disabled individuals” in “the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of a qualified person with a disability.”
The memo offers an analysis of the laws, regulations, court rulings, and constitutional issues, and then asserts that neither Congress nor the Supreme Court (in the landmark ruling in Olmstead v L.C.) imposed such an obligation.
The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), a disability advocacy organization, offers comments on the memo in their article “We Belong in the Community, Not Institutions,” as well as links to several news articles and statements from other organizations.
Digital Accessibility
Resources for Improving Websites and Digital Content
Accessibility Guidelines: The Checklist
Vox Media offers this checklist to help designers, engineers, project mangers, and editors improve access to online content.
WCAG in Plain English
This “beginner-friendly guide” on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is from AAArdvark.
Education News
“Department of Education Moving Special Education and Civil Rights Responsibilities”
This article reports on a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Education that outlined interagency agreements that will move responsibilities for special education services to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and responsibilities for civil rights enforcement within schools and educational institutions to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Proponents say the plans are appropriate, moving functions to agencies “best positioned to support them.” However, some parents and advocates are concerned, especially that moving functions related to special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to HHS will result in a medical approach rather than one focused on education.
Recreation News
“Accessible Adventures: The Impact of Inclusive Summer Camps for People with Disabilities”
This article posted by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) highlights the benefits of summer recreation activities for people with disabilities, and includes links to find UCP affiliates that may be able to guide you to programs in your own community.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Webinar: 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
Attendance at this event is complimentary – that’s right, no ticket required! The field includes 96 competitors ranging in age from 15 to 76, with a wide variety of disabilities. Find out more about attending or volunteering at this exciting event, or check your local Golf Channel listings!