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.
Employment News
DOL Updates Financial Literacy Toolkit Supporting Disabled Workers; New Resources for Families, Caregivers
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) updated its online toolkit, which offers financial education information and practical guidance to help disabled workers build economic mobility and independence.
The toolkit, Secure Your Financial Future: A Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities, features a new section with resources for service providers, direct support professionals, and family members who may support workers with disabilities as they navigate careers and financial planning.
ADA Legal News
Illinois: Walmart to Pay $230,000 to Deaf Applicant in EEOC Disability Hiring Discrimination Suit
Walmart agreed to pay $230,000 and take other actions to settle an ADA lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, a deaf applicant applied online for a stocking position, and when he was contacted to set up an interview, he requested an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. Despite following up to check on scheduling the interview, the applicant never heard from the company again, although three other hearing applicants were hired for the stocking position around the same time.
Tennessee: Magnera Corporation to Pay $130,000 in EEOC Disability Suit
Magnera Corporation, a Fortune 500 global manufacturer and marketer of plastic packaging products, will pay $130,000 and take other actions to settle an ADA lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, the company discriminated against an employee by requiring her to produce a doctor’s release to return to work after she took approved personal time off. The company’s onsite certified physician assistant cleared the employee to return to work, but the human resources manager demanded the employee complete family medical leave paperwork even though she had not requested medical leave. The company fired the employee when she could not produce the requested paperwork, the EEOC said.
Rehabilitation Act News
HHS’ Office for Civil Rights Extends Web and Mobile Accessibility Compliance Deadline
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a one-year extension of the compliance dates that recipients of HHS funding must meet for conforming web content and mobile applications to specific accessibility standards under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The extension only applies to those provisions related to web content and mobile apps, it does not affect other provisions in the HHS 504 rule issued in 2024 (e.g., requirements related to accessible medical equipment).
Fair Housing Act News
Georgia: “Justice Department Settles Disability Discrimination Case Against Property Management Company for $750,000”
The U.S. Department of Justice entered a settlement agreement that resolves allegations that an apartment complex operator violated the Fair Housing Act by refusing to grant a mother’s repeated requests over a 14-month period to move to a ground-floor unit because her son had been diagnosed with a genetic disorder that causes permanent mobility impairment. The settlement requires the defendants to adjust policies, train employees, and pay $750,000 to the complainant family.
Technology News
Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026: May 21
The 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is May 21, 2026. The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion. Learn more and find resources that can help you “move from awareness to action” by making your social media posts, digital content, and meetings and events more accessible and inclusive.
Health and Wellness News
Accessible Healthcare for People with Disabilities: An Implementation Guide for Healthcare Organizations
The Disability Equity Collaborative developed this guide to help healthcare organizations improve access to high-quality healthcare. Designed for organizations of all sizes — from small rural clinics to large health systems — the guide supports any role, from frontline staff to executive leadership.
This comprehensive guide addresses everything from policy development, planning, recordkeeping, staff training, and support to build a more accessible and responsive healthcare system.
Disaster Behavioral Health Family Peer Support Guide
This guide from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helps family peer support providers understand disasters, address behavioral health impacts, apply disaster-specific support strategies, and connect individuals and families to relevant resources and services.
“Families Caring for Disabled Relatives Face Unthinkable Choices as Medicaid Cuts Loom”
This article highlights the growing concerns faced by people with disabilities and their families as costs rise and benefits shrink to support long-term care and supports.
Travel and Recreation News
“5 US National Parks with Great Accessibility for Disabled Visitors”
This article features five of the most accessible national parks for travelers with disabilities – Yosemite (California), Grand Teton (Wyoming), Grand Canyon (Arizona), Mammoth Cave (Kentucky), and Acadia (Maine).
“Accessibility Is at the Forefront at These US Destinations”
This article highlights destination ranging from specific parks and museums (including the Smithsonian museums right here in our own region) to cities and even one state that have worked to improve accessibility to both facilities and programs.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center Webinars
Inclusive Influence: Social Media Accessibility Best Practices
May 20, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Social media is a powerful tool for sharing information, but much of its content remains inaccessible to disabled users. Join us to learn why accessibility matters and how to identify common barriers. We’ll cover key best practices and provide clear, actionable steps to make your content more inclusive.
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!
Survey: Experiencing or Understanding Disability
Adults with or without disabilities are invited to complete this survey. The study seeks to learn about experiences with, and understanding of, disability. Participants must be age 18 or over and live in a U.S. state, district, or territory.
Chronic Disease Management and Disability Survey
The National Capacity Building Center for Public Health and Disability (NCBC) at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) wants to learn more about healthcare barriers faced by people with disabilities who have chronic health conditions. The NCBC wants to hear from people with disabilities, caregivers and care partners, healthcare professionals, and disability service providers.
Recruiting Rehabilitation Professionals for Focus Group
The Translation of Wheelchair Skills Training to Practice project is recruiting for a 1-hour virtual focus group to examine real-world barriers and facilitators to implementing wheelchair skills training in clinical settings. Participation is open to physical, occupational, and recreation therapists who work with wheelchair users, as well as rehabilitation administrators.