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.
NCD Report: The Impacts of Extreme Weather Events on People with Disabilities
The National Council on Disability (NCD) examined federal health care, housing, education, and emergency management programs before, during, and after major disasters were declared, finding that many public agencies “consistently fail to integrate the unique needs of people with disabilities into emergency management policies.” This report offers recommendations to bring about critical policy and systems change to address these shortfalls and improve outcomes for people with disabilities.
“She’s a U.N. Disability Advocate Who Won’t See Her Own Blindness as a Disability”
This story features an interview with Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame of Ghana, the new chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the first African woman to hold that position.
“Nonspeaking Student with Autism Gives Moving Commencement Speech”
This article reports on a college valedictorian who used a text-to-speech computer program to deliver a moving commencement speech, urging her fellow graduates to use their own voices.
ASL Stories Directory
Check out this collection of free videos featuring popular children’s books presented in American Sign Language (ASL), and 15 Principles for Reading to Deaf Children.
DOL: Mental Health at Work
Check out the information and resources from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to help employers, workers, unions, and other labor organizations create workplaces that prioritize mental health.
Adopting an Integrated Telework Policy for Employees with and without Disabilities
This publication from the Office on Disability Employment Policy in the U.S. Department of Labor (ODEP/DOL) provides a framework for employers to craft a comprehensive policy that addresses telework and hybrid work provisions for all employees.
EEOC Updates Covid-19 Technical Assistance
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a number of updates to its COVID-19 technical assistance document, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,” with new information related to the end of the federal declaration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and the continuing need to evaluate requests from workers with disabilities who may need accommodations related to COVID-19.
Data Spotlight: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Workers with Disabilities in Skilled Trade Professions
The U.S. Department of Labor analyzed Census Bureau data related to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders working in skilled trade jobs such as manufacturing, transportation, construction, farming, and maintenance. Approximately 18% of these workers are employed in these occupations, with most of them (44%) working in jobs related to production (manufacturing, equipment operations, etc.).
DOL Announces Themes for National Disability Employment Awareness Month and 50th Anniversary of Rehabilitation Act
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced “Advancing Access and Equity” as the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this year. Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and showcases supportive, inclusive policies and practices that benefit employees and employers alike.
The theme “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next” will focus on the passage of the Rehabilitation Act a half-century ago, and its importance in prohibiting disability-based discrimination in the programs, activities, and employment practices of federal executive agencies, as well as those of federal contractors and funding recipients.
What You Should Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Get the facts on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations that may be needed due to limitations of pregnancy, regardless of whether limitations rise to the level of disabilities.
Preventing and Addressing Sexual Assault of People with I/DD
This article calls attention to the shocking statistics on sexual assault of people with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and highlights some of the efforts aimed at prevention and making reporting and support systems more accessible for survivors.
New Burn Injury Infocomics
Two new infocomics, both available in English and Spanish, offer helpful information for those recovering from burn injuries. Understanding Burn Injury shares information about what to expect from first, second, third, and fourth degree burns, and explains ways to treat burn injuries and improve recovery. Exercise After Burn Injury shares information on how exercise can improve recovery and provides recommendations for several types of exercise that can benefit someone with a burn injury.
New Online Alliance Aims to Inspire More Accessible Technology for People with Hearing Loss
The Industry-Consumer Alliance for Accessible Technology (ICAAT) is designed to enable consumers and technology developers to connect, work together and inspire better technology from the ground up. Industry representatives can enlist consumers with hearing loss in product research and testing, and consumers can engage in discussion groups and share user experiences.
“’I Wanted To Match Rihanna’s Power’: ASL Performer Justina Miles On Going Viral At The Super Bowl”
This article features an interview with the interpreter whose dramatic work captured attention at the Super Bowl halftime show.
ADA Mini-Con: ADA Employment Basics for People with Disabilities and Those Who Support Them
July 19, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Virtual
This virtual conference is for people with disabilities, employment consultants, vocational rehabilitation counselors, disability advocates, and other service providers.
National Survey of Parents and Caregivers with Physical and Vision Disabilities
Through the Looking Glass is conducting a national survey to find out about the parenting strategies and supports used and needed by parents and caregivers who have physical or vision disabilities and care for children ages 5 years 11 months or younger.