E-Bulletin: November 19, 2024

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.

Visit the Trainings section for more information on ADA and disability related trainings, meetings, and conferences.

General News

NCD Releases Annual Report of Policy Progress Impacting Americans with Disabilities

This year’s report from the National Council on Disability (NCD) highlights both progress and pressing needs related to healthcare, employment, travel, accessible technology, and housing.

Summary of U.S. Census Bureau Meeting on Defining and Measuring Disability

This blog post from Robert L. Santos, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau, highlights a recent meeting among representatives of federal agencies, people with disabilities and advocates, and other stakeholders. Themes that emerged were: defining disability is complicated; representation matters; and disability measures are much bigger than any one agency or survey.

Data Byte: More People with IDD Get Services in Homes Shared by Three or Fewer People

This brief looks at how Medicaid-funded home and community-based services (HCBS) have resulted in an increase in the number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in small group settings, with a host or foster family, or in their own homes.

“Critical Accessibility Gaps Exist in Business Events”

This article reports on research that indicates business conferences and events often fall short in ensuring access and inclusion for people with disabilities, and highlights a few destinations that “get it right.”

Verizon Maryland to Pay $115,000 in EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit

Verizon Maryland, LLC, will pay $115,000 to a former manager, 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, a management employee who experienced hypertension asked for a reassignment to a field position or to an alternate management position to accommodate his disability. There was an opening for a field position which the employee previously held, but Verizon did not even allow him to compete for that position, telling him he would have to resign and reapply for the position in six months.

In addition to the monetary relief for the worker, the company must provide training on the ADA, including a specific statement that resignation and reapplication are not forms of reasonable accommodation.

“Austrian Chef Defies Doctors with Device That Keeps Him Cooking”

This video report highlights an ingenious device that enables a chef to move fluidly around his kitchen and continue in his “dream job.”

Coverage to Care: Getting the Care You Need – Guide for People with Disabilities

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published this guide to provide information on the laws protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities, how to work with a healthcare provider to get needed care, and what to do when encountering barriers to care.

Yoga for Pain

The latest issue of the Clinical Digest for Health Professionals from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) describes how yoga may help relieve low-back and neck pain, headache, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Athlete Lives His Dream of Helping Others by Embracing the Freedom of His Wheelchair

Mason Branstrater, 17 years old when he was paralyzed in a skiing accident, found it “devastating” when he was told he might never walk again. But the first time he got into a wheelchair, he “felt so free” he began his journey of embracing “everything else the wheelchair world had to offer.” Today Mason is active in a variety of adaptive sports, preparing for an upcoming marathon, and mentoring others who are adjusting to their own “new normal.”

New PBS Kids Series Centers on an Autistic Main Character

Carl the Collector, a new series from PBS Kids, aims to celebrate both our differences and commonalities. Series creator Zachariah Ohora said “We hope Carl and his friends will encourage empathy and understanding, and ultimately show that everyone benefits when we recognize and embrace our differences.”

Disability Rights Advocates and Union Workers Launch Joint Campaign to Improve Access to Air Travel for Passengers Who Use Wheelchairs

Disability rights and labor communities recently launched a joint campaign in support of accessibility, safety, dignity, and respect for both passengers with disabilities and the airport service workers who support them. The organizations involved highlighted their common interest in providing safe and effective assistance for passengers with disabilities by ensuring that airport service staff receive better training, pay, and benefits.

Webinar: Bridges to Work: SSI/SSDI and Work Incentives

November 20, 2024
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
This webinar will provide information on the differences between SSI and SSDI, the working rules, and available work incentives that would enable people to work and maintain their benefits.

Beinvenidos Todos: Webinar Series in English and Spanish Will Address Services and Resources for Latinos with Disabilities

Bienvenidos Todos will host webinar presentations about disability resources and services, especially for Latinos with disabilities, their families, caregivers, advocates, and those who serve Latinos. Monthly webinars will cover disability topics, especially as they pertain to Latinos and their different residency statuses.

These webinars will be held the second Thursday of the month through March, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in English only and from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in Spanish only.

Find details and registration for the English sessions.

Find details and registration for the Spanish sessions.

Seeking Study Participants Who Are Current or Former Recipients of Home and Community-Based Services

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Person-Centered Outcomes and Measurements seeks participants in the U.S., 18 years old or older, who are current or former recipients of home and community-based services (HCBS). Participation includes a consent interview via phone or virtual meeting, two hour-long surveys over the course of two to nine months, and up to three optional additional surveys. Complete an online eligibility survey or contact Niveda Tennety or call 312-238-3042 for more information.