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
Resources from Volunteer Fairfax: Inclusive Volunteering
Virginia’s Volunteer Fairfax created this suite of resources through collaboration among staff, individuals with disabilities, family members, service providers, and advocacy groups. There are resources for organizations and individuals, as well as a searchable database of volunteer opportunities across northern Virginia. Volunteers benefit organizations and communities while gaining valuable experience. Find out more about how you can get involved!
The Disability Squeeze: The Extra Costs of Living with Blindness or Low Vision in the U.S.
This new brief uses data from a nationally representative survey of adults with disabilities to examine the out-of-pocket expenditures and unmet needs for disability-related goods and services incurred by people with low vision and blindness, and how this impacts their full participation in society.
Employment News
Kessler Foundation 2024 Survey Highlights Key Strategies for Hiring and Supporting Workers with Disabilities in the Hospitality Industry
The latest survey of supervisors in the hospitality industry revealed that proactive recruitment, effective partnerships, and targeted accommodations are critical to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Video: Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation Services for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
This new video from the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment of People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision provides information and resources, dispels myths, and explains how the vocational rehabilitation system operates to help people find and maintain employment.
Resource for Workforce Development: WIOA Section 188 Disability Reference Guide
This new resource can help American Job Centers and their partners in the workforce development system meet the equal opportunity requirements in Section 188 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Technology News
Yelp’s Newest Features Help People with Disabilities Find Accessible Businesses
This article reports on Yelp’s new “accessibility attributes,” which enable individuals to find information about things like accessible parking and restrooms, Braille or QR code menus, or staff members who are proficient in American Sign Language.
Health and Wellness News
“Clubhouses Offer Potential Solutions for Those with Severe Mental Illness”
This article highlights community-based clubhouses which offer support to people with mental illnesses.
Supporting Native American Elders in Their Communities: Title VI Native American Aging Programs and Services
Native American Aging Programs funded by Title VI of the Older Americans Act (OAA), play a critical role in supporting the health, wellness, and social engagement needs of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian elders and caregivers. This report outlines key findings from a survey conducted of the services and supports available across the nation.
“New Therapy After Islet Cell Transplant Shows Promise for People with Type 1 Diabetes”
This article reports on a procedure that may show promise for helping people manage diabetes.
Arts and Culture News
Bilingual Stories Bookshelf: ASL-English Collection
This project is designed to support early language acquisition for young deaf and hard of hearing children through a diverse collection of bilingual storybooks in American Sign Language (ASL) and English.
ACAA News
DOT Order: $50 Million Penalty for Treatment of Passengers with Disabilities by American Airlines
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a $50 million penalty against American Airlines for numerous serious violations of the laws protecting passengers with disabilities. A DOT investigation uncovered cases of unsafe, undignified, and untimely assistance for individuals using wheelchairs, as well as mishandling of thousands of wheelchairs, leaving travelers without the devices they need for mobility.
American will be required to pay $25 million to the U.S. Treasury. Additionally, American will be credited $25 million for investments in equipment to reduce incidents of wheelchair damage, investments in a system-wide wheelchair tagging system to reduce incidents of wheelchair delay, deployment of hub control center employees to coordinate wheelchair handling on a centralized, systemwide basis at large airports, and compensation for affected passengers during the timeframe covered by DOT’s investigation.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Online Course for Employers: Accessible Interviews
This short online training from the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) will help employers create a job interview process that is accessible and effective for applicants with disabilities.
FCC Seeks Public Input on Broadband, Cable, and Phone Provider Customer Support
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to review customer support offered by broadband, cable, and phone providers, and wants to hear from consumers, including individuals with hearing, speech, or other disabilities. Comments are due November 22, 2024.
Seeking Study Participants: College Students with Mental Health Challenges
The Temple University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Community Living and Participation of Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses (TU Collaborative) seeks participants with significant mental health challenges, 18 years or older, enrolled in college in the U.S. with at least two semesters left, with access to a computer or smartphone and the Internet, and who have not participated in a mental health recovery self-help educational program called Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP). Eligible participants will have three online research interviews and, if assigned to the intervention group, five online “Taking Action” group meetings. For more information or to volunteer, complete the screening questionnaire.