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
October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time to celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and showcase supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees. Visit the website to find ideas, resources, graphics, and sample materials to support the celebration!
Disability Information and Access Line Launches New Database to Expand Access to Information
The Administration for Community Living’s Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) has launched a new website to help people with disabilities find local services and resources any time of day, every day of the year.
Plain Language Community Engagement Research Summaries
Researchers examining community participation for people aging with long-term disabilities published plain language summaries of recent research, including The Role of the Built Environment in Community Participation for Adults Aging with Physical Disability: A Scoping Review and Social Participation of Adults Aging with Long-Term Physical Disabilities: The Role of Transportation and Urban vs. Rural Living. User-friendly infographics also present information about the studies and the findings.
Accessible Design News
U.S. Access Board Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guideline Videos
Check out the U.S. Access Board’s YouTube channel to view five new videos on the recently published final rule on Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines. The videos review the guidelines, including accessibility requirements for sidewalks, crosswalks, shared use paths, on-street parking, and other pedestrian facilities.
Transportation News
Designing Innovative Transportation Pilot Projects for All
This blog post from the Director of the Shared-Use Mobility Center introduces a new guidebook, Principles to Plan, Design, and Implement Innovative Mobility Pilot Projects. The guidebook includes strategies, real-world examples, resources, checklists, and discussion prompts to help spark creativity for developing people-centered, accessible, and inclusive mobility pilot projects.
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Webinar: The Employment Jumble: Puzzling Over the ADA and Other Laws
October 24, 2023
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Join us for a brief overview of Title I of the ADA and other civil rights laws designed to protect the rights of workers who may experience discrimination based on disability and/or other factors, such as age, race, gender, pregnancy, and more.
ADA National Network Learning Session: The Basics of Health Care and the ADA
October 26, 2023
2:30 – 4:00 pm. Eastern
This webinar will help health care providers understand their responsibilities under the ADA in three basic areas: 1) facility access, including physical access to the building, exam rooms, and equipment; 2) effective communication with patients with disabilities; and 3) modification of policies, practices, and procedures.
Seeking Participants: Study on Day-to-Day Social Experiences of People with Serious Mental Illness
The Need 2B Needed Project seeks participants for a study to understand the day-to-day experiences of social isolation and loneliness for people with severe mental illnesses. Participants must be 18 years or older; live with a serious mental illness, including major depression, bipolar I or II, or schizophrenia disorder; own/use a smartphone; and able to consent to the study. Over 14 days, participants will receive smartphone prompts to complete 1-minute surveys. Participants will also complete 60-minute interviews at the start and end of the study and may receive up to $50 in gift cards for their time. For more information or to volunteer, email drrp@temple.edu or call 215-204-3230.
Seeking Participants: Young Adult Leisure and Recreation Study
The ConnectionsRX project is seeking young adults with serious mental illness (SMI) for a study about community participation. Eligible participants must be between 18 and 30 years old; have been diagnosed with bipolar, major depressive, or schizophrenia disorder; and have an interest in increasing participation in their communities. Participants will take part in up to three 60-minute interviews and may be enrolled in an online program to support them with ideas and planning for more recreation in the community. Participants may receive up to $90 in gift cards for their time. For more information, text 267-225-0218 or email connectionsrx@temple.edu.