E-Bulletin: October 22, 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.

Find the Accessible Voting Options in Your State

This site offers information about options such as early voting, vote-by-mail, and in-person voting on Election Day, as well as resources for people with disabilities, advocates, and election officials.

Disaster Recovery Assistance for People with Disabilities

This site offers information to help people with disabilities prepare for and recover from disasters.

PCPID Report: Advancing Independence and Community Integration for All: Supporting Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Through High-Quality Home and Community-Based Services

The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCIPD) delivered this report on the opportunities, promising practices, innovative strategies, and policy reforms necessary to strengthen and increase the availability of the home and community-based services (HCBS) that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) live and fully participate in their communities.

The committee also provided a fact sheet with highlights of the challenges identified and recommendations offered in the report.

Access Halloween!

Check out these ideas to make trick-or-treating and other Halloween activities more inclusive:

How Can You Help Make Halloween more Accessible?

Tips for Neighbors to Make Halloween More Accessible

NOD Recognizes 2024 Leading Disability Employers

In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the National Organization on Disability (NOD) recognized 59 companies with the NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal for 2024.

Justice Department Secures Agreement with Johns Hopkins Health System to Provide People with Disabilities Equal Access to Medical Care

The U.S Department of Justice announced that it filed a complaint and proposed consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, resolving allegations that the Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation violated the ADA by refusing to allow patients with disabilities to be accompanied by needed support persons, such as family members and personal assistants.

Under the proposed consent decree, which the court must approve, Johns Hopkins has agreed to pay $150,000 to compensate multiple affected individuals, as well as update its policies and train its employees to ensure policies are appropriately followed.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said “Policies and training go hand in hand when it comes to ensuring that health care providers and their employees are protecting patient rights and not excluding support persons improperly. Ensuring equal access to medical care is a priority for the Justice Department.”

Justice Department Sues LA Fitness for Disability Discrimination at Its Gym and Fitness Clubs

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Fitness International LLC, also called LA Fitness, the largest chain of owner-operated gym and fitness clubs in the United States. The lawsuit alleges the company discriminated against people with disabilities by failing to remove architectural barriers and maintain accessible features at its gym and fitness facilities.

FacingDisability: Resources and Peer Connections for People Living with Paralysis Following Spinal Cord Injuries

This organization offers information for individuals and families, including interviews with medical experts and individuals living with spinal cord injuries, videos, blog posts, and more. A new podcast, “I Was a Wheelchair Kid,” features personal stories from individuals who experienced their injuries as children or teens and learned how to navigate their worlds and find their futures.

“These Apps Help People with Disabilities Travel More Easily”

This article reports on apps that can help travelers with disabilities find accessible facilities and transportation options, sensory-friendly locations, gender-neutral restrooms, and more.

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 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.