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
Resource for Poll Workers and Voters with Disabilities
The Great Plains ADA Center developed this information to help election officials, polling place workers and volunteers, and voters with disabilities understand their rights and responsibilities.
Groundbreaking Report on Barriers Facing Indigenous People with Disabilities
The Inter-Tribal Disability Advocacy Council (IDAC) released this report on the experiences, challenges, and supports available to Native Americans with disabilities across Indian Country. The report sheds light on pressing issues facing these communities, including lack of transportation and accessible housing, as well as barriers to community participation. It also highlights successful programs and identifies areas where additional resources are critically needed, such as community-driven initiatives and culturally relevant resources.
Transportation News
Transportation: Access for All
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released this video highlighting the federal infrastructure package and how it will improve access to public transportation and air travel for people with disabilities. The video includes captions and American Sign Language interpretation, and features, among others, Matt Scott, a five-time Paralympian and gold medalist; Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt, a two-time Paralympian; U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth; and DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
ADA Legal News
Maryland: All Day Medical Care Clinic, LLC Agrees to Pay $75,000 to Resolve EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit
All Day Medical Care Clinic, LLC will pay $75,000 and provide other relief to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, the company fired a scheduling assistant, who on her first day of work requested that software to accommodate her vision impairment be installed on her assigned computer. The company instead terminated her for not disclosing her disability during her interview.
“This action serves to remind employers that employees need not disclose their disabilities prior to employment, and that they are entitled to accommodations absent undue hardship,” explained Rosemarie Rhodes, director of the EEOC’s Baltimore Field Office.
EEOC Sues FedEx For Disability Discrimination: Alleges “100% Healed” Policy Fails to Consider Reasonable Accommodation and Denies Employment Opportunities
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Federal Express Corporation (FedEx). The lawsuit alleges that the employer violated the ADA when it failed to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified workers with medical restrictions, and instead forced them to take unpaid leave or fired them.
Education News
ADHD and School: A Toolkit for Parents
This resource was developed by the organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). The toolkit includes information on the rights of students with disabilities, and lots of practical strategies for parents of children from pre-K through high school.
Health and Wellness News
U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury Issue Final Rules Strengthening Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits
The departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury issued new rules to clarify and strengthen the provisions of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. The act requires group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group and individual health insurance coverage that offer mental health or substance use disorder benefits to cover those benefits in parity with medical and surgical benefits.
The Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration also issued a fact sheet: Final Rules under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).
Training, Events, and Opportunities to Participate
Webinar Series: Building Your Customer Base by Improving Access for People with Disabilities
Part 1: A Welcoming Storefront: Making Your Business More Accessible for Customers with Disabilities
September 25, 2024
12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Learn about legal requirements, design principles, and practical steps to create spaces that encourage people of all ages and abilities to come in, explore, and purchase good and services. We’ll talk about common access issues, such as accessible parking and entrances, clear routes to enter and move around facilities, sales and service counters, and other public amenities. You’ll gain valuable insights to help you ensure that all customers feel welcomed and included.
Part 2: The Virtual Storefront: Making Your Website More Accessible for Customers with Disabilities
October 2, 2024
12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Website accessibility is no longer an option but a legal and ethical imperative. This session will delve into the importance of making websites inclusive for people with disabilities. You’ll gain an understanding of accessibility standards, best practices, and practical tools to enhance website usability for customers with disabilities.
U.S. Access Board Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Rule for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
The U.S. Access Board published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities covered by the ADA, as well as the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA). This proposed rule provides specifications for the accessibility of EV charging stations. Public comments are due by November 4, 2024.
Seeking Parent-Teacher Teams for Study of Home-School Communication
Researchers are seeking parents of children with autism, ages 3 – 21, to team up with their children’s teachers to test the School-Home Alliance for Relationship Enhancement (SHARE) program. Program activities will include completing surveys, participating in virtual learning sessions with role-playing and discussions, and the development of communication action plans. Participants must be fluent in English and agree to be video recorded during intervention sessions. Interested parties may take a quick online survey to get started.
Focus Group: Clinicians With Experience Providing Care to People with SCI
Researchers are seeking clinicians who treat people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) to participate in virtual focus groups. Participants must be licensed clinicians (allied health therapists, nurses, doctors, social workers, chaplains, or psychologists) with at least five years of work experience providing care to people in SCI rehabilitation.
Providers: Survey on the Use of Mainstream and Assistive Wireless Technology in Therapy
The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Wireless Technologies at the University of Pittsburgh is seeking actively practicing occupational, physical, or speech therapists or assistants; audiologists; assistive technology professionals; vocational rehabilitation counselors; or other health or social service providers involved in assistive technology to participate in this survey. For more information, contact Megan Griffin, Study Research Coordinator.