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READ MORE about What Does Transportation Accessibility Look Like In 2024? What Are Cities Doing To Improve?Microassist's Accessibility in the News
Microassist's Accessibility in the News is a widely read, free weekly newsletter curated by Jack McElaney. Newsletter sections include a compilation of accessibility articles and blogs, a list of accessibility conferences and training, accessibility job announcements, and a listing of accessibility resource pages.
Featured by Wall Street Journal, its sole purpose is to educate people interested or involved in accessibility related to the Americans with Disabilities Act Title I, II, or III, and Sections 504 and 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. It also covers numerous international topics from all over the world.
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What Do Technological Advances Like AI And Driverless Cars Mean For People With Disabilities?
Accessibility in the News — 3/15/2024. Advances in technology offer transformative benefits for people with disabilities, enabling greater independence, accessibility, and inclusion. We have already seen incredible innovations with accessibility tools like screen readers and speech recognition software, mobility aids including advanced prosthetics and smart wheelchairs. With communication devices like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, individuals with disabilities can access information, communicate effectively, and navigate their environments more easily.[…]
READ MORE about What Do Technological Advances Like AI And Driverless Cars Mean For People With Disabilities?Companies Work To Show Commitment To Accessibility In 2024
Accessibility in the News — 2/23/2024. In a trend of companies taking accessibility more seriously, Starbucks has introduced a new store design emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity, debuting the concept in its Union Market location in Washington, D.C. The design, developed over a two-year period with input from Starbucks baristas, features power-operated doors, lower counters for wheelchair accessibility, and a point-of-sale system with adjustable stands, voice assist, screen magnification, and images[…]
READ MORE about Companies Work To Show Commitment To Accessibility In 2024Senator Duckworth Champions New DOT Rule for Enhanced Air Travel Accessibility and Consumer Protections for Passengers with Disabilities
Accessibility in the News — 3/8/2024. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth recently joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to highlight the U.S. Department of Transportation’s proposed rule aimed at improving the consumer experience for passengers with disabilities. The rule focuses on enhancing aviation accessibility, providing accommodations, and addressing the mishandling of wheelchairs by airlines. Duckworth, Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation, discussed her legislation and efforts[…]
READ MORE about Senator Duckworth Champions New DOT Rule for Enhanced Air Travel Accessibility and Consumer Protections for Passengers with DisabilitiesWhether By Taxi Or Subway Getting Around New York City Isn’t As Accessible As It Should Be
Accessibility in the News — 3/1/2024. The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) in New York City is seeking to abandon a 10-year-old settlement that mandated 50% of yellow cabs be wheelchair accessible by 2020, which they narrowly missed. Disability advocates, including Jean Ryan of Disabled in Motion, emphasize the importance of accessible taxis, offering more flexibility compared to the rigid scheduling of the MTA’s Access-a-Ride service. Many in the disability[…]
READ MORE about Whether By Taxi Or Subway Getting Around New York City Isn’t As Accessible As It Should BeWith The General Election Coming Up Later This Year Colorado Passes Legislation To Make Ballots More Accessible
Accessibility in the News — 2/16/2024. The Colorado House of Representatives has approved bipartisan legislation, HB24-1067, aimed at enhancing representation in government by addressing barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in the political process. Sponsored by Representative David Ortiz and co-sponsored by Representative Brandi Bradley, the bill passed with a unanimous vote of 64-0. Representative Ortiz, a longtime advocate for disability rights in Colorado, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that[…]
READ MORE about With The General Election Coming Up Later This Year Colorado Passes Legislation To Make Ballots More AccessibleU.S. Senators Introduce Groundbreaking Legislation to Enhance Accessibility and Inclusion in American Democracy for People with Disabilities
Accessibility in the News — 2/9/2024. U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Amy Klobuchar have introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at dismantling barriers that impede the participation of individuals with disabilities in American democracy. The proposed measures include the Accessible Voting Act, which seeks to improve voter accessibility and expand ballot-casting options, the Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act, which safeguards federal disability[…]
READ MORE about U.S. Senators Introduce Groundbreaking Legislation to Enhance Accessibility and Inclusion in American Democracy for People with DisabilitiesDepartment of Justice Settles Complaint With Medstar Health Ensuring Equal Access to Medical Care for People with Disabilities
Accessibility in the News — 2/2/2024. MedStar Health, a prominent healthcare provider in Maryland and Washington, D.C., has agreed to a $440,000 settlement and corrective actions to resolve allegations of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Justice Department filed a complaint, asserting that MedStar Health excluded necessary support persons, thereby denying equal access to medical care for individuals with disabilities. The complaint highlights instances where the healthcare provider[…]
READ MORE about Department of Justice Settles Complaint With Medstar Health Ensuring Equal Access to Medical Care for People with DisabilitiesWhat Are States Doing To Make The Outdoors More Accessible?
Accessibility in the News — 1/26/2024. Outdoor activities offer numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits, and everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy these experiences, regardless of their abilities. Accessible outdoor recreation promotes social integration, allowing individuals with disabilities to participate in shared activities with friends and family. Beyond the social aspect, exposure to nature has been proven to have therapeutic effects, contributing to improved mental health and reduced stress.[…]
READ MORE about What Are States Doing To Make The Outdoors More Accessible?Will 2024 See A Rise In Businesses Catering To People With Disabilities?
Accessibility in the News — 1/19/2024. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and emphasis on creating an inclusive society that accommodates the diverse needs of all individuals. One significant aspect of this inclusivity is the establishment of businesses that cater specifically to people with disabilities. These enterprises not only provide valuable products and services but also play a crucial role in fostering a more accessible and equitable[…]
READ MORE about Will 2024 See A Rise In Businesses Catering To People With Disabilities?