News & Events

  1. Justice Department Settles with Virginia Dental Office for Discrimination against Patient with HIV

    The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has settled with Woodlawn Family Dentistry for discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The dental office required a patient with HIV to schedule all future appointments as the last appointment of the day. DOJ determined that the dental practice failed to offer the patient the same options as it offered to other people. Woodlawn must train its staff on the ADA.

    Posted: 02/13/13 to Civil Rights
  2. HUD & HHS Partner to Provide Housing & Services to Low-Income People with Disabilities

    The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have contributed nearly $98 million in funding for 13 state housing agencies for rental assistance to low-income people with disabilities. The funding will help prevent homelessness and placement of people in institutions. The funding comes from the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Demonstration Program, which makes it possible for low-income people with disabilities to live in integrated settings instead of nursing homes.

    Posted: 02/13/13 to Housing
  3. New Online Training Video on Increasing Federal Employment of People with Disabilities

    This online training from the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) provides information for federal government hiring managers on recruiting, hiring and retaining people with disabilities. The training provides information about accommodations and assistive technologies that can help people with a broad range of disabilities perform the essential functions of their jobs. You’ll also learn about Administration efforts to increase the employment of people with disabilities in the Federal Government.

    Posted: 02/13/13 to Employment
  4. 2013 Annual Conference on Independent Living - July 24 - 27

    The National Council on Independent Living will hold its annual conference on July 24 - 27, 2013 in Washington, DC. The theme is "regeneration", considering the perspectives of all generations, communities and people that make up the Independent Living (IL) Movement. The event will cover issues affecting young people with disabilities, strategies to ensure all people with disabilities are represented in the IL Movement and ways to include new advocates.

    Posted: 02/12/13 to Community Life
  5. HHS Takes Steps to Enforce Equal Access for People Who Are Deaf & Hard of Hearing People

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reached agreements with the Cattaraugus County Department of Aging in New York and the District of Columbia Children and Family Services Agency (DCCFSA). The agreements will enforce equal access to human service programs for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. The action follows complaints that individuals were denied access to sign language interpreters, violating Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

    Posted: 02/11/13 to Health
  6. 24th Annual APSE National Conference - June 24 - 27

    The 24th annual APSE national conference will be held June 24 - 27, 2013 in Indianapolis, IN. The theme of the conference is "Race to Success - Employment Comes in First!". Topics will feature practices in integrated employment, transition from school to adult life, and consumer, family and self-advocacy. Learn more about the conference and register online.

    Posted: 02/10/13 to Employment
  7. Google Scholarships for Computer Science & Engineering Students with Disabilities - Apply by February 18

    Students with disabilities who are studying for computer science, computer engineering or similar degrees are eligible for Google Lime Scholarships for the 2013-2014 academic year. U.S. student scholarships are $10,000 and Canadian student scholarships are $5,000. Selected students will also be invited to attend Google Scholars' Retreat and be considered for software engineering internships with Google. Apply online through the Lime Network. Application deadline is February 18, 2013.

    Posted: 02/10/13 to Education
  8. Preparing for Winter Storms & Extreme Cold

    Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, and heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Read these emergency preparedness tips from FEMA so you can be ready in the event of a disaster or emergency situation.

    Posted: 02/09/13 to Emergency Preparedness
  9. 2013 Disability Policy Seminar - April 15 - 17

    The Disability Policy Seminar will be held from April 15 - 17, 2013 in Washington, DC. Hosted by several national disability organizations, the focus of this event will be defending the federal benefits that people with disabilities rely on to live in the community, including Medicaid, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. You'll hear from disability policy experts, network with other advocates and meet with your elected representatives and their staff. Register online.

    Posted: 02/09/13 to Community Life
  10. Security Firm Sued for Retaliation & Firing Employee with Missing Arm

    The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has charged Florida Commercial Security Services, Corp., doing business as Florida Construction Security Services, with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The company allegedly fired an employee for not wearing his prosthetic arm and then retaliated against him because he filed a discrimination charge. The EEOC is trying to get compensation for the former employee and prevent the company from further discriminatory practices.

    Posted: 02/08/13 to Civil Rights
  11. New Publication Details Benefits Workers with Disabilities Bring to Businesses

    A new publication from The Conference Board shows that companies that employ people with disabilities, including Veterans, gain many benefits. "Leveling the Playing Field: Attracting, Engaging and Advancing People with Disabilities" highlights many advantages, including increased business opportunities, that businesses can reap by actively recruiting and retaining employees with disabilities. The report finds that over 90 percent of consumers are more favorable toward companies that hire people with disabilities.

    Posted: 02/08/13 to Employment
  12. New Online Training Video on Reasonable Accommodation Solutions

    This online training from the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) provides information about reasonable accommodations in the workplace. You’ll learn about different types of accommodations and assistive technologies that can help people with a broad range of disabilities perform the essential functions of their jobs.

    Posted: 02/08/13 to Employment
  13. 2012 Survey on Emergency Communications & People with Disabilities

    The Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center has launched a new survey on emergency communications to help improve accessibility of emergency response. You will be asked to share some information about yourself, your experience and your preferences for communicating during emergencies. You can take the survey online, by phone or on paper by calling 1-404-367-1348.

    Posted: 02/07/13 to Emergency Preparedness
  14. Justice Department Settles with Eating Disorder Treatment Center over HIV Discrimination

    The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement agreement with the Castlewood Treatment Center LLC of St. Louis, MO. Castlewood allegedly violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by refusing to treat a woman with an eating disorder because she has HIV. Under the settlement, Castlewood must train its staff on the ADA and develop an anti-discrimination policy.

    Posted: 02/07/13 to Civil Rights
  15. President Appoints Jeff Rosen as New Chairperson of National Council on Disability (NCD)

    President Barack Obama has appointed Jeff Rosen as the new chairperson of the NCD. He also appointed three new members to the agency: Captain Jonathan F. Kuniholm, USMC (Retired), Lynnae Ruttledge and Alice Wong. NCD is an independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress and other federal agencies on policies, programs, practices and procedures affecting people with disabilities. Current Council Member Chester Finn was also appointed to a second term.

    Posted: 02/07/13 to Community Life
  16. Labor Department Reports Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Benefits Workers, Families & Employers

    The U.S. Department of Labor has released the results of a survey on the FMLA in recognition of the law's 20th anniversary. The survey, "Family and Medical Leave Act in 2012: Final Report," shows that the law has been beneficial to workers and their families without being a burden on employers. The law allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons.

    Posted: 02/06/13 to Employment
  17. Summer Internships for College Students with Disabilities Interested in International Affairs - Application Deadline February 18

    The U.S. International Council on Disabilities, with support from the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, is launching its first internship program for youth with disabilities who are interested in international affairs careers. College and graduate students and recent graduates with disabilities will be chosen to participate in a nine-week program in Washington, DC. Participants will work with a major international development agency to learn about foreign aid development. Application deadline is February 18, 2013.

    Posted: 02/06/13 to Employment
  18. New Mobile Apps Make Your Job Search Easier

    The U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website now offers five mobile web applications you can use on your smartphone, tablet computer and other mobile device. These mobile apps can help you locate an American Job Center near you, search job listings and find local education and training programs.

    Posted: 02/06/13 to Employment
  19. App Helps People with Vision Loss Take Notes on Apple Products

    The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has released the first notetaking app developed and designed for users with vision loss. AccessNote™ is designed to be used on the iPhone®, iPad® and iPod® touch. It also allows users to the popular features and functions on all of the Apple products, including Web browsing and email. This is the first notetaking app developed and designed specifically for users with vision loss.

    Posted: 02/05/13 to Technology
  20. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Releases New Resources During National Low Vision Month

    NIH has released a large-print booklet and videos to help people with low vision. The materials were released as part of National Low Vision Month, February 2013. The booklet, "Living with Vision Loss: What you should know," encourages people with vision loss to get help from a low vision specialist and gives tips on getting the most out of remaining eyesight. The videos feature stories about people living with low vision.

    Posted: 02/05/13 to Health
  21. Emergency Access Advisory Committee (EAAC) Meeting - March 1

    The Federal Communications Commission will hold the next EAAC meeting on March 1, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time in Washington, DC. The EAAC decides on the most effective and efficient technologies and ways to give individuals with disabilities access to Next Generation 911 emergency services. This link opens a PDF document. This information is also in text format.

    Posted: 02/05/13 to Technology
  22. Integrated & Coordinated Care Research Conference - March 11

    Mathematica Policy Research will hold a national conference on research findings on care coordination and integration for people with disabilities on March 11, 2013 in Crystal City, VA. The Center of Excellence for Disability Research team will present the findings from 10 studies to policy makers, program operators, service providers and researchers. Register online and view a schedule of events.

    Posted: 02/05/13 to Health
  23. Disability Determination Process (DDP) Small Grant Program - Application Deadline March 1

    The DDP Small Grant Program is a $10,000, one-year stipend program for graduate students to conduct supervised, independent research on improving the disability determination processes for Social Security’s two disability programs. Policy Research, Inc. has announced the third round of this federally funded stipend program. Application deadline is March 1, 2013.

    Posted: 02/04/13 to Benefits
  24. HUD Issues Revised Temporary Rent Exception Rules for People with Disabilities

    The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released updated guidelines allowing Public Housing Agencies (PHA) to approve "exception" rents for housing leased by people with disabilities in the Housing Choice Voucher program. The exception will be 120 percent of the Fair Market Rent and allows people to rent in the private housing market. This policy is temporary until March 31, 2014, and the PHA must email HUD that it is adopting the 120 percent policy.

    Posted: 02/04/13 to Housing
  25. VA Launches New Initiative to Reduce Disability Claim Processing Time

    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a new initiative called Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) that could eliminate in-person medical examination for some Veterans. This would shorten the time it takes to process disability compensation claims. The initiative is part of a five-year transformation plan to eliminate the claims backlog and process all claims within 125 days by 2015.

    Posted: 02/04/13 to Benefits