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Accessibility in the News — 3/7/2025.

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Trump prepares order dismantling the Education Department

March 5, 2025 | Source: NPR

Linda McMahon officially leads DOE. Here’s what that could mean for disabled students

March 3, 2025 | Source: MSNBC

‘Stay of execution’: Where’s Trump’s order to shut down Education Department?

March 6, 2025 | Source: Higher Ed Dive

President Trump is expected to issue an executive action as early as Thursday calling on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education,” according to a draft of the action obtained by NPR. The move has been expected since early February, when the White House revealed its intentions but withheld the action itself until after McMahon’s Senate confirmation. The Senate voted Monday to make McMahon the next education secretary…

U.S. Department of Education to Investigate D.C. Public Schools Over Reported Disability Discrimination

March 5, 2025 | Source: U.S. DOE and NBC Washington

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today sent a letter to Chancellor Lewis Ferebee of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) initiating a directed investigation to evaluate if the district is failing to meet the needs of students with special needs or disabilities. “The Department of Education has a solemn responsibility to protect all students from discrimination, especially our most vulnerable,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon…

National News (U.S.)

The Steps Schools Should Take So All Students Can Use Ed Tech

February 28, 2025 | Source: Education Week

Much of what a student needs to do for school is online nowadays. Students need to access and submit their assignments on learning management systems; teachers use videos, online quiz apps, or digital games for student engagement; and an increasing number of schools are using adaptive learning programs to help supplement instruction. But these digital tools are not always built to accommodate all students, especially those with disabilities or multilingual learners…

Beyond DEI: Ensuring Inclusion For Disabled People Amidst Uncertainty

February 28, 2025 | Source: Forbes

The workplace is at a crossroads. As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs face cuts across industries, the future of workplace accessibility and inclusion for disabled and neurodivergent individuals hangs in the balance. For years, these initiatives have helped foster environments where employees of all abilities, backgrounds, and neurotypes could thrive. Now, with organizations rolling back these programs, the responsibility to maintain progress falls on business leaders, advocates, and employees alike…

From Accidental Tourist to Adaptive Travel Host

February 28, 2025 | Source: Amplitude Magazine

The view is breathtaking from this height. To my right, the rise of the Niagara Gorge; below me, the changing colors of autumn in the canopy; and to my left, the roar and rush of Niagara Falls. I’m standing at the top of the zipline tower, 220 feet off the ground, nervously waiting for my turn to be fitted with a helmet and strapped into a harness. I have never ziplined before. I’ve never wanted to zipline before. I’m not sure I want to even now. It’s not that I’m afraid of heights or worried the zipline will malfunction…

CRHS Making Music Accessible to Students of All Abilities

February 28, 2028 | Source: City of Coon Rapids

At Monday night’s Winter Band Concert at Coon Rapids High School, an Albanian Dance number was featured with some new musicians from the school’s special education students, called from United Sound. What started as an after-school program between the music department and the special education department just a few years ago, under the direction of the director of bands, Ryan Palmer, has become a daytime class. “The power that I’ve seen with United Sound that has been really wonderful is how much it centers student voice and how much it empowers students both mentors and the new musicians,” Palmer said.

Audit recommends accessibility improvements at City Hall, police station

March 1, 2025 | Source: The Daily News

A state Comptroller’s Office audit issued Thursday recommends accessibility improvements at City Hall and the city police station. The audit found that out of 297 applicable physical accessibility components it reviewed, a total of 21 components, or 7%, were such that city officials could consider doing more to make them more physically accessible. City officials have said they’re prioritizing the potential improvements. City Hall has 17 accessibility components such as signs identifying van accessible parking spaces and interior doors requiring 5 or fewer pounds of pressure to open…

Musk’s DOGE fires federal tech team that built free tax-filing site

March 1, 2025 | Source: Reuters

DC braces for $1 billion deficit from federal workforce cuts

March 1, 2025 | Source: ABC7

The Trump administration has pulled the plug on a team of tech-savvy civil servants that helped to build the Internal Revenue Service’s free tax-filing service and revamp websites across government, a spokesperson for the General Service Administration said on Saturday. GSA’s Director of Technology Transformation Services Thomas Shedd notified employees of a digital service team known as 18F that their jobs had been terminated as they had been identified as “non-critical.”…

EpilepSki returns to Vermont making winter sports accessible for all

March 2, 2025 | Source: NBC

For over five decades, the Epilepsy Foundation New England has been a beacon of support for individuals with epilepsy and seizures, providing crucial resources, advocacy, and opportunities for engagement. Even in the winter months, when staying active and connected can feel challenging, the foundation continues to innovate, ensuring families can stay involved and maintain an active lifestyle. Mark Lane, like many children his age, enjoys spending time outdoors, being active, and living life to the fullest…

Cabaret’ captioning: Local Anchorage theater company introduces accessibility aid

March 2, 2025 | Source: Alaska New Source

A performance of “Cabaret” at Cyrano’s Theatre Company brought the deaf and hard-of-hearing community into the story with live closed captioning. Accessible with a tablet or cell phone, the newly-implemented closed captioning program at Cyrano’s gave audience members a new way to enjoy live theater in Alaska. “The arts in our community is so important for telling stories, sharing our human existence and creating a community within our own community here in Anchorage,” said production manager Seth Eggleston…

Festival of Inclusion expands access to disability services in Rochester

March 2, 2025 | Source: WXXI News

For families navigating disability services, finding the right resources can be overwhelming. This past weekend, the Festival of Inclusion at the Golisano Training Center at Nazareth University brought together 92 organizations offering adaptive sports, career resources and health services to help bridge that gap. The annual event was led by the Golisano Foundation, Special Olympics NY, and the local Best Buddies chapter. Lindsay Jewett, Director of Mission Advancement at Best Buddies, said the impact of the festival that took place on Saturday extends beyond the event itself, as families continue to benefit from the connections they make…

After an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, a new job gave a father ‘dignity’ and ‘purpose’

March 3, 2025 | Source: NPR

When Paul Cotter’s father, Richard, was 52, he was fired from his job at a large printing company. “He was very unceremoniously let go,” Cotter recalled. “It was basically, ‘Hand in your keys, you’re done.’ ” Richard Cotter had been at the company for more than 30 years, rising through the ranks from entry-level to management. But it had become clear to everyone that he was having difficulty making decisions. Before, Richard Cotter was known for his sharp mind…

Collaborate with our Designing for Accessibility project

March 3, 2025 | Source: Denver Art Museum

At the Denver Art Museum, accessibility is more than a compliance checkbox—it’s a commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming space for all visitors. With a three-year initiative funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the DAM is embarking on a transformative project, Designing for Accessibility. By collaborating with people with disabilities, the Ellen Bruss Design Studio will function as a living laboratory for innovation that fosters connections between the disability community, museum staff, designers, and the public…

Ventura County legislator pushing to make state parks more accessible to those with disabilities

March 3, 2025 | Source: KCLU

Proposal would set up committee to come up with ideas to make state park facilities more disability friendly. A Ventura County legislator wants to make California’s state parks more accessible to those with disabilities. AB 1225 would set up a committee specifically to review and make recommendations on how to improve accessibility at parks. The state parks and recreation director would appoint the committee and serve on it as well. While some parks have updated facilities and trails, other facilities predate the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990…

Disaster Preparedness: Addressing Accessibility Gaps in Wildfire Response

March 4, 2025 | Source: Andrea Jennings- Easter Seals

Natural disasters, particularly wildfires, have become increasingly devastating, highlighting the need for stronger emergency planning. Ensuring accessibility in disaster preparedness benefits not only the disability community but also strengthens safety measures for everyone. Before diving into the details, I want to acknowledge that city officials and emergency responders are working diligently to protect all residents. The ideas and recommendations shared here are meant to complement and enhance existing efforts, ensuring that disaster preparedness truly serves everyone…

Angel returns to her roots to support individuals with disabilities

March 4, 2035 | Source: Wear TV

From a secretive world of wiretaps and undercover work to volunteer service opening doors of opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Karen Jenkins’ friends couldn’t be happier that the Angel in their Midst found her way back to her passion. “I was a special education teacher,” Jenkins said. “And then 1973, I joined the FBI, and I was an FBI agent for 33 years. Retired, no sits. Came to Pensacola, had nothing to do, so I went back to my original roots, passions.”…

This Open Caption Technology Creates a Better Experience for Both Hearing Impaired and Hearing Audiences

March 4, 2025 | Source: IndieWire

Zeinabu irene Davis’ “Compensation” premiered at film festivals 25 years ago, but only now is it receiving theatrical distribution from Janus Films. Its big-screen debut comes in tandem with its restoration, which Davis calls a “rejuvenation.” As she told the IndieWire Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, the process improved the film: A 4K scan brought out details from 16mm negative, while the 5.1 surround track unlocked layered sound design that was “squashed” in its original mono track…

Theme Park For Kids Puts Accessibility At The Forefront

March 4, 2025 | Source: Disability Scoop

A new theme park is prioritizing the needs of children with disabilities as it opens its doors for the first time. The Peppa Pig Theme Park near Dallas opened over the weekend complete with a host of accessibility features. All staff at the park — which is based on the British children’s show about a pig, her family and her diverse group of friends — have received autism awareness and sensitivity training, park officials said. In addition, the park includes Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, which allows wheelchair users to roll right into a basket that soars into the sky…

Advocates say $12 an hour for workers isn’t enough to keep Texas disability services afloat

March 4, 2025 | Source: KERA News

Today, Chris Sanderson is looking for someone to train his dragon. The dragon, Daisy, is the star of Sanderson’s TV show, and she needs a new trainer STAT. Three dragon experts are competing for the gig, and they’ve come to show Sanderson their skills. Daisy is a huge plush dragon toy that Jim Hanophy brings out on a leash. This is improv class, and Hanophy, the instructor, nudges his students to teach Daisy some new tricks: shake, speak, and of course, fetch. For that one, one of the wannabe trainers chucks a glue stick, and his audience applauds…

Bill proposes study on accessibility for people with hearing differences

March 5, 2025 | Source: KX News

A new bill introduced in the state House aims to conduct a study of state and local services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. House Bill 1097 passed the House 87-1, and made its way to the Senate Human Services Committee. The legislative management study would seek input from members of the community and people from certain government departments to try and figure out how best to make services accessible. The study would focus on challenges people with hearing differences face when communicating with government officials…

Chattanooga Prep School flagged for special needs compliance failures; Actions demanded

March 6, 2025 | Source: News Channel 9

Hamilton County Schools says Chattanooga Preparatory School is not meeting the needs of some of their students with special needs, as required by state law. The district sent a Letter of Deficiency to Chatt Prep in late January, saying it found a lack of compliance in several areas. The letter also raises concerns about the license of one teacher who is serving students with special needs. Hamilton County Schools is considered the authorizer of Chatt Prep, since they approved the school’s charter application…

Beyond Compliance: Area nonprofit and corporation are redefining inclusive workplaces

March 5, 2025 | Source: Rapid Growth Media

For many, workplace accessibility is an afterthought — a checklist of accommodations that meet the bare minimum of compliance. But for the Steelcase team, accessibility is far more than ramps and automatic doors. Through an innovative partnership with Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC), Steelcase is reimagining what it means to create truly inclusive workplaces. At the heart of this effort lies the Test Pilot program, a DAKC initiative where individuals with disabilities evaluate spaces and provide direct feedback on how environments can better accommodate all users…

Jack Fact — Overall, more than 2 in 5 people over the age of 55 in the US – about 42% – will develop dementia in their later years, according to a study published in the journal Nature Medicine.

Hit The Road Jack — Beyond Barriers: 25 people making the world more accessible for 2025 and Accessible Hiking in Vermont: NorthWoods’ All Persons Trail Opens and Shaping the future of Accessible Tourism at ITB Berlin 2025

International News

The beauty brands that are paving the way for disability inclusivity through their packaging

February 28, 2025 | Source: Stylist- UK

While the beauty industry has made huge leaps in recent years to narrow the inclusivity gap, consumers with disabilities are still being overlooked. The beauty market is more competitive than ever, and with new brands launching seemingly overnight, many are opting for shock-worthy packaging – as opposed to practical packaging – to make them stand out, which is only making matters worse. According to government data, 24% of the UK population was living with a disability in 2023…

Tripura to Get First ALIMCO Auxiliary Production Centre to Boost Accessibility for PwDs

February 28, 2025 | Source: Enewstime- India

In a landmark step towards enhancing accessibility and service delivery for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and Senior Citizens in the North-East region, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) a PSU under Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is set to establish its first Auxiliary Production Centre (AAPC) at Purba Laxmibill, Sepahijala District, Tripura. With an investment of Rs. 45 Crore, the centre will mark the beginning of a new era in assistive device manufacturing and service delivery in the North-East region…

‘Sugamya Yatra’, a pioneering initiative towards Accessibility and Inclusivity, organised on the International Wheelchair Day 2025 in New Delhi

March 1, 2025 | Source: Press Information Bureau- India

On the occasion of International Wheelchair Day 2025, Sugamya Yatra was organized today at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, New Delhi, by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) and the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD). The Yatra aims to break myths associated with wheelchair users, promote accessibility, and encourage inclusivity in society…

Milano-Cortina 2026, Locatelli: “We are investing to eliminate barriers, inclusion and accessibility at the heart of the 2026 Paralympics”

March 1, 2025 | Source: La Milano- Italy

The Minister for Disabilities, Alessandra Locatelli, spoke of the Paralympics of Milano-Cortina 2026,work inclusion for people with disabilities and accessibility in tourism. Between investments and new projects, the focus is on the elimination of architectural barriers and integration into the world of work. “I am very proud – Locatelli stated – that this important moment is approaching especially for Lombardy and Veneto. I am also very happy that many works concern the theme of accessibility and the elimination of architectural and sensorial barriers, as well as communication and information.”…

Leicester: Wheelchair user calls for more accessible clothing

March 1, 2025 | Source: BBC- UK

A wheelchair user from Leicester is calling for the fashion industry to make clothing more accessible. Sheila Hawkins, 66, who went to college after she retired and studied fashion, says she has noticed difficulties in buying practical and stylish clothes as a wheelchair user. She was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy 33 years ago and decided to run an online survey to highlight the difficulties faced when buying accessible clothes. It received about 100 responses and found impractical clothing designs are not the only issue, with changing rooms also providing an issue for people with disabilities…

International Wheelchair Day: March breaks myths linked to disabled

March 2, 2025 | Source: The Rahnuma Daily- India

With the aim of breaking myths associated with wheelchair users and promoting accessibility, a march was organised here to mark the International Wheelchair Day 2025, an official said on Saturday. The Sugamya Yatra was organised at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, New Delhi, by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) and the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD)…

Enhancing Accessibility report – The NEN

March 2, 2025 | Source: North Edinburgh News- Scotland

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart recently met with Sight Scotland’s Policy Group to discuss the importance of improving access and inclusion in Scotland’s venues. She stressed that everyone should have the freedom to enjoy life and visit places of their choice, such as theatres, cinemas, concert halls, galleries and attractions, without facing accessibility barriers. Sight Scotland’s Policy Group, made up of blind and partially sighted members, released the ‘Enhancing Accessibility: Venues and Visual Impairment’ report last year…

Paralympians In Schools Program Gets Major Boost

March 2, 2025 | Source: Paralympics Australia

Around 20,000 students from 100 primary schools across Queensland will gain life-shaping lessons from stars of Paralympic sport after the Queensland Government announced a new investment in Paralympics Australia’s Imagine Education Program. The $400,000 allocation over four years was announced by Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander at Stafford Heights State School in Brisbane on Thursday…

Elizabeth Anderson on Digital Accessibilitys and Its Role in Reducing Digital Poverty

March 3, 2025 | Source: EdTech Innovation Hub- UK

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, explores the role of digital accessibility in tackling digital poverty, highlighting the importance of inclusive design and accessibility standards in creating equal opportunities for education, employment, and daily life in an increasingly digital world. For millions across the UK, navigating an increasingly digital society can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Nearly 9 million adults lack basic digital skills, and 16 percent of the population remains unable to engage fully in today’s digital-first society…

Aliyah and accessibility: The reality for disabled immigrants in Israel

March 3, 2025 | Source: The Jerusalem Post- Israel

Approximately 16% of the global population experiences disability (World Health Organization, 2023), while in Israel the figure is even higher, at around 20% (Justice Ministry, 2021). Highlighting the growing relevance of disability in Israel, the state comptroller announced last week that the current war has resulted in an additional NIS 2.5 billion being paid out in disability benefits to wounded soldiers and civilians (nearly five times the total benefits paid in 2022)…

Arts Accessibility in Calgary

March 3, 2025 | Source: The Scene- Canada

It’s dark. If you are sighted, a blindfold sits across your eyes, blocking your vision, as you prepare to be immersed in Translations. One of 10 dancers is assigned to you during the performance; 10 dancers for 10 audience members. You hear their breath as they move. You listen as they describe what they are doing. A soloist takes centre stage, and your assigned dancer traces the soloist’s movements along your back. A dance show for the non-visual senses, which was created with visually impaired audience members in mind, Translations was performed at Inside Out Theatre as part of Springboard Performance’s Fluid Festival last fall…

Available tech, affordability, drawbacks: All you need to know about India’s accessibility gap

March 3, 2025 | Source: Newslaundry- India

I remember my childhood, a time when the radio was our only window to the world. For a visually impaired person like me, the news bulletins, cricket commentaries and entertainment programmes broadcast over the airwaves weren’t just pastimes – they were our sole source of information. The limitations never bothered us back then. We never questioned whether the news was filtered through government controls, nor did we wonder whether it truly served public interests…

Apple invited a Deaf person to experience Music Haptics – here’s what they think

March 3, 2025 | Source: Liam O’Dell- UK

It was back in May that Apple first announced its Music Haptics feature for deaf and hard of hearing users, but I was among a group of disability campaigners which had a closer look during an event in London on Thursday – here’s my honest opinion. Ironically, I hadn’t heard about Music Haptics before getting the lift up to the event space at Battersea Power Station. Apple’s director of accessibility, Sarah Herrlinger, explained how it uses the iPhone’s ‘Taptic Engine’ to enhance music with pulses, taps and vibrations…

Accessibility must be at the heart of rail reforms

March 4, 2025 | Source: Transport for All- UK

On 3rd of March 2025 Transport for All CEO Caroline Stickland gave a speech to the Transport Times conference. She challenged the Government’s current rail consultation, and called for accessibility to be at the heart of proposals for reform, so that disabled people can travel easily and safely on our rail network. This is the transcript of her speech. I’m Caroline Stickland, CEO at Transport for All – the disabled people’s organisation working for transport justice for all disabled people…

Commissioners slam NSW and WA govts over ‘shameful’ inaction on accessible homes

March 4, 2025 | Source: Australian Human Rights Commission- Australia

Australia’s Disability and Age Discrimination Commissioners have called out the governments of NSW and Western Australia for failing older people and people with disability by not requiring new homes in their jurisdictions to meet the minimum national accessibility standards in the National Construction Code (NCC). All other Australian states and territories have committed to the NCC’s minimum accessibility standards such as a step-free entrance, wider doorways, accessible bathrooms and corridors that allow for easy movement with mobility aids, ensuring a safe and continuous path of travel throughout a dwelling…

Accessibility of Ukrainian government websites increases for fourth year in a row

March 6, 2025 | Source: ReliefWeb- Ukraine and United Nations Development Programme

For the fourth year in a row, the level of basic web accessibility of government websites in Ukraine has risen, according to the fourth annual analysis of the basic accessibility of 100 websites of executive authorities. The analysis was conducted at the end of 2024 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine together with the Digital Accessibility Competence Centre as part of the DIA Support Project, which is funded by Sweden. In 2024, 24 out of 100 analysed websites of government bodies in Ukraine were at sufficient and high levels of accessibility for people with disabilities…

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