News
NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO: 35 years after ADA, people with disabilities still find hotels unaccommodating
By SD Network, 2025-12-31
This article from NPR highlights the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing accommodations at hotels, even 35 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Despite federal laws mandating accessibility, an NPR survey and interviews reveal widespread issues, including inaccessible rooms, design flaws, and inadequate staff training. The article shares personal stories of travelers encountering barriers such as high beds, inaccessible bathrooms, broken pool lifts, and non-functional wheelchair shuttles. It explores systemic issues within the hotel industry, such as ownership complexities and high staff turnover, which hinder compliance with ADA standards. The piece also discusses the role of government enforcement, the impact of "drive-by lawsuits," and the lack of accessibility in alternative lodging options like Airbnb. While some hotels and staff are praised for their efforts, many travelers feel excluded and frustrated, leading some to avoid travel altogether. The article underscores the need for consistent accessibility improvements and highlights the business opportunity for hotels that prioritize inclusivity.
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO: Northern Wisconsin town agrees to bring accessible voting machine back
By SD Network, 2025-12-30
After losing its case in two federal courts, a northern Wisconsin town has agreed to use an electronic voting machine designed for people with disabilities. The dispute stems from the town’s 2023 decision to remove voting machines due to their “controversial nature.” In a settlement approved by U.S. District Court Judge James Peterson on Dec. 19, the Rusk County Town of Thornapple agreed to make at least one voting machine designed for people with disabilities available in all federal elections through 2026.
ABC NEWS: For the 1st time ever, a person who uses a wheelchair will fly to space
By SD Network, 2025-12-22
A historic milestone in space exploration is about to happen, as Michaela "Michi" Benthaus, an aerospace and mechatronics engineer at the European Space Agency (ESA), is set to become the first person who uses a wheelchair to travel to space. The article details her journey aboard Blue Origin's NS-37 mission, which will take her and five other crew members past the Kármán line on a suborbital flight. Benthaus, who suffered a spinal cord injury in 2018, has been an advocate for accessibility in space exploration and has participated in various space-related activities, including a Zero-G research flight and an analog astronaut mission.
Major changes to ABLE accounts are coming in 2026. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act moves the onset age of the disability to 46. It was previously 26. The change will allow more people to be eligible to create ABLE accounts.
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On December 2, 2025, the IRIS 1915(c) waiver renewal was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for a five-year period with effective dates from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030. Learn more about the IRIS Waiver Renewal. |
NEW HORIZONS UNLIMITED: A Story of Being Human: A Future Worth Fighting For
By SD Network, 2025-12-19
New Horizons Un-Limited interviewed BPDD's Executive Director Beth Swedeen about current threats to disability programs and the power of Wisconsin's disability community. She also discussed how great it is to see so many stepping up and speaking out.
THE COMMONWEALTH FUND; How Medical Frailty Exemption Policies Can Offer a Lifeline to People with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses When Medicaid Work Requirements Are Implemented
By SD Network, 2025-12-19
H.R. 1 requires Medicaid expansion states to implement work requirements by January 1, 2027. Medical frailty exemptions exist but processes are underdeveloped. While 34% of Medicaid enrollees report disabilities, only 10% qualify based on disability determination. About 5.3 million people expected to lose coverage. States need new IT systems costing $10-270 million to identify medically frail enrollees. Authors recommend broad definitions, self-attestation options, and reasonable accommodations.
FORBES: How Immigration Curbs Make Care Less Affordable For Seniors And Others
By SD Network, 2025-12-19
Personal care aide pay averaged $16.78/hour in 2024, but actual family cost through agencies reached $34/hour with annual costs approaching $78,000. Over 300,000 aides left during the pandemic. About one-third of home care workers are immigrants; many now face deportation or fear for family members.