News
ACL UPDATES: U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Proposed Rule to Improve Accessibility of Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft
By SD Network, 2022-03-29
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it is publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would improve the accessibility of lavatories for people with disabilities traveling on new single-aisle aircraft.
“Far too often, travelers with disabilities don’t have the opportunity to fly to their destinations because they can’t access the lavatories on most airplanes,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This rule would make airplane lavatories more accessible for passengers with disabilities, and bring us one step closer to the day when air travel is possible for everyone.” Currently, there is no federal requirement that lavatories on single-aisle aircraft be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The inability to use the lavatory on long flights can present significant challenges to passengers who use wheelchairs. Some passengers, knowing that they will not be able to use the toilet during a flight, dehydrate themselves so that they do not need to urinate. These actions can cause many adverse health effects. Other passengers use adult diapers or catheters, which they may find degrading and uncomfortable. Still other wheelchair users avoid flying altogether. Single-aisle aircraft now operate the vast majority of domestic flights, including a large share of long, cross-country flights. The proposed rule would require airlines to make at least one lavatory on new single-aisle aircraft with 125 or more passenger seats large enough to permit a passenger with a disability (with the help of an assistant, if necessary) to approach, enter, and maneuver within the aircraft lavatory, to use all facilities in that lavatory, and to leave using the aircraft’s onboard wheelchair. This rulemaking is one of the DOT’s highest priority regulatory initiatives because it advances equity and reduces discrimination by increasing access to transportation for individuals with disabilities. The proposed rule would apply to new aircraft ordered 18 years after the effective date of the final rule or delivered 20 years after the effective date of the final rule. It is the result of a 2016 negotiated rulemaking that was produced through a consensus among a cross-section of stakeholders, including disability organizations such as Paralyzed Veterans of America and the National Disability Rights Network; the Association of Flight Attendants; Airbus; and airlines. However, given this long timeframe and in recognition of the affirmative responsibility of the federal government to advance equity, civil rights and equal opportunity for all individuals, DOT is seeking comment on whether these accessibility improvements could be implemented more quickly than proposed. Based on the comments it receives, DOT may adjust the implementation timeline as part of the final rule. DOT encourages members of the public and interested parties to submit comments on the NRPM. View the notice and request for comment in the Federal Register. The NPRM can also be found at on the DOT website and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2021-0137. DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) assists, educates, and protects aviation consumers by reviewing and responding to thousands of consumer complaints about air travel; investigating and enforcing, as appropriate, violations of aviation consumer protection, civil rights, and licensing requirements against airlines and ticket agents; and assessing the need for and drafting aviation consumer protection and civil rights regulations. Additional information and resources, including information on how to file a complaint with OACP. |
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Artificial intelligence has blown up in recent years. People use it multiple times a day to perform tasks or to obtain information. For many people with disabilities, artificial intelligence has made a huge impact on independence. There are countless examples of this.One unique way is in the classroom. This article talks several different ways robots can be used to assist children with disabilities in the classroom.
A new coffee shop called, Inclusion Coffee Co., recently opened in Waukesha. The owner has always wanted a place where people with disabilities felt equal and valued. The goal of this coffee shop is to have 50% of the staff be people with disabilities. Unlike many other restaurants, employees with disabilities will actually help make the food and drinks. Training will be hands-on with employees learning every process of running a restaurant.
MACPAC.GOV: State Efforts to Address Medicaid Home-and Community-Based Services Workforce Shortages
By SD Network, 2022-03-29
This issue brief looks at state Medicaid levers to address the HCBS workforce shortage, and is based on a literature review, stakeholder interviews, and a panel at MACPAC’s October 2021 public meeting. State strategies for increasing HCBS workforce capacity include raising worker wages, providing benefits, expanding training opportunities, developing recruitment and retention initiatives, and supporting family caregivers. This issue brief also provides examples of state actions in each of these areas and explores how states plan to use funds provided under the American Rescue Plan Act to further support the HCBS workforce.
WUWM 89.7: People with disabilities worry about tougher time voting in Wisconsin
By SD Network, 2022-03-29
Due to recent court rulings, many people with disabilities are worried about their ability to vote in the April election. They also are concerned about being able to vote in larger elections later this year. Under the rulings, it's illegal to have someone else put absentee ballots in mailboxes or drop boxes. There are also questions around getting assistance filling out the ballot. The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to have more to say about these rulings this summer.
ACL UPDATES: US Department of Education Launches Real Pay for Real Jobs Initiative for People with Disabilities
By SD Network, 2022-03-29
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US ACCESS BOARD: Department of Justice Issues Web Accessibility Guidance Under the ADA
By SD Network, 2022-03-29
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has published guidance on web accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to inform state and local governments and businesses open to the public on how to ensure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities. This guidance uses plain language and clear examples to review Title II and Title III of the ADA, the importance of web accessibility, barriers that inaccessible websites create for some people with disabilities, requirements of the ADA to web content, and tips on making web content accessible.
APPLIED SELF-DIRECTION: What Would a Great Self-Direction Program Look Like?
By SD Network, 2022-03-14
A review of self-direction literature, statutes, policies, and advocacy papers in the U.S. and other countries reveals a number of recurrent aspirations of the creators of these programs. Considering these themes as a whole makes it possible to generate a composite vision of a “Great Self-Direction Program” with a number of discrete elements. This paper is an attempt by long-time, InControl Wisconsin board member, Lynn Breedlove at describing such an aspirational program, which doesn’t exist anywhere (yet). It is intended to be a starting place for a conversation, not the last word on the subject.
You can email Lynn with any questions or comments you may have.
KAISER HEALTH NEWS: Pandemic Medical Innovations Leave Behind People With Disabilities
By SD Network, 2022-03-14
Going into the third year of the pandemic, things such as telemedicine, working at-home rapid tests, virtual schooling, and drive-thru vaccine clinics have become the norm for most people. However, as people raced to come up with solutions for living in a pandemic, some people with disabilities were left behind. Medical things such as interpreters for virtual appointments, an small print instructions for at-home tests, long lines at drive-thru testing or vaccine sites for non-drivers who rely on other paid transportation, and various other things have made it more challenging for people with disabilities.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Gov. Evers, DHS Announce 154 Wisconsin National Guard Members Completed CNA Training Course Since January
By SD Network, 2022-03-14
Governor Evers recently announced that 154 National Guard members have completed certified nursing assistant (CNA) training to assist with staffing in hospitals and nursing homes. This is intended to be short-term.