The Americans with Disabilities Act covers many aspects of disability rights that affect the everyday lives of people with disabilities. One major element of the ADA is its regulations regarding sidewalks. A new paper, written by faculty and students at Syracuse University College of Law, presents the historical and modern state of the ADA's legal influence on sidewalks and answers important legal questions about the duties of local communities and governments under the ADA.

The paper examines several topics, including how different laws define "sidewalk," when performing sidewalk repairs will bring older sidewalks under the scope of the ADA, and how snow removal can affect accessibility. It also offers a summary of the currently available resources for businesses and governments to use in planning for accessible sidewalks.

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It's estimated that people who receive Social Security could see a 1.8% increase in 2018.  This is based on an annual cost of living adjustment.  The cost of living adjustment is based on consumer price index data.  The article explains that estimating the cost of living adjustment has been more challenging this year due to the impact of the major hurricanes.

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The Justice Department issued guidance earlier this year to facilitate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during interactions criminal justice entities have with individuals with mental health, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. The document sets forth the key regulatory provisions under the ADA and also provides recommendations for anticipating and preparing for disability-related needs of individuals. Recommendations include training criminal justice personnel, conducting reviews of policies and procedures, and collaborating with mental health and disability service providers.

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A new report reveals that direct care workers can't afford to stay in their jobs.  The average home care worker makes $10.49 an hour, but due to varying hours, people typically don't make enough to live on.  The report states that most home care workers live below the poverty line.

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According to a new national report, Wisconsin is expected to need an additional 20,000 home care workers  by 2024.  It's widely known that there is already a serve shortage of care workers in the state.  Many blame low wages and poor working conditions for this.  A 4% increase for Medicaid reimbursement for personal care workers was approved in the recent state budget, but many  felt a 15% increase is needed to do  any good.

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In 2017, the National Association of States United for Aging Disabilities administered a survey of state agencies that deliver Long Term Services and Supports, including aging and disability agencies as well as Medicaid programs, regarding the significant policy, fiscal, and operational issues occurring within each state. During the survey, they collected detailed information about the structure of agencies, the supports provided, and the populations served by state programs.

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A first of its kind digital hub is designed to address needs of over 1 billion people facing disability, digital literacy or aging related barriers.  The unique online digital hub was launched in 2017 at a conference  in the UK.  It provides the resources needed to learn about, create, improve and market accessible products.  

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Google is looking to the public in an effort to make navigating the world easier for people with disabilities.  They're asking users to add information about wheelchair accessibility to entries on Google Maps. Wheelchair accessibility was added to Google Maps last year, and now they're making a push to add more accessibility attributes to the map.

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