This is an interesting court case about three Arizona residents, who are deaf, as well as the National Association for the Deaf (NAD) won an early victory in their case against state and local governments in which they seek implementation of text to 911 capabilities. In February, just over a year after the suit was filed, a judge in the Arizona District Court denied the defendants' motion to dismiss the case.

The suit alleges that the existing 911 services available to deaf individuals are inadequate. The options are to use either obsolete "text-telephone" devices (TTY devices), which most people who are deaf do not have, or use telecommunications relay services (TRS), which requires high-speed internet connections. This decision allows the plaintiffs to proceed in their attempt to establish that the law requires accessibility to 911 services -- through text to 911.

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A new dating app, Glimmer, is trying to create an inclusive space for online dating, particularly for people with disabilities. The app is not exclusively for the disability community but provides options to disclose disabilities easily. It aims to connect people "based on similar interests and lifestyles," unlike mainstream dating apps. Glimmer wants people to feel comfortable talking about all areas of life and hopes to change the culture of online dating. Glimmer not only aims to connect people romantically but also provides an opportunity for people to create friendships based on a of variety of discovery settings.

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In an effort to attract and retain more nursing home caregivers, Wisconsin is launching an innovative program called the Caregiver Career Program.   The program is designed to add up to 3,000 nurse aides to the workforce.  DHS is working together with nursing homes, LeadingAge Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Health Care Association, and the Wisconsin Technical Colleges to develop the program which will offer things such as free training and testing to students and a $500 retention bonus  for aides after six months on the job at a nursing home.  It will also include a marketing and recruitment plan.

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Late in March, a proposal to overhaul the nation's healthcare system and revamp Medicaid was voted down.  Advocates feel it's  good news  for people with disabilities.  There were simply not enough votes to pass the legislation.

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Many celebrities are going after the term "special needs."  Actresses and actors from popular tv shows dubbed a video clip entitled, "Not Special Needs."  The clip suggests that people who have Down syndrome don't have special needs.  It explains that they have the same needs as everyone else.  

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This is a neat project that was done in North Wales.  In hopes to change people's perspective, a photographer took photos and interviewed people with disabilities about what they wish others understood about their condition.  The photos highlight the unique abilities of those who have disabilities.

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PACER's National Parent Center on Transition & Employment (NPCTE) has a new section on their website focused on health and transition. Find information on health-related IEP goals, how to transition from pediatric care to adult care, building self-care and self-advocacy skills, and more.

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This issue of Impact highlights ways in which disability service providers, health and wellness professionals, community fitness and recreation programs, employers, advocates, individuals with disabilities, and their families can help ensure that health and wellness activities are as available to individuals with disabilities as to anyone else. It shares examples of how adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are involved in healthy activity, making social connections, developing supportive relationships, and actively participating in health care. Impact is published by the Institute on Community Integration & Research and Training Center on Community Living.

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