New and existing buildings receiving funds from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) won’t have to meet accessibility requirements starting September 12. On May 16, the agency used a direct final rule to announce it’s rescinding a rule requiring any building receiving federal funds, whether for new construction or undergoing renovation, to be made accessible. … Continued
The Supreme Court made it easier for students with disabilities to sue to enforce their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws passed to make sure children with disabilities get appropriate schooling. While the decision may be narrow, it does not decrease its importance for many children with disabilities—children who face “daunting … Continued
Congress is considering drastic budget cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the upcoming weeks. These budget cuts put critical programs and services for people with disabilities at risk, including the Pacific ADA Center and the entire ADA National Network. HHS plans to “reorganize” the Administration on Community Living (ACL). Established … Continued
The film, Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act, is now available to stream. Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act tells the story of the decades-long push for equality and accessibility that led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. Told through the voices of key participants … Continued
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) has new resources that talk about protections for people across the State, including those with disabilities. Through new fact sheets and trainings, they are letting Californians know about their rights and to report discrimination. These resources include: New sessions of CRD’s Civil Rights 101 webinar series. In-depth guidance on … Continued
This lawsuit was filed by 17 states and would invalidate many of the protections for people with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and its updated Section 504 regulations. Section 504 prohibits disability discrimination by the federal government and by those who get federal funding in areas like health care, education, employment, housing, … Continued
The Great Plains ADA Center has developed a series of web pages to help poll workers train their volunteers and staff to understand the rights and possible needs of voters with disabilities. It provides an overview of training topics recommended for polling place staff and volunteers, including: Voting rights Voter assistance Disability awareness Disability awareness … Continued
The Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to hear a case that will decide whether retirees can sue for disability discrimination because of changes to retiree benefit plans. A former firefighter sued the city of Sanford, Florida, claiming it discriminated against her when it shortened the length of health benefits for disabled retirees. … Continued
On July 25th, the U.S. Access Board issued a final rule setting a low transfer height of 17 inches for medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) used when people are lying face-up, face-down, or on their side, or sitting up. The rule removes the old accessibility standards for MDE, which allowed for a low transfer height of … Continued
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to improve access to medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) for people with disabilities. Accessible MDE is very important for people with disabilities to have equal access to medical care. MDE includes equipment like: Medical examination tables, Weight … Continued
