U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued new protections for people with disabilities in commercial air travel to make sure they can fly safely and with dignity. The new final rule requires that airlines meet tougher standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities, especially for passengers who use … Continued
The Justice Department announced its findings that Arizona’s Department of Child Safety (DCS) violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against parents, including foster parents and other caregivers, and children with disabilities. DCS did not communicate effectively with parents and children with hearing disabilities and failed to reasonably accommodate the needs of parents … Continued
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit saying Alto Experience, Inc., a ride-hailing company violated federal law when it denied reasonable accommodations and employment to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who applied to work as personal drivers. The company currently operates in Texas, Florida, and California. Alto wouldn’t hire qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing … Continued
As part of the Developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Equity, Access & Inclusion for All Series, the Access Board will present its initial findings on the risks and benefits of AI for people with disabilities. The findings are based on the results of three recent AI hearings held in August 2024, research, and comments from the … Continued
The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) has tools, resources, and practical tips to help employers put inclusive hiring practices into action. Inclusive hiring means people with disabilities have equal access at every stage of the hiring process. This benefits both disabled employees and employers because they provide a welcoming work environment … Continued
The City of Flagstaff received a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration for $4,989,600 for its Amtrak Station Accessibility Project. The project includes the reconstruction of the north platform and the addition of a new south platform, which will improve passenger accessibility, rail efficiency, and … Continued
The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a statement of interest in a federal lawsuit saying the foster care system operated by Los Angeles County and the State of California fails to provide youth with mental health disabilities with enough access to housing, behavioral health, and other services. Instead, it places them in institutions for care. … Continued
Cruz Construction Co., Inc., agreed to pay $56,000 and complete other actions following an investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC found that the company fired an administrative assistant in July 2023, two days after she requested a reasonable accommodation for a disability. This action violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. … Continued
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a $50 million penalty against American Airlines for serious violations of the laws protecting airline passengers with disabilities between 2019 and 2023. DOT’s investigation into American Airlines uncovered cases of: Unsafe physical assistance that at times led to injuries and undignified treatment of wheelchair users, Repeated failures to … Continued
The Southeast ADA Center has updated its list of disability and voting access resources. It includes resources from many organizations, including the: U.S. Department of Justice, Great Plains ADA Center, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Coalition on Accessible Voting (NCAV), American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD), and U.S. Election Assistance Commission. For more … Continued
