Recent news and analysis on Disability

Disability news covering accessibility, ADA enforcement, benefits policy, adaptive technology, and disabled-led advocacy.

• "Autistic children drown at alarming rates - swim lessons and water safety strategies can save their lives"

  This commentary argues that autistic children face a significantly higher risk of drowning and that adaptive swim lessons can reduce this danger. It suggests that traditional swim instruction often fails to meet the unique needs of autistic learners, and calls for specialized training for instructors and practical safety strategies for families.

• John Arthur: "Opinion: Utah has a chance to lead in special education"

  This commentary argues that Utah has made progress in special education but persistent disparities remain, including lower graduation rates and higher disciplinary actions for students with disabilities. It contends that the state can lead by addressing funding shortages, teacher shortages, and uneven access to advocacy, especially in light of federal oversight changes.

• "Separate classrooms, more staff: How CPS is coping with a staggering rise in special ed needs and costs"

  This commentary argues that Chicago Public Schools is facing a crisis due to a surge in special education needs, particularly autism, which is straining resources and budgets. It contends that the district must find innovative solutions to meet legal obligations and support students, highlighting the personal story of a mother navigating the system.

• "He was told he'd never walk again. So he set off on a trip with his best friend anyway"

  This commentary profiles Fletcher Crowley and Lachie Bennett's global adventure, arguing that a positive mindset and friendship can overcome physical limitations. It suggests that wheelchair users can experience inaccessible landmarks through creativity and determination, challenging conventional notions of accessibility.

• "The Chef Imagining a More Accessible World, One Meal at a Time"

  This commentary profiles chef Lay Alston, who after a spinal cord injury uses her dinner series Yaya's Crib to foster connection and accessibility. The author argues that Alston's approach to cooking and hosting exemplifies how food can build community and challenge assumptions about disability, offering a model for a more inclusive world.

• "Preston woman uses smart glasses to keep guide dog safe in heat"

  This commentary argues that AI-enhanced smart glasses offer a viable alternative for visually-impaired individuals during hot weather, when guide dogs cannot be safely worked. It highlights the technology's role in maintaining independence while protecting animal welfare, suggesting a balanced approach to assistive tools.

• "Woman with dwarfism opens up about dating—and the behavior she can't ignore"

  This commentary profiles Ivy Angst, a woman with dwarfism, who discusses the challenges of dating, including negative reactions from partners' families and fetishization. It argues that societal ignorance and prejudice, rather than the condition itself, create obstacles in her romantic life.

• Taiwan speech therapist indicted for abusing 29 disabled children

  A speech therapist in New Taipei, Taiwan, was indicted for allegedly sexually abusing 29 minors with speech and cognitive impairments on 107 occasions. Prosecutors seek a 20-year sentence for the therapist, identified as Chen, on charges of aggravated forcible indecency. The victims were all under 12 years old.

• Paralyzed man regains hand movement through brain stimulation

  A man paralyzed from a diving accident regained movement and feeling in his hands through brain stimulation, and maintained gains for months after stimulation was turned off due to a building fire. Keith Thomas, 48, can now control individual fingers more accurately even without stimulation.

• NOD launches EnAble Learning for disability inclusion training

  The National Organization on Disability launched EnAble Learning, a digital platform offering self-paced courses on mental health, neurodiversity, and disability inclusion. The scalable subscription model includes premium features like analytics and LMS integration for organizations of all sizes.