Great Plains ADA Center
The ADA Report -April, 2023
APRIL is AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
Illustration of hands of different sizes and bright colors reaching up.
In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC)/National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) will be updating this page with the latest news and events during the month.

SUPREME COURT CASES & LEGISLATION

The case, which pertains to whether hotels in the US are in compliance with an American Disabilities Act provision that requires them to “identify and describe their accessible features,” was dismissed by the original trial court. However, an appeals court has allowed the case to proceed and the defendants, which include operators and owners of the hotels, have asked the Supreme Court to weigh in on the issue of whether “people who never intend to visit the accommodations they are challenging can nonetheless sue.”

A unanimous Supreme Court ruled that a deaf student can sue his school for its failure to provide him a public education tailored to his needs. 

-bloomberglaw.com
EMPLOYMENT

Among other efforts, awareness, and communication can reduce barriers and stigma, a recent report says.



According to the EEOC’s suit, from May through August 2020, a customer service repre­sentative with a disability in a Total Systems’ call center repeatedly requested to work remotely as a reasonable accommodation because of her high-risk status with respect to COVID-19. At the time, the employee’s call center co-workers were regularly testing positive for the virus, the EEOC said.

Data Report: Workers with Disabilities in Skilled Trades
The U.S. Department of Labor analyzed the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey responses. It published highlights related to disabled workers employed in skilled trade jobs and Black workers with disabilities in skilled trade jobs. The analyses found that about a quarter of employed people with disabilities are working in skilled trade professions, with the largest number working in the transportation field.
HEALTH, WELLNESS, & RECREATION

While this article applies to the general population, it serves as a reminder of the critical importance of accessible and inclusive communities for older adults.
The Kelly Brush Foundation created this web portal to be a one-stop shop for finding information, programs and community for a variety of adaptive sports and recreational activities — everything from wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis, to handcycling, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and more.
Row of several men using adaptive equipment for trails.
TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION
Yellow self-driving car with male wheelchair user entering the car.




Great article for fellow travelers and airport staff from the perspective of a wheelchair user.
NEW RESOURCES
Two Asian women crossing the street. One woman is guiding the other, who is blind, with her arm.
The Center for Disability Health and Wellness and Michigan Medicine's Office of Patient Experience has developed a human guide (sighted guides) program. Anyone can take the training module and receive recognition of completion.
Presenters from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network will share information about how to write policy in easy to understand language in this webinar series offered through the Self-advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center.

The toolkit has been refreshed with updated information about disabilities, tribes and resources to increase awareness and knowledge of the needs of Native elders living with disabilities. NCD collaborated with the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA), who undertook updating the toolkit. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT the MOST COMPREHENSIVE CONFERENCE AVAILABLE on the ADA!
National ADA Symposium
May 21-24 Kansas City, MO (Westin Crown Center)

Virtual ADA Symposium--June 12-14
ADA NATIONAL NETWORK TRAININGS

Wednesday, April 12th, 8:00 AM- 12:00 PM Central
Sponsor: New England ADA Center

Thursday, April 13th, 1:00 - 2:30 PM Central
Sponsor: Great Lakes ADA Center

Tuesday, April 18th, 1:00 - 2:30 PM Central
Sponsor: Great Lakes ADA Center, ADA National Network

Thursday, April 27th, 1:30 - 3:00 PM Central
(Registration Opens Friday, April 14th)
Sponsor: Pacific ADA Center, ADA National Network