NEWS
July 28, 2025
​
HAYES, BLUMENTHAL INTRODUCE RESOLUTION DECLARING FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
​
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced a joint resolution reaffirming federal support of the Americans with Disabilities Act and legislation instructing publicly-funded infrastructure projects to be made fully accessible to all.
​
This resolution aligns U.S. policy with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a widely supported international treaty ratified by over 85% of United Nations member states. The Convention recognizes global disability across various areas, including infrastructure design, communications, and accessibility.
​
“Every person deserves equal respect and protection under the law. It is unacceptable that all government buildings are not fully accessible to all Americans,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “I remain fully committed to promoting legislative efforts that make access to opportunities available to all persons with disabilities. This resolution is a continuation of the transformative, bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes provisions to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities and deliver on the promise of equity.”
​
“Many federal buildings remain inaccessible for Americans with disabilities—creating a physical barrier to vital services. Our resolution reaffirms every American’s right to equal opportunity by pledging to ensure that all federally funded buildings, housing, and infrastructure work for everyone,” said Senator Blumenthal.
​
This resolution builds on several years of efforts by Congresswoman Hayes to support Americans living with disabilities. Congresswoman Hayes has championed legislation to increase wages and phase out subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities, and she has advocated for increased funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) for eligible persons with disabilities. In March 2021, Congresswoman Hayes voted for the American Rescue Plan, which provided relief for people with disabilities, including additional support for behavioral health services and significant investments in HCBS. Congresswoman Hayes and Senator Blumenthal have introduced similar resolutions in previous Congressional sessions that recognize the need to improve physical access to federally funded facilities.
​
Hayes and Blumenthal were joined by Reps. Steve Cohen (TN-9), Donald G. Davis (NC-1), Debbie Dingell (MI-6), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Pablo Jose Hernandez (PR-At Large), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Darren Soto (FL-9), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Dina Titus (NV-1), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
​
This resolution is endorsed by the following organizations: The ARC, the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Family Voices, the National Black Disability Coalition, and the United States International Council on Disabilities.
Trump Administration Withdraws ADA Guidance
​
The U.S. Department of Justice is rescinding numerous guidance documents clarifying requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including some dating back to 1999.
​
The agency said this week that it removed the guidance in accordance with a memorandum issued by President Donald Trump aimed at lowering the cost of living.
​
“Today’s withdrawal of 11 pieces of unnecessary and outdated guidance will aid businesses in complying with the ADA by eliminating unnecessary review and focusing only on current ADA guidance,” the Justice Department said.
Medicaid Cuts Could Upend Lives of Children with Disabilities
​
NAPA, Calif. — Jessica Pequeño of Napa has been taking breaks from watching the news lately. But when she opens her social media feeds for the support groups she frequents for parents of children with disabilities, they’re full of panicked chatter about the news she’s been trying to avoid.
Medicaid — the state and federally funded program that provides health coverage for almost 15 million Californians and about half of the state’s children — could face billions of dollars in federal cuts under a budget proposal from Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives. That’s alarmed families like the Pequeños, who rely on Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, to pay for medical care and other support for their children with chronic conditions.
Pequeño’s 11-year-old son, Xavier, has a rare genetic immune disorder that undermines his body’s ability to fight disease. Thanks to Medi-Cal, Xavier receives medications that keep him alive and would otherwise cost his family around $100,000 a month. The program also pays for Xavier’s medical equipment such as a wheelchair and portable oxygen tank, antibody and respiratory treatments, and hospital stays when he gets sick. Read More...
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BREAKING NEW: Opportunities
​
Self Direction and Community Living Outcomes for People of Color - Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy & Management​
​
The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy & Management seeks participants for its study on Self-Direction and Community Living Outcomes for People of Color.
​
The Lurie Institute seeks participants for its study to understand the experiences of disabled people of color who self-direct their support services—making decisions about the type of support services they get, when they get services, and what support staff should help them. For example, you may hire and fire your own support workers, or you may control a budget for services or goods that support your wellness.
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We are interested in learning what services you receive, what services you need, and how culturally and linguistically appropriate the services are.
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If you are interested in participating and are a person of color with a disability or medical condition who is 18 years or older, please contact our team at sdequity@brandeis.edu.
​
Participation includes an interview (in English or Spanish) over the telephone or video-conference. The interview will last about 1 to 1.5 hours. Participants will receive a $50 gift card for their time.
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Visit our web page for more information: https://heller.brandeis.edu/community-living-policy/clec/research/studies/self-direction-people-of-color.html
View our short video about the study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_MUYdizbOU [youtube.com]
​
​
CALLING BLACK FAMILIES: Help Shape the Future of Special Education - Rutgers University​
​
Are you the parent or caregiver of a Black boy in grades 4, 5, or 6 who receives special education services?
A doctoral researcher from Rutgers University is conducting a study to better understand the educational experiences of Black boys classified with:
-
Emotional Disturbance (ED)
-
Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
-
Intellectual Disability (ID)
The goal is to amplify Black voices and inform how schools can provide more affirming, culturally responsive support for our sons with disabilities.
Participants will complete a brief interview (virtual or in-person) and receive a $25 gift card.
Parents/guardians will complete a short survey and also receive a $25 gift card.
“We value your voice. We honor your child’s experience. Together, we can help schools do better.”
To learn more or express interest, contact:
Leisa Walker
Doctoral Candidate, Rutgers University
(732) 309-1679
leisaw@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
http://linkedin.com/in/lwalkerlcsw
​
​
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ADVOCACY
Thank you Senator Casey
Dear Friends:
​
Last week, the Senate Special Committee on Aging held its final hearing of the 118th Congress entitled, Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive.
​
The hearing focused on some of the most pressing issues for people with disabilities, such as home and community-based services, digital accessibility, education and employment accessibility, and economic stability. Making progress across these areas will help people with disabilities have the same opportunities available to all Americans.
It has been an honor to serve as Chair of this Committee and to work for Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and older Americans. As we heard from advocates around the country, the work is not done. We must continue to advance disability policy.
​
I am proud of the work this Committee has accomplished under my tenure and am thankful for the support of my colleagues.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
Chairman, Senate Special Committee on Aging
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America: 2025
The Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America includes many of the key indicators identified in a comprehensive 2008 study, Keeping Track: National Disability Status and Program Performance Indicators, conducted by the National Council on Disability (NCD). This NCD report used a systematic approach of stakeholder input to select indicators based on data availability and ability to address key areas of interest to stakeholders. The resulting indicators were in the following areas of interest: employment, educational attainment, health and health care, financial status and security, leisure recreation, personal relationships, and crime/safety.
​
To View Full Report visit Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America: 2025
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION
Six University of Michigan research teams have been awarded funding through the Office of the Provost’s Disability Scholarship Initiative.
The initiative supports the pursuit of new scholarship aimed at better understanding and addressing the concerns of faculty and staff on the Ann Arbor campus who have disabilities.
​​
It aligns with existing efforts to strengthen the institutional commitment to an inclusive and accessible campus, and embraces a broad definition of disability, which includes mental, physical, sensory and cognitive differences.
All funded proposals address the Vision 2034 pillars of health and well-being and life-changing education. The initiative is made possible with gift funds.
​
“The response to our Disability Scholarship Initiative has been remarkable, highlighting the deep well of expertise and passion within our academic community,” said Provost Laurie McCauley. “As these innovative projects take shape, they will do more than advance scholarship. They’ll fundamentally transform how we support and empower our colleagues with disabilities.
​
“What excites me most is seeing how this work will ripple across departments, fostering collaborations that break down traditional barriers and create lasting positive change. This isn’t just about academic discourse. It’s about building a more inclusive and accessible university for everyone who calls Michigan home.”
After collating feedback from a public request for comment in the summer of 2024, the Provost’s Office issued a call for proposals during the fall semester.
​
Projects were encouraged to be interdisciplinary and could embrace a broad range of methodologies, interventions and implementation approaches, and emphasize work that would increase the understanding or address concerns of Ann Arbor faculty and staff with disabilities. All projects needed to outline a communications and dissemination plan that would be accessible to the U-M community.
Two mechanisms were offered:
​
-
The Emerging Scholars in Disabilities Program supported Ph.D. students or postdoctoral fellows, in partnership with their faculty mentor.
-
The Catalyst Program is led by faculty of any rank and track with up to three years of funding.
​
The Provost’s Office received 22 proposals that spanned nearly all Ann Arbor schools or colleges. Of these, an external panel of reviewers recommended six proposals for funding — one Emerging Scholars project and five in the Catalyst Program. Projects are anticipated to begin early this year.
The Emerging Scholars project is “How do neurodivergent faculty use and envision generative AI tools for their academic life?” The principal investigator is Hira Jamshed, a Ph.D. student in the School of Information.
Catalyst Program projects are:
​
-
“(Doing) Disability research from the (disabled) margins: Constructing community and conceptualizing support” — Co-principal investigators are Emmalon Davis, assistant professor of philosophy, and Ann Heffernan, assistant professor of political science, LSA.
-
“Long COVID, disability, & work: Exploring the lived experience of University of Michigan faculty and staff on the Ann Arbor campus” — Principal investigator is Abigail Dumes, associate professor and associate chair of women’s and gender studies, LSA.
-
“Disability and research safety infrastructure” — Principal investigator is Karl Jepsen, professor of orthopaedic surgery and associate dean for research, Medical School; professor of biomedical engineering, College of Engineering and Medical School.
-
“What does a quiet working space look like? Visualizing faculty and staff preferences at the University of Michigan” — Principal investigator is Joy Knoblauch, associate professor of architecture, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
-
“Build it and they will come — An anti-ableist workplace to enhance our ability to advance health equity for individuals with disabilities” — Principal investigator is Michael McKee, professor of family medicine, and of physical medicine and rehabilitation, and associate director of the Center for Disability Health and Wellness, Medical School.​
​
“These proposals epitomize the tremendous talents of our U-M community to bring their knowledge and skills to advance understanding. Our office is honored to support this exciting scholarship and eagerly awaits the findings of each project team,” said Christopher R. Friese, vice provost for academic and faculty affairs.​
HOUSING
State Settles Lawsuit Over Housing Individuals With Disabilities In Nursing Homes
by Bruce Finley, The Denver Post/TNS | November 8, 2024
DENVER — Colorado has agreed to do more to prevent needless isolation of thousands of people with physical disabilities who were confined to nursing homes, settling a federal lawsuit that claimed state health officials illegally segregated too many people.
​
U.S. Department of Justice officials announced the settlement this month. Colorado officials committed to taking the following actions before February 2026:
​
Help thousands of nursing facility residents move
​
Identify people at risk of unnecessary confinement
​
Give information needed to make choices
​
Help people with disabilities find accessible, affordable housing
​
Connect people with Medicaid long-term care services
​
Boost opportunities for people with disabilities to control their care
​
Support family caregivers
​
HUD Takes Action to Support Community Living for People with Disabilities
New Mainstream Voucher flexibilities designed to help people with disabilities choose where they live
August 2024
WASHINGTON - On the heels of the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 25th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision on Olmstead v. L.C., the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is taking policy actions to support community living for people with disabilities. Specifically, HUD published guidance that creates new alternative requirements and waivers that enable public housing agencies (PHAs) to better utilize Mainstream Vouchers to help persons with disabilities transition from and avoid institutional settings, in furtherance of the goals of Olmstead. Read more...
​
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_24_222
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS
Trump Administration Withdraws ADA Guidance
​
The U.S. Department of Justice is rescinding numerous guidance documents clarifying requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including some dating back to 1999.
​
The agency said this week that it removed the guidance in accordance with a memorandum issued by President Donald Trump aimed at lowering the cost of living.
​
“Today’s withdrawal of 11 pieces of unnecessary and outdated guidance will aid businesses in complying with the ADA by eliminating unnecessary review and focusing only on current ADA guidance,” the Justice Department said.
Medicaid Cuts Could Upend Lives of Children with Disabilities
​
NAPA, Calif. — Jessica Pequeño of Napa has been taking breaks from watching the news lately. But when she opens her social media feeds for the support groups she frequents for parents of children with disabilities, they’re full of panicked chatter about the news she’s been trying to avoid.
Medicaid — the state and federally funded program that provides health coverage for almost 15 million Californians and about half of the state’s children — could face billions of dollars in federal cuts under a budget proposal from Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives. That’s alarmed families like the Pequeños, who rely on Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, to pay for medical care and other support for their children with chronic conditions.
Pequeño’s 11-year-old son, Xavier, has a rare genetic immune disorder that undermines his body’s ability to fight disease. Thanks to Medi-Cal, Xavier receives medications that keep him alive and would otherwise cost his family around $100,000 a month. The program also pays for Xavier’s medical equipment such as a wheelchair and portable oxygen tank, antibody and respiratory treatments, and hospital stays when he gets sick. Read More...
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BREAKING NEW: Opportunities
​
University of Virginia School of Nursing Survey: obstacles accessing healthcare for pregnant disabled and non disabled Black women
The University of Virginia School of Nursing is looking for participants for a study to understand the
obstacles disabled women and birthing people of color face around pregnancy and accessing healthcare.
Our goal is to change clinical practice and education to better serve persons with disabilities.
The study involves one interview over Zoom that will last about 45-60 minutes, and participants will be
compensated $40 for their time. All interviews are confidential and your identity will not be disclosed.
You may qualify if you:
- Have a disability or a disabling condition (vision, mobility, intellectual, learning, or psychological or are Deaf or hard-of hearing
- Identify as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, or multiracial.
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Are pregnant or have had a child in the last 24 months
- Are experiencing/have experienced difficult intimate relationships and/or mood disturbances
If you think you qualify and are interested in participating, please contact Casey Johnson at
disabilityandpregnancy@gmail.com​
​
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ADVOCACY
Thank you Senator Casey
Dear Friends:
​
Last week, the Senate Special Committee on Aging held its final hearing of the 118th Congress entitled, Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive.
​
The hearing focused on some of the most pressing issues for people with disabilities, such as home and community-based services, digital accessibility, education and employment accessibility, and economic stability. Making progress across these areas will help people with disabilities have the same opportunities available to all Americans.
It has been an honor to serve as Chair of this Committee and to work for Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and older Americans. As we heard from advocates around the country, the work is not done. We must continue to advance disability policy.
​
I am proud of the work this Committee has accomplished under my tenure and am thankful for the support of my colleagues.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
Chairman, Senate Special Committee on Aging
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America: 2025
The Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America includes many of the key indicators identified in a comprehensive 2008 study, Keeping Track: National Disability Status and Program Performance Indicators, conducted by the National Council on Disability (NCD). This NCD report used a systematic approach of stakeholder input to select indicators based on data availability and ability to address key areas of interest to stakeholders. The resulting indicators were in the following areas of interest: employment, educational attainment, health and health care, financial status and security, leisure recreation, personal relationships, and crime/safety.
​
To View Full Report visit Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America: 2025
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION
Six University of Michigan research teams have been awarded funding through the Office of the Provost’s Disability Scholarship Initiative.
The initiative supports the pursuit of new scholarship aimed at better understanding and addressing the concerns of faculty and staff on the Ann Arbor campus who have disabilities.
​​
It aligns with existing efforts to strengthen the institutional commitment to an inclusive and accessible campus, and embraces a broad definition of disability, which includes mental, physical, sensory and cognitive differences.
All funded proposals address the Vision 2034 pillars of health and well-being and life-changing education. The initiative is made possible with gift funds.
​
“The response to our Disability Scholarship Initiative has been remarkable, highlighting the deep well of expertise and passion within our academic community,” said Provost Laurie McCauley. “As these innovative projects take shape, they will do more than advance scholarship. They’ll fundamentally transform how we support and empower our colleagues with disabilities.
​
“What excites me most is seeing how this work will ripple across departments, fostering collaborations that break down traditional barriers and create lasting positive change. This isn’t just about academic discourse. It’s about building a more inclusive and accessible university for everyone who calls Michigan home.”
After collating feedback from a public request for comment in the summer of 2024, the Provost’s Office issued a call for proposals during the fall semester.
​
Projects were encouraged to be interdisciplinary and could embrace a broad range of methodologies, interventions and implementation approaches, and emphasize work that would increase the understanding or address concerns of Ann Arbor faculty and staff with disabilities. All projects needed to outline a communications and dissemination plan that would be accessible to the U-M community.
Two mechanisms were offered:
​
-
The Emerging Scholars in Disabilities Program supported Ph.D. students or postdoctoral fellows, in partnership with their faculty mentor.
-
The Catalyst Program is led by faculty of any rank and track with up to three years of funding.
​
The Provost’s Office received 22 proposals that spanned nearly all Ann Arbor schools or colleges. Of these, an external panel of reviewers recommended six proposals for funding — one Emerging Scholars project and five in the Catalyst Program. Projects are anticipated to begin early this year.
The Emerging Scholars project is “How do neurodivergent faculty use and envision generative AI tools for their academic life?” The principal investigator is Hira Jamshed, a Ph.D. student in the School of Information.
Catalyst Program projects are:
​
-
“(Doing) Disability research from the (disabled) margins: Constructing community and conceptualizing support” — Co-principal investigators are Emmalon Davis, assistant professor of philosophy, and Ann Heffernan, assistant professor of political science, LSA.
-
“Long COVID, disability, & work: Exploring the lived experience of University of Michigan faculty and staff on the Ann Arbor campus” — Principal investigator is Abigail Dumes, associate professor and associate chair of women’s and gender studies, LSA.
-
“Disability and research safety infrastructure” — Principal investigator is Karl Jepsen, professor of orthopaedic surgery and associate dean for research, Medical School; professor of biomedical engineering, College of Engineering and Medical School.
-
“What does a quiet working space look like? Visualizing faculty and staff preferences at the University of Michigan” — Principal investigator is Joy Knoblauch, associate professor of architecture, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
-
“Build it and they will come — An anti-ableist workplace to enhance our ability to advance health equity for individuals with disabilities” — Principal investigator is Michael McKee, professor of family medicine, and of physical medicine and rehabilitation, and associate director of the Center for Disability Health and Wellness, Medical School.​
​
“These proposals epitomize the tremendous talents of our U-M community to bring their knowledge and skills to advance understanding. Our office is honored to support this exciting scholarship and eagerly awaits the findings of each project team,” said Christopher R. Friese, vice provost for academic and faculty affairs.​
HOUSING
State Settles Lawsuit Over Housing Individuals With Disabilities In Nursing Homes
by Bruce Finley, The Denver Post/TNS | November 8, 2024
DENVER — Colorado has agreed to do more to prevent needless isolation of thousands of people with physical disabilities who were confined to nursing homes, settling a federal lawsuit that claimed state health officials illegally segregated too many people.
​
U.S. Department of Justice officials announced the settlement this month. Colorado officials committed to taking the following actions before February 2026:
​
Help thousands of nursing facility residents move
​
Identify people at risk of unnecessary confinement
​
Give information needed to make choices
​
Help people with disabilities find accessible, affordable housing
​
Connect people with Medicaid long-term care services
​
Boost opportunities for people with disabilities to control their care
​
Support family caregivers
​
HUD Takes Action to Support Community Living for People with Disabilities
New Mainstream Voucher flexibilities designed to help people with disabilities choose where they live
August 2024
WASHINGTON - On the heels of the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 25th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision on Olmstead v. L.C., the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is taking policy actions to support community living for people with disabilities. Specifically, HUD published guidance that creates new alternative requirements and waivers that enable public housing agencies (PHAs) to better utilize Mainstream Vouchers to help persons with disabilities transition from and avoid institutional settings, in furtherance of the goals of Olmstead. Read more...
​
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_24_222
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS
Trump Administration Withdraws ADA Guidance
​
The U.S. Department of Justice is rescinding numerous guidance documents clarifying requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including some dating back to 1999.
​
The agency said this week that it removed the guidance in accordance with a memorandum issued by President Donald Trump aimed at lowering the cost of living.
​
“Today’s withdrawal of 11 pieces of unnecessary and outdated guidance will aid businesses in complying with the ADA by eliminating unnecessary review and focusing only on current ADA guidance,” the Justice Department said.
Medicaid Cuts Could Upend Lives of Children with Disabilities
​
NAPA, Calif. — Jessica Pequeño of Napa has been taking breaks from watching the news lately. But when she opens her social media feeds for the support groups she frequents for parents of children with disabilities, they’re full of panicked chatter about the news she’s been trying to avoid.
Medicaid — the state and federally funded program that provides health coverage for almost 15 million Californians and about half of the state’s children — could face billions of dollars in federal cuts under a budget proposal from Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives. That’s alarmed families like the Pequeños, who rely on Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, to pay for medical care and other support for their children with chronic conditions.
Pequeño’s 11-year-old son, Xavier, has a rare genetic immune disorder that undermines his body’s ability to fight disease. Thanks to Medi-Cal, Xavier receives medications that keep him alive and would otherwise cost his family around $100,000 a month. The program also pays for Xavier’s medical equipment such as a wheelchair and portable oxygen tank, antibody and respiratory treatments, and hospital stays when he gets sick. Read More...
BREAKING NEW: Opportunities
​
Self Direction and Community Living Outcomes for People of Colorof Virginia School of Nursing Survey: obstacles accessing healthcare for pregnant disabled and non disabled Black women
The University of Virginia School of Nursing is looking for participants for a study to understand the
obstacles disabled women and birthing people of color face around pregnancy and accessing healthcare.
Our goal is to change clinical practice and education to better serve persons with disabilities.
The study involves one interview over Zoom that will last about 45-60 minutes, and participants will be
compensated $40 for their time. All interviews are confidential and your identity will not be disclosed.
You may qualify if you:
- Have a disability or a disabling condition (vision, mobility, intellectual, learning, or psychological or are Deaf or hard-of hearing
- Identify as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, or multiracial.
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Are pregnant or have had a child in the last 24 months
- Are experiencing/have experienced difficult intimate relationships and/or mood disturbances
If you think you qualify and are interested in participating, please contact Casey Johnson at
disabilityandpregnancy@gmail.com​
​
BREAKING NEW: Opportunities
​
University of Virginia School of Nursing Survey: obstacles accessing healthcare for pregnant disabled and non disabled Black women
The University of Virginia School of Nursing is looking for participants for a study to understand the
obstacles disabled women and birthing people of color face around pregnancy and accessing healthcare.
Our goal is to change clinical practice and education to better serve persons with disabilities.
The study involves one interview over Zoom that will last about 45-60 minutes, and participants will be
compensated $40 for their time. All interviews are confidential and your identity will not be disclosed.
You may qualify if you:
- Have a disability or a disabling condition (vision, mobility, intellectual, learning, or psychological or are Deaf or hard-of hearing
- Identify as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, or multiracial.
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Are pregnant or have had a child in the last 24 months
- Are experiencing/have experienced difficult intimate relationships and/or mood disturbances
If you think you qualify and are interested in participating, please contact Casey Johnson at
disabilityandpregnancy@gmail.com​
​
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ADVOCACY
Thank you Senator Casey
Dear Friends:
​
Last week, the Senate Special Committee on Aging held its final hearing of the 118th Congress entitled, Empowering People with Disabilities to Live, Work, Learn, and Thrive.
​
The hearing focused on some of the most pressing issues for people with disabilities, such as home and community-based services, digital accessibility, education and employment accessibility, and economic stability. Making progress across these areas will help people with disabilities have the same opportunities available to all Americans.
It has been an honor to serve as Chair of this Committee and to work for Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and older Americans. As we heard from advocates around the country, the work is not done. We must continue to advance disability policy.
​
I am proud of the work this Committee has accomplished under my tenure and am thankful for the support of my colleagues.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
Chairman, Senate Special Committee on Aging
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America: 2025
The Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America includes many of the key indicators identified in a comprehensive 2008 study, Keeping Track: National Disability Status and Program Performance Indicators, conducted by the National Council on Disability (NCD). This NCD report used a systematic approach of stakeholder input to select indicators based on data availability and ability to address key areas of interest to stakeholders. The resulting indicators were in the following areas of interest: employment, educational attainment, health and health care, financial status and security, leisure recreation, personal relationships, and crime/safety.
​
To View Full Report visit Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America: 2025
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION
Six University of Michigan research teams have been awarded funding through the Office of the Provost’s Disability Scholarship Initiative.
The initiative supports the pursuit of new scholarship aimed at better understanding and addressing the concerns of faculty and staff on the Ann Arbor campus who have disabilities.
​​
It aligns with existing efforts to strengthen the institutional commitment to an inclusive and accessible campus, and embraces a broad definition of disability, which includes mental, physical, sensory and cognitive differences.
All funded proposals address the Vision 2034 pillars of health and well-being and life-changing education. The initiative is made possible with gift funds.
​
“The response to our Disability Scholarship Initiative has been remarkable, highlighting the deep well of expertise and passion within our academic community,” said Provost Laurie McCauley. “As these innovative projects take shape, they will do more than advance scholarship. They’ll fundamentally transform how we support and empower our colleagues with disabilities.
​
“What excites me most is seeing how this work will ripple across departments, fostering collaborations that break down traditional barriers and create lasting positive change. This isn’t just about academic discourse. It’s about building a more inclusive and accessible university for everyone who calls Michigan home.”
After collating feedback from a public request for comment in the summer of 2024, the Provost’s Office issued a call for proposals during the fall semester.
​
Projects were encouraged to be interdisciplinary and could embrace a broad range of methodologies, interventions and implementation approaches, and emphasize work that would increase the understanding or address concerns of Ann Arbor faculty and staff with disabilities. All projects needed to outline a communications and dissemination plan that would be accessible to the U-M community.
Two mechanisms were offered:
​
-
The Emerging Scholars in Disabilities Program supported Ph.D. students or postdoctoral fellows, in partnership with their faculty mentor.
-
The Catalyst Program is led by faculty of any rank and track with up to three years of funding.
​
The Provost’s Office received 22 proposals that spanned nearly all Ann Arbor schools or colleges. Of these, an external panel of reviewers recommended six proposals for funding — one Emerging Scholars project and five in the Catalyst Program. Projects are anticipated to begin early this year.
The Emerging Scholars project is “How do neurodivergent faculty use and envision generative AI tools for their academic life?” The principal investigator is Hira Jamshed, a Ph.D. student in the School of Information.
Catalyst Program projects are:
​
-
“(Doing) Disability research from the (disabled) margins: Constructing community and conceptualizing support” — Co-principal investigators are Emmalon Davis, assistant professor of philosophy, and Ann Heffernan, assistant professor of political science, LSA.
-
“Long COVID, disability, & work: Exploring the lived experience of University of Michigan faculty and staff on the Ann Arbor campus” — Principal investigator is Abigail Dumes, associate professor and associate chair of women’s and gender studies, LSA.
-
“Disability and research safety infrastructure” — Principal investigator is Karl Jepsen, professor of orthopaedic surgery and associate dean for research, Medical School; professor of biomedical engineering, College of Engineering and Medical School.
-
“What does a quiet working space look like? Visualizing faculty and staff preferences at the University of Michigan” — Principal investigator is Joy Knoblauch, associate professor of architecture, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
-
“Build it and they will come — An anti-ableist workplace to enhance our ability to advance health equity for individuals with disabilities” — Principal investigator is Michael McKee, professor of family medicine, and of physical medicine and rehabilitation, and associate director of the Center for Disability Health and Wellness, Medical School.​
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“These proposals epitomize the tremendous talents of our U-M community to bring their knowledge and skills to advance understanding. Our office is honored to support this exciting scholarship and eagerly awaits the findings of each project team,” said Christopher R. Friese, vice provost for academic and faculty affairs.​
HOUSING
State Settles Lawsuit Over Housing Individuals With Disabilities In Nursing Homes
by Bruce Finley, The Denver Post/TNS | November 8, 2024
DENVER — Colorado has agreed to do more to prevent needless isolation of thousands of people with physical disabilities who were confined to nursing homes, settling a federal lawsuit that claimed state health officials illegally segregated too many people.
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U.S. Department of Justice officials announced the settlement this month. Colorado officials committed to taking the following actions before February 2026:
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Help thousands of nursing facility residents move
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Identify people at risk of unnecessary confinement
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Give information needed to make choices
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Help people with disabilities find accessible, affordable housing
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Connect people with Medicaid long-term care services
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Boost opportunities for people with disabilities to control their care
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Support family caregivers
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HUD Takes Action to Support Community Living for People with Disabilities
New Mainstream Voucher flexibilities designed to help people with disabilities choose where they live
August 2024
WASHINGTON - On the heels of the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 25th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision on Olmstead v. L.C., the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is taking policy actions to support community living for people with disabilities. Specifically, HUD published guidance that creates new alternative requirements and waivers that enable public housing agencies (PHAs) to better utilize Mainstream Vouchers to help persons with disabilities transition from and avoid institutional settings, in furtherance of the goals of Olmstead. Read more...
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https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_24_222