Podcasts about disabilities act

An Intimate Evening With Michael , the Sunday Edition Family of Podcasts invites you to join us for a very special edition of An Intimate Evening as we sit down with the remarkable Michael Byington. Born legally blind in an era when many blind children were still educated away from their families, Michael's journey is one of perseverance, creativity, advocacy, and service. Inspired by his mother, who was also legally blind, Michael helped blaze a trail for inclusive education while discovering his passion for theatre, performance, and storytelling. From his early days in drama clubs and political campaigns to helping create one of the nation's pioneering Drama Therapy programs at Kansas State University, Michael has spent a lifetime using the arts to enrich lives and expand opportunities for others. His work has touched countless people through entertainment, disability rights advocacy, direct human services, and leadership within the blindness community. Michael also played a role in advancing disability rights during the movement that led to the Americans with Disabilities Act and was honored to attend the White House signing ceremony when President George H.W. Bush signed the landmark legislation into law. Later in life, Michael returned to graduate school to become a certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, helping blind and low vision individuals navigate the world with confidence and independence. Even in retirement, he continues to share his gifts through advocacy, mentorship, and service. Many in our community know Michael through his unforgettable performances on Behind the Music and community karaoke nights. Whether delivering a laugh out loud parody, a heartfelt original piece, or a creative interpretation of artists such as Lana Del Rey, Michael brings warmth, wit, and authenticity to every performance. Join Anthony Corona for an intimate conversation exploring Michael's life, his love of music and theatre, his advocacy journey, and the many ways he has woven art, purpose, and service into a truly extraordinary life. Tonight, 8:00 PM Eastern. Listen live on Corona FM by visiting the Listen tab at www.anthonycorona.com or tune in through 20/20 The Beacon. You can also catch this intimatejourney tomorrow in the Sunday Edition  with Anthony Corona podcast feed wherever you listen to your shows.

Archive, Bios, Description, Transcripts for Episode 154: The Access Coalition: Creating More Inclusive Retail Spaces available at: https://adalive.org/episodes/episode-154/ Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, retail spaces are required to provide goods and services to customers with disabilities equal to the goods and services offered to customers without disabilities. This allowed businesses to benefit from the patronage of all customers. Thirty-six years after the ADA became law, many businesses are still not fully accessible to people with disabilities. Recognizing that the consumer spending power of people with disabilities worldwide is over $13 trillion annually, beginning in 2024 Walmart and the American Association of People with Disabilities, or AAPD, began working together on this problem. They created the Access Coalition as a place where business competitors and partners could move beyond basic ADA compliance to reimagine what inclusive, accessible retail space could look like. To tell us more about this ambitious initiative, we have with us Maria Town. She is president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, a cross-disability organization dedicated to increasing political and economic power of people with disabilities.

Send us a text and chime in!Scottsdale City Council recently approved the city's updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, advancing a long-term strategy to improve accessibility across city facilities, parks, sidewalks, transit areas, and digital services. The updated ADA Transition Plan serves as Scottsdale's roadmap for meeting federal accessibility requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The comprehensive plan identifies barriers to accessibility, prioritizes improvements, and establishes a 20-year implementation strategy designed to ensure residents and visitors with disabilities can fully access city programs, services, and public spaces. “Accessibility is not a one-time project,...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/scottsdale-ada-transition-plan-for-accessibility-improvements/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Beacon considers five years of capital outlays The Beacon City Council will continue its review on Monday (June 1) of the city's five-year capital plan. Spending for 2027 purchases and projects must be approved before July 31. The city updates its five-year schedule annually; expenditures for the following year are approved, and estimates are calculated for future projects. A public hearing on the 2027 plan will be held on June 15. Next year's plan includes nearly $10 million in capital work and equipment purchases, although not all of it will be the city's responsibility. The most expensive project will be a $3.6 million rehabilitation of Beekman Street funded by grants. The street leading toward the Metro-North station will be repaved; sidewalks will be repaired and installed where there are gaps; and a bike lane will be added on the uphill side of the road. The next-highest expenditure is $1.9 million to construct a water-storage tank at the Mount Beacon Reservoir. The council approved $1.6 million for the project last year; the additional funding for 2027 will complete the work. The city plans to spend $500,000 in each of the next five years to mill and pave streets and install curb ramps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Similarly, $400,000 is allotted in each of the next three years for improvements to the southwest corner of Memorial Park that tentatively will add pickleball courts, updated lighting and a second public restroom. In 2028, $3.3 million is budgeted for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, although Deputy City Administrator Ben Swanson and Finance Director Susan Tucker stressed during the council's May 18 meeting that prices can change. A ladder truck for the Fire Department, authorized as a $1.7 million expenditure in 2025, is now more than $1.9 million, Tucker noted. Two proposed expenditures drew a lot of attention: $5.4 million in 2028 for a 3.3-mile rail trail from the waterfront to the Town of Fishkill and, in 2031, $5.3 million to create a community center. Many residents have advocated for a community center for years, but the idea has never moved from the final year of the rolling five-year plan, a pattern that irked Council Member Lastar Gorton. "Why is that not a priority when this is what the community has been continuously asking for?" Gorton said, calling the rail trail a project for tourists. Mayor Lee Kyriacou disagreed, saying the trail "has nothing to do with tourism" but will be a recreational asset for residents. Gorton argued that "many, many, many, many" community members have called for a community center, including the Beacon Community Collective, a nonprofit that says it is fundraising for such a facility. The organization says its mission is to help establish something in the spirit of the Martin Luther King Cultural Center, which operated on South Avenue from 1969 to 2011, and the Beacon Community Resource Center, which was located for decades in what is now the Recreation Department building on West Center Street. Kyriacou noted that recreation funding has grown from $304,000 in 2014 to $1.15 million this year, allowing the department to run its after-school program, Camp at the Camp and partnerships with Green Teen Beacon, among other initiatives. The programmatic funds, combined with $15 million in capital improvements to public parks over five years, are "far more important than any building," he said. Kyriacou said he is pitching funders on the rail trail and hopes the project "will be largely funded by other people's money." Conversely, funding for a community center would come from borrowing or taxes, he said. The city must "make choices as to what's most important and in what order we should be doing things," he said. "But most important to who?" Gorton asked. Council Member Carolyn Bennett Glauda added, "Seeing the community center all the way at the end really feels like we kicked it down the curb." The $5.3 million estimate for the project is...

JD is joined by Ben Burr from Blue Ribbon Coalition for a straight-up land access scoreboard on the fights shaping the future of motorized recreation. Ben breaks down the rescission of the BLM Public Lands Rule, the Roadless Rule fight, Moab route reassessments, the San Rafael Swell, WEMO closures in the Western Mojave Desert, and why the minimization criteria could become a serious threat to OHV access nationwide. They also talk about local advocacy groups, fieldwork, the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act, and why off-roaders need to submit meaningful comments instead of assuming someone else has it covered. If you care about public land access, trail closures, Jeep trails, overlanding, OHV routes, or keeping backcountry roads open for people who cannot simply hike in, this episode is one to share.

India has 30-35 million people with disabilities. It's now ten years since the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Yet, accessibility remains a challenge – not only in the real world, but even in the digital one. Most government websites have accessibility issues – meaning people with disabilities can't fully use them. As India digitalises across public services, finance, education, and employment, inclusion cannot be an afterthought. Yet, inaccessible platforms and non-inclusive systems continue to limit equitable participation of persons with disabilities. On the eve of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 21), we discuss what digital inclusion really means in today's AI-led digital landscape. What are the gaps that the disabled face in India, and what will it take to build inclusion into systems from the get go? Guest: Diwakar Menon, Member of the Board at the Association of People with Disability, Bengaluru. Host: G Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Producer: Shiksha Jural Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Talking Headways podcast we're joined by Cardozo Law professor Michael Pollack to talk about his new book Sidewalk Nation: The Life and Law of America's Most Overlooked Resource. Michael discusses who manages, owns, and feels ownership of sidewalks and advocates for a Department dedicated to them. We also talk about the nexus between sidewalks and roads, the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Denver's successful funding and maintenance referendum. +++ Get the show ad free on Patreon! Find out about our newsletter and archive on YouTube! Follow us on Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, Flickr, Substack ... @theoverheadwire Follow us on Mastadon theoverheadwire@sfba.social Support the show on Patreon http://patreon.com/theoverheadwire Buy books on our Bookshop.org Affiliate site!  And get our Cars are Cholesterol shirt at Tee-Public! And everything else at http://theoverheadwire.com

In this episode I explore the history of the innovation of curb cuts for wheel chair accessibility which had its origins in Southwest Michigan, first being introduced in Battle Creek in 1945, and later in Kalamazoo that same year, 45 years before the American with Disabilities Act in 1990.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode of the DAV podcast, we explore the critical legal protections and everyday challenges facing veterans with service dogs. Featuring a firsthand account from Army veteran William McCasland, the discussion highlights a recent case of service dog discrimination at a hotel in Mississippi, where a handler faced pushback despite adhering to ADA rules. Angelica Williams from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division joins the conversation to clarify the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, specifically outlining the only two legal questions business owners may ask: is the dog required because of a disability, and what task has it been trained to perform. From debunking myths about service animal certification to providing resources for filing an ADA complaint, this episode is an essential guide for disabled veterans and business owners navigating service member rights and accessibility laws.

This episode of the Digital Signage Today podcast focuses on requirements and mandates relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act.The ADA is a set of guidelines that ensures individuals with disabilities receive equal treatment as individuals without disabilities. This includes equal access to information and functionality. The ADA requirements ensure digital signs are inclusive, engaging, and accessible to all.Podcast guest Laurel Barrette, a marketing manager at Korbyt, maps out why and how digital signage partners and clients need to know and adhere to the ADA rules. The podcast is moderated by Digital Signage Today Editor Judy Mottl.Korbyt is a workplace software and digital signage company. It is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with additional worldwide offices in the U.K. and the United Arab EmiratesAccording to the World Health Organization, 1.3 billion in the world have a significant disability, which accounts for 16% of the global population. That's a significant portion of the consumer base businesses need to accommodate.ADA requires that digital signs accommodate people with disabilities, from the blind to the hearing impaired and offer functionalities, and features allowing them to engage and interact with a digital sign as a non-disabled inADA compliance isn't something a company can disregard. In 2023, there were a total of 4,605 ADA digital accessibility lawsuits, a 14.1% increase from the previous year. Non-compliance can expose your company to hefty fines, penalties, and legal fees — not to mention scrutiny from your consumers.The approximate total cost of an ADA digital accessibility lawsuit is $200 million, an amount enough to startle a budget and hinder operations.

This week, David and Isabelle continue their conversation with Avari Brocker — Neurodiversity Alliance student advocate and founder of LearningCurb.org. Avari talks about what it felt like to go from being on her own little island to being surrounded by other neurodivergent people, and realizing (maybe for the first time) that it was actually safe to be fully herself. The group also gets into the difference between being around people who tolerate you vs. being around people who just get it. If you've ever felt exhausted from constantly managing yourself around other people or if you've ever needed a reminder that belonging is not extra, it's foundational… this one's for you!Here's what's coming your way:Why being around like-minded neurodivergent people can feel like coming homeA clear breakdown of what high masking feels like from the insideWhy shared experience can make it easier to stop overexplaining and start relaxingHow community can help you stand up for yourself in ways you might not otherwiseThe story behind Learning Curb and why its whole mission is rooted in accessA reminder that the things you needed most can become the very things you build for someone else -------Wait, What's That? Here are some of the terms and people mentioned in this episode explained:Neurodiversity Alliance: An organization that supports neurodivergent young people through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. In this conversation, it's also the community space where David and Isabelle first connected with Avari. Learn more at TheNDAlliance.org. Dyslexia: A learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and language processing. In this conversation, Avari talks about how meaningful it was when other dyslexic people heard her speak not just about the hard parts, but the good parts too. Dysgraphia: A learning disability that affects writing. Here, it's part of the group of neurodivergent experiences Avari has already been advocating around and building resources for. The “curb cut” effect: The idea behind Learning Curb's name. Curb cuts were added to sidewalks after the Americans with Disabilities Act to support wheelchair users, but they ended up helping lots of other people too — parents with strollers, skateboarders, cyclists, and delivery workers. Avari uses that as a model for education: when you lower the barrier to access for the most vulnerable people, everybody benefits. High masking: Constantly adjusting your behavior, communication, or presentation so you seem more acceptable, understandable, or “normal” to other people. Avari describes doing this in neurotypical spaces and contrasts it with the relief of not needing to do it so much in neurodivergent community. Neurospicy: A playful community term some neurodivergent people use for themselves. Isabelle uses it here while talking about the way neurospicy conversations can go from breadcrumb-level sharing to a full French dip hoagie in about two seconds. Narrative Reasoning: Avari's phrase for the way her brain explains things through story, analogy, and comparison that other people can understand. Neurotypical: People whose brains work in ways that are more socially expected or normalized. In this conversation, Avari contrasts neurotypical spaces with neurodivergent ones, especially in terms of masking, safety, and how much self-management is required. Love bombing: A phrase Avari uses jokingly while talking about how quickly people bonded at the Neurodiversity Alliance. In context, she's naming the relief of being able to connect intensely without immediately worrying that it's “too much.” “English is just three languages in a trench coat”: Avari's explanation for why English spelling is chaos, and Isabelle immediately clocks it as the best saying ever!Night Witches: The nickname given by German soldiers during World War II to the Soviet Union's all-female 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known for flying dangerous nighttime bombing missions against Nazi forces. Isabelle brings them up as an example of the kind of fully formed special-interest tangent that can come pouring out once someone takes the bait in a neurodivergent conversation. -------

Years ago discrimination against people with disabilities often started right at birth.多年前，对残疾人的歧视往往始于出生。When I was born, a doctor came in to my mom and explained to her my diagnosis in this way, your son is a midget like you see in the circus.当我出生时，一位医生走进来对我妈妈这样解释我的诊断结果：你的儿子就像你在马戏团里看到的那种侏儒。So in that one sentence, that he said to my mother he's basically laid out my entire future.在他对我母亲说的那句话里，他基本上已经规划好了我的整个未来。Okay, just in one second, Lydia. Boss is busy firing me because I make him uncomfortable,好吧，就在一会儿，莉迪亚。老板正忙着解雇我，因为我让他不舒服，But luckily times have changed. Woodburn who was diagnosed with dwarfism went on to have a successful acting career, appearing in more than 30 films and making more than 150 television appearances, including the popular TV series Seinfeld.但幸运的是，时代发生了变化。被诊断患有侏儒症的沃德本恩后来在演艺事业上取得了成功，参演了30多部电影并出演了150多部电视剧，其中包括热门剧集《宋飞正传》。It's little people. You got that. His success reflects the impact of the ADA.这是小人物，你明白的。他的成功反映了《美国残疾人法案》的影响。The ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the important thing that we would really want everyone to know, is that it's a civil rights law.ADA全称是Americans with Disabilities Act，最重要的是我们希望每个人都知道这是一部民权法案。Individuals with disabilities were not part of that protection, and it became evident that they were not being included in ways that other previously marginalized groups were.残疾人曾经并未受到这种保护，而且很明显，他们未能像其他曾被边缘化的群体那样被纳入其中。Signed into law by president George HW Bush in 1990, the ADA provided protection against discrimination to millions of Americans in school, on the job, and in all public and private places.《美国残疾人法案》于1990年由乔治·H·W·布什总统签署生效，该法案为数百万美国人在学校、职场以及所有公共和私人场所提供了免受歧视的保护。By doing so, it improved access and quality of life for millions.通过这样做，它改善了数百万人的生活便利性和生活质量。I think one of the most important things that we look at with the Americans with Disabilities Act is its opportunity to level the playing field.我认为《美国残疾人法案》最重要的意义之一在于它提供了公平竞争的机会。But in the area of employment for people with disabilities, Goss acknowledges that the number remains low.但在残疾人就业领域，戈斯承认，这一数字仍然很低。In 2019, less than 20 percent of disabled adults had jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's one reason why more advocacy is needed, says Woodburn.在2019年，只有不到20%的残疾人有工作，据美国劳工统计局统计。沃德本恩表示，这正是需要更多倡导的原因之一。And part of my advocacy with my own industry has been to change the landscape of employment of actors with disability, for example, because the belief system is that for kids, if you can't see it you can't be it.我呼吁改变残疾演员的就业状况，因为人们的观念是，对于孩子来说，看不见榜样就无法成为那样的人。But many of the law's provisions have improved lives, and even benefited those without disabilities.但许多法律规定改善了人们的生活，甚至让那些没有残疾的人受益。Ramps and curb cuts designed to accommodate wheelchairs, for example, help others.例如，为方便轮椅通行而设计的坡道和路缘斜坡也能帮助到其他人。After those were put in place, people started to see more and more mothers walking their babies in the strollers and delivery persons using those.这些设施到位后，人们开始看到越来越多的母亲推着婴儿车散步，快递员也开始使用这些设施。And text messaging was born out of technology for the hearing impaired.短信是为听障人士研发的技术衍生而来的。We owe that to the deaf community and their need to have that access.我们应该为聋人社区着想，满足他们获取信息的需求。As the ADA celebrates 30 years of advancing the lives of millions of Americans, Woodburn says there's still plenty of room for improvement.在《美国残疾人法案》庆祝推动数百万美国人生活改善的30年之际，沃德本恩表示还有很大的改进空间。We have to be included every step of the way and we're just not right now.我们必须全程参与，可目前我们并没有做到。So my hope is that anyone that has diversity or inclusion discussion, either as an advocate or as a corporate leader, that they always include disability, despite how uncomfortable it might make them feel. 我希望任何讨论多元化或包容性的人，无论是倡导者还是企业领导者，都能始终将残障人士纳入其中，尽管这可能让他们感到不适。

Job growth and wage growth have cooled, according to the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch and even Homebase, but the overarching theme is that small businesses continue to be resilient in an ever-changing landscape. Gene Marks points out that businesses are being more selective when hiring and cutting costs rather than jobs. In other news, lawsuits around accessibility – mainly concerning websites – under the Americans with Disabilities Act have risen 37%, and Gene offers some tips for owners. Businesses continue to adopt artificial intelligence at a rapid rate, but among users there is a diminished trust in the accuracy of AI's output.  Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – Jobs and Wages 03:00 – ADA Accessibility Lawsuits 05:20 – AI Accuracy and Trust 07:55 – Episode Wrap-up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/paychex-sbew DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Photo: Marcia Lowry outside the federal courthouse in Anchorage on September 8, 2025. She was lead attorney in the class action lawsuit against the Alaska Office of Children’s Services. (Matt Faubion / Alaska Public Media) Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed a federal class-action lawsuit filed against the Alaska Office of Children's Services (OCS) Tuesday. The lawsuit was brought by a national nonprofit working for foster care reforms. Attorneys for the organization alleged Alaska foster children are at risk of harm because of systemic problems that violated federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and federal child welfare protections. They pointed to high caseloads for caseworkers and an inadequate hiring and training process. About two thirds of kids in out-of-home care in the state are Alaska Native, but Gleason wrote that the attorneys did not prove that any of the foster youth represented were actually harmed. Gleason also questioned the reliability of the evidence presented. Marcia Lowry is attorney and executive director of A Better Childhood, which brought the suit. She calls the dismissal “quite disappointing”. “We did do a trial that involved a lot of evidence that, I think, was largely undisputed about how high the caseloads are in Alaska, about the lack of placement resources for children, about the failure to basically make attempts to remedy that situation.” She says a lot of children in Alaska are not getting benefits they are entitled to under federal law. Lowry says A Better Childhood is not sure yet of its next steps but is considering an appeal. “We have seen dysfunctional child welfare systems really, really change and provide good services to kids, but we have seen that only as a result of litigation.” OCS declined an interview for this story. In a written statement they said they are pleased with the court's decision and the verdict is an opportunity for the office to continue advancing its work. This story was provided by Alaska Public Media's Rachel Cassandra The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Gabriel Pietrorazio) The U.S. Supreme Court last week spent two hours hearing a landmark case that could upend birthright citizenship. A 19th century ruling on the citizenry of tribal members was at the heart of the Trump administration's defense. KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio has this report. This was the exchange during oral arguments when U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch pressed Solicitor General John Sauer, who presented the government's case. Sauer: “Yes, yes, so a tribal Indian for example gives up allegiance to…” Justice Gorsuch: “Are tribal members born today birthright citizens?” Sauer: “Uh, I think so – on our test, yes – if they're lawfully domiciled here. I have to think that through, but that's my reaction.” Gorsuch: “I'll take the yes, that's alright.” In an 1884 majority decision, the justices ruled John Elk, a Winnebago man living in Omaha, was not a U.S. citizen in spite of the 14th Amendment – codifying birthright citizenship. “My mother was probably not a United States citizen when she was born in 1923 in Oklahoma.” Bob Miller, who is Eastern Shawnee and with Arizona State University's Indian Legal Clinic, has been teaching this very precedent of Elk v. Wilkins for three decades now. “I disagree completely with the argument that that's analogous to undocumented immigrants and them having children here.” Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, April 6, 2026 – What the ‘conversion therapy’ court decision means for LGBTQ2+ protections

"To them it just felt like terrorism," says St Louis Magazine Executive Editor Sarah Fenske about attorneys sending letters to local businesses, threatening lawsuits over their lack of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. "You get this letter from a lawyer you've never met, representing a person who's never come to your business, claiming that a business or website wasn't accessible." The Missouri legislature is attempting to stop these excessive lawsuits. She also discusses city staffing issues.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is the federal legislation requiring equal access to jobs and public places for people with disabilities. It also applies to the public digital realm, like with government websites and apps -- and deadlines are coming up for local governments to get into compliance. The League has been putting out info to help municipalities understand and meet the federal requirements ​and has a hub on its website with resources and explanations​. For this episode, we've put it into conversational form with an expert answering common questions and offering tips to understand the why, how and when.

We bring you the stories of two remarkable women. First, Maggie McCrumb says she knows she's capable of working, but from transportation issues to workplace attitudes, she navigates unique barriers as someone with a disability. Then, disability justice activist Anita Cameron is known for her civil disobedience, including being arrested after the 1990 Capitol Crawl while pushing for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Both women share their stories on the Move to Include Podcast, hosted by WXXI's Noelle Evans. We hear both episodes this hour.---You can find Maggie's episode of the Move To Include Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or on YouTube.You can find Anita's episode of the Move To Include Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or on YouTube.---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Bill Lampton: Hi there. Welcome to the Biz Communication Show. I’m your host Bill Lampton, the biz communication guy, and our eighth year with the Biz Communication Show bringing onto the show business communication experts, and through our conversation, you and I can pick up business communication tips that will be very valuable for us. Today I have a guest, I don’t often know my guest, but I have a guest that I’ve known for a dozen years or so, delighted to bring onto the program today Kristina Rhoades. Kristina Rhoades is a long-time disability consultant and advocate, a writer, motivational speaker, and proud wife and mom. A former Ms. Wheelchair California, she has had a career in the disability industry modeling and marketing for a variety of products that improve accessibility. Kristina has an MS in organizational leadership and a BA in mass communication. She resides in New Mexico with her husband, who’s also her childhood best friend Jacob, and their 14-year-old daughter Cameron. In her spare time, she enjoys making art and jewelry, volunteering in the local community, and supporting live music. So I know you will welcome Kristina Rhoades. Hello Kristina, great to see you. Kristina Rhoades: Hi Bill, it’s so good to be with you again. Bill Lampton: Well I think back Kristina to how we first became acquainted and how I recognized right away as a speech coach and as a professional speaker, what a role model you are for communication. Even today a few minutes ago, you and I were talking about when you were with the radio station WBCX at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, where I live and where you lived at the time, and I happened to put on Twitter that I had always enjoyed participating on radio, and so you texted me back and next thing I knew, we had a very brief interview, you said let’s get going, and for two years, we had the opportunity to work together co-hosting what we called the Business Communication Corner. And so you are not a novice in the communication business. What I believe our viewers and listeners would like to know first is, how did you develop your presentation skills? I think of your vitality, I think of your diction, I think of your nonverbal messages, it all just comes together so vibrantly and you’re one of the most listenable radio colleagues that I’ve ever associated with. So tell us, I don’t think those things just happen, how did you develop those skills? Kristina Rhoades: Oh well thank you first Bill for the kind words, I appreciate it very much. Um, I think it’s a bit of a two-part answer for me. Um, part of it’s my personality, I’ve always been an outgoing person, um, very social, I enjoy people, I enjoy talking to people, but I do often wonder how much of that came from just my life experience as well. So being somebody in a wheelchair, uh, I often am approached by strangers, um, people ask questions about my situation or about my wheelchair or about my disability. Um, I’ve had when I was young, very many medical appointments and um, situations where I am, you know kind of being interviewed and grilled by um, a therapist or a doctor or a nurse or different people trying to fit me for a wheelchair. So I wonder if um, those experiences growing up helped just build my courage and my comfort in talking with strangers and being kind of in the spotlight or you know going in public and having a whole room of people look at me because I’m in a wheelchair might’ve made me a little more comfortable um, you know being having attention on me. So I wonder that. But I also have to give credit to Brenau University, which is where we met and what you were just referring to where WBCX the radio station was. Um, that’s where I received my BA in mass communication and I stayed there as well to do my MS. Um, and I guess coming in with a natural inclination and interest in public speaking and um, communication, Brenau really helped me hone my skills and develop um, really all the pieces that I need to to properly give a presentation and to put put my thoughts together in a manner um, that are that are easily digestible by my audience. Um, so I have to, yeah, I have to give lots of credit to Brenau. Bill Lampton: I think we could say that uh unlike um many of your younger colleagues, you were basically on stage for for your childhood. Now one one point I know we have talked about before, your disability was at a very young age and your mother had a wonderful way of dealing with that. And she made you feel special in ways that other people might not get the kind of encouragement and support that you did. Uh let’s go back to when you were 18 months old and there was a swim meet that you were engaged in, maybe swim competition, tell tell us about that and your mother’s role in that please. Kristina Rhoades: Oh Bill, thanks. Um, not sure if it was a competition or you know I don’t really know what to call it, but I’ll give a little background to the audience. Um, I got a spinal cord injury when I was just 10 months old, um, and so obviously was in the hospital for a period of time recovering from that. Got out of the hospital a little before I was a year and a half. Um, I come from a family that is a big water family, my grandpa at the time lived on a boat in Marina del Rey, California, all my my mom and my aunts and uncles were all all raised on the ocean, swimming and doing water sports. So uh it was it just kind of part of my family culture, it was really important to my mom that I was able to swim. Now remember that this is 1984, this is before the Americans with Disabilities Act, there weren’t as many resources and programs out there for people like me, especially a baby that young um with a disability. So probably for my mom she was unsure of what um my abilities were going to be as I grew up, but she I think wanted to give me as many opportunities and um experience as she could so I could develop whatever skills and abilities I was able to. Um, so first thing she did after I got out of the hospital and we got settled was enroll me in like one of those mom and baby swim classes. Um, and at the time because again this was before the ADA, the facility that she went to, the pool uh wasn’t wheelchair accessible, and at the time I didn’t even have a wheelchair yet, she was just pushing me around in a stroller um because I couldn’t you know couldn’t push a wheelchair at the time. And so she would just carry me carry me down these steps um just like all the other moms on her hip down to the pool and get me in the pool and we would do the class together and um there was a number of other you know moms and babies teaching their their little babies how to swim. And so she never mentioned that I was in a wheelchair, um the teacher was aware, the instructor, but none of the other parents knew um that I was any different from them. So I went through the whole course and um at the at the last day there was a little event where we did um some exercises and some races um and I was awarded the best little swimmer in the class. And so the instructor presented the award to my mom and then shared with the other parents, I don’t know if anybody’s aware but Kristina doesn’t have use of her legs and she’s been doing all of the activities and all of the lessons the entire time just with her arms. And all of the parents were just very surprised and shocked that that was the case. And I just always thought that that was such a cool um example of how my mom raised me and how she put me in situations where I would have to just do the best I could with the abilities I had, and often times that was just as just as good as my peers, just as good as everybody else if I was given that opportunity to try. Um, and so uh to this day I still love to swim and fancy myself a strong swimmer, but um it’s important to remember that often times the limitations that you put on yourself or that society puts on you can really make a big impact, but if you remove those um you can uh achieve way more than you ever ever could otherwise. Bill Lampton: Your mother deserves a lot of crowns for the that that not only that attitude but that support, I I I know I’ve met your mother I believe once or twice and she is a princess and a queen in my judgment and I’m sure in the judgment of those who are watching and listening. Let’s get back Kristina to what you mentioned about going up and all through not only your childhood but also early adulthood and even on into adulthood where you are now, people will notice your disability because of a wheelchair and as you said many people will stop and talk, strangers, let’s examine first of all what are some of the and we we need your advice on it because you’re the participant here Kristina, what are some of the things that you definitely prefer someone not say? What are some of the words you don’t want them to say and then on the other hand what kind of comments do you welcome in starting a conversation? Kristina Rhoades: Great, yeah, those are great questions Bill. Um, first of all there’s a lot of outdated terms um that have been used in the past and that were very common in the past and for past generations that some people with disabilities just find to be offensive because of just the nature of the word and the definition of the word. So if we’re talking about words like crippled or handicapped or lame um, if you use those words to describe anything else, you’re not that’s not a positive um description that you’re using. Bill Lampton: They’re too they’re too limiting aren’t they? Kristina Rhoades: They are. And so if you’re talking about anything, an inanimate object, and you you know call it lame or crippled, that means it doesn’t work or that it’s not good enough. Bill Lampton: It’s not up to standard, yeah. Kristina Rhoades: It is, you know, so if you’re a human being and being described by those same words, you can understand that they can feel offensive or just not necessarily a proper representation of who I am and what I am. So we like to use language that puts the person first. And so we say an ind- individual with a disability, a person with a disability, a person who uses a wheelchair or a wheelchair user, um words like that where you’re you’re recognizing that first and foremost this is just a human being, this is just an individual and one of the parts about them is that they happen to have a disability or they happen to be hearing impaired or um low vision, whatever it may be, they’re a person first. Bill Lampton: That’s that’s a great um that’s a great introduction for in a conversation because as you say, the limitation is a part of an individual, it is not the individual. And one of the surprises so many people have who are not disabled and they they get to know those who have a disability, a person with a disability, I’m sure you have new acquaintances who are absolutely astonished at all that you can do. What what would be some of the what would be some of the surprises that that people get, I know you’ve had a long-time nickname Hotwheels. Kristina Rhoades: Yeah. Bill Lampton: What uh surprises in the way of your activities um really awaken people to who you really are? Kristina Rhoades: Sure, I think two of the biggest surprises for people is first and foremost the independence. People are very surprised to find out that I travel alone, that I’ve had a career, that I’ve you know been to college, when they find out that I carried a child and that I am a mother, that astounds people in a way that they can barely handle sometimes. Um, and then sometimes, you know this Bill, they want to know how and at that point I just ask them to go back to elementary or middle school, you know education and you know learn a little bit more about the birds and the bees. Bill Lampton: You have a nice way of saying none of your business. Kristina Rhoades: Yes, yeah exactly. Um, and so just what I’ve accomplished and what I’ve been able to do people are very surprised by that. I think they have you know a lot of people have an image in their mind of you know one of their grandparents when they had got too too elderly to be able to get around by themselves and they use a wheelchair and at that point they kind of are just sedentary and they sit there and observe and that’s kind of their their image in their head of somebody that’s a wheelchair user, somebody that has a disability if they haven’t had that personal experience. So in again independence and my accomplishments are what people are most surprised by that. Um, I think they have you know a lot of people have an image in their mind of you know one of their grandparents when they had got too too elderly to be able to get around by themselves and they use a wheelchair and at that point they kind of are just sedentary and they sit there and observe and that’s kind of their their image in their head of somebody that’s a wheelchair user, somebody that has a disability if they haven’t had that personal experience. So in again independence and my accomplishments are what people are most surprised by that. Um, and then also people are also um surprised to find out that I’m happy, that I have a positive attitude and um you know I’ve had people say that you don’t have to put on a good front for me like you don’t have to put on a happy face. Oh my goodness, I’m definitely not, this is just how I am and of course I’m not like this all the time and I have my bad days and my moods. Bill Lampton: Nobody is like that all the time you know. Kristina Rhoades: Exactly, but for the most part I am a pretty happy person and I an- I’m an optimist and I like to look on the bright side and think about the positive. So that’s just you know who I am as an individual with or without a disability. Um, so I think those are kind of you know my outlook and my accomplishments are are what people are most surprised with after they get to know me a little bit. Bill Lampton: Well I knew that immediately. As I said I had the wonderful opportunity of co-hosting a radio show with you and your your brightness, your optimism, your upbeat attitude, they helped me a lot of days. I can guarantee you. But you’re right that um anyone in any condition will have because of circumstances often mood swings, but we all can can if you can handle those as well as you do that that’s a great example and role model for us Kristina. One thing that I want to get to next is what’s called the Disability Expo. I know that that’s something that you’re heavily involved with and we’ll be back in just a few seconds to talk about that. Ad: Do you wish you felt confident about giving speeches? Do you want to deal with difficult people constructively? And what about becoming more persuasive in sales? Then keep listening now to Dr. Bill Lampton. He spent 20 years in management so he knows the communication skills you need for success. I urge you to call the Biz Communication Guy today for a no-cost but very very valuable 30-minute discussion about your communication challenges. Call now: 678-316-4300. Again that’s 678-316-4300. Bill Lampton: We’re here with Kristina Rhoades, also known as Hotwheels as we’ve said on the Biz Communication Show. And Kristina before the short break, I mentioned that we want to know what is the Abilities Expo that you’re involved with, what’s its purpose, how is it you’re involved, how long have you been with it, and what are the results for you and others? Kristina Rhoades: Yeah, Bill, Abilities Expo is absolutely fantastic. Um, it’s been going for over 40 years. It’s our nation’s largest expo for the disability community. Um, and so there’s a variety of services, products, resources for all types of disabilities available there, number of vendors, workshops, educational workshops, events like adaptive dancing and assistive dog demonstrations, adaptive sports. All sorts of exciting things. Um, we’ll be kicking off the season this year in Long Beach um at the end of March and we even have a really awesome adaptive fashion show that’s going to be taking place there. Um, and at that show we see just about 10,000 people come through in a weekend with disabilities, family members, caretakers, professionals that serve the disability community. Um, it’s just a really fantastic event, Bill. Bill Lampton: Uh you you bring up a question that I think some of us are wondering you mentioned 10,000 people. What what is there a number of the that you know of the people say in the United States who are rated as people with disability or is there percentage of population? Kristina Rhoades: You know I don’t have a figure for you for general disabilities Bill because that that’s a kind of a tough number to grab, there’s so many types of disabilities, invisible, visible disabilities, all sorts of um types of disability, um and it’s a it’s something that some people aren’t comfortable sharing so to capture that number is a challenge. For example I can talk that people in wheelchairs I have a figure for that because that’s a little bit more you know easier to measure because of product and things like that so the US estimates that there’s about 20 to 25 million people wheelchair users that live in the US um at any given time. Um, and again that number can change because some people don’t use a wheelchair all the time, some people have multiple chairs, you know there’s a lot of a lot of factors that go into that. Um, but the expo again I just yeah I want to just say that I’ve been attending that in one way or another for about 20 years Bill, working with various companies in the industry, giving workshops, um just helping get the word out about the expo because it’s just a really special experience for people that live their daily lives out in the normal world encountering obstacles um you know trying to find that accessibility like we just talked about encountering strangers where they’re asking you questions and you’re just trying to navigate the world. So when you like walk into a disability expo or roll into a disability expo and abilities expo and there’s all of these resources for people with disabilities you just feel kind of home, you feel like you are normal and you’re the norm and everybody at at that show is there for you and to cater to to your access and your needs and um what you need to to live your best life um and so I just it’s a really special experience if you go if you don’t buy anything if you just go and roll through the show it really um just provides a sense of camaraderie and um knowing that you’re not alone. Bill Lampton: I’m sure especially for a person who’s a new occupant of a wheelchair, that is that is an incredibly comforting time that they’re there. Kristina Rhoades: It is. And there’s so much technology now Bill compared to when I was injured um you know back in 1984 and watching the Americans with Disabilities Act come around and we start getting curb cuts and you know elevators and then fast forward to to today and the types of technology um the wheelchairs that can lift up and reach the top shelf and um power assists for manual wheelchairs so you can still be independent but you can push a button and get some power if your shoulders get tired. Remember I used to have to use a dog for that. Bill Lampton: Yes. Kristina Rhoades: I had a companion dog Chevy that when my shoulders got tired I had to have him pull me along so yeah the technology has just come a long way and it really really like you said especially if you’re somebody with a new disability going to one of these shows just really opens up your world and gives you the the tools and the resources to live as independently as possible. Bill Lampton: You definitely have a message of motivation, inspiration, building self-confidence, overcoming obstacles, what kind of speaking have you done to groups on those or similar topics? Kristina Rhoades: Yeah, much of what you just mentioned Bill I talk to um a variety of audiences so folks that work in the disability community but may not necessarily have a disability themselves so people that work at um dealerships for accessible vehicles and people that may be therapists and other sorts of professionals in the disability community. I’ll give um presentations about disability etiquette and talk about some of the things that we’re talking about here today Bill about um proper language and just communication and etiquette when you’re when you’re interacting with a person with a disability, how to shake hands, how to um properly greet somebody so you can kind of reduce the awkwardness that can come up sometimes um in new situations. Um and then I’ve also spoke to groups with disabilities and talked about um leadership and positive thinking and um you know self-worth and self-development and how how important it is to um have a positive attitude and set personal goals and um you know so it really depends on who I’m speaking to um and you know what what that particular audience needs. Bill Lampton: You and I are both on TikTok, I see you there and I’ve noticed uh quite frequently other wheelchair occupants who will talk about how to talk with someone as we talked about earlier in our conversation. For example they they don’t want you to talk baby talk, they don’t want you to whisper, um they don’t want you to indicate in any way that that they are approaching you or thinking about you differently than they would someone else, and how would you expand on that? Anything I’ve missed there? Kristina Rhoades: No, that’s a fantastic point Bill, and I tell people really to to lead with empathy, like to think about how you would want to be treated and if somebody approached you in a store and asked you a personal question about a medical procedure you’ve had, how how that would feel. And so just to you know any anytime you’re going to approach somebody maybe and you’re wondering if you should in a wheelchair or not in a wheelchair, with a disability or without, think about if if somebody else was to ask you a question like that if you would be comfortable answering that and especially in the situation you know it may be different if you guys have gotten to know each other a little bit and you’re in a social situation and you’re having more of a personal talk. Different topics can come up, but if it’s a stranger and you walk up to me in the grocery store and I’ve never met you and you want to dive right into my disability it can be a little awkward. Um and then I just think it’s also important to to just again and this goes back to empathy and just kind of the golden rule treating others how you would want to be treated, but um thinking about how people value independence. And so if you’re an adult and you’re out in the world and somebody comes up and asks, you know asks the date that you’re with at the restaurant what you would like to eat for lunch, how would you feel as an adult with you know you would say excuse me um I’m here and you can speak directly to me. So a person with a disability feels the exact same way they want their personal autonomy, they want to have respect, they want to feel independent and you know with a person with a physical disability often they’ve had to work even harder to gain that independence so they cherish it even more maybe than the next person. Bill Lampton: What a conversation we’ve had, we have picked up some wonderful pointers about the the disability world which I would call you the queen of. How how to relate, how to assist, how to inspire at the same time we’re getting so much inspiration from you Kristina. I know as we unfortunately have that old clock on the wall as they said on television many times it’s moved along, so I have time certainly to ask you for your contact information because I know that there are those who would like to get in touch with you. Um share with us what you’d like to on that please. Kristina Rhoades: Yeah thanks Bill, I’ve had a great great time speaking with you today and catching up. Um people can reach out to me via email and that’s going to be KristinaTheNumber4Abilities, and that’s Kristina with a K, number 4 abilities @ gmail . com. Um or you can reach out to me on Instagram and there’s a link there that you can find my TikTok and my other social media um and that’s Kristina again with a K underscore and my last name is Rhoades, it’s there on the bottom but it’s r-h-o-a-d-e-s there on Instagram. Bill Lampton: Thank you very much, thank you. And I encourage, I doubt that I have to encourage, I think people who have heard Kristina and seen her today with that vibrant attitude and glowing smile which is just a part of her everyday, I I have a feeling you will definitely want to get in touch with her and now that she’s shared her contact information I’ll share mine. My YouTube channel since my moniker is the biz communication guy, my YouTube channel is Bill Lampton PhD, and while you’re on my YouTube channel, by the way I started posting instructional videos there in 2007 so there are a lot of them. And the good news is they’re free. And for the last eight years they’ve included marvelous guests on the Biz Communication Show so while you’re on my YouTube channel, please consider subscribing. And then my website, https://www.google.com/search?q=thebizcommunicationguy.com we have it there, https://www.google.com/search?q=thebizcommunicationguy.com, while you’re on my website you can subscribe to the podcast. I would very much welcome phone calls for an initial no-cost discussion of your communication challenges and problems and we’ll talk about potential solutions and whether I’m the person to work with you or someone else is. That phone number is 678-316-4300. I also want to give credit to the co-producer of this show, Mike Stewart based in Nashville, used to be here with me in Gainesville, Georgia. Mike I met in get this, 1997 when I first became an entrepreneur and he has been my marketing and technology guy all along. He absolutely he doesn’t keep up, he’s ahead of everything and and he’s a great guy. So his website localinternetpresence.com, I definitely encourage you to check with him. Kristina as we are closing the show, I want to ask you we’ve discussed some wonderful themes about disability. What would you like to leave with our audience? What what are some maybe some kernels, some thoughts that you’d like to leave with us? Kristina Rhoades: Well thanks again Bill for the conversation. I really enjoyed it. Um I said this before but I’ll just say it again to lead with empathy and just to consider how you would want to be treated, remember that golden rule, um and just be kind because we’re all just humans and we’re doing the best we can to get through this life. We don’t know the struggles that each of us are silently dealing with, um so if we can remember that then um things will go a lot smoother and um thanks again Bill for the um information that you provide I love watching all of your videos and appreciate um all the knowledge that you impart to the world. So I appreciate the the chance to be here with you today. Bill Lampton: You can just call me Clint Eastwood because you made my day. And to think that you, highly talented top professional communicator you, are watching my videos, that um that’s wonderful. Thank you. Thanks to those of you who joined us today on the Biz Communication Show. We invite you to be with us again for next week for another vital conversation. It’s planned, it’s not canned, it’s planned, it is a lively conversation about communication and you and I will both get tips and strategies that will be beneficial for us. Thanks again to Kristina Rhoades and to thanks to all of you who joined us in the show today.

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Vineet Bhalla about a petition before the Supreme Court of India that highlights a legal gap, leaving acid ingestion survivors outside the scope of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Next, we turn to Bihar, where Nitish Kumar has moved to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for a new Chief Minister after nearly two decades. The Indian Express' Deputy Editor Liz Mathew explains what this transition means for the BJP, JDU, and the state's political balance. (09:15)And in the end, we look at the death of an Indian student in Canada. Gurkirat Singh Manocha from Ujjain was allegedly assaulted and run over in Fort St. John, with authorities now investigating the incident. (19:35)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

In this episode, Dr. Kristi Kirschner, a physician, educator, and leader in disability-inclusive healthcare, whose career began the same year as the Americans with Disabilities Act became law shares that even more than 30 years later, the promise of that moment still feels unfulfilled. Healthcare continues to lag behind other systems in accessibility and widespread ableism prevents patients from receiving the care they deserve.  Dr. Kirschner shares a bold vision for change rooted in education, partnership, and reimagining the role of healthcare itself. From training the next generation of clinicians to building a lifespan disability clinic which elevates the voices of people with lived experience, this episode explores what it takes to move from compliance to true inclusion. The University of Illinois Health Lifespan Disability Clinic, offers comprehensive, disability-inclusive primary care for both children and adults with a wide range of physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, including complex, multifaceted conditions.  Listen to witness the power of reframing because disability is not a limitation, it is a lens for innovation, creativity, and a more humane, interconnected world. This is a conversation about dignity, design, and the future of care, and why getting it right matters for all of us.Learn more about the UI Health Lifespan Disability Clinic https://hospital.uillinois.edu/primary-and-specialty-care/disability-inclusive-care Explore their website to access their resources: https://adih.uic.edu/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Coming soon: Disability in the World(00:00:48) - Advocates in Action: Equity and Inclusion in Healthcare(00:07:11) - The role of health professionals with disabilities(00:16:18) - The Disability Inclusive Health Care(00:24:39) - Living with Disabilities in 2026(00:34:29) - Advocates in Action: Week 3

Resilience, mindset, overcoming adversity, and personal growth take center stage in this powerful conversation with bestselling author and keynote speaker Stacey Chillemi.What if your greatest challenge could become your greatest purpose?On this inspiring episode of Women Road Warriors, Shelley Johnson and Kathy Tuccaro welcome Stacey Chillemi—20-time bestselling author, keynote speaker, and mindset coach whose work has empowered millions around the world.Stacey's journey began with a life-altering diagnosis. After developing epilepsy following childhood encephalitis, she faced obstacles that could have defined her limitations. Instead, she transformed adversity into advocacy—ultimately speaking before Congresson behalf of people with epilepsy, which helped pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. She then became a global voice for resilience by helping others unlock healing, confidence, and leadership.Today, Stacey reaches millions through her books, coaching programs, and the fast-growing Advisor Series for Mindset & Self-Improvement podcast and YouTube channel. Her message has been featured across major media, including NBC Dateline, News 4, The Morning Show, The Dr. Oz Show, Psychology Today, Business Insider, and collaborations with leaders like Arianna Huffington.In this powerful conversation, Stacey shares how anyone can shift their mindset, rise above challenges, reduce stress, and step into their true potential.If you've ever faced adversity, questioned your path, or needed a reminder of your inner strength, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered.Listen now to discover:• How to transform adversity into purpose • Mindset shifts that unlock resilience and leadership • Practical ways to reduce stress and reclaim your power • Why your story—no matter how difficult—can become your greatest strength

OA1238 - Dive in to an “old” case from the 90's that secured a critical right for people with disabilities: The right to be free from unnecessary institutionalization. Learn about some of the more obscure portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the different ways we can define discrimination, and what happens when a majority of  judges just cannot agree to sign on to an entire opinion. Olmstead v. L.C. 527 U.S. 581 (1999) Americans with Disabilities Act - Findings and Purpose; 42 U.S.C. § 12101(a)(2, 3, & 5) Americans with Disabilities Act - Discrimination; 42 U.S.C. § 12132 28 CFR § 35.130(d) Jesse Jackson (July 18, 1989). Statement before the Committee on Education and Labor Subcommittee on Select Education (regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act). Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do!  

Action News Jax's Ben Becker reports on locally owned businesses being sued concerning compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act on websites. Are these legitimate lawsuits and concerns? Is it a fight worth fighting? Is it a fight business owners can win? Or is it a trending scam? Tune in for the full story at 545pm with Action News Jax on CBS47 and FOX30.

2/18/26Episode SummaryIn this episode, host Scott Austin continues the conversation about ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance for Shopify merchants by talking with Amanda Porter from Interact One about how compliance is evaluated and improved in online stores. They discuss practical evaluation tools (like the Wave accessibility testing plugin), common accessibility issues in Shopify sites, and how errors such as missing alt text or poor contrast affect usability. Porter emphasizes that there's no single “silver bullet” solution—simple add-on apps often aren't enough, and deeper fixes (code, structure, content) are required to genuinely improve accessibility and reduce legal risk. They also cover how to document accessibility processes, incorporate ADA checks into regular site maintenance, and what store owners should expect in terms of effort and potential costs related to compliance.Show LinksInteract One - https://interactone.com/Brand-It! Calendar - https://apps.shopify.com/brand-it-calendarVideo & Transcript https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-179-more-ada-compliance-for-shopify-stores

Dr. Teresa Conklin discusses the shift toward competency-based education and shares strategies that graduate nursing educators can use to provide proficiency-centered experiences for NP students. In her article she describes the role of an Accessibility Committee to apply the  Americans with Disabilities Act standards to universal design of digital materials. 

Quick recap In this episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns podcast, host Jim interviewed Michael Hingson, a blind speaker and author who shared his experiences on 9/11 and his broader life story. Michael discussed his work as a computer company executive in the World Trade Center on 9/11, where he and his guide dog Roselle survived the terrorist attacks by following emergency procedures and evacuation protocols. They also explored Michael's perspective on disability rights, technology's role in accessibility, and his work as a public speaker. The conversation highlighted Michael's philosophy on overcoming challenges and his views on artificial intelligence and its potential benefits for people with disabilities. Jim expressed admiration for Michael's leadership and resilience, and they discussed the importance of adapting to new technologies and maintaining a positive outlook despite obstacles. Summary Surviving 9/11 as a Blind Leader Jim interviews Michael Hingson, who shares his experience as a blind person who survived the 9/11 attacks in the World Trade Center. Michael describes how he and his guide dog Roselle evacuated Tower 1 after the plane hit, emphasizing that his blindness did not prevent him from understanding the situation. They discuss Michael's subsequent leadership and speaking career, with Jim mentioning potential future speaking opportunities through the National League of Cities. Surviving 9/11: A Blind Man's Story Michael shared his experience of surviving the September 11 attacks as a blind person, highlighting how his preparation and training helped him remain calm and focused during the evacuation. He described how his guide dog, Roselle, played a crucial role in keeping him and others calm, and how he used his knowledge of the World Trade Center to navigate the building during the emergency. Michael has since become a public speaker, sharing lessons learned from his experiences about teamwork, trust, leadership, and emergency preparedness. Michael's Journey with Thunderdog Michael discussed his experiences with writing and publishing two books, "Thunderdog" and "Live Like a Guy Dog." He shared how "Thunderdog" came about after meeting George Berger at the American Kennel Club Canine Yukanuba Dog Show in 2002, and how Susie Flory encouraged him to write the book. Michael explained that the book was published by Thomas Nelson in 2011 and became a New York Times bestseller. He emphasized the importance of the book in teaching people about blindness and challenging attitudes towards blind people, highlighting the high unemployment rate among employable blind individuals. Overcoming Challenges with Technology and Choice Michael shared his personal story of being born blind and overcoming obstacles, emphasizing the importance of choices and technology in his life. He discussed the concept of disability as a characteristic that everyone has, and highlighted how the Americans with Disabilities Act has provided accommodations that benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities. Jim agreed with Michael's perspective, noting how the ADA has opened doors for people with disabilities and should be seen as a natural part of society. Challenges in Accessibility Today Michael discussed the ongoing challenges of accessibility, highlighting how the Americans with Disabilities Act has made significant progress but still faces numerous battles. He shared personal anecdotes about his wife's experiences with accessibility issues and his own encounters with discrimination, emphasizing the need for societal recognition of these challenges. Michael also explained the importance of making internet websites accessible, noting that only about 3% of websites are currently accessible. He praised Apple's innovative approach to accessibility, particularly with their VoiceOver technology, while suggesting that more could be done to ensure all apps are accessible. AI's Role and Future Potential Jim and Michael discussed the role and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of life. Michael emphasized that AI is a valuable tool that can enhance accessibility, improve vaccine development, and assist in education by helping students learn rather than just using AI to write papers. They also talked about the progress and future of autonomous vehicles, with Jim highlighting the potential benefits for elderly people and Michael sharing his experience driving a Tesla with AI assistance. Both agreed that while AI has made significant strides, it is still in its early stages and will continue to improve over time. Guide Dogs and AI Technologies Michael discussed his experiences with guide dogs, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and trust between the handler and the dog. He explained that guide dogs are trained to ensure safe navigation, not to lead the handler, and described how he communicates with his dogs using a harness. Michael also highlighted the role of AI in assisting people with disabilities, mentioning technologies like Echo Vision glasses and the IRA (Artificial Intelligent Remote Assistant) service. He concluded by sharing his approach to interacting with the public, including allowing petting of his guide dogs when time permits. Michael's Speaking Career Promotion Jim and Michael discussed Michael's speaking career, emphasizing that his story transcends 9/11 and covers themes of life, persistence, and inspiration. Jim expressed his admiration for Michael's speaking skills and offered to promote his services to various organizations. Michael's contact info and website are:  Michael's phone number: 415-827-4084 www.michaelhingson.com Email:  mike@michaelhingson.com Speaking opportunities for Michael:   jessica@voicestoconnect.com   www.voicestoconnect.com  

Most small business owners have no idea their website can trigger a lawsuit.In this episode of the Diversified Game Podcast, Kellen Coleman sits down with Matthew Elefant, Managing Director of Inclusive Web, to break down the growing risk of ADA accessibility lawsuits and why small businesses are increasingly being targeted.Nearly 1 in 5 Americans lives with a disability, yet over 90 percent of websites remain inaccessible. That gap is creating legal exposure, lost customers, and unnecessary financial risk for business owners who think this issue only applies to big corporations.This conversation covers what the Americans with Disabilities Act actually requires online, how lawsuits are initiated, why Florida is a hotspot, and how businesses can fix accessibility issues before they become expensive legal problems.If you own a website, manage clients, or advise small businesses, this episode is not optional.Guest:Matthew ElefantManaging Director, Inclusive WebWebsite: https://www.inclusiveweb.coHost:Kellen ColemanDiversified Game Podcasthttps://diversifiedgame.comYouTube Chapter Summary (Optional but Strong for Retention)00:00 Why websites are getting sued05:30 What ADA accessibility really means online10:45 Who is at risk and why Florida is a hotspot st of lawsuits vs cost of compliance26:00 Small business solutions and affordable fixes35:00 Accessibility as a growth opportunity44:00 Final warning for business ownersYouTube Tags (High-Intent SEO)ADA accessibilitywebsite law suitsmall business warningADA compliance website website accessibility lawsuitsmall business legal risk Florida business lawsuitsDiversified Game PodcastKellen ColemanMatthew ElefantInclusive WebADA website requirementssmall business compliancedigital accessibilitybusiness law for entrepreneursDGP&x%

1/21/26Episode SummaryThe host, Scott Austin, talks with Jordan Brannon from Coalition about ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance for online stores and why it has become a major concern for Shopify merchants. They discuss how ADA compliance is currently not clearly defined in law, leading to a surge in lawsuits from attorneys targeting e-commerce sites.Key points covered include:What ADA compliance means for online stores and why it matters domestically in the U.S. context.How stores built with Shopify themes may be partially compliant out-of-the-box but often require additional work, especially after customizations or apps are added.Tools and practices that help evaluate and improve accessibility, such as contrast checks and alt text for images.Limitations of low-cost ADA apps and the need for deeper adjustments like CSS changes and structured content.Discussion on when to bring in an agency for compliance support and what to look for in a partner.Overall, the episode emphasizes that ADA compliance is important for accessibility and legal risk reduction, but achieving it requires more than just add-on tools — it involves careful evaluation and ongoing effort.Show LinksCoalition - https://coalitiontechnologies.com/Wave Evaluation Tool for Chrome - https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/wave-evaluation-tool/jbbplnpkjmmeebjpijfedlgcdilocofhaxe DevTools Web Accessibility Testing for Chrome - https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/axe-devtools-web-accessib/lhdoppojpmngadmnindnejefpokejbddAccessibly Shopify app - https://apps.shopify.com/accessibly-app?ref=835204AccessPro Accessibility Widget - https://apps.shopify.com/access-pro?ref=835204Badgezilla - https://apps.shopify.com/badgezillaVideo & Transcript https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-177-ada-compliance-with-jordan-brannon

Are we heading to a time where everybody has a disability? Or, if you don't have one, you're pretty stupid? The boys drink and review Trail of Crumbs gingerbread stout from Seven Locks Brewing, then discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act and how many college students are now considered disabled. It's impossible to accommodate every disability, so there will always be some fuzziness in how far the ADA is supposed to go, but ... it seems to have gone too far, especially with accommodations for mental health. COVID seems to have accelerated crazy claims under the ADA. People got accustomed to working from home, and when they were told to go back to the office, they suddenly needed a lot of "accommodations." It's even worse in academia. Students come up every kind of "disability" to get extra time on tests and other accommodations. Sometimes it's something as silly as being anxious. 40 percent of the students at Stanford are considered disabled. Is that even possible? Is "test anxiety" a disability?

The former hotel on Pruden Boulevard can house 37 people, with half of its rooms meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

In the thirty years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, the lives of disabled people have not improved nearly as much as activists and politicians had hoped. In Crip Negativity (U of Minnesota Press, 2023), J. Logan Smilges shows us what's gone wrong and what we can do to fix it. Leveling a strong critique of the category of disability and liberal disability politics, Smilges asks and imagines what horizons might exist for the liberation of those oppressed by ableism—beyond access and inclusion. Inspired by models of negativity in queer studies, Black studies, and crip theory, Smilges proposes that bad crip feelings might help all of us to care gently for one another, even as we demand more from the world than we currently believe to be possible. J. Logan Smilges (they/them) is assistant professor of English language and literatures at the University of British Columbia and author of Queer Silence: On Disability and Rhetorical Absence (Minnesota, 2022). Clayton Jarrard is a Research Project Coordinator at the University of Kansas Center for Research, contributing to initiatives at the nexus of research, policy implementation, and community efforts. His scholarly engagement spans the subject areas of Cultural Anthropology, Queer Studies, Disability Studies, Mad Studies, and Religious Studies. Clayton is also a host for the Un/Livable Cultures podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

In the thirty years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, the lives of disabled people have not improved nearly as much as activists and politicians had hoped. In Crip Negativity (U of Minnesota Press, 2023), J. Logan Smilges shows us what's gone wrong and what we can do to fix it. Leveling a strong critique of the category of disability and liberal disability politics, Smilges asks and imagines what horizons might exist for the liberation of those oppressed by ableism—beyond access and inclusion. Inspired by models of negativity in queer studies, Black studies, and crip theory, Smilges proposes that bad crip feelings might help all of us to care gently for one another, even as we demand more from the world than we currently believe to be possible. J. Logan Smilges (they/them) is assistant professor of English language and literatures at the University of British Columbia and author of Queer Silence: On Disability and Rhetorical Absence (Minnesota, 2022). Clayton Jarrard is a Research Project Coordinator at the University of Kansas Center for Research, contributing to initiatives at the nexus of research, policy implementation, and community efforts. His scholarly engagement spans the subject areas of Cultural Anthropology, Queer Studies, Disability Studies, Mad Studies, and Religious Studies. Clayton is also a host for the Un/Livable Cultures podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

In the thirty years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, the lives of disabled people have not improved nearly as much as activists and politicians had hoped. In Crip Negativity (U of Minnesota Press, 2023), J. Logan Smilges shows us what's gone wrong and what we can do to fix it. Leveling a strong critique of the category of disability and liberal disability politics, Smilges asks and imagines what horizons might exist for the liberation of those oppressed by ableism—beyond access and inclusion. Inspired by models of negativity in queer studies, Black studies, and crip theory, Smilges proposes that bad crip feelings might help all of us to care gently for one another, even as we demand more from the world than we currently believe to be possible. J. Logan Smilges (they/them) is assistant professor of English language and literatures at the University of British Columbia and author of Queer Silence: On Disability and Rhetorical Absence (Minnesota, 2022). Clayton Jarrard is a Research Project Coordinator at the University of Kansas Center for Research, contributing to initiatives at the nexus of research, policy implementation, and community efforts. His scholarly engagement spans the subject areas of Cultural Anthropology, Queer Studies, Disability Studies, Mad Studies, and Religious Studies. Clayton is also a host for the Un/Livable Cultures podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In the thirty years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, the lives of disabled people have not improved nearly as much as activists and politicians had hoped. In Crip Negativity (U of Minnesota Press, 2023), J. Logan Smilges shows us what's gone wrong and what we can do to fix it. Leveling a strong critique of the category of disability and liberal disability politics, Smilges asks and imagines what horizons might exist for the liberation of those oppressed by ableism—beyond access and inclusion. Inspired by models of negativity in queer studies, Black studies, and crip theory, Smilges proposes that bad crip feelings might help all of us to care gently for one another, even as we demand more from the world than we currently believe to be possible. J. Logan Smilges (they/them) is assistant professor of English language and literatures at the University of British Columbia and author of Queer Silence: On Disability and Rhetorical Absence (Minnesota, 2022). Clayton Jarrard is a Research Project Coordinator at the University of Kansas Center for Research, contributing to initiatives at the nexus of research, policy implementation, and community efforts. His scholarly engagement spans the subject areas of Cultural Anthropology, Queer Studies, Disability Studies, Mad Studies, and Religious Studies. Clayton is also a host for the Un/Livable Cultures podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/public-policy

In the thirty years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, the lives of disabled people have not improved nearly as much as activists and politicians had hoped. In Crip Negativity (U of Minnesota Press, 2023), J. Logan Smilges shows us what's gone wrong and what we can do to fix it. Leveling a strong critique of the category of disability and liberal disability politics, Smilges asks and imagines what horizons might exist for the liberation of those oppressed by ableism—beyond access and inclusion. Inspired by models of negativity in queer studies, Black studies, and crip theory, Smilges proposes that bad crip feelings might help all of us to care gently for one another, even as we demand more from the world than we currently believe to be possible. J. Logan Smilges (they/them) is assistant professor of English language and literatures at the University of British Columbia and author of Queer Silence: On Disability and Rhetorical Absence (Minnesota, 2022). Clayton Jarrard is a Research Project Coordinator at the University of Kansas Center for Research, contributing to initiatives at the nexus of research, policy implementation, and community efforts. His scholarly engagement spans the subject areas of Cultural Anthropology, Queer Studies, Disability Studies, Mad Studies, and Religious Studies. Clayton is also a host for the Un/Livable Cultures podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics

When Jenna Udenberg was fifteen, she had a suicide plan due to tough medical issues and severe physical pain from her arthritis. She lived in bed. But she pulled herself from those very dark, tough times to become an inspiration to many who suffer from disabilities. Jenna Udenberg is a former music educator of 19 years. She has used a manual wheelchair since the age of eight due to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Jenna is a 2017 Blandin Foundation Community Leader, a 2020 Bush Fellow, and a 2025 Shannon Leadership Institute Fellow. Writing for the Lake County Press in her column, "Local View from 4 foot 2, inspires vulnerability and the sharing of lived experiences from a seated perspective.       In her interview, Jenna shared how she went from feeling hopeless to inspiring anyone who may be struggling with life-changing circumstances beyond their control.     Why is disability not a bad word? ● Going beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act code matters, as we are not a checklist. ● Why are accessibility and inclusion important? ● How did you overcome daily challenges? XXXXX BUY JENNA'S BOOK HERE     Life is always beautiful, no matter what it looks like, because of the tapestry of relationships and people. Make it colorful and unique. Within My Spokes is a collection of Jenna Udenberg's life stories and the relationships that create her tapestry. From her childhood diagnosis of Juvenile Arthritis at age seven, Jenna fought through long journeys of medical battles, broken systems, discrimination, and ignorance. Jenna is a 2020 Bush Fellow and a disability advocate, activist, and accessibility educator. Readers have laughed and cried as they dug deeper into her shared life stories. This is a coming-of-age book about finding oneself, one's purpose, and worth, sometimes through the most unlikely of relationships and circumstances. Within these stories, you will be taken on a journey of: Persevering and thriving through life's unexpected adventures Timely friendships create safe, inclusive, and healthy spaces Healing (physical, spiritual, emotional) through the hurt of one's past Faith Though our stories may be different, you may relate to experiences in this book of pain, growth and freedom that could help you on your journey. Jenna Udenberg grew up on the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior. She is a disability advocate and accessibility educator. Jenna's newspaper column, Local View from 4' 2", can be found in the Lake County Press. She loves working with others, including her non-profit, Above & Beyond With U.

12/24/25Episode SummaryGuest & TopicHost Scott Austin brings on attorney Brenda Pagliaro to explain ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance as it applies to e-commerce websites, especially Shopify stores.Key PointsADA compliance requirements are complex and evolving, and many store owners are confused about what they must do to make their sites accessible. Pagliaro outlines background on the ADA, how accessibility regulations are interpreted for websites, and why online stores often get targeted with demand letters and lawsuits. There is no guaranteed way to prevent getting sued; the focus should be on mitigating risk by implementing accessibility practices, documentation, processes, and using tools (like accessibility apps), though none are a silver bullet. Many cases settle before court, but even settlements and legal defense can be costly for small stores. Practical TakeawaysEcommerce site owners should take ADA compliance seriously, proactively prepare for potential claims, and combine accessibility tools with internal policies and ongoing review to reduce legal risk.Show LinksBrenda Pagliaro - brendapagliarollc@gmail.com or brenda@mediationworksfl.comBrand-It! Calendar - https://apps.shopify.com/brand-it-calendarTranscript & Videohttps://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-175-talking-ada-compliance-with-an-attorney

As an aspiring equestrian facing obstacles, Jack Goldberg learned that even with good intentions and legislation, follow through can be uncertain. So, as a young teen, he leaned into leadership. While the dual American and Canadian citizen can appreciate progress -- the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities -- he is worried that what has been hard won may be dismantled unless advocacy and activism keep the pressure on. On Equal Time, the honored Para Equestrian explains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an aspiring equestrian facing obstacles, Jack Goldberg learned that even with good intentions and legislation, follow through can be uncertain. So, as a young teen, he leaned into leadership. While the dual American and Canadian citizen can appreciate progress -- the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities -- he is worried that what has been hard won may be dismantled unless advocacy and activism keep the pressure on. On Equal Time, the honored Para Equestrianexplains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scot Danforth, author of the new biography "An Independent Man," talks about the life of Ed Roberts, who founded the Independent Living Movement. In the revolutionary 1960s, Roberts and his fellow Berkeley activists pioneered the disability rights fight. He later led change in Sacramento as California's Director of Rehabilitation, advocating for state legislation years before the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. But, as current threats show, hard-won gains like these can be taken away.

Thirty five years after its signing, the Americans with Disabilities Act has led to changes in schools, work, and public spaces. The stories of St. Louisans with disabilities reveal what that landmark legislation — and disability rights activists' work in St. Louis long before ADA — changed. They also illustrate what remains to be done. Guests Lori Becker, Raven McFadden, and Seyoon Choi talk about their classroom, workplace, and social experiences as children and adults living with a disability in St. Louis.

What happens when a 17-year-old's dive into the Chesapeake Bay changes everything—and the healing never comes? ⁠Watch the full conversation on YouTube⁠. Fifty-seven years later, Joni Eareckson Tada sits across from me with an answer that might undo everything you think you know about strength, suffering, and the strange mercy of God. In this conversation marking the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we go where few dare: into the raw, daily reality of quadriplegia, chronic pain that would break most of us by breakfast, and a two-time battle with breast cancer. But this isn't inspiration porn. This is Joni—unflinching, funny, and fiercely honest about what it means when "I can do all things through Christ" meets 4 a.m. despair. We talk about the crushing loneliness of being the only wheelchair in a room full of chairs. The rage when well-meaning Christians promise healing that doesn't come. The particular exhaustion of advocating for your own existence. And why she tells God some mornings, "I have no strength for today. Can I borrow yours?" But we also discover something unexpected: how limitation becomes liberation. Why the disabled community might be the most honest place in America. And what happens when churches stop trying to "fix" people and start making room for them. Fair warning: Joni doesn't do platitudes. She'll tell you exactly what not to say to someone in chronic pain (spoiler: "everything happens for a reason" isn't it). She'll explain why she's terrified of a world that's editing out Down syndrome. And she'll make you rethink whether your church's "all are welcome" sign means anything if there's no ramp to the door. This is for anyone who's ever wondered where God is when the miracle doesn't come. For those caring for someone who's suffering and don't know what to say. For all of us who suspect our obsession with optimization and control might be making us miss the point entirely. Come for the practical wisdom. Stay for the kind of hope that only comes from someone who's been asking "How long, O Lord?" for nearly six decades—and still believes the answer matters. Keep up with Joni's work through Joni and Friends, here. Keep up with Russell: Sign up for the weekly newsletter where Russell shares thoughtful takes on big questions, offers a Christian perspective on life, and recommends books and music he's enjoying. Submit a question for the show at questions@russellmoore.com  Subscribe to the Christianity Today Magazine: Special offer for listeners of The Russell Moore Show: Click here for 25% off a subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 CBS's Face the Nation, ABC's Nightline, CBS's Sunday Morning, NBC's Today Show, PBS,, CNN,, Fox; National Public Radio;Washington Post, NewYork Times, are just some of the places you have read or seen him!Civil & Disability Rights are the topics of this show. With Civl Rights History being Preserved for Generations to learn about, What about Disability Rights with it's Multiracial History of Leadership & Activists?? I am concerned.Ralph was an author of the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973&  the American with Disabilities Act along with many others in many Drafts it took to get through a Bi-Partisian Congress as the national law. His work in Civill Rights is amazing as he was trained by many icons including Dorothy Height, Senator Edward Brooke (R, MA), Benjamin Hooks, Roy Wilkins, Wade Henderson. Senator Edward Kennedy, Bayard RustinYou hear very little of  Black Disability Leaders & Activists that are so pivitol to helping in this fight. Brad Lomax, The Black Panters, Dr. Sylvia Walker, (my mentor), Don Galloway or The Honorable Rep. Major Owens ( D, NY). & the Honorable Justin Dart, Tony Coehlo, Ed Roberts, Senator Lowell P. Weicker(R.CT) & others to advance Disability Rights & ADA History.Ralph Neas was both active duty and reserve in the United States Army (1968–1976). In late 1971, he joined the Congressional Research Service's American Law Division at the Library of Congress as a legislative attorney on civil rights. In January 1973, he was hired as a legislative assistant to Republican Senator Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts, eventually becoming the Senator's chief legislative assistant.From 1981 through 1995, Neas served as Executive Director of the nonpartisan Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), the legislative arm of the civil rights movement. Neas coordinated successful national campaigns that led to the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Civil Rights Restoration Act; the Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988; the Japanese American Civil Liberties Act; the preservation of the Executive Order on Affirmative Action (1985–1986 and 1995–1996);and the 1982 Voting Right Act Extension.Final passage on all these laws averaged 85% in both the House of Representatives and the Senate; in addition, another 15 Leadership Conference on Civil Rights legislative priorities were enacted into law in the 1981–1995 period"The Americans with Disabilities Act Award" from the Task Force on the Rights of the Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities for "historic leadership regarding the enactment of the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities" October 12, 1990;Benjamin Hooks "Keeper of the Flame" award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the 91st Annual Convention, Baltimore, Maryland, July 10, 2000"President's Award for Outstanding Service", Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, September, 2007.© 2025 Building Abundant Success!!2025 All Rights ReservedJoin Me ~ iHeart Media @ https://tinyurl.com/iHeartBASAmazon ~ https://tinyurl.com/AmzBASAudacy:  https://tinyurl.com/BASAud

Affirmative action and DEI have become lightning rods in today's culture wars, but how much do we really know about where they came from and why they exist? In this episode, Sergio breaks down the long history of systemic racism in America, from slavery and Jim Crow to redlining and modern hiring bias. You'll learn what affirmative action actually is, what DEI really means, and how both have shaped access, opportunity, and fairness for everyone not just a few. This isn't about guilt. It's about awareness. Because when you understand the history, you start to see the patterns. And once you see them, you can't unsee them.1.Intro2. America's Original Construction Project3. The Evolution of Inequality4. Who's Really Getting the Handout?5. Before Affirmative Action, There Was Just...Discrimination6. DEI for Dummies: The Part They Never Told YouSources & References:• Bertrand, M., & Mullainathan, S. (2004). Are Emily and Greg more employable than Lakisha and Jamal? A field experiment on labor market discrimination. National Bureau of Economic Research. https://doi.org/10.3386/w9873• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). EEOC history: 1964–1969. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/history/eeoc-history-1964-1969• National Park Service. (n.d.). Equal Pay Act of 1963. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov/articles/equal-pay-act.htm• Pittsburgh Press Co. v. Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations, 413 U.S. 376 (1973). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsburgh_Press_Co._v._Pittsburgh_Commission_on_Human_Relations• University of Washington. (n.d.). Racial restrictive covenants: Enforcing neighborhood segregation in Seattle. Civil Rights & Labor History Consortium. https://depts.washington.edu/civilr/covenants_report.htm• Jones-Correa, M. (2000). Origins and diffusion of racial restrictive covenants. Political Science Quarterly, 115(4), 541–568. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2657609• Urban Institute. (2023). Addressing the legacies of historical redlining. https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/Addressing%20the%20Legacies%20of%20Historical%20Redlining.pdf• Nardone, A., Casey, J. A., Morello-Frosch, R., Mujahid, M., Balmes, J., & Thakur, N. (2020). Associations between historical residential redlining and current age-adjusted rates of emergency department visits due to asthma across eight cities in California. The Lancet Planetary Health, 4(1), e24–e31. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9901820/• Pager, D., Western, B., & Bonikowski, B. (2009). Discrimination in a low-wage labor market: A field experiment. American Sociological Review, 74(5), 777–799. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2915472/• Corrigan v. Buckley, 271 U.S. 323 (1926). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrigan_v._Buckley• ADA National Network. “Timeline of the Americans with Disabilities Act.” adata.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://adata.org/ada-timeline• Administration for Community Living. “Origins of the ADA.” acl.gov. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://acl.gov/ada/origins-of-the-ada• U.S. Department of Justice. “Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act.” ada.gov. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/• Section508.gov. “IT Accessibility Laws and Policies.” section508.gov. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/• BrownGold. “DEI & A: The Effect of Donald Trump's DEI Executive Order on Accessibility.” browngold.com. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://browngold.com/blog/dei-a-the-effect-of-donald-trumps-dei-executive-order-on-accessibility/• Wikipedia. “Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.” Wikipedia.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architectural_Barriers_Act_of_1968• Michigan State University Libraries. “Advancing Accessibility: A Timeline.” lib.msu.edu. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://lib.msu.edu/exhibits/advancing-accessibility/timeline• Duane Morris LLP. “ADA Considerations for Neurodiversity Hiring Programs.” duanemorris.com. August 3, 2023. https://www.duanemorris.com/articles/ada_considerations_for_neurodiversity_hiring_programs_0803.html• Autism Spectrum News. “Neurodiversity Hiring Programs: A Path to Employment.” autismspectrumnews.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://autismspectrumnews.org/neurodiversity-hiring-programs-a-path-to-employment/Institute for Diversity Certification. “What Does It Mean to Provide Reasonable Workplace Accommodations for Your Neurodiverse Employees?” diversitycertification.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.diversitycertification.org/deia-matters-blog/what-does-it-mean-to-provide-reasonable-workplace-accommodations-for-your-neurodiverse-employeesKatznelson, I. (2005). When affirmative action was white: An untold history of racial inequality in twentieth-century America. W. W. Norton & Company. (See summary: History & Policy).• Onkst, D. H. (1998). “'First a negro… incidentally a veteran': Black World War II veterans and the G.I. Bill of Rights in the Deep South, 1944–1948.” Journal of Social History, 32(3), 517–543.• Blakemore, E. (2019; updated 2025). “How the GI Bill's promise was denied to a million Black WWII veterans.” History.com. https://www.history.com/articles/gi-bill-black-wwii-veterans-benefits.• Heller School, Brandeis University. (2023). “Not all WWII veterans benefited equally from the GI Bill” (impact report). https://heller.brandeis.edu/news/items/releases/2023/impact-report-gi-bill.html.• Perea, J. F. (2014). [Law review article on GI Bill and race]. University of Pittsburgh Law Review (available as PDF).• NBER working paper(s). (2024–2025). “Quantifying Racial Discrimination in the 1944 GI Bill” (authors and links in NBER repository). 

JD sits down with Loren Campbell of the Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) to talk about Moab trail reopenings. They break down the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) new Travel Management reconsideration and explain how off-roaders can submit effective comments about getting back in the 317 miles of Moab we lost. The pair also cover the proposed Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act, the power of calling your senators, and practical tips for writing persuasive, trail-saving feedback.

The U.S. Department of Justice recently sued Uber for refusing rides to passengers who use service dogs. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires ride-hailing services to accommodate riders who use service animals and mobility devices such as wheelchairs. A self-selected survey from the nonprofit Guide Dogs for the Blind found that 83% of respondents had been refused a ride at some point, causing them to miss appointments, flights, job interviews and more.   Kirsten French, community education and advocacy manager at Guide Dogs for the Blind, has had drivers cancel rides due to her service dog. She joins us with more details about the lawsuit, along with Lynn Dubinski, vice president of client engagement and impact at the organization.  

In this episode of ⁠Pushing Forward with Alycia⁠, I sit down with the Honorable ⁠Tony Coelho⁠, retired U.S. Congressman and the principal author of the ⁠Americans with Disabilities Act⁠, for a conversation that reaches far beyond disability policy. It's a history lesson, a civics class, and a moral compass all in one thirty minute session. As a nation founded in defiance of oppression and animated by the promise of freedom, we need the values in this conversation now—dignity, equal access, and the courage to stand up to power with truth and love. This is not just a disability story; it's a blueprint for renewing the American experiment. Tony's story is America's story: perseverance in the face of stigma, faith in community, and courageous, bipartisan coalition-building that turned lived experience into law. He reminds us that the ADA wasn't a gift; it was won through testimony, organizing, and unlikely alliances that honored human dignity over party lines. He also offers a clear charge for today: rights on paper are meaningless without enforcement, and opportunity is the measure of whether our promises are real. As we begin our celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) let us remember we can't afford to ignore the warnings of our past. If we don't learn from history, we are bound to repeat it. Key Points on the Clock 00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia 00:26 Meet Tony Coelho: Champion of Disability Rights 02:41 Tony's Personal Journey with Epilepsy 07:30 Finding Purpose and Entering Politics 16:32 Crafting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 26:15 The Impact and Future of the ADA 32:55 Final Thoughts and Farewell A Quote by Tony “ Give me the opportunity to fail... then I may be able to succeed.” ~ Hon. Tony Coelho What You'll Find in this Episode

On Legal Docket, the end of affirmative action in college admissions; on Moneybeat, David Bahnsen on possible rate cuts by the Fed; and on History Book, the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Plus, the Monday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Audio Deacon, a podcast for Christians and listeners who want more than background noise. Episodes offer thoughtful album reviews, curated lists of recordings, and conversations with musicians and thought leaders teaching maturing believers how to listen to music with biblical wisdom. It's also a resource for parents, guiding you through music's glories, pitfalls, and conversations worth having. Listen and subscribe at audio-deacon.com and read more at audiodeacon.substack.comWebsite: audio-deacon.comSubstack: audiodeacon.substack.comPodcast: Buzzsprout | Apple | SpotifyFrom Covenant College. Rigorous academics, grounded in Reformed theology, lived out in Christ-centered community. covenant.edu/WORLDAnd from WatersEdge. Save more. Do more. Give more. Helping Christians support ministry by giving through a donor-advised fund. watersedge.com/DAF

35 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act advanced the idea that society should be accessible for everyone. In this episode: Stories about people who had to find their way in a world built for someone else.Leave us a voicemail at 702-706-TALK, or email us at podcast@storycorps.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Animals rescue people all the time, but not like this. In this episode, first aired more than a decade ago, Jim Eggers is a 44-year-old man who suffers from a problem that not only puts his life at risk—it jeopardizes the safety of everybody around him. But with the help of Sadie, his pet African Grey Parrot, Jim found an unlikely way to manage his anger. African Grey Parrot expert Irene Pepperberg helps us understand how this could work, and shares some insights from her work with a parrot named Alex.And one quick note from our producer Pat Walters: Jim considers Sadie to be a “service animal,” a designation under the Americans with Disabilities Act that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities to bring certain animals into public places. The term service animal sometimes is legally limited to include only dogs and miniature horses. Jim disagrees with those limitations, but the local bus company, regardless of definitions, said they'll make an exception for Sadie.