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Category: Activism and advocacy

A “Sensory Safari” that will educate and inspire

Published April 20, 2012 by L. Legendary

The Association for Retinopathy of Prematurity, ROPARD, is hosting  a free event for the entire family that will bring nature and its inhabitants right to your fingertips. it’s called the “Sensory Safari,” and it is guaranteed to bring out the animal in you.  Or, at least, TO you.

.     

Sensory Safari is a rewarding and moving exhibit that provides individuals with visual
impairments a unique opportunity to see wildlife through the sense of touch.  By utilizing

donated and borrowed animal mounts, skins, skulls, and horns, individuals  who are blind or

visually impaired have been able to gain a visual perspective of what nature and animals are

like.

 

Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
Time: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Sterling Inn
34911 Van Dyke Avenue
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
800-953-1400
Southwest corner of Van Dyke
Avenue and 15 Mile Road.
This event will be open, free of charge, to any child who is visually impaired and their
accompanying family.

Elegant Insights Braille Creations has been invited to participate by providing merchandise for purchase at the event.  A portion of all proceeds will directly benefit ROPARD, so please come to the event, see the beautiful Braille-embossed jewelry and accessories, and be generous!

 

In addition to the Saturday event, there is a fundraiser on Friday.  For more information see
www.ropard.org or call 800-788-2020. 

 

You can learn more about Elegant Insights at www.facebook.com/Elegant.Insights or follow @ElegantInsights on Twitter.

 

LL

 

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Blogging Against Disablism Day is Tuesday, May 1st 2012

Published April 19, 2012 by L. Legendary

Do you have a nice long list of favorite blogs on disability topics that you read on a regular basis?  You will, after Tuesday, may 1st, 2012.  Blogging against Disablism Day is an annual event that attracts bloggers from around the world.  The premise is to encourage anyone  to write on the topic of disability, dignity, discrimination, politics and inclusion, whether or not you are a person who has a disability.  For the past seven years, the blog,  “Diary of a Goldfish,” has hosted the event, which links the submissions posted on that day to create an incredible archive of opinion and observation.  

 

You don’t have to be a professional blogger, or even have your own blog, to participate.  Nor must you be a person with a disability.  You can write about a friend, loved one, co-worker, or just a personal experience interacting with individuals who have a disability.  You can rant and rave about the current political climate as it pertains to workplace discrimination, you can talk about a person who has inspired you, or you can write about ways in which having a disability has changed your life.  Everyone is welcome.  To participate, simply go to the blog and comment, letting everyone know you plan to submit a post.  The event host will then link to all the sites throughout the day on May 1st, so you can easily read the posts that interest you.  There’s also a Twitter account you can follow to get alerts as to posted submissions.  Follow @BADDtweets now, while you’re thinking about it.     

 

For more information, click here for Diary of a Goldfish.

 

Don’t forget to come by the Accessible Insights blog to read my own offering.  Use hashtag #BADD12 when tweeting about the event.  

 

Happy blogging!

 

LL

 

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A word with CSUN 2012 presenter and author Kel Smith

Published February 8, 2012 by L. Legendary

The week of the CSUN 27th Annual International Conference on Disability and Assistive Technology promises to be another action-packed week of education and inspiration.  Once you have absorbed all you can of the information shared by the 25 speakers, and walked the length and breadth of the enormous exhibit hall, you’ll want to save some energy for the many social events, some planned, some spontaneous, that will be held throughout the week.  You will have an opportunity to meet people you’ve tweeted with but may have never actually met in the "meatspace," and you can shake hands with those responsible for bringing to life the innumerable technologies upon which many of us rely.

 

One of the presenters at this year’s event is Kel Smith.  Kel Smith is a longtime speaker, author and practitioner on digital accessibility. His articles and papers have appeared in multiple publications, and he has presented worldwide on the topic of emerging technologies in inclusive design. He formed Anikto LLC in 2008 to explore and develop barrier-free digital experiences in various sectors, including healthcare, service design, engineering, government, product marketing and K-12 education.

 

Mr. smith, who will be speaking on Wednesday, February 29th at eight o’clock a.m. the week of the CSUN conference, was kind enough to offer a few thoughts on his connection to an industry that, for him, means more than technological advancement at the expense of the individuals it serves.

       
 
"Innovation is not specific to any device or platform. It is driven by an understanding of behavior, the business climate in which that behavior resides, and the social responsibility to manifest a common good. I consider it a privilege to align myself with people and organizations who contribute to this moral cause.”

 

Kel Smith is the author of a book in progress called "Digital Outcasts: Moving Technology Forward Without Leaving People Behind," currently scheduled for a 2012 release.

 

Click here for more info on ‘Digital Outcasts."

You can follow Kel Smith on Twitter here:  @kelsmith

 

LL

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The 27th Annual Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference

Published February 1, 2012 by L. Legendary

Each year, thousands flock to one of the nation’s largest conference events that showcases assistive technology, education and innovation specifically for people who have disabilities.  Over the next couple of weeks, I will post a series about the conference, and will include the thoughts of some of the experts who will be making presentations.  If you are still on the fence about attending, perhaps learning a little more about some of the names you may know, or follow on Twitter, can help you to decide. .

 

The CSUN 2012 AT conference begins February 27th, and runs through march 3rd, 2012.  It will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California.  Use hash tag #CSUN12 when tweeting about the event.

 

Click here to go to the CSUN 2012 conference home page.

 

 

First up in this series is presenter John Foliot.  He graciously agreed to provide a quote at my request, and I think his comments perfectly set the tone for the event.

 

John Foliot is a web accessibility veteran working at Stanford University.  John says:

 

“CSUN holds a special place for me, as not only is it the preeminent
conference in North America around technologies dedicated to PwD, but it is
also a ‘gathering of ‘The Tribe’.”

 

John explains, “That theme came up time and time again last year, and it came to
represent that, for those who toil away outside of the spotlight, but
dedicated non-the-less to achieving real progress and success in
accessibility (and in particular online accessibility), that no matter how
hard it seems, how discouraging or frustrating it can get some times, how
lonely it often feels, that there are others – The Tribe – that share the
passion, the dream, the goal of success. Together we are stronger, we have
each others’ backs, that we are not alone. Being part of that, realizing the
truth of that – that is what makes CSUN so special to me each year.  I look forward to CSUN each year not only to catch up with old
friends, but also (and more importantly) to meet and make new friends. Our
Tribe grows bigger each year, we get stronger, and we are making inroads. We
may not be there yet, but after spending a few days at CSUN we (well, at
least *I*) leave energized and raring to go, reinvigorated to take on the
challenges that lie before us, and committed to getting it done.
If you should happen to see me at CSUN, be sure to say hi, and
welcome to The Tribe.”

 

You can follow John on Twitter here: @johnfoliot.

 

LL

 

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New feature for @Accessible_Jobs followers: Job seeker of the week

Published January 18, 2012 by L. Legendary

If you follow my Twitter account @Accessible_Jobs, then you know that accessibility and assistive technology related tweets drop into your stream several times a day.  If you are a job seeker, you can click on the links attached to the tweet, which will take you to the employer and job description page, and immediately apply.  The jobs are available throughout the U.S., and since some of you may be in a position to relocate,, I do not limit the tweets to a specific geographical location.  Besides, why limit the possibilities?

 

Some of you have written to me, asking me for additional help.  While I have explained to each of you that I am not an employment service, all I do is post job tweets, some have appealed to me in an effort to gain additional exposure, which of course, is what any job seeker should do…leverage any advantage, any contact, so as to get that edge.  Well done.

 

For some time now, I’ve been mulling over an idea that I think I’d like to try.  In addition to the daily job tweets, i’m going to roll out a new feature for my followers that I’ll call, "This Week’s Featured Job Seeker."

 

The idea is to showcase one individual for one week, highlighting their skills and abilities, type of opportunity sought, and other promotional information.  In each tweet, I will link to a resume, Linked In page or other professional profile page, a blog or web site on which relevant information appears.  The goal is to raise your visibility, connect you with other contacts and potential employers.  I will post ten tweets about you throughout your week.  If you like, you may supply the tweet.  In fact, it is preferable that you send me a list of ten tweets, that way you are ensured the precise wording and preferred tone, along with the correct link.

   

Think it can’t work?  Well, who knows.  We cannot predict in life what contact leads to which connection that places you right where you need to be.  Remember, luck is preparation meeting opportunity.  Sometimes, the line between point A and point B isn’t always a straight one, and by contacting me, you helped spark this idea, which just may land you a job.  Think it over, and if you’d like to participate, I’m here to help.

 

Here are the rules of the game:

1:  You must have your professional data residing somewhere online, with a permalink to the page.  I will only link to your professional profile information, I will not link to your Facebook page. 

2:  I must be able to review your information, at least, to some degree, to ensure that I’m not promoting your effort to publicize your latest MLM scheme or porn video release.

3:  If you are out-of-country, and seeking a job in the USA, all of your work permit documents must be in order.  No, I will not be checking them, this is the honor system here, but if you are contacted by an employer and you are not prepared to travel, you have wasted everyone’s valuable time, particularly mine. 

4:  You must be willing to listen to my suggestions as to how to improve upon your presentation.  No, I am not going to rewrite your resume, but if there are spelling or formatting errors that I know will work to your detriment, you must at least be willing to hear what I have to say.  I will not require that you take my advice, but please be open to it.

5:  I will feature one job seeker per week, but I may not feature one every single week.  How often I feature a job seeker will be left entirely to my discretion.

6:  Whomever is chosen to be the job seeker of the week will be left entirely to my discretion.

7:  I will not in any way personally vouch for your skills and abilities.  I cannot vet each of you, and again, I am not an employment service.  Unless by some chance, we have worked together in some capacity, or I know you personally, I can only promote your work search effort, not endorse your viability as an employee.      

8:   I will not accept any sort of compensation whatsoever.  Therefore, I reserve the right to take a break to earn a living.  Thank you for your understanding. 

9:  I make no warrantees or guarantees of any kind whatsoever. 

10:  Do not operate heavy machinery while using this service, do not use while bathing, swimming, or near standing water.  Contents unfit for human consumption, do not ingest.  If irritation persists, please discontinue use.

 

If you would like for me to feature you, please use the accessible contact form on the Accessible Insights Blog home page, and drop me a note.  I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

To search jobs:

Click here to go to the AT Work job board.

 

To post job openings on the AT Work job board:

Click here to go to the posting page.

 

Best of luck to you.

 

LL
 

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The 2012 assistive technology conference schedule

Published January 9, 2012 by L. Legendary

Here is my annual post on the most widely-attended assistive tech events that take place throughout the year.  Since the year is still young, complete information may not be available for every

event.  If you can augment this list with your own information, feel free to contribute via the accessible contact form on the blog homepage.  also, if you plan to attend an event as a speaker or

vendor, let me know and I’ll include your details along with the event.  Don’t forget to provide your booth number, if you have one.

 

Finally, this is by no means an exhaustive list, so if I’ve missed one that you think I should include, let me know.

 

ATIA 2012 Orlando
Orlando, Florida, USA January 25 – 28, 2012

Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
877-687-2842
www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4019

 

10th Stroke Rehab Symposium – Getting the Message: Improving Communication in Stroke Care
Toronto, Ontario, Canada January 27, 2012

Conference Services
416 597-3422 ext 3693
www.torontorehab.com/events/strokesymposium

 

TCEA 2012 Annual Convention and Exposition Feb 08 – 10, 2012
Austin, TX At the Texas Computer Education Association Convention and Exposition

 

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Conference: Challenges and Controversies in Diagnosis
Toronto, Ontario, Canada February 10, 2012

Conference Services
416 597-3422 ext 3693
www.torontorehab.com/Events

 

PETE & C Feb 13 – 14, 2012
Hershey, PA The Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C)

 

eTech Ohio Feb 13 – 15, 2012 Columbus, OH.

 

The 22nd Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference
Vancouver, Victoria and Kamloops, British Columbia, CANADA February 15-17, 2012

PCBIC 2012 c/o Sea to Sky Meeting Management Inc.
604-984-6448
www.brainstreams.ca/conference

 

International Conference on Work and Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities
Debrecen, Hungary February 16-18, 2012

K&M Congress Ltd. PCO and Travel Agency
+36(1) 301-2000
www.kmcongress.com/info_e.php
www.kmcongress.com/ic2012.php

 

27th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference (CSUN)
San Diego, California, USA February 27 – March 3, 2012

Center on Disabilities
California State University, Northridge
818-677-2578

www.csun.edu/cod/conference/sessions/index.php

 

28th International Seating Symposium
Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA March 7 – 9, 2012

(604) 827-3112
www.interprofessional.ubc.ca/iss/

 

Technology in Education Society Mar 08 – 09, 2012
Raleigh, NC.

 

MACUL 36th annual conference at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. 
Mar 08 – 09, 2012
Grand Rapids, MN.

 
Northwest Council for Computer Education Mar 14 – 16, 2012
Seattle, WA.

 

Preparing Youth with Disabilities for Careers after School
Internet Event March 20, 2012

Maria Hopko, GLADNET
607-254-8311
www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/gladnet/events.cfm?filter=web

 

Pacific Rim International Forum
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA March 24-25, 2012

Center on Disability Studies
1-808-956-7539
E-mail: prinfo@hawaii.edu
www.pacrim.hawaii.edu/internationalforum/2012/

 

28th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability & Diversity
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA March 26-27, 2012

Center on Disability Studies
1-808-956-7539
www.pacrim.hawaii.edu

MS Rehabilitation Symposium
Toronto, Ontario, Canada April 16, 2012

Conference Services
416 597-3422 ext 3693
E-mail: conferences@torontorehab.on.ca
www.torontorehab.com/Events

 

Best Practices in Recruiting and Retaining an Aging Workforce: Intersection with Disability Considerations Internet Event
April 30, 2012 
607-254-8311
E-mail: msh46@cornell.edu
www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/gladnet/events.cfm?filter=web

 

YAI Network 33rd Annual International Conference on Developmental and Learning Disabilities
New York, New York USA April 30 – May 3, 2012

212-273-6457
E-mail: tina.sobel@yai.org
www.yai.org/conference

 

Interdependence 2012
Vancouver, BC, CANADA May 15-18, 2012

Interdependence 2012
1-604-681-2153
E-mail: i2012@icsevents.com
www.rickhansen.com/interdependence2012/

 

Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2012
Queensland, Australia May 22 – 25, 2012

Spectronics
E-mail: conference@spectronicsinoz.com
www.spectronicsinoz.com/conference/2012/

 

23rd Annual APSE National Conference
Arlington, VA June 26-29, 2012

301-279-0060
E-mail: jenny@apse.org
www.apse.org

15th World Congress of Pain Clinicians – WSPC 2012
Granada, SPAIN June 27 – 30, 2012

Kenes International
+ 41 22 908 0488 
www.2.kenes.com/WSPC2012/Pages/Home.aspx

 

NFB National convention

Saturday, June 30 – Thursday, July 5, 2012
Hilton Anatole Hotel Dallas, Texas

www.nfb.org/nfb/national_convention.asp

 

American Council of the Blind National Convention

Louisville, KY.  Friday, July 6th through Saturday, July 14th.

ACB national office

(202) 467-5081 or 1-800-424-8666,

 www.acb.org/

13th International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs (ICCHP’13)
Linz, AUSTRIA July 9-13, 2011

Pre-conference: July 9-10
Conference: July 11-13
www.icchp.org

 

AHEAD Conference 2012
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA July 17 – 21, 2012

AHEAD
(704) 947-7779
www.ahead.org/conferences/future

Accessibility camp Boston
microsoft NERD Center
September 15, 2012 Follow @a11y_bos
www.accessibilitycamp.org

Accessibility Camp London (A11yLDN) – September, 19 2012
www.accessibilitycamp.org

7th Annual Black Hills Brain Injury Conference
Rapid City, South Dakota, USA September 20-21, 2012

Accessibility Camp New York City (A11yNYC) – September 22, 2012
www.accessibilitycamp.org

Accessibility Camp DC (A11yDC) – October 13, 2012
www.accessibilitycamp.org
info@AccessibilityCampDC.org

NFB of California
2012 State Convention
October 18-21, 2012
Embassy Suites
Los Angeles, CA

 
Accessibility Camp Los Angeles (A11yLA) – October 20, 2012
www.accessibilitycamp.org
www.accessibilitycampla.org/

Community Transitions
(605) 343-7297
E-mail: rsasso@bhws.com
www.brainrehab.org

5th National Spinal Cord Injury Conference: Translating Neural Engineering and Novel Therapies
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA October 19 – 20, 2012

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
www.torontorehab.com/Events/Corporate-Events/4th-National-Spinal-Cord-Injury-Conference.aspx

II International Scientific Conference "Special Education and Rehabilitation – Cerebral Palsy"
Novi Sad, SERBIA October 25-28, 2012 
E-mail: info@cerebralnaparaliza.com
www.cerebralnaparaliza.com/

California Council of the Blind
November 1st – 4th –
CCB State Conference in San Diego, CA. 
San DiegoMarriottDel Mar.

Abilities Expo
November 16th – 18th, 2012 –
San Jose, CA
www.abilitiesexpo.com/

Accessibility Camp Toronto (A11yTO )November 17, 2012
www.accessibilitycamp.org
 
Accessibility Camp Montreal (A11yMTL )November 23, 2012
www.accessibilitycamp.org

1st Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) World Congress
Agra, India November 26 – 28, 2012

Mobility India
+91 80 26492222
www.cbrglobal.org

 

I’ll be tweeting this list over the course of the year, to remind you of important upcoming events or revisions.

 

LL

 

Technorati Tags: ACB,accessibility,ADA,ATIA,technology,CSUN,conference,disability,NFB

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NFB Nevada conference to feature blind driver simulation

Published October 6, 2011 by L. Legendary

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times, "I may be blind, but I can do anything.  Except drive…legally."  Well, now you can…sort of.  The National Federation of the Blind has put the first blind driver behind the wheel, and raced him around the Daytona track.

 

Press release, blind driver.

 

Want to get a taste of this experience?  The NFB Nevada is holding their annual state conference this year in Las Vegas, at the Golden Nugget hotel downtown.  The conference will be held November 4-6, 2011, and will feature a driving simulator that anyone can try.  Have a friend or loved one in Nevada who might enjoy the ride?  They can come to the exhibit hall, visit the booths and play on the simulator.  To join NFB, the cost is only $10, but if you just want to check out the exhibits, get an education about tools and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired, buy some cool stuff and have fun, you can register for the day for  just $20.  Want to take in the entire weekend?  The event begins with a Friday night social hour with food, drink and networking.  Cost for the weekend’s events is just $60.  The NFB considers itself to be the "voice of the nation’s blind," and they offer everything from education and fellowship to activism and advocacy.

 

Here’s the link to the conference info:

 

NFB Nevada conference agenda

My favorite booth?  Why, Elegant Insights, of course!  Come see the beautiful Elegant Insights Braille Creations jewelry and accessories, and start your holiday shopping.  For a preview, visit our web site or find us on Facebook.  Or, you can follow us on Twitter @ElegantInsights for updates. 

 

LL

 

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On the DOT: Efforts to achieve greater access to transportation

Published September 28, 2011 by L. Legendary

Here is a little more info on the latest efforts on the part of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve access for people with disabilities.

   
www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/09/20/department-transportation-continues-fight-accessibility
Department of Transportation Continues the Fight for Accessibility

 
One of Secretary Ray LaHood’s top priorities at the Department of Transportation (DOT) is to make transportation more accessible for people with disabilities.  "Since arriving at DOT, I’ve worked closely with staff across the agency to help raise awareness and develop policies and regulations to help Secretary LaHood achieve this goal."

Just last week, Secretary LaHood announced that individuals with disabilities will have greater access to intercity, commuter and high-speed train travel as a result of a new rule requiring new station platform construction or significant renovation to enable those with disabilities to get on and off any car on a train.  "The disability community from across the country has cited the difficulty or inability to board a train as a major barrier to employment and travel opportunities.  Through this amendment to DOT’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, people with disabilities will now have greater access to intercity, commuter and high-speed train travel. And I’m pleased to say that this new rule considers the needs of multiple DOT partners because it takes into account the critical needs of people with disabilities as well as freight railroads and operations.

"

"I am also pleased that Secretary LaHood today announced that DOT is proposing to require that websites and kiosks be made accessible for air travelers with disabilities. Under the proposed rule, U.S. and foreign carriers would have to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities by meeting the standards for accessibility contained in the widely accepted Website Content Accessibility Guidelines.

"

The proposed rule would also require airlines and airports that use automated kiosks for services such as printing boarding passes and baggage tags to ensure that any kiosk ordered 60 days after the rule takes effect be accessible.  Standards for accessibility would be based on standards for automated transaction machines set by the Department of Justice in its 2010 ADA rule.

 

"As a person who does not have arms or legs, I can say the changes in rail access, and the proposed rule for accessible websites and kiosks, will increase my ability to independently travel and access the world.  These rules demonstrate Secretary LaHood and DOT’s ongoing commitment to improve access to the communities and transportation.  Over the next few weeks, I am looking forward to traveling to Philadelphia, Minnesota and Arizona to meet with leaders of the disability community to discuss these changes and other topics of interest to them."

Richard Devylder is Senior Advisor for Accessible Transportation at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Here’s the world’s most famous address, in case you ever need it:
The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW · Washington DC 20500 · 202-456-1111

 

LL

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New proposal seeks improved access for disabled fliers

Published September 27, 2011 by L. Legendary

While most travelers with disabilities surely appreciate any effort made to accommodate their needs, the proposals mentioned in the article below seem to have been far too long in coming.  Some airlines are certainly better at helping passengers who have disabilities to overcome the barriers imposed by inaccessible web sites and kiosks, some do so only grudgingly, in my experience.  Still, the article left me with a question, which I pose at the end.

 

This article was sent to me via email, so I left the attribution as I found it. 

 

New proposal seeks improved access for disabled fliers
9/20/2011
News Outlet: USA TODAY

The Transportation Department wants to require airlines to make their websites and airport kiosks more accessible to the disabled.

The proposed regulation — made Monday following years of complaints by travelers with disabilities about getting tickets on flights — is similar to a proposal made in 2004 that airlines and travel agents resisted because of the cost and complexity of the changes.

The new proposal calls for the airlines to make their websites accessible to blind people for reservations and check-ins within a year. The airlines would have two years to make the rest of their websites more accessible.

Websites that market U.S. flights also would have to upgrade, although small travel agencies would be exempt.

Under the proposed rule, airlines would also have to upgrade airport kiosks that print boarding passes or baggage tags with braille, audio messages and screens visible 40 inches off the floor. The upgrades to kiosks would apply as airlines replace machines during the next decade.

"I strongly believe that airline passengers with disabilities should have equal access to the same services as all other travelers," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in announcing the proposed regulation.

More than 15 million adults have disabilities with vision, hearing or mobility, according to the Census Bureau, and nearly one-third travel by air.

The advocacy group Paralyzed Veterans of America welcomed the kiosk proposal, saying people with vision and physical impairments have been unable to read screens too high off the ground or use touch-screen functions.

Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, argued that airlines are "openly discriminating" when not using the most accessible technology.

"It is critical for blind people to be able to buy tickets, check in, print boarding passes and select seats independently," Maurer said.

A rule that took effect in May 2008 required airlines to discount tickets for disabled passengers who had to make reservations by phone or in person. Airlines had to provide assistance to disabled passengers who couldn’t use their kiosks.

Parts of that rulemaking were hotly debated for years, with 1,300 comments. The Air Transport Association, an airline industry group, argued at the time it would cost each airline at least $200,000 to upgrade their website, plus tens of thousands more each year in maintenance.

Steve Lott, an association spokesman, said the group is still reviewing the newest proposal.

The administration estimates that tens of millions of dollars spent upgrading websites and kiosks would be offset by having more disabled customers buy tickets and saving the time of airline employees.

The proposed rule will be published this week in the Federal Register, with 60 days for public comment at www.regulations.gov.

 

*End of article.

So, I guess my question is this:  While I’m pleased that the transportation secretary "strongly believes" that travelers with disabilities should have equal access, isn’t it the law?  Why have airlines been exempt from the ADA requirements?  Are they private property, public transportation, or a governmental agency?  All of the above?  If any of my readers can answer the question as to why, over twenty years after passage of the ADA, the airlines are just now getting around to making travel more accessible,  I’d love to know.

 

LL

 

Copyright © 2011 USA TODAY

 

©2011 All Rights Reserved – Copyright 2011 NFB       

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Recommended blogs for teaching all

Published September 15, 2011 by L. Legendary

At the risk of being accused of dangling “link bait” out there, I thought I’d drop a quick few lines to encourage you to check out this nice list of resources.  It’s a list of blogs pertaining to various aspects of disability, assistive technology, speech pathology and special education.  Check it out here:  

 

Teaching All:  Recommended Blogs.

 

Of course, it doesn’t hurt my feelings any that in an alphabetical list, I’m right at the top – grin.  Just returning the favor.

 

 

LL

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