UK: Public Libraries Improve Access to Books for the Blind and Partially Sighted
For the two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK this will be a lifeline to the leisure, learning and information resources offered by public libraries. Libraries that have adopted the six steps are providing collections of large print and audio books, making sure accessible technology is available, and have a library champion for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people.
From www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk, September 21, 2011
USA: South Dakota Speech Pathologists Use iPads to Supplement Therapy
A South Dakota school district is using iPads to reinforce traditional speech therapy for its students with special needs. Apps such as Proloquo2Go are used to improve communication among students with autism, while therapists also use other apps to help students improve articulation and other skills.
From www.smartbrief.com, September 21, 2011
USA: Employers Shift Disability Insurance Costs to Workers and Trim Benefits
Disability insurance is one of those under-the-radar benefits you may take for granted, especially if your employer picks up the tab for the coverage, as many firms do. Because of that, as annual benefit enrollment time approaches you probably aren’t worried about examining your disability coverage details and costs the way you will your health insurance plan options. But you should.
From www.washingtonpost.com, September 20, 2011
USA: Top Eateries in New York Face Disability Review
Having already garnered rave reviews from critics and patrons alike, New York City's top 50 restaurants will now find themselves under the spot light of a different authority: federal prosecutors. Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said Monday that his office is conducting a review of the most popular restaurants in Manhattan to determine if they are accessible to disabled diners.
From online.wsj.com, September 20, 2011
USA: Feds File Discrimination Suit Re Alcoholism as Disability
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. The government claims the trucking company did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when it told a driver who self-reported a concern about alcohol that he would never be returned to a driving position, even after successfully completing a counseling program.
From safety.blr.com, September 20, 2011
Australia: Government Inquiry Backs Disability Pension Reform
The Gillard government's plan to save cash by tightening eligibility for disability pensions has received the nod from a Senate parliamentary inquiry, but welfare groups and a dissenting Greens senator have slammed the move. In late July, the federal government announced sweeping changes to get people off disability support pensions (DSP) and into the workforce that would save the budget an estimated $35 million each year.
From www.heraldsun.com.au, September 20, 2011
Australia: Diminishing Dole a 'Ticking Time Bomb'
Australia's 3.4 million pensioners can loosen their belts from tomorrow. They'll get a pay rise of $19.50 a fortnight. But those on Newstart unemployment benefits and student allowances won't be so lucky - they'll get an extra $11.73.
From www.smh.com.au, September 20, 2011
Research: Autism, Intellectual Disability Not Influenced by Socio-economic Status
A new research has found that household income level has no association with either intellectual disability (ID) or autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The research conducted by the University of Utah in collaboration with the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) shows that the presence or absence of ID and ASD varies with risk factors such as gender, parental age, maternal ethnicity and the level of maternal education.
From www.dnaindia.com, September 20, 2011
USA: Blind and Visually Impaired Gain Right to Narrated TV
For the second time in 11 years, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered television networks to provide audio descriptions of actions on screen to assist blind and visually impaired viewers.
From www.allgov.com, September 19, 2011
Eight Current Technologies that Will Shape Our Future
In 20 years our technology will reach a level of personalization that will enhance every moment of our lives. We’ll be more physically comfortable with the furniture we sit on and the products we hold; only the most relevant and personalized information from friends and family will reach us; and our movement in the digital world will be near telepathic. I foresee several of today’s technologies as relevant to this particular vision of the future. They will evolve to not only be more powerful, but also more integrated with one other.
From mashable.com, September 19, 2011
