Posted on: , Nic Lindh
An article from The Baltimore Sun says The Kennedy Krieger Institute, a research facility focusing on pediatric developmental disabilities, has a therapeutic program that teaches patients with paralysis how to scuba dive. One therapist even theorizes that the pressure of deep water affects how nitrogen is circulated through patients’ tissues and improves their sensitivity.
Posted on: , Nic Lindh
Wendy Lu from the Columbia Journalism Review interviewed NCDJ Director Kristin Gilger about this site’s advice for covering disability beats. Some top recommendations include being wary of “inspiration porn” and avoiding words that “assume a negative relationship between people and their disabilities (e.g. wheelchair-bound).” Check out more tips from the article by clicking HERE.
Posted on: , Nic Lindh
September is World Alzheimer’s Month and one community arts center in Wales is using the occasion to host a series of dementia-friendly films. The goal of the series if to spark memories in dementia patients so the films will be silver screen classics like Some Like It Hot and Calamity Jane. Follow this link to a BBC News article by Karl Yapp to learn more.
Posted on: , Nic Lindh
David Uzzell is a deaf chef at Marcel’s, a high-end restaurant in Washington D.C. Uzzell and his colleagues use laser pointers, hand signals and a notepad to communicate meal orders and discuss kitchen operations. NPR reporter Kristin Hartke interviewed Uzzell and his boss Robert Wiedmaier about Uzzell’s work and creativity. “I couldn’t have hired David if he had no taste or sense of smell. Being deaf hasn’t stopped him from being a damn good chef,” Wiedmaier said.
Posted on: , Nic Lindh
The 501(c)3 non-profit Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies is helping evacuees with disabilities communicate with rescuers about their rights. Journalist David M. Perry interviewed Portlight’s co-founder and current chairman, Paul Timmons, to hear more about the group’s efforts in response to Texas flooding.
Posted on: , Nic Lindh
Starbucks has begun providing baristas who identify as Deaf with aprons that spell out ‘Starbucks’ in American Sign Language. Here is an article by Taylor Rock of www.TheDailyMeal.com with more info.
Here is the official press release from Starbuck about the new aprons.
Posted on: , Nic Lindh
Video game designers want their products to be enjoyed by as many players as possible, which is why many now prioritize accessibility from the beginning of the creative process. The creators of ‘Way of the Fist’ at Household Games prioritized accessibility from the beginning and agree it improved the game’s overall design. Read more in this article by Joel Couture on www.Gamasutra.com.
Posted on: , Nic Lindh
The 2017 Disability Equality Index (DEI) reports U.S. businesses are increasing efforts to recruit employees with disabilities. Click here to read the full article by Kellie Ell in USA Today. An excerpt: “With the help of the Index, more companies are integrating online chat features for deaf and hard-of-hearing employees, guide dogs for blind workers, internal company affinity groups, external recruitment efforts, hiring goals and retention and advancement policies for people with disabilities into the work place.”
Posted on: , Nic Lindh
WYSO, an NPR station in Ohio, is publishing a month-long series called “Just Ask” about people with disabilities in their state. Click here to read the first report by journalist Jess Mador which gives a basic summary of the demographics of Ohioans with disabilities. We’re looking forward to the rest of the series.
Posted on: , Nic Lindh
Due to budget shortfalls the state of Illinois is struggling to fund a program that promotes independence for people with disabilities. Now a federal judge has ordered the state to find a solution. Read more in the article by Lisa Schencker for Chicago Tribune.
Excerpt: “She (Judge Coleman) found the state to be in violation of a 2011 consent decree that required it to help such individuals live as independently as possible. Coleman found that wages for workers who help people in the program have stagnated, “causing a staffing crisis that is inhibiting care and negatively impacting the individuals protected by the Consent decree.””
