While building and construction standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act have greatly improved physical accessibility for the disabled community, the technology and education realms still lag behind, according to this column by Kyle Shachmut.
Shachmut, the president of the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts, writes about his personal experiences, as both student and teacher, navigating the world of higher education as a blind person. He calls for an initiative that would prompt technology manufacturers and purveyors of education to create equal access to digital curriculum for disabled students as society moves ever more into a digital world. Read more.
The suspect in Monday’s deadly shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., had sought treatment for mental health problems from the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to investigators.
Officials said Aaron Alexis, a 34-year-old former Navy reservist, sought treatment for paranoia and told others he had been “hearing voices.” Navy officials also reported behavioral issues, citing up to ten conduct offenses over the course of the four years Alexis spent in the Navy.
Monday’s shooting left 13 dead, including Alexis, and eight wounded. Read more.
New research suggests a connection between the “bonding” or “love” hormone oxytocin and those brain systems that produce pleasure and motivation. According to the study published in the journal Nature, interfering with oxytocin’s activity can inhibit social behavior, possibly demonstrating why some children with autism are not as interested in other people.
The federal government may have paid $1.29 billion in Social Security disability benefits to thousands of people who made too much income to actually qualify, according to a U.S Government Accountability Office (GAO) report obtained by NBC News.
The GAO report, which will be released Sunday, said its estimate of “potentially improper” payments may be understated. Social Security Administration officials said they plan to investigate the claims and recoup any improper payments. Read more.
Despite an increased risk for complications from the flu, many children with disabilities are not being vaccinated.
According to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about half of children with neurological conditions, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and other disorders receive the flu vaccine each year. While that’s on par with the vaccination rate for all children, those with special needs face bigger health risks, even death, if they contract the flu. Read more.
The first national Miss Amazing pageant, for girls with mental and physical disabilities, was held in Omaha, Nebraska last week.
Jordan Somer, who founded Miss Amazing seven years ago when she was just 13-years-old, said every girl in the pageant receives a crown just for participating and pushing her limits. Pageant events, including evening wear and talent portions, are designed to boost confidence and self-esteem. Read more.
Several directors of VA hospitals around the country were awarded thousands of dollars in bonuses in 2012, all while veterans were exposed to debilitating ailments such as Legionnaire’s disease, hepatitis and mental health issues, some cases resulting in death.
“Going to an American hospital, for a veteran, shouldn’t require more courage than storming the beach at Normandy,” said “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart. Watch now.
Veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are, on the whole, younger than other vets who served prior and they may be at greater risk for homelessness, according to a report from the News21 program.
In particular, post-traumatic stress disorder as well as other mental and behavioral health issues are some of the leading causes of homelessness among post-9/11 veterans. Groups such as Vet Hunters and various shelters are working to find vets and address their issues in an effort to curb homelessness. Read more.
An Arizona program that teaches participants how to spot and respond to individuals in a mental health crisis will continue after receiving a $250,000 appropriation. Mental Health First Aid was established following the January 2011 shooting that killed six people and seriously wounded former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Part of the training would be to first address the stigma associated with mental health disorders. Read more.
The Social Security Disability Insurance trust fund is projected to be depleted in 2016. If Congress does not act on Social Security reform, it would translate into a 20 percent cut in benefits to 9 million disabled people plus another 2 million dependents, according to Reuters columnist Mark Miller.
To shore up the SSDI, Congress could reallocate a portion of payroll tax revenues from the Social Security retirement program. However, the disability program has been the topic of heated debate in Washington, with many accusing the SSDI of falling victim to fraud and out-of-work baby boomers taking advantage of the system. Read more.
