Office of Disability Rights Oversight Hearing
Street Sense Media
Several of those testifying spoke about their dismay with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Education and Reform Act of 2017, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last month and would extend by four months the amount of time business owners have to address ADA compliance issues. Nadeau stated that if the bill is passed, the D.C. council may draft its own legislation to address the potential harm to disabled individuals.
Mathew McCollough, Director of the Office of Disability Rights, testified to the progress the city has made in ensuring that all public facilities are accessible to all D.C. residents. Because many of the District’s recreational centers were built recently, they are mostly ADA compliant. ADA compliance issues remain, however, with outdoor public facilities. McCollough testified that parks and playgrounds are particularly inaccessible to those who use wheelchairs.
Many of the service providers in attendance emphasized concerns with maintaining a robust workforce in the face of recent policy shifts, including an upcoming minimum-wage increase. The D.C. Coalition of Disability Service Providers testified that rising labor costs would detract from its ability to hire enough qualified workers and expressed concerns with being compensated by the District for the rising labor costs associated with Medicaid care. Nadeau announced that on March 15 the Council will hold a working-group meeting to discuss these DHS workforce development issues.
Recovering Alcoholic's Claims Dismissed Because He Did Not Show He Was “Disabled”
Lexology
A federal court in New York dismissed all claims asserted by a recovering alcoholic under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act for numerous reasons including that he did not show he was “disabled.” Johnson v. N.Y. State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Servs., No. 16-cv-9769 (S.D.N.Y. March 13, 2018).
Port of Seattle launches assistive technology for blind and low vision at Sea-Tac Airport
Travel Daily News International
The Port of Seattle is launching a new pilot program to help people who are blind and low vision access a new assistive technology to safely and independently use Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Partnering with Aira (pronounced EYE-rah), Sea-Tac will be the first airport on the west coast and among the first airports in the nation to join the Aira Airport Network, and use this wearable smart glasses technology.
Wisconsin Law Journal (blog)
Caroline Guzman, a former 911 dispatcher for Brown County, claims that Brown County interfered with her efforts to take leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, discriminated against her because she was disabled, refused to accommodate her disability, and retaliated against her for exercising her rights under the Family Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
2 Out of 3 People See Depression at Work. Here's How to Keep Your Team Well
Inc.com
Your employees' mental health can affect your bottom line. Here's how to help them--and your business.
Conflicts over SDS accommodations reveal struggles with invisible disabilities
The Oracle