Media’s Power to Positively Change Society

By Cindy Powell

What do print media, broadcast media and the internet have in common? They possess the ability to educate the public about using language that is accepted by people who have disabilities and their allies.



Because many people are unaware, they might unknowingly express insensitivity toward our nation’s largest minority group: 56.7 million Americans…

People with disabilities are less likely to receive routine preventative health care than persons who do not have disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that health care providers provide accessible services to patients who disclose disabilities. Therefore health care professionals would benefit from training in serving individuals with disabilities throughout all health care facility public areas:

• Cafeteria
• Emergency…

Though the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed on July 26, 1990, many employers, state and local government agencies and private businesses remain unaware of their compliance obligations. Also, almost 24 years after the ADA became law, many people with disabilities are not aware of specific protections against discrimination.

Five common ADA violations are mentioned below.

• Insufficient facility access
• No assistance with pumping…

On July 26, 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) overwhelmingly passed both Houses of Congress, the ADA's definition of "disability" was:

1)     An impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,

2)     A record of such an impairment, or

3)     Being regarded as having such an impairment.

Contrary to Congress’ intent to be inclusive, the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the ADA definition of “disability” for over…

The 56.7 million Americans with disabilities comprise the US’s largest minority group. I in 6 people will acquire a disability during their lifetime.

The longer we live, the more likely we will acquire a disability, requiring products and services that fulfill age-related changes: cognition, hearing, mobility and vision. By 2030, 71.5 million Baby Boomers will be over 65, possessing half of America's discretionary income and 3/4 of our nation's assets.

There…

Web Access for People with Disabilities

By Cindy Powell

Computer technology has significantly altered how people acquire and disseminate knowledge and information. Like poorly designed buildings preventing some people with mobility disabilities from entering, poorly designed websites can create barriers for individuals with limited or no reading skills.

It is imperative that web…