Sensory Kits Help First Responders Assist Those With Communication Challenges

 Backpacks filled with a curated selection of supplies are helping police, fire personnel and other first responders interact with kids and adults who have trouble communicating. Read More >

Parents Prepare Children With Autism For Adulthood

 An estimated 1.3 million people with autism in the U.S. live with a parent or guardian over age 60 leaving many families to navigate the challenge of what happens when mom and dad are gone. Read More >

15-Year Friend Becomes Caregiver For Woman With Cerebral Palsy

 Julia Prendergast was 6 when she became a peer buddy for Tyme Fiedorczyk, who has cerebral palsy. Now adults, the two are best friends and Prendergast cares for Fiedorczyk full-time. Read More >

PBS Documentary Explores Shortcomings Of Disability Support System

 What happens when a family is left to care for an adult who is deaf, blind and has autism without support? That's the focus of a new documentary that's set to premiere on national television. Read More >

In First, Hotel Embraces Universal Design

At a first-of-its-kind Hampton Inn opening this week, inclusive design comes standard throughout the property in a bid to be as welcoming as possible to guests of all abilities. Read More >

Zoo Reserves Time During COVID-19 For Visitors With Disabilities Who Can't Wear Masks

 In a bid to ensure access for all, one zoo set aside two hours each week to welcome people who have disabilities that make it hard for them to wear masks, a group that's increasingly isolated. Read More >

Supported Decision-Making Eyed As Alternative To Guardianship

 After being placed under a restrictive guardianship despite having a job, a bank account and getting around independently, a man with autism is fighting to reclaim his rights. Read More >

People With Intellectual Disabilities Begin To Venture Out During Pandemic

Service providers are starting to offer adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to return to community-based activities, but many families are reluctant. Read More >

Apple Invests In Housing For People With Developmental Disabilities

Technology-giant Apple is putting up money for housing for people with developmental disabilities. Read More >

With Schools Shut, Life Skills Program For Students With Disabilities Hits The Road

Unable to welcome students to the 5,000-square-foot mini-town where they practice banking, going to the movies, the salon and more, a life skills program is setting up in kids' front yards. Read More >

Google Offering New Tools To Help Those With Disabilities

Google is introducing new technology to simplify smartphones for those with cognitive disabilities and it's beefing up its map program to make it easier to know if destinations are accessible. Read More >

Grocery Employee With Down Syndrome Wants To Do More Amid Pandemic

Steven Eull has been working jobs at both Hy-Vee and Target through the COVID-19 outbreak, but he doesn't feel like he's doing enough so he decided to donate the contents of his piggy bank. Read More;

Amazon Urged To Prioritize Food Deliveries To Group Homes

Amazon is being asked to help ensure that people with developmental disabilities living in group homes and other community settings can access necessities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More >

They Make $10.50 An Hour To Assist Those Most Susceptible To Infection

Many aides, their employers and the people they care for are struggling with whether they should continue working, whether they can afford not to and how their clients will get by without them. Read More >

Craft Brew Pub Thrives, Thanks To A Secret Ingredient: Workers With Disabilities

At Brewability, a craft beer pub run almost entirely by people with disabilities, the bartenders have autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other conditions. Read More ;

Unable To Find Girl Scout Troop For Kids With Special Needs, These Moms Started One

A pair of moms created a Girl Scout troop for those with cognitive needs, modifying the program for kids who are nonverbal while also joining other troops to do typical scouting activities. Read More >

Why Those With Disabilities Wait Years For Programs They Need To Live On Their Own

Despite a court order requiring one state to shrink its waiting list, most adults with developmental disabilities wait seven years or longer for services. Read More ;

City Is Nation's First To Be Autism Certified

A community-wide effort to train businesses and other entities to welcome people on the spectrum has led one city to become the country's first designated as autism certified. Read More;

Feds Incentivize Disability Hiring

A federal office dedicated to promoting community living is putting up big money to help businesses find and implement innovative ways to increase employment for people with disabilities. Read More >

How An 'Interabled' Couple Became An Internet Sensation

He has a disability. She doesn't. To change how the world sees them as a couple, they launched a vlog and became a YouTube sensation. Read More ;