Disability News, Events, and Press Releases

Latest Disabled World Disability News, Events and Information

Study Reveals How Learning Reshapes Brain Circuits

• This research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, details a study by neuroscientists at the University of California San Diego that uncovers how brain circuits are physically reshaped during motor learning. Using advanced imaging and a novel analytical tool called ShaReD (Shared Representation Discovery), the team observed that learning specific...

Wheelchair Skins: Safety Meets Style for Personalized Mobility

• This product announcement introduces Wheelchair Skins, a new line of retro-reflective stickers developed by RehaDesign specifically for wheelchair users, combining visual style with a practical safety function. Designed over a three-year period in collaboration with an international group of wheelchair users, these skins enhance visibility at night while offering customization...

Health Octo Tool Estimates Biological Age from Routine Health Data

• This research introduces the Health Octo Tool, a novel health assessment method developed by University of Washington School of Medicine researchers and detailed in a peer-reviewed Nature Communications paper. The tool leverages eight metrics derived from standard physical exams and routine lab tests to provide a comprehensive measure of biological...

Two-Week Radiotherapy Matches Eight-Week Prostate Cancer Treatment

• This research, published in the journal Radiotherapy and Oncology and presented at a major oncology congress, reports on a large, authoritative phase III clinical trial that followed 1,200 men with intermediate- to high-risk localized prostate cancer for a decade after treatment. The study found that a two-and-a-half-week course of precision...

National Assistive Technology Awareness Day: Purpose, Impact, and Significance

• This article highlights National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day, an annual observance dedicated to showcasing the essential role of assistive technology in supporting individuals with disabilities and older adults. It details how AT enables independence, education, employment, and community engagement for millions, and recognizes the efforts of professionals and programs...

Autistic Communication: A Conversation

• A mother and autistic son improve communication through video analysis and captioning, sharing insights for caregivers and advocates.

Following the Lewis and Clark Trail by River Cruise

• This article provides a detailed and engaging account of a modern river cruise that retraces the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition route through the Columbia and Snake Rivers. While it explores the legacy of the original 19th-century journey - including stops at key interpretive centers, museums, and historic landmarks -...

An Unexpected Obstacle to Free Audiobooks for The Blind

• Underestimating the importance of literature in people's lives hinders the distribution of free audiobooks among the blind.

Autism Not Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

• This research, a peer-reviewed study published in The Gerontologist, examined whether older adults with autistic traits experience greater age-related cognitive decline compared to neurotypical peers. Led by University College London researchers, it followed over 10,000 participants aged 50+ across seven years, analyzing spatial working memory performance. The study found no...

Coalition of Autism Scientists Critiques HHS Autism Research Plan

• This article presents a statement from the newly formed Coalition of Autism Scientists, a group of leading U.S. researchers led by Dr. Helen Tager-Flusberg, in response to recent remarks and initiatives by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The coalition rejects Kennedy's narrative about...

The Arc of California Defends Autism Community Against Misinformation

• This article from The Arc of California is a timely and authoritative response to recent public statements that mischaracterize autism and the lives of people with developmental disabilities. It challenges harmful rhetoric by highlighting the real achievements and contributions of individuals with autism, while underscoring the dangers of misinformation and...

Updated Publications From Disabled World

• A list of the most recently updated publications, articles, peer reviewed papers, and helpful resources, from the Disabled World website.

How to Respectfully Interact with People with Cerebral Palsy

• This article, written from the firsthand perspective of Emily Cowen, who has athetoid quadriplegic cerebral palsy, offers a candid and insightful account of the social challenges faced by individuals with severe speech impediments. It is particularly useful for anyone seeking to better understand respectful interaction with people with disabilities, highlighting...

Explore Scenic U.S. Trails for All Ages and Abilities

• This article highlights the Florida National Scenic Trail, a 1,500-mile route showcasing diverse landscapes, from sand dunes to historic waterways, and emphasizes the accessibility of trails across the U.S. for people of all ages and abilities, including those with mobility challenges. It discusses the physical and mental health benefits of...

Hidden Gems of Washington, DC: Accessible History & Culture

• This article provides an insightful guide to Washington, DC's lesser-known historical sites, cultural landmarks, and accessible attractions, making it particularly useful for tourists seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences beyond the city's major monuments. It highlights locations such as the Walking Museum of Transportation, historic homes like Tudor Place and the...

Study Questions Eye Contact as Autism Marker, Suggests New Approaches

• This peer-reviewed study, published in the ECNU Review of Education, challenges the long-standing belief that reduced eye contact is a definitive marker of autism. Conducted by researchers at East China Normal University's Shanghai Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Education, the study utilized an AI-powered observation lab to analyze children's social...

Paris 2024 Paralympics Break Broadcast Records Globally

• This report highlights the unprecedented global broadcast reach of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, setting new records in viewership, online engagement, and media coverage. With over 12,941 hours of content broadcast across multiple platforms and a staggering 763.3 million hours of live coverage consumed, the event saw an 83% increase...

Garden Inspired Getaways: Where Nature Meets Luxury Travel

• This article explores unique gardens and resorts across the United States, highlighting their accessibility features, cultural significance, and culinary offerings. From the Japanese Garden in Portland to the sustainable farm at Pendry Natirar in New Jersey, these destinations provide inclusive experiences for travelers, including those with disabilities. The piece emphasizes...

How to Change the Housing Market for People with Disabilities

• This article explores the severe lack of affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities and proposes a fundamental shift in building regulations to address the issue. The author argues that rather than treating accessible housing as a costly special project, all new construction and renovations should be designed with disability-friendly...

Lights, Camera, Misrepresent! How Hollywood Can't Seem To Nail Disability Representation

• This article critically examines Hollywood’s ongoing struggle with accurate disability representation, highlighting the pervasive issue of "inspiration porn" and the harmful stereotypes it perpetuates. It discusses how films and TV shows often depict disabled characters as either tragic figures or extraordinary geniuses, reinforcing a narrow and unrealistic perspective. The article...