Advocates for people with disabilities are urging the Massachusetts General Court to pass what is known as the Wheelchair Warranty bill, to improve the repair process for those who rely on wheelchairs. Two large corporations provide most of the country s wheelchairs, and groups say the lack of competition leads to longer wait times for repairs. The bill would shorten the time manufacturers have to assess faulty chairs and offer loaners, and require them to keep adequate parts on hand. .
An effort born out of the pandemic to help members of Ohio s disability community is evolving into something much bigger. Maria Matzik, education and advocacy specialist at the Access Center for Independent Living and host of the Breaking Silences Advocacy Committee, which started as a peer group offering a safe place for those struggling with the impact of the pandemic, explained they shared their challenges due to the lack of emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities and formed an advocacy committee. They are working to ensure people with disabilities can share their voice, their experiences and their recommendations when policies are being crafted on their behalf. .
Graduation season is in full swing, and for those with disabilities transitioning to adulthood, traditional barriers still exist in securing employment. Advocates in Iowa say entrepreneurship serves as a good solution. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said nearly 10% of workers with a disability are self-employed, which is higher than the general population. .
Two bills making their way through the Colorado General Assembly would make it easier for people with disabilities to access college and other public institutions of higher learning. House Bill 1107 would fund proven strategies for making college more universally accessible. Christiano Sosa, executive director of Arc of Colorado, said people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be able to have the same experiences in college as everyone else. .
Two bills making their way through the Colorado General Assembly would make it easier for people with disabilities to access college and other public institutions of higher learning.