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Accessibility News Archive

This section of our website is an archive of stories from here and around the world about disability issues up to November 2011. Note that due to changes in websites over time, the URLs listed may not remain current.

The usefulness of this section has been eclisped by the ongoing development of social media. We invite those interested in keeping up to date on global developments related to disability and accessibility rights to:

Full News Archive

Join International Day Celebrations

Nov 22, 2011
If you are Winnipeg on December 2, we urge you to join the celebrations of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at one or both scheduled public events.
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Disability Top Ranked Human Rights Issue For Entire Past Decade

Nov 17, 2011
Disability discrimination has ranked as the undisputed No. 1 ground for human rights complaints in Manitoba every year over the last decade.
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UN Convention Now Available as 'Word Cloud' Poster

Nov 12, 2011
In preparation for the December 3 International Day, Barrier-Free Manitoba has created a graphic 'word cloud' version of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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Pre-Launch of Social Media Sites

Nov 03, 2011
Gearing up for an expected December launch, Barrier-Free Manitoba has just put up developmental Twitter and Facebook sites. Check them out today and tell us what you think. Web site changes are also pending.
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Tribute to Reg Alcock

Oct 16, 2011
Barrier-Free Manitoba regrets the sudden passing of Reg Alcock, who died on Friday, October 14th, and extends deepest condolences to his family.
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Council Members Appointed

Oct 11, 2011
The Minister of Labour and Immigration has now appointed 11 members to the maximum 12-member Accessibility Advisory Council. Appointments include the naming of a Chair and Vice-chair.
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Selected Quotes from the Legislative Process

Jun 23, 2011
Much was said about Bill 47 and both the need and support for accessibility-rights legislation over the 11 short days between First Reading on June 1, 2011 and the Bill becoming law on June 16, 2011. Barrier-Free Manitoba has assembled selected quotes.
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Special Focus on Seniors

Mar 13, 2011
An estimated 71,000 to 77,000 Manitoba seniors with a disability lived in Manitoba in 2006. The number is projected to roughly double to almost 150,000 by 2031. The proposed accessibility-rights legislation must respond to this reality.
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Manitobans with Disabilities Rank Frequency of Barriers

Mar 04, 2011
Almost 70% of persons affected by disabilities in Manitoba reported that they experience attitudinal barriers on a daily basis. The next most frequently reported barriers relate to finances, buildings, employment and transportation.
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The Final Four-Month Count Down Has Begun

Feb 25, 2011
In four short months, we expect that Manitoba will have taken a giant leap forward toward becoming a true leader in promoting and protecting the human rights of persons with disabilities. Please help in this final push for legislative action
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CRTC Must Support Accessibility Initiative - Access 2020 Coalition

Jan 30, 2011
Bell Canada Enterprises has ignored Canadians with disabilities. Its response to interventions concerning its proposed acquisition of one of Canada's largest English-language broadcasters failed to address the issue of accessibility.
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Judge orders federal government to make its websites accessible to the blind but Ottawa digs in

Jan 30, 2011
A judge has ruled that the federal government is breaching the equality rights of blind Canadians under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by failing to comply with its own policies.
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Government of Canada ratifies UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Mar 11, 2010
Joy and celebration are the two primary emotions felt today by many Canadians with disabilities as the Government of Canada ratifies the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the United Nations.
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What is ATutor?

Feb 17, 2010
ATutor is an Open Source Web-based Learning Content Management System (LCMS/LMS) and social networking environment designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind.
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More Disabled People in Canada

Feb 17, 2010
An aging population and growing awareness mean the number of people known to be living with disabilities is on the rise in Canada, says a newly released report. More people with disabilities have access to jobs and the tools and aids they need, says the s
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Fair Access for ALL a Success / Dr. John Loxley Endorses the Call for Legislation

Nov 12, 2009
The campaign closes with more good news: prominent economist Dr. John Loxley has publicly endorsed the call for accessibility-rights legislation.
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The Honourable Reg Alcock Publicly Endorses the Call!

Oct 09, 2009
“Manitoba has long been a leader in providing support for persons with disabilities, but it is important to note that Fair Access for ALL is truly about all of us," Mr. Alcock said.
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Dr. Paul Thomas Endorses Call

Sep 22, 2009
"Strong and effective accessibility-rights legislation not only promises to address systemic human rights issues," says Dr. Thomas. "It will also enhance accessibility for all Manitobans, a benefit that will become increasingly important wi
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Pen-to-Paper Kick-Off Concert!

Sep 21, 2009
Enjoy great music and write your letter to support the Fair Access for ALL campaign!
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Housing Bill, Inclusive Home Design Act, Requires Visitability Standards - (AbilityMagazine)

Aug 27, 2009
'Universal standards for homes built with federal money are long past due,' said Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL. 'Implementing accessible features when homes are built is a simple matter of fairness, cost effectiveness, and common sense.
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Understanding Web Accessibility - (ATRC)

Aug 24, 2009
This Certificate Course is aimed at Web content developers, and people who need to know about making content on the Web accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
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CVS/pharmacy Enhancing Accessibility for the Visually Impaired To Its Web Site and Store Point of Sales Devices - (ICDRI)

Aug 23, 2009
CVS/pharmacy, the nation's largest retail pharmacy, announced today that it is implementing functional improvements to benefit its customers with visual impairments and other disabilities.
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It's Our Story National Launch at National Press Club, Washington DC - (AbilityMagazine)

Aug 21, 2009
On the eve of the 19th Anniversary of the ADA a broad coalition of organizations representing the 54 million Americans with disabilities will launch the 'It's Our Story' national initiative.
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Iowa 9-1-1 Call Center First to Successfully Trial 9-1-1 Text Messaging - (AbilityMagazine)

Aug 21, 2009
Black Hawk Consolidated Public Safety Communications Center has become the first 9-1-1 Call Center in the nation to successfully receive text messages sent directly to 9-1-1.
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European Research Agendas for Disability Equality (EuRADE) - (Access for All)

Aug 20, 2009
For the first time in the history of disability, Disabled People Organisations worked together with the key stakeholders in academic research including researchers from European Universities, research policy-makers, funders, and promoters showing interest
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Three disability 'firsts' in a European Court of Human Rights case - (The Mental Disability Advocacy Center)

Aug 20, 2009
"In the recent case of Glor v. Switzerland, the European Court of Human Rights has for the first time (1) found a violation of the right to non-discrimination on the basis of the applicant's disability, (2) referred to the United Nations Conve
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McGuinty Government Helping People With Disabilities - (NewsOntario)

Aug 20, 2009
Ontario has appointed Charles Beer to conduct a mandatory independent review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
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Consultation on the Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Aug 20, 2009
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is seeking input from Canadian organizations, individuals residing in Canada, and any Canadian citizens residing abroad who are interested in sharing their views on the ratification, implementation and reporti
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Blind Drivers Plot Their Own Course - (NFB)

Aug 20, 2009
A voice rose above the chatter in the University of Maryland parking lot: 'Blind man driving!'
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AFB Partners with AOL to Explore the Feasibility of Accessible Walking Directions from MapQuest - (AFB)

Aug 20, 2009
Ever wonder whether an online service designed to provide driving directions to the sighted could provide relevant information to the blind, or others with vision loss? So have AFB TECH and AOL.
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$24 Million For More And Better Affordable Homes In Downtown Winnipeg: Province Launches New Long-term Strategy Backed by $327-million Investment – (Government of Manitoba)

Aug 17, 2009
Hundreds of students, new Canadians, seniors and families are among more than 1,700 households that will benefit from new and improved housing in the downtown Winnipeg area.
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ACCESS2ALL - Mobility Schemes Ensuring Accessibility of Public Transport for All Users - (Access to All)

Aug 16, 2009
The main aim of proposing the ACCESS 2 ALL coordination action is to encourage Public Transport operators belonging to the project target group to adopt innovative technological concepts and mobility schemes that enable high quality mobility and transport
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Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 2009 - by The President Of The United States Of America (Disability.gov)

Aug 15, 2009
Celebrating the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which was signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so
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$30-Million Strategy Opening Doors For Manitobans With Disabilities: New Investments Kick-start Consultations to Build Foundation for Comprehensive Strategy – (Government of Manitoba).

Aug 04, 2009
The province is renewing its commitment to a long-term strategy for Manitobans who have disabilities with a $30-million down payment on more accessible housing, enhanced access to public buildings, more support for children with disabilities in child care
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FeedRoom Access Provides Obama Administration Power to Reach All Americans

Jul 09, 2009
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is managing a new video-enabled Web site that features video messages from President Barack Obama explaining his administration's healthcare reforms.
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Mencap font is world class

Jul 09, 2009
The world's first font for people with a learning disability has been chosen for inclusion in a record of the best work in advertising and design this year.
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Target Improves Point of Sale Equipment to Benefit Shoppers with Visual Impairments

Jul 09, 2009
Target will add tactile keypads to point of sale devices, an improvement allows shoppers to privately and independently enter their personal identification number (PIN), protecting their financial privacy.
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Access E-Learning

Jul 09, 2009
Access E-Learning is a tutorialcomprised of 10 modules that offer information, instructional techniques, and practice labs on how to make the most common needs in distance education accessible for individuals with disabilities, and enhance the usability o
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Federal grant assists CanAssist

Jul 09, 2009
The University of Victoria's Can-Assist program will be able to meet the growing demand for assistive technology equipment for people with disabilities, thanks to $272,000 in new funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada.
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Creating a Roadmap out of Poverty for Americans with Disabilities: A Report on the Relationship of the Employment and Training Administration's Workforce Development System and Local Asset-Building Coalitions

Jul 09, 2009
This report focuses on three cities: Detroit, Jacksonville, and Milwaukee and the tie-in between the workforce development system and advancing self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities."
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Disability Policy

Jul 09, 2009
For the first time ever, the President created a new post in the White House directly responsible for disability affairs.
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Saskatchewan Government Introducing income support program for people with disabilities

Jul 09, 2009
Saskatchewan people with disabilities who can't earn income will no longer have to go on social assistance the provincial government said
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$212 million to battle poverty Province to place greater emphasis on housing needs

Jul 09, 2009
Every month, Samir Butt is forced to decide how much of his meagre provincial disability benefits to spend on housing or food. However, he and hundreds of other Manitobans with mental-health issues are in line for some relief after the provincial governme
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Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG) 2.0 - (w3)

Jul 09, 2009
This specification provides guidelines for designing Web content authoring tools that are more accessible for people with disabilities.
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Computer Literacy Training for Blind and Visually-Impaired Consumers

Jul 09, 2009
Canadian Council of the Blind and Neil Squire Society now offer basic computer literacy and employability training for blind and visually-impaired consumers.
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Techshare 2009 - September 16-18, 2009 | London England.

Jul 09, 2009
"Techshare is a series of international events which highlight the importance of digital technology in the lives of people with disabilities.
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Feeling Lucky? - Ontario Government under Growing Pressure To Reject Cuts to Auto Insurance Benefits

Jul 09, 2009
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan is now reviewing recommendations from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) that would, if implemented, slash basic accident benefits from $100,000 to $25,000. A decision is expected by the end of June.
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Rules make poverty worse when the disabled turn 65

Jul 09, 2009
Monianne Monianne thought it was a clerical error. When the disabled photographer turned 65 and transferred from provincial disability support to federal Old Age Security, the monthly rent on her subsidized Toronto co-op more than doubled to $380 from $14
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GAO report: Special-needs kids abused in schools

Jul 09, 2009
Congressional auditors have uncovered widespread abuse of techniques used to restrain or discipline special-education students in U.S. schools, with some deaths linked to the practices, a top congressman says.
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Province Launches New Program for People with Disabilities

Jul 07, 2009
Beginning this fall, thousands of Saskatchewan people will no longer need to depend on social assistance for their basic living costs, following the announcement today of a new income support program for people with disabilities.
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$30-Million Strategy Opening Doors for Manitobans with Disabilities: Macintosh

Jul 07, 2009
The province is renewing its commitment to a long-term strategy for Manitobans who have disabilities.
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Government of Canada Helps Manitobans With Disabilities Prepare for Jobs

Jul 07, 2009
Career and Employment Youth Services, sponsored by the Optimist Club of Brandon, will receive $38,378 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund for the Abilities Project II.
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Disabilities no barrier to good times on ship or shore

Jul 07, 2009
Eleven years ago, Robyn Brown wondered if she would ever be able to travel again.
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Willing and able, roll 'em - TV crew puts disabilities before a mainstream audience

Jul 04, 2009
Crew members, both in front of and behind the camera, were from Ablevision, a TV show created by developmentally disabled adults in the Malden-based Triangle Inc. program.
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A New Look at Disability

May 21, 2009
"Over the past two years, women living with disabilities and physical differences have taken part in 'Envisioning New Meanings of Disability and Difference,' a series of arts-based workshops across Ontario that use the power of image and st
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2010 International VSA arts Festival

May 21, 2009
The 2010 International VSA arts Festival is a multicultural event celebrating the accomplishments of people with disabilities in arts and arts education.
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More with Learning Disabilities Forced to Wed

May 21, 2009
People in the UK with learning disabilities are being forced into marriage by their own families.
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Google Lime Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

May 21, 2009
"Access to knowledge is our thing. When it comes to higher education for promising scholars, we don't want anything to stand in the way."
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Disability 101: Celebrate Diversity with Children's Books

May 21, 2009
"For too long people with disabilities have been seen as 'special,' as different, as a totally separate group."
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States Slashing Social Programs for Vulnerable

May 21, 2009
Battered by the recession and the deepest and most widespread budget deficits in several decades, a large majority of states are slicing into their social safety nets - often crippling preventive efforts that officials say would save money over time.
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Support Access to e-books for People with Disabilities

May 21, 2009
As part of its role in the Reading Rights Coalition, NSCIA is engaged in a campaign to obtain access for people with print disabilities to e-books available for Amazon's new Kindle 2 e-book reader.
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Let CBS Know We Support Hiring Actors with Disabilities!

May 21, 2009
The April 30 episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Episode 22: The Train Gone Dead) featured a full storyline about coroner Dr. Al Robbins, portrayed by actor and disability rights advocate Robert David Hall.
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U.S. Senators John Kerry and Arlen Specter Introduce Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act

May 21, 2009
Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) introduced a bill, S. 841, intended to protect the blind and other pedestrians from injury or death as a result of silent vehicle technology.
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Housing Bill, Inclusive Home Design Act, Requires Visitability Standards

May 21, 2009
'Universal standards for homes built with federal money are long past due,' said Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL.
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Westminster Abbey to launch unique Braille-guided Touch Tour

May 21, 2009
Westminster Abbey is to launch what is believed to be the first guide in the UK that allows blind and partially sighted visitors complete independence within such an historic monument.
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Staples Agrees to Web Access / Tactile Point of Sale Devices

May 21, 2009
(ICDRI). Major advocacy groups for the visually impaired applaud Staples' new initiatives designed to improve service to its customers with visual impairments.
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COAT Thanks CDC for Captioning Swine Flu Video Clip

May 21, 2009
COAT recently sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to thank them for captioning their recent Swine Flu videoclip.
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Accessible Design Is Good Business

May 21, 2009
Companies are focusing on how design for the disabled might inspire easy-to-use gadgets for people of all ages and abilities.
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Glastonbury Festival to Host Stage for Disabled People

Apr 28, 2009
Organisers are to increase disabled people's access to the festival by providing a stage with wheelchair facilities, a specialised viewing area and sign language interpretation.
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Caring for Families Caring for a Person with a Disability

Apr 14, 2009

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American Airlines And American Association Of People With Disabilities Team Up To Honor Best Tv Commercial

Apr 14, 2009

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Accelerate: A National Juried Exhibition for Emerging Artist with Disabilities

Apr 14, 2009
Open to artists ages 16-25 living in the United States who have a physical, cognitive, mental or sensory disability. Deadline for entries: June 19, 2009
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Springtime Shenanigans It ain't funny, Magee!

Apr 14, 2009

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The Price of Disability Law

Apr 14, 2009

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CSUN Center on Disabilities Breaking Stereotypes and Advocating for Educational Equality

Apr 14, 2009

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Advocates for Disabled Raise Concern on Stimulus Projects

Apr 14, 2009

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Disability Companion Card Launched

Apr 14, 2009

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Raising the Floor Initiative

Apr 14, 2009
Raising the Floor (RtF) is an international collaborative effort to build access features directly into the Internet.
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Learning Disabilities Youth Association of Canada (LDAD) Launches Website for Youth

Apr 14, 2009

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Vancouver Sets New Standard for Disabled Access

Apr 14, 2009

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Canadian Transportation Agency Releases Guide for Travellers with Disabilities

Apr 14, 2009
Take Charge of Your Travel!
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Pressure Mounting for Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

Apr 14, 2009
30 March 2009 marked the second anniversary of Canada's participation in the signing ceremony for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which took place at the United Nations.
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Ontario Ends The Era of Institutionalization - (Abilities.ca).

Apr 14, 2009
NEWS Ontario's last three institutions for people with a developmental disability have closed their doors.
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Public Transport Hazards in Winnipeg: A CBC I-Team Investigation Airs March 23rd and March 24th

Mar 19, 2009
How well is Winnipeg being served? The CBC I-Team looks into complaints when passengers are injured or are at risk while traveling.
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Winter is a True Wonderland for Athletes with Disabilities

Mar 18, 2009
In recent years, snow sport equipment makers have adapted equipment, and ski resorts have expanded opportunities for those with disabilities.
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EndeavorFreedomTV

Mar 18, 2009

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Pardon me if I don't want to star in this movie

Mar 18, 2009
Casting a starring role for a "handicapped/disabled/mentally ill character" is listed by ABCNews.com as the Number 1 way to get a movie nominated for an Oscar.
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LSAC Discriminates Against Blind Law School Applicants

Mar 18, 2009
The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's oldest and largest organization of blind people, its California affiliate and a blind law school applicant, Deepa Goraya, are filing a lawsuit today against the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC).
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Report urges improved services for people with ADHD

Mar 18, 2009
The report from the B.C. Medical Association urges the province to take steps to improve health care services for people with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD.
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Consumer Advisory: AMTRAK Releases Report on Accessibility & Compliance with ADA for Intercity Rail Stations

Mar 18, 2009

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Kindle Sparks a Flame War, but Fails to Light the Fire for Accessibility

Mar 18, 2009

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Audioconference 21 April 2009: Mental Illness: What Does an Employer Need to Know?

Mar 18, 2009
Enhance your understanding of the impact that mental health issues can have on the individual and in turn the workplace and strategies for creating a workplace environment that is supportive of all employees.
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Government of Canada Call for Proposals to Remove Barriers for People with Disabilities

Mar 18, 2009

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Rules Target Genetic Bias

Mar 18, 2009
The US federal government took a big step toward implementing a ban on genetic discrimination in hiring and promoting workers.
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Disability Rights Online News

Mar 18, 2009
Disability Rights Online News is a bi-monthly update about the Civil Rights Division's activities in the area of disability rights.
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New Movie Closed-Captioning Technology

Mar 18, 2009
Members of the deaf community overwhelmingly reported that they prefer PCS system which uses a PDA-like display at the patron's seat, supported on a flexible gooseneck adjustable to individual users' preferences and needs, to provide the movie
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Some Charities 'Living in the Past'

Feb 25, 2009
Some 'corporate' disability charities are perpetuating barriers to disability equality, activists have told a debate.
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Call Goes Out to Petition against Humanitarian Award for Jerry Lewis

Feb 25, 2009
A petition drive has been launched in response to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' announcement that it will give Jerry Lewis its Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the February 22 Academy Awards Ceremony.
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Shoot! Why didn't I think of that?

Feb 25, 2009
An accessible gun. Available for free to anyone like me with an arm missing or perhaps a gammy hand. Greatest. Email. Ever.
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CMA challenges airlines' demand for doctor's note for travellers

Feb 25, 2009
'The question of whether or not someone can fit into a specific seat on a specific plane is not a medical decision,' says CMA President Robert Ouellet.
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Learning Disability Week 2009, 22-28 June

Feb 25, 2009
As part of Learning Disability Week, Mencap, together with the Changing Places Consortium, is campaigning for fully accessible toilets in public areas.
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Limited Access for People with Disabilities on Inauguration Day

Feb 25, 2009
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has issued warnings on its website that some people with disabilities interpret as a message signalling 'not to come.'
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COAT Calls For Delay In Digital TV Transition

Feb 25, 2009
'As the February date for the DTV transition approaches, a myriad of technical problems continue to surface for people with disabilities,' says Karen Peltz Strauss, a founding and steering committee member of COAT.
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Overcoming Game Accessibility Barriers with One Switch

Feb 25, 2009
Inaccessible controllers and game software are a large problem and unfortunately their makers are rarely part of the solution.
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Factory Being Built for Disability Machine Inventions

Feb 25, 2009
Breaking down barriers for people with disabilities is what Darren Lomman does best. Now he is creating a dream factory where he and a team of engineers and engineering students from the University of Western Australia can continue to improve the lives of
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EuRADE : European Research Agendas for Disability Equality

Feb 25, 2009
The European Research Agendas for Disability Equality (EuRADE) project seeks to increase and enhance the full participation of disabled people's organisations as equal and active partners in future research initiatives that will support the equality
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Seeing the Light

Feb 25, 2009
More retailers and groups inquire more accessible e-commerce sites.
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Employers Reveal Disability Accommodations Costs Are Similar To Other Accommodations

Feb 25, 2009
A massive nationwide report, 'Survey of Employer Perspectives on the Employment of People with Disabilities' shows that employers are finding that workplace accommodations for disability cost about the same as for workers without disabilities.
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Europe thinks local on rights

Feb 25, 2009
The conference, 'Acting Locally for a Society for All', focused on how actions made at a European level can and should have a direct impact on real people 'on the ground' in the 27 member states.
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Disability Groups Celebrate Inclusion At First Disability Power And Pride Inaugural Ball

Feb 25, 2009
Several hundred disability advocates celebrated at the first ever Disability Power and Pride Inaugural Ball hosted by former U.S. Congressman Tony Coelho.
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Bookshare: More Accessibility and Ease of Use

Feb 25, 2009
Bookshare, the world's largest accessible online library for people with print disabilities now offers strengthened quality control standards for book content, free assistive software applications and a rapidly expanding collection of digital files f
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A national model for ADA Design and Accessibility opens in Phoenix Arizona

Feb 25, 2009
Baldinger Architectural Studio, Inc. and Caliber Construction have recently completed the Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) of Arizona a universally designed, accessible, transit oriented, non-profit disability services campus serving the Greater Phoeni
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Blind Celebrate Braille: "The Original 'Blackberry'

Feb 25, 2009
Across Canada throughout 2009, members of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) and other organizations will celebrate the 200th birthday of Louis Braille and his method of writing and reading.
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President Barack Obama's Comprehensive Agenda to Empower Individuals with Disabilities

Feb 25, 2009
Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a comprehensive agenda to empower individuals with disabilities in order to equalize opportunities for all Americans.
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Universities, colleges see students with disabilities as a growth market

Feb 04, 2009
More than half of Carleton University's disabled students have invisible problems, like learning disabilities. Legislation, including the Humans Rights Code and the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, require post-secondary institutions to make accommo
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Just Do It

Jan 19, 2009
Why are areas in Ontario still fighting the Human Rights Commission ruling to call out bus and subway stops? Listen to Michael Enright on CBC's The Sunday Edition.
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Wheelchair racer Petitclerc voted The Canadian Press female athlete of year

Dec 26, 2008
Chantal Petitclerc, who won five gold medals at the Paralympic Games in Beijing, is the first Paralympian to be voted The Canadian Press female athlete of the year since the award was created in 1933. The Montreal wheelchair racer finished first in a surv
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National Federation of the Blind to Light Up Times Square

Dec 23, 2008
The National Federation of the Blind will premiere a video promoting Braille Literacy in Times Square in New York City.
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Child from 'ballet family' joins 'Nutcracker' cast despite her disability

Dec 21, 2008
When the Joffrey Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' opened at the Kennedy Center, Mary Cassell and other young local ballet students became children attending an elaborate Victorian-era Christmas party. Unlike the other dancers, Mary's leather
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Mencap's outdoor exhibition brings learning disability to More London

Dec 15, 2008
A large-scale, outdoors exhibition on the banks of the River Thames, organised by learning disability charity, Mencap, aims to increase understanding and challenge people's preconceptions of learning disability. 'This is me' is an exhibitio
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Ill-prepared to help LD students

Dec 12, 2008
Teachers and psychologists have little information about learning disabilities when they enter their professions and have no guidelines to help them in their work with LD students. That's the conclusion of a study by the Learning Disabilities Associa
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DaDa Award winners

Dec 11, 2008
The DaDa Awards, celebrating excellence in the work of deaf and disabled artists, were presented at the new Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre earlier this month to coincide with the international day of disabled people.
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More than 2,000 children killed daily in avoidable accidents

Dec 10, 2008
Over 2,000 children are killed daily from injuries sustained in preventable accidents and every year tens of millions more suffer injuries that often leave them with lifelong disabilities, according to a new United Nations report. At least 1,000 children&
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New Study explores barriers faced by Canadians with Disabilities

Dec 03, 2008
The Canadian Labour Congress has released a new study on the employment realities of Canadians with disabilities. The paper outlines the barriers to equal participation in society that Canadians with disabilities face, including exclusion from the workpla
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Government of Canada's Office For Disability Issues Opens Doors to Accessibility

Dec 01, 2008
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, officially opened the Government of Canada's Office for Disability Issues' new accessible workplace today. The new facility has been renovated to be a model of acce
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Ontario Hunger Report 2008: The Leading Edge of the Storm

Dec 01, 2008
The report looks at a number of populations including individuals with disabilities. It notes that "Almost 70,000 Ontarians living with disabilities are faced with hunger every month. Over 20 per cent of all persons served by food banks in this provi
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Poverty is making us sick: A comprehensive survey of health and income in Canada

Dec 01, 2008
Poverty is making Canadians sick, robbing hundreds of thousands of their health and leading to widespread preventable illness and huge costs for the health care system, according to powerful new research released today by the Wellesley Institute and the C
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Ready and able: A film about disabled people that actually stars disabled actors? A milestone in mainstream cinema.

Nov 20, 2008
A teenager in a wheelchair rolling off a cliff, two disabled people whacking each other with ping-pong bats - if it wasn't so funny, there would be plenty of uncomfortable moments in Special People, a low-budget British film that delights in confound
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SHAKE-A-LEG Newport Announces Breakthrough Advancement for Sailing

Nov 19, 2008
Newport, a national leader in therapeutic sailing programs allowing children, adolescents and adults of varying abilities, has received the 12-Metre Easterner (US 18) donated by Arthur Shlossman (Jamestown, R.I.). The classic yacht, known for its America&
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Making the countryside more accessible for everyone

Nov 04, 2008
For the first time, some of England's most beautiful countryside will be more accessible for people with disabilities and parents with pushchairs thanks to a new online facility launched today which maps out the location and terrain of six of England
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People with Disabilities Motivate Inventors

Feb 04, 2008
Many assistive technologies have been developed as the result of inventors with family members or friends experiencing a physical or communication need that was not being addressed. Vinton Cerf was frustrated by his inability to communicate with his wife
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Walgreens program puts the 'able' in disabled

Jul 02, 2007
For Julia Turner, who was born with Down syndrome, a full-time job might seem out of reach, but not here, at Walgreens first-of-its-kind Southeastern distribution center. 'I have found what I want, and I'm satisfied,' Turner said as she
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Benbro Electronics: At least 25% of employees are people with a disability

Jun 30, 2007
"When Benbro Electronics opened its doors more than 15 years ago, its founders put in place this policy: at least 25 per cent of Benbro employees would be people with disability.
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