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greatplainsada.bsky.social
Great Plains ADA Center
@greatplainsada.bsky.social
120 followers 110 following 200 posts
Regional information center on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) serving Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. We provide technical assistance, guidance, and training about the ADA!
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greatplainsada.bsky.social
Yesterday, the US Dept. of Justice announced it has opened an investigation into SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando for disability discrimination
Learn more - www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justi...
Justice Department Opens Investigation into SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando for Disability Discrimination
Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced that they have launched an investigation into United Parks & Resorts I...
www.justice.gov
November 26, 2025 at 9:01 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
New report from The Guardian Insurance Group of America shows that nearly half of full-time workers also juggle caregiving duties for a loved one. Learn more from HR Dive -
www.hrdive.com/news/number-...
#NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth
Number of full-time working caregivers has increased by double digits, report finds
At the same time, more women are leaving full-time work due to caregiving demands, Guardian said.
www.hrdive.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:51 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
We want to hear from you! If you live or work in the Great Plains Region (IA, KS, MO, NE), please take a few moments to complete this survey to determine the types of information and services that best meet your needs.
To complete the survey, scan the QR code below or visit bit.ly/R7Survey
Colorful graphic for the Great Plains ADA Center regional survey featuring dialogue bubbles with the words "We Want Your Feedback" and a green smiley face. Includes the Great Plains ADA Center logo in the lower left cover and a QR code for the survey available at https://bit.ly/R7Survey
November 24, 2025 at 11:43 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Great story out of Georgia about Bradley Carlisle, the first Santa with Down Syndrome.

“It was magical,” one parent said after last year’s event. “For our kids to see Santa and realize he looked like them — It meant more than words can express.”
www.wabe.org/first-santa-...
First Santa with Down syndrome continues to inspire holiday cheer in Dunwoody
The Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta announced the return of Bradley Carlisle, the first Santa Claus with Down syndrome, to its Dec. 13 Holiday Party.
www.wabe.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:22 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Cool news out of Kansas! @washburnuniversity.bsky.social recently launched an on-campus American Sign Language (ASL) Club. Learn more in this article from the Washburn Review - washburnreview.org/56256/meetin...
#Deaf #ASL #AccessibleHigherEducation
ASL club conducts its first meeting - The Washburn Review
The ASL club is a friendly space where students can come together to learn and practice American Sign Language in a relaxed, fun way. Students don’t have to know any ASL to join, everyone is welcome, ...
washburnreview.org
November 22, 2025 at 12:05 AM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
It’s not uncommon for family caregivers to have mixed feelings about holiday gatherings. Learn some practical tips for navigating the holiday season
www.caregiver.org/resource/sma...
#NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth
Smart Caregiving by FCA: Holiday Caregiving
“Everyone in my family is expected to attend my sister’s holiday gathering—even our frail elderly parents. As their primary caregiver, I’m overwhelmed just thinking about going. What should I do?” Ple...
www.caregiver.org
November 21, 2025 at 9:35 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
#DYK the VA offers extensive programs and services for family caregivers supporting #Veterans through their Caregiver Support Program? This #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth, learn about the supports available for you and your family!
www.caregiver.va.gov
VA.gov | Veterans Affairs
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
www.caregiver.va.gov
November 20, 2025 at 7:45 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
We are honored to be mentioned by Cindy McDermott in her speech at the recent ribbon cutting ceremony for the Gary McDermott RV Park in Clinton, IA. Gary was a disability rights and accessibility crusader, and our friend. Beautiful tribute to his legacy!

www.clintonherald.com/news/local_n...
RV park renamed to honor disabilities advocate
The unveiling Tuesday of a sign bearing the name of “Gary McDermott RV Park” signified the rededication of the former Riverview RV Park at 850 Riverview Dr.
www.clintonherald.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Reposted by Great Plains ADA Center
lurieinstitute.bsky.social
Yomi Young, a recent panelist for our Disabled Parents’ Adoption Experiences Webinar, was interviewed on Here & Now to honor the legacy of her dear friend, Alice Wong- disability activist, author, and founder of the Disability Visibility Project. lnkd.in/dBX3-pRE
'Don't let them grind you down': The legacy disability activist Alice Wong leaves behind
Disability activist and author Alice Wong died Friday at age 51 in California.
www.wbur.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:32 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
New UK-based #DisabilityHistory project will capture 1st-person disability stories in a new accessible digital archive, an interactive timeline, and a series of podcasts.

www.disabilitynewsservice.com/new-project-...
New project will research and reveal stories behind half a century of the disability arts movement
A new project to research and reveal 50 years of stories behind the rise of the disability arts movement has been awarded nearly £250,000 of National Lottery funding. Disability Arts Online (DAO) i…
www.disabilitynewsservice.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:17 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Learn about a new coloring book available from two Wisconsin-based disability advocates in this fun article. The handmade art booklet, or zine, pairs quotes, poems and reflections on disability justice with interactive pages for writing, coloring and other activities.
www.wpr.org/news/wiscons...
Wisconsin friends team up to create disability justice zine
Emily Nott and Miso Kwak, the creators behind "Crip Wisdoms," worked with a braille publisher to create a tactile version of the book for blind readers.
www.wpr.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:09 AM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Be prepared for the upcoming holiday season if you have children with food sensitivities!

www.understood.org/en/articles/...
7 holiday tips when your child has food sensitivities
How can you make the holidays more fun when your child is sensitive to how food tastes, feels, and smells? Try these holiday tips for kids with food sensitivities.
www.understood.org
November 18, 2025 at 9:22 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Happy Veterans Day! We’re proud to support veterans and their families across the Great Plains region. Thank you for your service!

To learn more about your ADA employment rights as a veteran, visit adata.org/employment-r...
For general ADA protections, visit archive.ada.gov/servicemembe...
Veterans Day 2025 graphic featuring a blurred background with wood panels and a US flag. Included is a navy banner with the words "Thank You" above the words "Veterans Day - Honoring All Who Served" above 3 red stars. The logos for the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program, Great Plains ADA Center, and National ADA Symposium are lined up along the bottom.
November 11, 2025 at 7:17 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Extensive list of resources for disabled Veterans courtesy of @ndrnadvocates.bsky.social
#VeteransDay #VeteransWithDisabilities
ndrnadvocates.bsky.social National Disability Rights Network @ndrnadvocates.bsky.social · 18d
Today, we honor the service, sacrifice and continued advocacy of disabled veterans.

Here's some resources for veterans with disabilities:

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets
https://www.dvnf.org/national-resource-directory/
https://nvf.org/veteran-resources/
https://www.dav.org/get-help-now/
Graphic with a background image of a veteran in a wheelchair and another person walking beside them. Large white text reads, “Honoring Disabled Veterans.” Below, smaller text says, “Disabled veterans, like all people with disabilities, deserve self-determination, support, opportunity and dignity. We thank veterans with disabilities for their continued sacrifice and strength.” The National Disability Rights Network logo appears in the bottom right corner.
November 11, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Reposted by Great Plains ADA Center
a11ynews.bsky.social
How an Library Transforms Access for Print Disabilities equalentry.com/assistive-te... #a11y
How an Library Transforms Access for Print Disabilities
Discover how the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library is transforming access to literacy for blind, low vision, and print-disabled readers. From tactile tools to digital downloads and…
equalentry.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
New resource alert! Be sure to check out the helpful suite of resources from UNICEF to support applicants and employees who are neurodiverse.

www.unicef.org/careers/unic...
#DisabilityEmployment
UNICEF Nurturing Neurodivergent Talent in an Inclusive Workplace
Disability inclusion starts with you, with me, with all of us!
www.unicef.org
November 11, 2025 at 6:50 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
As we continue to recognize, #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth, it's important to recognize the importance of state-level data. Check out your state’s data profile and share it. Data like this can help drive policy change where it’s needed most. 🔗 www.caregivingintheus.org
Caregiving in the US – Caregiving in the US is the nation’s deepest dive into the daily realities of family caregivers over time.
www.caregivingintheus.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:01 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Registration is now open for our 2026 Winter ADA Coordinator Conference. This 3-day online virtual event offers Americans with Disabilities Act training for attendees with ALL levels of knowledge. To learn more, visit bit.ly/4hWpYkC
Graphic ad for the 2026 Winter ADA Coordinator Conference: Virtual event happening February 2-4 online via Zoom. Features the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP) logo and a photo of a young woman in a wheelchair, sitting at her desk on a webinar. There is a navy bubble in the upper right corner that says "Registration Deadline January 23!". Included on the graphic is the text "Professional continuing education credits available, Open to all, including ACTCP members, ACTCP Advanced Certificate on Website Accessibility Available" Includes a QR code to the event website - https://bit.ly/4hWpYkC
November 10, 2025 at 9:13 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Important accessible travel news! Hilton and Be My Eyes Launch Industry‑First Partnership to Enhance the Hilton Stay for Guests who are Blind or Low Vision

stories.hilton.com/releases/hil...
Hilton and Be My Eyes Launch Industry‑First Partnership
Hilton announced today an industry‑first, exclusive partnership with Be My Eyes to ensure guests who are blind or have low vision can experience a more accessible stay.
stories.hilton.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:54 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Great article from Fast Company about the business benefits of accessible design - particularly in the bathroom! Plus, learn more about the new collection of accessibility products at Pottery Barn, designed by Michael Graves Design

www.fastcompany.com/91417707/wha...
What accessible bathrooms can teach every entrepreneur
Five lessons on how designing with accessibility prevent injuries, but also builds stronger brands.
www.fastcompany.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:16 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
November is #AmericanDiabetesMonth! #DYK 136 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes? Be sure to check out common accommodation ideas to help you manage your diabetes in your workplace - askjan.org/disabilities...
American Diabetes Association graphic celebrating American Diabetes Month featuring three photos - 1) a group of smiling young people, 2) a researcher in a lab wearing safety goggles and a lab coat, and 3) an insulin monitor clipped to a person's green pants.
November 5, 2025 at 10:57 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Effective communication news - a judge orders the White House to restore ASL interpretation for press briefings to ensure Deaf Americans have equal access to critical government information

www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Judge orders White House to restore sign language interpreters at briefings by Trump, Leavitt
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali said the White House’s decision to end ASL interpretation illegally excluded deaf Americans from crucial updates from the government.
www.politico.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:36 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
New resource alert! The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities recently released a Women's Health Guide - written BY women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), FOR women with IDD. Check it out now - www.kcdd.org/womens-healt...
Photo of a young lady with shoulder length brown hair in an orange tank top sitting in a chair, being examined by a health care professional using a stethoscope
November 4, 2025 at 11:17 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
Upcoming learning opportunity happening November 6 at 12 pm CT with the National Organization on Disability (NOD)
October 30, 2025 at 5:36 PM
greatplainsada.bsky.social
New article from Nebraskaland Magazine about the Parks in Full Color Campaign - an initiative to make the outdoors more accessible to individuals with colorblindness

magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/stories/trav...
Parks in Full Color Campaign | Nebraskaland Magazine
Color vision deficiency can drastically diminish the vibrancy and range of colors that exist in the outdoors. EnChroma glasses can help.
magazine.outdoornebraska.gov
October 30, 2025 at 5:35 PM