From the outbox of Meyer’s inbox:

The American with Disabilities Act celebrated it’s 20th anniversary with a White House Rose Garden ceremoney. Rhode Island Representative Jim Langevin presided over the House of Representatives for the occasion. Why is that special? Rep. Langevin is the first quadrepalegic to be elected to congress. Rep. Langevin is quoted as saying “I know the inspiration I took from other people and how they overcame challenges.” As part of the anniversary, Congress voted on additional measures to broaden the access of the internet and television to the blind and deaf.

HOUSE MARKS ADA ANNIVERSARY WITH BILL TO IMPROVE INTERNET ACCESS FOR DISABLED

The House on Monday celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by approving legislation assuring that the disabled have full access to the Internet and television.

“The ADA mandated physical ramps into buildings,” said Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., sponsor of the bill. “Today, individuals with disabilities need online ramps to the Internet so they can get to the Web from wherever they happen to be.”

The bill, which passed 348-23 and now moves to the Senate, takes such steps as making it easier for the blind to access the Internet from smart phones, providing deaf people with the ability to watch new TV programs online with captions included, and requiring that telecom equipment used to make calls over the Internet be compatible with hearing aids.

The measure also:

—Gives the blind a fuller TV experience through audible descriptions of on-screen action. Read More...

A handy little fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration

Myths are roadblocks that interfere with the ability of persons with disabilities to have equality in employment. These roadblocks usually result from a lack of experience and interaction with persons with disabilities. This lack of familiarity has nourished negative attitudes concerning employment of persons with disabilities. Listed below are some common myths and the facts that tell the real story:

MYTH: Hiring employees with disabilities increases workers compensation insurance rates.

FACT: Insurance rates are based solely on the relative hazards of the operation and the organization’s accident experience, not on whether workers have disabilities.

MYTH: Employees with disabilities have a higher absentee rate than employees without disabilities.

FACT: Studies by firms such as DuPont show that employees with disabilities are not absent any more than employees without disabilities.

MYTH: Persons with disabilities are inspirational, courageous, and brave for being able to overcome their disability.

FACT: Persons with disabilities are simply carrying on normal activities of living when they drive to work, go grocery shopping, pay their bills, or compete in athletic events. Read More...