Anchal Bhateja Becomes First Blind Woman to Argue Before India's Supreme Court
Anchal Bhateja becomes the first blind woman to argue before India's Supreme Court, challenging discriminatory recruitment policies.
Source: Wikipedia
Coverage collected under advocacy & policy across both reported articles and community blog posts.
Anchal Bhateja becomes the first blind woman to argue before India's Supreme Court, challenging discriminatory recruitment policies.
Source: Wikipedia
The MTA has settled a lawsuit committing to enhanced accessibility for disabled New Yorkers by 2035. This includes the installation and maintenance of working elevators in 95% of stations, marking significant progress for transit accessibility.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
AER introduces a Low Vision Therapy Professional Division to advance low vision therapy and support ACVREP-certified therapists, enhancing cross-disciplinary services.
Source: AER
The MTA has settled a lawsuit with disability advocates, agreeing to install elevators in 95% of NYC transit stations by 2055, significantly improving system accessibility.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
DOJ offers $7.7 million to improve security at religious sites amid increased threats.
Source: Washington Examiner
AFGE sues EEOC for halting federal class action complaint processing, citing legal violations.
Source: Federal News Network

A major settlement has been reached in the lawsuit against the NYC MTA to improve elevator accessibility in the subway system, enhancing usability for people with disabilities.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
The MTA has settled a lawsuit to improve the reliability of subway elevators, addressing accessibility issues. The settlement includes commitments to better maintenance and monitoring.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
The MTA has settled with disability advocates to make 95% of NYC subway stations accessible. The agreement includes elevator installations and maintenance plans, marking a significant step forward in public transit accessibility.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
Chicago's efforts to enhance accessibility through Accessible Pedestrian Signals are evaluated in a new report. While successes include new installations and budget increases, challenges remain with unmet project timelines and underserved areas.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
Accessibility on Chicago’s streets and sidewalks is under scrutiny. Despite efforts, many challenges remain, impacting individuals with disabilities. Plans for improvements are underway.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
AFB awards the 2026 Migel Medal to Kevin Lynch, Dr. Mona Minkara, and Dr. Joel Snyder for their significant contributions to the blind and low vision community.
Source: American Foundation for the Blind
AFB honors Dr. Rachel Schles and Ms. Marissa Miara with the 2026 Kirchner and Gund Awards for their contributions to the blind and low vision community.
Source: American Foundation for the Blind
IAHA forms a global working group to improve hearing accessibility standards and expand access to assistive technologies.
Source: Hearing Health & Technology Matters
Governor Abbott appoints Rusty Peterson to the TSBVI Governing Board, emphasizing support for visually impaired education.
Source: EIN Presswire
Prevent Blindness introduces new resources and advocacy efforts to safeguard children's vision during Children's Eye Health and Safety Month.
Source: PR Newswire
ASDB violated federal special education law by not accommodating blind students' needs during its relocation to Oro Valley.
Source: KOLD News 13
A lawsuit against Berkeley's encampment sweeps has been cleared to proceed as a class action. The case, highlighting the impact on disabled residents, could set a precedent for future policy considerations.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
RNIB introduces training to help eye care professionals provide emotional support during sight loss diagnoses.
Source: RNIB

A federal judge in the Northern District of California has certified a class of unhoused people with disabilities in a 2023 lawsuit against the City of Berkeley over its encampment sweep practices. The case, brought by Disability Rights Advocates and the East Bay Community Law Center, now covers a broader group beyond its original five plaintiffs.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
The New Horizons radio programme from Blind Citizens Australia has returned with a series covering the 2026 conference of the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities. The coverage gives listeners insight into discussions shaping accessible information for blind and low vision communities.
Source: Braillists Foundation

Paul Healy receives the 2026 R.B. Irwin Award for his dedication to employment opportunities for the blind community.
Source: National Industries for the Blind
Braille Institute honors organizations and leaders for their contributions to accessibility and inclusion in 2026.
Source: PR Newswire

ACB, Meta, and BVA to distribute AI-powered Ray-Ban Meta glasses to blind veterans at the ACB Convention in St. Louis on July 27.
Source: PR Newswire

Boston rally addresses prolonged wheelchair repair delays, urging systemic changes for timely service.
Source: GBH News
Chicago installed 78 new accessible pedestrian signals, but none meet technical standards, raising concerns for visually impaired pedestrians.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
A court monitor reviewing Chicago's pedestrian accessibility obligations found the city has zero accessible pedestrian signals that meet compliance standards. The finding, reported by the Chicago Sun-Times and flagged by Disability Rights Advocates, raises questions about safety for blind and low vision pedestrians at intersections citywide.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
Disability Rights Advocates has named retired federal judge David S. Tatel, who is blind, as the 2026 recipient of its Edith Prentiss Award for advancing disability rights. Tatel spent three decades on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and published a memoir in 2024 about his career and his experience with blindness.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
Disability Rights Advocates has reached a settlement with a major airport transportation shuttle company to improve accessibility for wheelchair users. Full details of the agreement have not yet been released, but the case highlights ongoing barriers disabled travelers face in getting around airports.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates

A court-appointed Independent Monitor has released the first annual report tracking Chicago's compliance with a federal order to install thousands of accessible pedestrian signals over 10 years. The report, issued one year into the city's court-mandated timeline, highlights both progress and shortcomings following a lawsuit brought by blind and low vision pedestrians.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
New York's OPWDD launches the HES program to provide streamlined access to assistive technology, enhancing independence for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Source: OPEN MINDS
July 2026 SSI payments, up to $994, have been issued to eligible recipients, supporting basic living expenses.
Source: Washington Examiner

A report shows the NYC Department of Education is still not fully compliant with a settlement to protect students with diabetes, despite some progress. Eleven benchmarks remain unmet, impacting student care.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
The World Blind Union and ICEVI have launched a Global Declaration on Braille Literacy, aiming to integrate braille into global educational systems for the blind and visually impaired.
Source: Braillists Foundation
A blind traveler was left unattended at Philadelphia International Airport after a flight cancellation, highlighting the need for better airline assistance for passengers with disabilities.
Source: CBS Philadelphia

Pete McCall received a legislative citation for his dedicated service to older blind Alaskans, recognizing his commitment to their independence and quality of life.
Source: Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Wheelchair users in Chicago face hazardous conditions due to broken sidewalks. Cracks and uneven surfaces challenge their mobility and independence, prompting calls for urgent repairs.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
A lawsuit challenges the accessibility of Chicago's sidewalks, alleging violations of disability rights laws. The city seeks to dismiss the case.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
A federal court orders Chicago to install accessible pedestrian signals at 71% of crossings within 10 years, enhancing safety for blind pedestrians.
Source: Planetizen News
SuperShuttle's new settlement ensures improved access for wheelchair users in airport transportation. The changes, spearheaded by Disability Rights Advocates, require fleets with lifts and accessible booking processes.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
SuperShuttle has settled a lawsuit with three Bay Area women, committing to improve accessibility for wheelchair users as part of a landmark agreement.
Source: Disability Rights Advocates
The VA's patient advocacy program provides free support to veterans navigating healthcare challenges, but many veterans don't know this resource exists. Advocates help resolve complaints, clarify procedures, and bridge communication gaps between veterans and medical staff.
Source: Blinded Veterans Association
The Blinded Veterans Association has named Lea Rowe as its new National Executive Director. She will lead the organization's programs and advocacy efforts serving thousands of veterans with vision loss.
Source: Blinded Veterans Association