Activist Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg became a climate activist not in spite of her autism, but because of it

Greta Thunberg, the prominent 16-year-old climate activist, says her autism is central to her advocacy. She says it helps her to see the world “from another perspective” and “do the same thing for hours.” The co-founder of Autistic Self-Advocacy Network says Thunberg’s and others’ openness about their diagnoses helps change public opinion and fight stigma about autism.

Woman wearing Smart Caption glasses
Institute on Disabilities, People’s Light and The National Theatre of Great Britain to pilot smart caption glasses

People’s Light, a theater near Philadelphia, is piloting smart caption glasses for people who are Deaf or experience hearing loss in partnership with Temple University and The National Theatre of Great Britain. The glasses display captions, synchronized with the onstage action, via mini-projector on the lenses. They will be available to the general public in January 2020.

social security administration office
Lawmakers Look To Update SSI Program

A bill under consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives would allow people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to keep $10,000 in assets, five times more than the current $2,000. The bill would also remove spousal assets from each recipient’s asset calculation, eliminating the risk of losing eligibility by getting married.

electronic voting machines
Voters with disabilities feel left behind by paper ballot push

While electronic voting machines are the most accessible ballot options for voters with disabilities, paper ballots are the preferred voting method among election security experts who worry about hacking. While disability advocates and election specialists have tried to collaborate to find solutions, one prominent disability advocate says talks have stalled.

Tyra Eskridge on horseback
Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding Updates Coming Soon

The Milton-based Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding company will be updating its facilities to boost accessibility and safety. The construction, set to begin in October, will include installing a lift to enable people who use wheelchairs to mount the horses and bringing the fire protection system up to code.