University of Delaware Professor Anjana Bhat has found that children with autism often experience positive behavioral, verbal, social and motor skills outcomes after participating in therapies such as dancing and making music. Bhat says the therapies’ apparent effectiveness may stem from their focus on coordinated movement, which creates more connectivity between different parts of their brains.
Newly-released FBI data indicate that hate crime incidents targeting people with disabilities are becoming more common. There were 177 reported hate crime offenses stemming from disability bias in 2018, according to figures submitted by law enforcement agencies across the country. That number is up from the 128 reported in 2017.
The Delaware Department of Education has awarded this year’s certificates of necessity, the first step for schools trying to obtain funding for major capital improvements. Projects approved include construction of a new Howard T. Ennis School, which provides services to students with significant disabilities and the conversion of William Henry Middle School into a specialty school for students with histories of behavioral problems.
A fully accessible new two-level observation tower and boardwalk trail with parking recently opened in the Little Creek Wildlife area, a popular location for birdwatching. The $1 million project was funded by several state and federal initiatives aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation access.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development plans to replace fair housing guidelines that prohibit practices that have “disparate impact” on certain groups of people, including people with disabilities. The new rule would raise the burden of proof for filing discrimination complaints. Leaders at The Arc and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, among other advocates, warn this could create additional barriers for tenants with disabilities.
