In an examination of counties’ elections policies and technology, POLITICO found that electronic voting machines are often more effective at accommodating voters with disabilities but more vulnerable to malfunction and sabotage. A common solution, using primarily paper ballots but keeping electronic machines for voters to use on request, is controversial among some advocates because it seems like a form of “separate but equal” discrimination.
A recent study indicates that, in people with autism, higher IQ does not correspond with improved functional skills like self-care and communication. The researchers conclude that labeling children with autism “high functioning” based on IQ score might put them at a disadvantage because it creates the impression they don’t need as much support.
UD doctoral student Salma Al Saai won a scholarship from Fight For Sight, an organization supporting eye and vision research, to continue her research on cataracts. Al Saai is focused on the genetic causes of cataracts in children less than one year old, which are more difficult to remove than cataracts that develop in adulthood.
Despite strong bipartisan support, federal legislation that would entitle people with disabilities access to community-based services and outlaw waiting lists has not received a hearing in committee. The advocacy groups leading the push to pass the bill, called the Disability Integration Act, had targeted July 27, the ADA anniversary, for the bill signing.
A bill introduced by Rep. Kim Williams would move administrative control of the Delaware Autism Program from Christina School District to the state Department of Education. The move, which has been planned for several years, would bring Delaware into line with other states that have statewide autism programs. An Autism Delaware director says this would help the program better serve students with autism in other districts.
