Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

The Justice Department has updated its “Common Questions About COVID and the ADA” to address two COVID-era issues affecting people with disabilities: first, ensuring that medical facilities’ visitor policies take into the account the rights of people with disabilities to receive equal access to care; and second, ensuring that outdoor retail or dining spaces (sometimes called “streateries”) are accessible to people with disabilities and do not prevent individuals from using sidewalks and accessible parking. To find out more about the ADA, visit ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 1-800-514-0301 or 1-800-514-0383 (TTY).

The Council and the Maryland Department of Health Partner to Bring You COVID-19 Fact Sheets in Plain Language

The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council (Council) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced the release of seven (7) COVID-19 fact sheets in plain language.

The Council funded the development and design of the fact sheets with grant money from a partnership between the Administration for Community Living and the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention to help people with disabilities get vaccines. The fact sheets are translated in Spanish, French, Amharic, Chinese, Russian, and Korean. The topics include high risk health conditions, testing, monoclonal antibody treatment, vaccines, vaccines at home, vaccines for children, and booster shots. You can download these fact sheets as a set or by topic.

“We are excited to release this information in plain language and a variety of languages so that all Marylanders have access to information they understand and trust,” said Rachel London, Council executive director. “Plain language helps more people understand things the first time they read it. With so much information about COVID-19, it is important that it is accessible.”

“We want all Marylanders to have and understand the information to keep them safe from COVID-19, including testing, treatments, and ways to prevent the spread of infection,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “We greatly appreciate the partnership we have with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and our collaboration on these fact sheets reflects our common desire to reach as many people as possible.”

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time

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Get gift ideas for your wish list or friends and family. It can be tricky to find accessible devices, but we have your back! Join the National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., EST, via Zoom to learn about devices that are accessible for blind and low-vision people. From smart homes to leisure activities, we will cover:

• Video games
• Smart home devices
• Mobile applications
• Toys and games, and other miscellaneous items

Take advantage of this free showcase and share the registration link below with others who may be looking for gift ideas. Register today!

Fall is a beautiful time: cooler weather, colorful leaves, family gatherings and holiday preparations. Sometimes this also means that money flows out without a plan and January arrives with debt & financial stress. Make sure this doesn’t happen in your family–take a financial education class this week to make your plan for this wonderful time and walk into January feeling confident in your financial health!

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