General

A newly approved $1.7 trillion federal spending bill will bring more funding for special education while expanding access to ABLE accounts and addressing the use of electric shock on people with disabilities. The legislation, which funds the government through September, was signed by President Joe Biden just before the start of the new year. Read the full story HERE

Several new children’s books are being honored for highlighting the experiences of people with disabilities with a special set of awards handed out alongside the famed Newbery and Caldecott Medals. The American Library Association named three winners and four honorees this week of its annual Schneider Family Book Awards. Read the full story HERE

A preeminent activist who was instrumental in securing civil rights protections and reimagining life for people with disabilities has died. Judy Heumann, known as the “mother of the disability rights movement,” passed away Saturday at the age of 75 in Washington. Information posted to her personal website did not specify the cause. Read the full story HERE

The nation’s largest retailer is looking to be more welcoming to people with disabilities. Walmart said it will modify the shopping experience at most stores across the country during special times now through the beginning of the school year to be more accommodating to those with sensory issues. “We are striving every day to create a culture where everyone feels they belong,” Julie Barber, executive vice president of general merchandise at Walmart, said in a post announcing

Under a new rule, more people will soon qualify for Supplemental Security Income and some current beneficiaries will see their monthly payments increase, the Social Security Administration said. The changes will come under a  regulation  finalized recently broadening what counts as a “public assistance household.” The agency is expanding the definition to include households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, payments as well as households where not