ADA News No. 172 June 26, 2008
ADA News
Disabilities Law, News & Perspective
Patrick H. Bair - Editor
Number 172 June 2008
Items regarding disabilities, disabilities law and the Americans
with Disabilities Act which may be of interest to you. Please share this
information with colleagues, supervisors and subordinates. This is a
free publication available in electronic and printed format to anyone
who is interested. Subscription requests, comments, contributions or questions, including requests for
accommodations needed to receive or apprehend this publication, should be addressed to Patrick H. Bair,
Editor. The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the editor, except where noted, and
do not represent the views of the Office of Chief Counsel or the Department of Environmental Protection.
Recent issues of this newsletter can be found online on the Department website. All past issues of this
publication are archived on the DEP internal website.
ADA RESTORATION ACT UPDATE - The ADA Restoration Act was scheduled for
mark- up by the U. S. House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee and
Judiciary Committee on June 18, 2008. In the last few weeks, the disability community
has worked hard to negotiate a compromise with the business community to support
a modified version of the Restoration Act. Strong support has been shown for the
Restoration Act by more than fifty national organizations and sixty state and local
disability organizations. The organizations showing support for the bill not only approve
of the revised bill but have also agreed to defend the bill against attempts by members
of Congress to amend the language unless both the disability and business
communities agree to the proposed changes. The proposed language would: Require
that the definition of disability be interpreted broadly; Prohibit courts from considering
the effects of medication, prosthetics, hearing aids, etc. when determining whether a
person meets the ADA’s definition of disability; Define “ disability” as any actual, past,
or perceived physical or mental impairment that “ substantially limits a major life
activity” and then define this phrase to mean “ materially restricts a major life activity;”
include a broad definitional section listing a wide range of major life activities that is
intended to restore coverage for many of the groups who have been interpreted out
of the ADA by the courts; and include a broad “ regarded as” prong that will provide
civil rights protection to anyone who is adversely treated based on a physical or mental
impairment. According to the American Association of Persons with Disabilities, it
appears that the bill will receive strong bipartisan support and is on a fast track for
passage. You can follow this developing issue via the AAPD Restoration Act blog. ( See
following.)
COLLABORATION LEADS TO REVISED ADA BILL ( by Tom Starner,
HRExecutiveOnline) - Since becoming federal law in 1990, the Americans with
ADA News No. 172 - 2- June 26, 2008
Disabilities Act has had a major impact on the U. S. workplace. The problem is,
whatever the ADA's net effect has been on employment and the working disabled in
general, subsequent legal decisions have led to as much frustration as success. That
court- produced frustration, in turn, has caused both disabled advocates and business
leaders to seek out more consistent, fair ADA rules and regulations. It was a rare
chance for groups with frequently opposing views to work together. On Wednesday,
those groups came a step closer to resolving any differences ( and clarifying specific
issues) on the ADA front, when two key committees within the U. S. House of
Representatives " marked- up" the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. Read the rest of this
story HERE. Here also is a House link to the bi. ll
BUSH ADMINISTRATION PROPOSES SWEEPING CHANGES - While Congress is
busy with the ADA Restoration Act, the Bush Administration has taken it upon itself to
propose substantial changes in the manner in which the ADA is administered. “ The
proposal would substantially update and rewrite federal standards for enforcement of
the Americans With Disabilities Act,” according to a New York Times story. “ The new
rules would set more stringent requirements in many areas and address some issues
for the first time, in an effort to meet the needs of an aging population and growing
numbers of disabled war veterans. More than seven million businesses and all state
and local government agencies would be affected. ”
DISABILITIES WEBSITE OF THE MONTH - DisabledTravelers. com is a resource
dedicated to accessible travel information. The site provides information on businesses
from around the world that specialize in disability travel. Included are easy links to a
comprehensive listing of accessible travel specialists, such as travel agents, tour
operators, adventure travel companies, accessible cruise specialists, accessible van
rentals and equipment, travel companions, home exchanges, and access guides for
wheelchair users and other disabled travelers. Highly adaptable, the website provides
something for everyone, as well as direct links to other travel- related sites, should the
information you seek is not there. If you or a travel companion have a disability— or
even if you don’t— DisabledTravelers. com is a great place to start planning your
summer trip.
Ninth Circuit Holding Reminds Employers To Think Carefully Before Denying
Requested Accommodations ( from Sheppard Mullin‘ s Labor & Employment Law
Blog) - The Ninth Circuit's holding in Gribben v. United Parcel Service illustrates the
principle that employing an overly technical analysis to determine an employer’s
obligations to its employees under the Americans with Disabilities Act is risky. The ADA
requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with
disabilities, which it defines as “ physical or mental impairment[ s] that substantially
limit[] one or more of the major life activities of [ an] individual.” The regulations
interpreting this statute further explain that the requisite substantial limitation may be
shown where a person is “[ u] nable to perform a major life activity that the average
person in the general population can perform.” In this case, one of United Parcel
Services' shifter drivers ( a driver of vehicles used to transfer trailers among various
sites) claimed that his heart condition, which caused shortness of breath and labored
ADA News No. 172 - 3- June 26, 2008
breathing, weakness, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and chest pain and
other related complications, when working in the extreme heat for more than twenty
minutes at a time, was a “ disability.” As a result of this condition, the employee
claimed he was unable to perform jobs requiring too much exertion, such as loading
or unloading trailers and sorting or lifting in the over 90 degree heat of Arizona. Thus,
he requested an air conditioned truck as an accommodation. However, the employer
concluded that the employee was not “ disabled” within the definition of the statute
because the employee could perform major life activities, albeit not for more than
twenty minutes at a time in temperatures over ninety degrees. Thus, UPS sometimes
provided an air conditioned vehicle, but determined that, for business reasons, they
could not guarantee it. On one of the days UPS could provide only a non- air
conditioned vehicle for Plaintiff’s use, Plaintiff refused to work and, as a result, was
terminated. This lawsuit for disability discrimination ( and other claims) ensued. Before
the lower court, the employer argued, consistent with a technical reading of the
regulations above, that because there was no evidence that the “ average person in the
general population” could participate in outdoor activities in the Phoenix summer, there
was no evidence of substantial limitation and, thus, no disability or attendant duty to
provide reasonable accommodation. The Ninth Circuit rejected that argument and held
that Plaintiff’s testimony, even absent comparative evidence of others’ ability to
perform in extreme heat, was enough evidence of possible disability to necessitate the
time and expense of trial. Thus, this case serves as a reminder that employers should
carefully weigh the feasibility of a requested accommodation and should be wary of the
temptation to take an overly narrow or technical view of what constitutes a “ disability”
when assessing its obligations.
AREA CALENDAR -
DBTAC Web- based courses; June 23 - September 29, 2008; Online; the
Training Resource Center on the Americans with Disabilities Act offers 10 web-based
and audio courses between now and September; topics cover a wide
variety of disability- related subjects, including Assisting Individuals to Prepare
for an Emergency, ADA Coverage Beyond Actual Disability and Direct
Threat/ Safety in the Workplace
2008 UCP of Northeastern PA Golf Tournament; July 18, 2008; Stone
Hedge Country Club, Tunkhannock, PA; proceeds benefit UCP
2008 National Council on Independent Living ( NCIL) Conference: Time
for Change: Use Your Power!; July 21- 24, 2008; Grand Hyatt Hote, l
Washington, DC; more information via e- mail or by phone to ( 202) 207- 0334
( V) or ( 202) 207- 0340 ( TTY)
Reinventing Quality 2008; August 10- 12, 2008; Renaissance Baltimore
Harborplace Hotel, Baltimore, MD; conference is for people with developmental
disabilities, family members, direct support professionals, administrators of
community support agencies, advocates, state and federal officials; featuring
ADA News No. 172 - 4- June 26, 2008
numerous agencies that have implemented person- centered planning and
individualized support structures to assist people in living the lives that they
desire; innovators in policies, systems issues, and quality assurance
methodologies will be presented; register online HERE
22nd Annual UCP/ SchmidtKramer Golf Tournament; 11: 00 AM, August 25,
2008; Country Club of Harrisburg, PA; proceeds benefit UCP of Central PA
2nd Annual Alleghenies UCP Fall Golf Classic; 11: 30 AM, September 11,
2008; Indian Lake Golf Club, Central City , PA; proceeds benefit Alleghenies UCP
Mid- Atlantic ADA Update; September 19, 2008; BWI Airport Marriot, t
Baltimore, MD; hear the latest information on the ADA from invited
representatives of the EEOC, Department of Justice, Federal Transit
Administration and Access Board; registration deadline September 8th; for more
information, contact Marissa Johnson, DBTAC Mid- Atlantic Center, 800- 949-
4232 ( V/ TTY)
11th Annual Golf 4 Kids Sake; September 26, 2008; Blue Ridge Country Clu, b
Harrisburg, PA; benefitting Capital Area Big Brothers Big Sisters; all- day
festivities, including continental breakfast, dinner, silent auction, awards
ceremony and more; more information available soon HERE
National Recreation & Park Association Congress & Exposition; October
14- 18, 2008; Baltimore, MD; the NRPA is the nation’s largest not- for- profit
professional and citizen organization dedicated to the mission of advancing
parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life of all
people; the NRPA’s Congress and Exposition is the national event of NRPA and
the premier annual event of the park and recreation community; five- day
conference brings together more than 6,600 park and recreation professionals,
citizen advocates and industry suppliers for amazing networking opportunities,
hundreds of educational sessions and the industry’s largest trade show
highlighting the products and services of nearly 600 exhibitors; for information,
visit the conference website or phone ( 800) 626- NRPA
2008 National Conference on Disability Inclusion & National Service:
Acting Today to Shape the Future; October 16- 18, 2008; Hilton Alexandria
Mark Center, Alexandria, VA; conference designed to explore latest trends in the
disability community and their application to service environment, identify
innovative strategies and promising practices for future activities and initiatives,
share successful practices and lessons learned from national service programs
that engage people with disabilities, foster deeper collaboration between the
disability and service communities and recognize individuals and organizations
that have advanced the ideal that Americans with disabilities are valuable
contributors to their communities
ADA News No. 172 - 5- June 26, 2008
Autism: Update on Diagnosis and Intervention through Adolescence;
October 23- 24, 2008; The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt, Baltimore, MD;
Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Annual Autism Conference; course is designed for
physicians, educators, speech- language pathologists, occupational therapists,
psychologists, policy makers, parents, and social workers; conference will focus
on topics regarding Early Detection and Early Diagnosis of children with Autism
Spectrum Disorders ( ASD); early intervention strategies and treatment through
adolescence will also be discussed; for more information call 877- 850- 3372
2008 Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs
( NATTAP) Conference; November 19- 21, 2008; Greater Columbus Convention
Center, Columbus, Ohio; NATTAP and the Autism Society of America present the
Second Annual International Autism Training and Technical Assistance
Conference hosted by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence; objectives
of the conference are to review current systems models for addressing the
needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, promote use of best
practice in research and intervention and provide methods for capacity building,
all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals
ages 3- 21; conference will provide a forum for the continued exchange of ideas
and promising practices that will provide common solutions to the common
problems in ASD; register online here
WAL- MART TO PAY $ 250,000 FOR DISABILITY BIAS ( from EEOC, 6/ 9/ 08) –
Retail giant Wal- Mart will pay $ 250,000 and furnish significant injunctive relief to settle
a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission ( EEOC), the agency announced today. The EEOC had charged that
Wal- Mart failed to accommodate and then fired a long- time pharmacy technician who
suffered a disability resulting from a gunshot wound. In its suit filed in the U. S. District
Court for the District of Maryland, the EEOC said that Glenda D. Allen had been
employed with the Arkansas- based company as a pharmacy technician since July
1993, most recently at its store in Abingdon, MD. As a result of a gunshot wound
sustained during the course of a robbery at a different employer in 1994, Allen suffered
permanent damage to her spinal cord and other medical issues, including an abnormal
gait requiring the use of a cane as an assistive device. The agency charged that
despite Allen’s successful job performance throughout her employment, Wal- Mart
declared her incapable of performing her position with or without a reasonable
accommodation, denied her a reasonable accommodation, and then unlawfully fired
her because of her disability. The lawsuit settled shortly after the court denied
Wal- Mart’s motion for summary judgment on March 10, and partially granted the
EEOC’s cross- motion for summary judgment finding that Wal- Mart had no undue
hardship defense. Disability discrimination violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The EEOC filed suit after first attempting to reach a voluntary settlement. Commenting
on her case, Allen said, “ After beating all the odds – surviving my injury when not
expected to survive, walking again when told that I would never walk again, and
returning to work where I received excellent performance evaluations and consistent
merit increases – I was devastated to have the rug pulled out from underneath me
ADA News No. 172 - 6- June 26, 2008
simply because Wal- Mart could ‘ no longer accommodate my handicap needs.’ I am
hopeful that this settlement will make Wal- Mart take a closer look at its policies and
practices with respect to the employment of individuals with disabilities so that what
happened to me will not happen to someone else.” Along with the monetary payment,
the consent decree settling the suit requires Wal- Mart to: Observe the ADA and post
a notice to employees on the ADA; Have all salaried supervisors and managers of its
Abingdon stores and in pharmacies in the district that includes Abingdon complete
training on the ADA with annual refresher training for the next three years; and Submit
a list of all employees at the Abingdon store and the pharmacies in the Abingdon
district who have been denied reasonable accommodation and/ or complained that they
have been unlawfully denied reasonable accommodation or terminated because of their
disabilities. The EEOC will monitor the company’s compliance with the decree for the
next three years. “ When an employer is faced with an employee who has difficulty
performing certain tasks because of his or her disability, it cannot sit back passively
and then turn around and fire the employee because of its own failure to
accommodate,” said EEOC Regional Attorney Jacqueline McNair. “ Federal law
mandates that employers engage in a good- faith interactive dialogue with the qualified
disabled employee to identify potential reasonable accommodations.” This is the
EEOC’s second settlement this year with Wal- Mart concerning the ADA. In April 2008,
the EEOC settled a lawsuit concerning Wal- Mart’s failure to hire an individual with
cerebral palsy in Richmond, MO, for $ 300,000 and injunctive relief. According to its
web site, “ Today, 7,357 Wal- Mart stores and Sam’s Club locations in 14 markets
employ more than 2 million associates, serving more than 179 million customers a
year.” During Fiscal Year 2007, disability discrimination charges filed with the EEOC
under the ADA increased 14% to 17,734 – the highest level in a decade. Approximately
one out of every five private sector charge filings with the EEOC contains an allegation
of disability discrimination.
AROUND THE WORLD - Those of you readers who are knowledgeable about world
track and field or the Olympic movement have no doubt heard of South African Oscar
Pistorius, the “ Blade Runner,” a. k. a. “ the fastest thing on no legs.” After the
International Association of Athletics Federations ( IAAF) ruled against Pistorius’s
participation in the Olympic trials because his prosthetic limbs – referred to as
Cheetahs – supposedly gave him an advantage, a higher court ( the Court of Arbitration
for Sport) overruled the IAAF, claiming that Pistorius has no advantage over
non- disabled athletes and in fact may be at a disadvantage taking turns, getting out
of the blocks, and running on a wet track. Take a moment to introduce yourself to this
controversial sprinter. For more on Pistorius, check out this story from the NCPAD.
REP. MARKEY INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN TELECOM ACCESSIBILITY BILL -
Representative Edward J. Markey ( D- MA), chairman of the House Subcommittee on
Telecommunications and the Internet has introduced the 21st Century Communications
and Video Accessibility Act ( HR 6320) to enhance access to broadband technology and
services for persons with disabilities. Rep. Heather A. Wilson ( R- NM) joined Rep.
Markey as an original co- sponsor of the bill. Rep. Markey said, “ New Internet- based
technologies have revolutionized the way Americans interact, learn and conduct
ADA News No. 172 - 7- June 26, 2008
business. However the wizardry of the wires and the sophistication of software
programs do little for those who cannot affordably access or effectively use them. This
bill is an opportunity to ensure that all Americans are offered equal access to these
exciting and innovative new technologies.” “ This bill will help people with all kinds of
disabilities be able to get emergency information by using advances in technology we
all take for granted,” Rep. Wilson said. The bill would amend the Communications Act
to ensure that new Internet- enabled telephone and video services and equipment are
accessible to and usable by people with disabilities and closes existing gaps in
telecommunications laws. From extending hearing aid compatibility and Internet closed
captioning to real- time text support for emergency services, the bill seeks to provide
a smooth migration to the next- generation of Internet- based and digital
communication technologies.
PENNSYLVANIA COLLABORATIVE PROMOTES THE USE OF ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE - The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
( DRN) and the Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology ( PIAT) have established
the statewide Assistive Technology and Employment Collaborative. One of only four
programs funded in the nation, the Collaborative will educate employers on the
benefits of workplace assistive technology. For more information or to schedule free
training, contact Amy Goldman at PIAT at 800- 204- 7428 ( toll- free in state) or
215- 204- 3862, 866- 258- 0579 TTY, or e- mail piat@ temple. edu.
RESOURCES - Some disability/ employment- related resource material recently added
to the catalog. Publications from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
( EEOC) can be ordered at http:// www. eeoc. gov/ publications. html, or by calling 1- 800-
514- 0301( V) or 1- 800- 514- 0383( TTY).
The May edition of the National Council on Disability Monthly Bulletin is now
available online. The Bulletin, which is free of charge and available at NCD’s
award- winning Web site, brings you the latest issues and news affecting people
with disabilities.
The June 2008 edition of the NCPAD News, the newsletter of the National
Center on Physical Activity and Disability ( NCPAD) includes articles about sports,
athletics and people with disabilities. The monthly newsletter is available by free
subscription, and on the web at http:// www. ncpad. org/ newsletter .
The June 2008 issue of Tapping Technology, a quarterly newsletter from the
Maryland Department of Disabilities is currently available on the Maryland
Technology Assistance Program ( MD TAP) website.
The June 2008 newsletter of Living Well with a Disability, a Camp Hill- based
disabilities services organization, provides information on Barrier Awareness
Month and white water rafting through the Lehigh River Gorge in the Poconos.
ADA News No. 172 - 8- June 26, 2008
News and Notes is the monthly newsletter of The Family Center on Technology
and Disability. The newsletter is devoted to a different topic each month. The
May 2008 edition contains information about “ AT and Families: It’s a Family
Affair.”
The latest edition of the bi- monthly newsletter of the ADA& IT Information
Center for the Mid- Atlantic Region, is now available online with disability- related
resources, news, and many other items of interest.
The Summer 2008 Edition of ADA in Focus, the quarterly magazine of the ADA
Information Center for the Mid- Atlantic Region, is currently available. Featured
is an article about access to Health care.
The latest edition of In Focus, the newsletter of the U. S. Department of Labor ,
includes up- to- the- minute news about the Department and the Secretary of
Labor.
UCPeople is a weekly newsletter written by and for UCP affiliates.
Pennsylvania One- Stop Resource Guide - United Cerebral Palsy has
developed a comprehensive, one- stop shop of resources for every U. S. state
and territory. Never scour the Web again for bits and pieces of disability
information and resources from disparate sources! This UCP guide provides
thorough contact information on every state agency and nonprofit state and
local disability organizations for all age groups.
AUCDigest is a monthly newsletter that highlights the news, initiatives, and
events occurring throughout the American University Centers on Disability
( AUCD) Network and the disability community. It also includes news from the
AUCD National Office, including a regular message from the president of AUCD,
funding opportunities, and employment opportunities. The latest edition is
available online.
Download the latest edition of UCP’s weekly Capitol Insider and read about
what is happening in disability public policy in Washington, DC.
Legislative News InBrief is a weekly publication of AUCD, available online
HERE.
Microsoft Resource Guide for Individuals with Dexterity Difficulties and
Impairments - About dexterity difficulties and impairments.
DOJ Publishes Proposed Rule - The U. S. Department of Justice published its
proposed rules to revise the regulations under Title II ( state and local
governments) and Title III ( public accommodations and commercial facilities)
ADA News No. 172 - 9- June 26, 2008
of the ADA. Public comments are due August 18, 2008. For more information,
visit the DOJ website.
DBTAC ADA Title II Tutorial - Whether you are new to ADA practice or would
like a refresher course on Title II, you should check out the free online tutorial
offered by DBTAC.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ( NPRM) Proposal to Revise ADA
Regulations under Title II and Title III - On Friday, May 30, 2008, Attorney
General Michael B. Mukasey signed proposed regulations to revise the Justice
Department’s ADA regulations, including its ADA Standards for Accessible
Design. On Tuesday, June 17, 2008, the proposed regulations were published
in the Federal Register. The proposed regulations consist of a notice of proposed
rulemaking to amend the ADA regulation for State and local governments, a
notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the ADA regulation for public
accommodations and commercial facilities, a Regulatory Impact Analysis, and
two supporting appendices.
Emergency Response Preparedness Self- Assessment Instrument -
Developed by the National Association of State Directors of Developmental
Disabilities Services, useful in evaluating preparedness plans with regard to the
unique needs of people with disabilities.
Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service
Interpretive Media, from the NPS Harpers Ferry Center, is a comprehensive
guide for ensuring access to publications, exhibits, tours, signage, etc. An
invaluable guide for those working in park or museum settings.
Online Universal Design course - The National Center on Accessibility has
developed a free one- hour online course introducing students to the principles
of universal design for parks and recreation areas.
ACCESS DENIED ( by Kim Hart, Washington Post Staff Writer, 6/ 19/ 08) - In many
ways, Web technologies and mobile devices have created new ways for blind and deaf
consumers to find information and connect with friends. But as entertainment and
communications tools increasingly take digital form, some people with disabilities feel
left behind. Online videos are not required to have captions for those who can't hear,
for example, and ticker- style emergency messages are not narrated for those who
can't see. Read the rest of the story HERE.
THE 2008 A CASE FOR INCLUSION: AN ANALYSIS OF MEDICAID FOR
AMERICANS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ( from
UCP) - The Case for Inclusion 2008 ranks all 50 States and the District of Columbia on
how well they are providing community- based supports to Americans with intellectual
and developmental disabilities being served by Medicaid. Unfortunately, the findings
compared to last year ( 2007) are mixed. There are almost 1,400 fewer Americans
ADA News No. 172 - 10- June 26, 2008
living in at large state institutions ( more than 16 beds). However, there are still 173
large institutions housing 37,711 Americans. Although fewer people are being served
in large state institutions, in a concerning trend 6,000 more individuals are being
served in public or private large institutions - to over 72,000 from less than 66,000.
For comparison, the number of Americans with ID/ DD served in their own home
increased by about 3,200 ( from over 101,100 to almost 104,400) and the number
served in community settings, with one to six beds, remained almost the same ( about
157,000). Now 17 states, up from 16, direct more than 80% of related funding to
those living in the community; 39 states, up from 33, report having a Medicaid Buy- In
program supporting individuals as they go to work and increase their earnings. Moving
the wrong direction, fewer individuals report participating in competitive employment.
In terms of rankings, Pennsylvania ( to # 15 from # 29 in 2007) and Missouri ( to # 28
from # 41) improved the most with West Virginia ( to # 24 from # 16) and Nevada ( to
# 25 from # 17) dropping the most in the rankings. Click here to read the full 2008
report .
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WILL ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY AT THE
INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM IN WASHINGTON, D. C. ( NCD, 6/ 3/ 08) - The
Department of Justice announced today a settlement agreement with the International
Spy Museum under the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA). Working together, the
Department of Justice and the museum have come to a settlement agreement, under
which the museum agrees to work to bring the content of its exhibitions, public
programs, and other offerings into full compliance with ADA requirements so that its
exhibits are accessible and effectively communicated to individuals with disabilities,
including individuals with hearing and vision impairments. By focusing on visitors who
are blind or have low vision and who are deaf or hard of hearing, the agreement
establishes a new level of access for cultural and informal educational settings.
ACCESSIBILITY IN ACTION: MICROSOFT WRITER TALKS ABOUT HIS AT
SOLUTION - VOICE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE ( MS Accessibility Update, 6/ 08) -
Joshua, a Microsoft writer, talks about using voice recognition software to help him get
back to work and productivity quickly. Watch Joshua's video.
COMING UP NEXT MONTH - Summer is finally here! Anyone care to guess why July
has the most paltry showing of observances of any month? Among the few are Eye
Injury Prevention Month, Fireworks Safety Month, Hemochromatosis Screening
Awareness Month, International Group B Strep Awareness Month, UV Safety Month,
National Recreation & Parks Month, Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, and Cord Blood
Awareness Month; July 10- 14 National Youth Sports Week, 13- 19 is National
Therapeutic Recreation Week, 20- 26 is International Massage Week, 27 - August 2 is
Hospitality House Week and July 30 - August 4 is National Sobriety Checkpoint Week;
July 11th is World Population Day and the 27th is Parents’ Day ( who knew we had a
day?).
