Nathan Moon attended the annual meeting of M-Enabling Summit held on June 11-13, 2018 in Washington, D.C. The theme of the conference was Accessible and Assistive Technologies Innovations: New Frontier for Independent Living. The all-inclusive conference and showcase featured innovative technology, mobile applications, connected devices, and services to support independent living in an interconnected world for seniors and persons with disabilities. 

In May, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted several waivers related to emergency communications. In a Memorandum Opinion and Order [12-107], the FCC’s Media Bureau granted requests for waivers of the audible crawl rule, permanently exempting analog-only cable systems, and temporarily waiving requirements for television broadcasters to audibly describe visual, non-textual emergency information.

July marked the 28^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Government agencies, advocacy organizations, academia, industry, and people with disabilities around the nation honored the day with activities, speeches, and educational materials detailing the gains made in the past 28 years; the current state of access, equity and inclusion; and the path ahead. For example, Autism Speaks highlighted their legislative activities that align with ADA provisions, and extend to areas such as the economic empowerment of people with disabilities.

Nathan Moon attends RESNA 2018 Conference and Board of Directors Meeting 

Click here for more information regarding the RESNA Board of Directors Meeting.

Paul M.A. Baker, was a panelist on "Citizen-centric IoT" at the Women in Cable (WICT SE)'s Tech It Out event held August 9, 2018

Paul M.A. Baker attended the 2018 International Political Science Conference (IPSA), in Brisbane, Australia, July 21-27, 2018; where he moderated several panel sessions and delivered a presentation: "Technology, the Changing Nature of Work, and the Impact of Employer Policies on Employment for People with Disabilities." During the conference, he also was elected Chair of Science and Politics Research Committee (RC11) for IPSA.

With the congressional recess occurring in August, this issues’ legislative section includes disability law related activities that occurred over the summer. For example, the Commission on Disability Rights brought Resolution 116C to the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates. Resolution 116C advises that Title II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) be expanded in its interpretation of discrimination of people with disabilities to be inclusive of digital “places,” devices, and applications.

Helena Mitchell will be a panelist for DiversAbility Day on Monday, October 1, 2018. The Wireless RERC will also have a booth at the event. The event will be held at the Technology Square Research Building, Conference Area, 1st Floor - #175, 85 Fifth Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm.

Click here to register for the event.

Helena Mitchell, Nathan Moon and Salimah LaForce will attend the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) in Washington, D.C. on October 18, 2018. 

October 2018 was celebrated as National Disability Employment Awareness (NDEAM), and the contributions and achievements of people with disabilities were recognized and honored at events and in publications.