SimplyHome: Empowered by Technology

02/26/2026

When Umang Sharma saw an ad for a $7,000 Braille keyboard, he knew there had to be a better way. Now his nonprofit has grants from Google and Microsoft to distribute a much more affordable version.

02/24/2026

Over the past decade, autism diagnoses have increased dramatically. According to a recent study, that rise was seen primarily among women and girls.

Historically, autism in women has been underdiagnosed because young girls tend not to fit the stereotypes around the condition. But new research is changing the clinical definition of autism and everything we know about it. Learn more: https://on.natgeo.com/3OFGzyr

02/23/2026

This group of men, typically between 50 and 80, started joining 45-minute pilates classes. Read the article below to learn how it helps their health and social connections.

When organisers posted a TikTok promoting 45-minute pilates sessions, the video amassed 2m views. Now plans are afoot for female classes and youth clubs

02/17/2026

Disability rights and racial justice are deeply connected.

Black people with disabilities experience higher rates of discrimination in education, health care, housing, and the criminal justice system. These barriers don’t exist in isolation. They are shaped by history, policy, and long-standing inequities.

Disability Rights Florida wrote an article about 17 Black disability advocates who shaped the fight for disability rights. Read full article to learn how these leaders paved the way for change.

Celebrating Black history means telling the full story, including disability. 🖤

Link in comments.

02/13/2026

Wishing everyone a sweet Valentine's Day weekend!

02/11/2026

Nike's Project Amplify shoes (expected 2028) learn how you move—your ankle motion, stride length, and walking pattern—and then use algorithms to personalize the feel 👀

A phone app lets you power them on, adjust speed, and switch between walk and run modes while they propel you forward.

Nike's battery-powered footwear system, which propels wearers forward, is part of a broader push to help humans move farther and faster.

02/11/2026

The Department of Developmental Disabilities offers communication boards that help people communicate using symbols and images.

Using the First Responder Communication Board and registering for Keith's Law can help people stay safe during emergency situations.

Download this board and others here: https://bit.ly/4ka5LYc

02/09/2026

Watch Julian Ortiz perform America The Beautiful in American Sign Language at last night's Super Bowl🌟

02/09/2026

The NFL has enlisted Celimar Rivera Cosme, a native of Puerto Rico who is hard of hearing and who has deep experience interpreting Bad Bunny’s performances into Puerto Rican Sign Language, for the Super Bowl. The halftime performance will be, by far, Cosme’s largest platform. https://nyti.ms/4qZoyJK

02/06/2026

Plans are in the works to develop a pocket neighborhood where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live long-term with family, friends, caretakers or on their own.

02/05/2026

Over the last several years, Italy accelerated accessibility efforts, including throughout its museums and historical sites.

Italy is making its artistic treasures more accessible to people with disabilities. Michela Marcato, who has been blind since birth, recently toured Rome's Colosseum, using touch to understand its architecture.

02/02/2026

Punxsutawney Phil made his annual Groundhog Day prediction in Pennsylvania, signaling six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow. https://bit.ly/4tiIU2q