Great Plains ADA Center

09/10/2025

Iowa friends! Check out this upcoming event that kicks off September 16 at Curate...then moves to the Des Moines Art Center and Mainframe Studios. The 2025 Freedom of Expression (FOE) Project is a multidisciplinary art exhibit featuring 13 Iowa artists of various abilities that focuses on inclusion and artistic expression. Learn more about the exhibit opening and adaptive fashion show on 9/16 at Curate -

The 2025 Freedom of Expression Project is a traveling exhibition, featured at Curate, the Des Moines Art Center, and Mainframe Studios. It will showcase 13 Iowa-based artists exploring the power of free thought and creative expression.

09/10/2025

Are you considering hiring a home care provider? Check out this article that suggests 5 important questions to ask a potential caregiver

Not all home care is created equal—and when it’s for someone you love, the details matter. 💙

Before hiring a home care provider, make sure you’re asking the right questions. From caregiver training to personalized matching, this blog breaks down 5 essentials every family should know.

🔗 Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q03Hltgz0

09/10/2025

Cool new advances in research to develop technology similar to talk-to-text for American Sign Language

"While there is “talk to text,” there’s no equivalent tool for American Sign Language (ASL) to be automatically recognized and translated into text. New research and language technologies developed by scholars affiliated with the USC School of Advanced Computing’s Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science might help future researchers who aim to build translation tools."

USC Researchers achieved 91 percent accuracy at computer recognition of signs

09/09/2025

You may have heard the term "Sandwich Generation" to describe adults who have caregiving responsibilities for children AND aging parents. However, what happens when you have a significant disability and your parent/primary caregiver ages and develops disabilities and health issues of their own? This article from New Mobility explores that topic - worth the read!

What do you do when the people you’ve depended on for independence begin to lose their own?

09/09/2025

As many of our Facebook friends already know, accessibility in small towns can still be a challenge for some wheelchair users. Check out this great YouTube video by Joel, a self-advocate in Pella, Iowa as he tours his town and points out opportunities to improve access for citizens and visitors with disabilities

https://youtu.be/P97gbHi1hTk

While the ADA has helped to make the US more accessible, many areas are still missed. Resources: Web: http://www.joelvm.com Blog: http://trainmanj.blogspot.com/ Book: https://a.co/d/2AKdnmG Social: https://mewe.com/join/thequadlife https://twitter.com/iaQuadLife https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

09/09/2025

New resource available now from the Job Accommodation Network! They just released a new A to Z about Endometriosis

Stress increases inflammation and pain sensitivity and can worsen endometriosis symptoms. Accommodations such as flexible or reduced scheduling may help relieve symptoms including pain and fatigue. Check-out JAN's NEW A to Z on Endometriosis for more key accommodations. https://AskJAN.org/disabilities/Endometriosis.cfm

09/09/2025

Another valuable learning opportunity with Ticket to Work and Choose Work! happening September 17 - learn about 3 common myths about working and disability benefits!

Join us for the next FREE Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinar on September 17 at 3 p.m. ET to learn how Work Incentives can support your journey to employment.

Discover how you may be able to keep some or all of your benefits — including health care — while exploring if work is the right fit for you.
📅 Register now: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/

09/09/2025

Upcoming learning opportunity with ACL’s Housing and Services Resource Center on September 16 - learn about how smart technologies can increase independence for older adults and people with disabilities

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09/09/2025

Since it's Disability Voting Rights Week, we want to make sure to share valuable resources with you about accessible voting and polling places!

the The United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has a great Voting and Polling Place page that includes lots of helpful information? Topics include voter registration, an overview of federal laws protecting voting rights for people with disabilities, guidance for accessible polling places, and so much more! Check it out now - https://www.ada.gov/topics/voting/

09/09/2025

This , and everyday, know that help is only three numbers away. Call or text 988 for mental health support. You're never alone!

This September 8, we’re honoring 988 Day. It’s a moment to show up, speak up and support those who may be struggling.

📞 Know the three numbers: 988.
Compassionate help. Anytime. Anywhere.

Share this post to help spread the word.

09/09/2025

Helpful article from June about managing an ADHD diagnosis in the workplace

Having ADHD can pose challenges at work. Common symptoms include trouble concentrating and sitting still.

09/08/2025

Excellent post on captioning!

Accessibility Matters: Captions Count!

Captions aren’t just for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing — they help everyone. Whether you’re in a noisy place, learning a new language, or processing information in a different way, captions make content clearer and more inclusive.

Best Practices for Captions:

Accuracy: Every word should match what’s being said.

Timing: Captions should appear in sync with speech and sounds.

Clarity: Use proper punctuation and identify speakers.

Context: Include meaningful sounds (e.g., [laughter], [music playing]) to enhance understanding.

At the Center for Disabilities and Development, we support accessibility through captions, visual alerts, and other accommodations so everyone can access information, participate fully, and feel included.

Accessibility isn’t an option — it’s essential.