Great Plains ADA Center

05/27/2026

- the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month was announced yesterday!

" – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy announced today that this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme will be “Celebrating Value and Talent,” carrying the spirit of last year’s celebration forward through 2026 in honor of America’s 250th birthday."

The theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2026 is…

05/27/2026

Information about the upcoming Soldier Ride 250 - an adaptive cycling event welcome Veterans and service member of all abilities

Segment-by-segment update to Soldier Ride 250 as experienced by the warriors who are participating in the ride as part of the 250th anniversary celebration of America.

05/27/2026

There's still time to register for this learning opportunity happening TOMORROW, May 28 with PTI Nebraska - promoting positive mental health in schools

Join PTI Nebraska for a free Zoom training on Thursday - Promoting Positive Mental Health in Schools.

Supporting student mental health starts with understanding, inclusion, and early intervention.
Participants will learn practical ways schools can help students with mental health needs thrive.

The Details:

Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST
Where: Free via Zoom

Presented by Cami Bergman, Special Education Information Specialist, and Lisa Hobza, Fanily-to-Family Health Information Specialist from PTI Nebraska.

To Register:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/I33sradmRnqtQ8iP-S3R7w #/registration

Or use the QR code on the flyer!

Together, we can help create school environments where every student feels supported, connected, and valued. 💜

We hope to see you all there! Come learn with PTI!

05/27/2026

Update on the HUD May 22, 2026 Enforcement Guidance related to emotional support animals (ESA) and the Fair Housing Act - includes a link to the internal HUD memo

For many disabled people, including veterans and survivors of trauma, emotional support animals are vital to managing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disabilities so they can safely remain in their communities.

And for nearly two decades, under the Fair Housing Act and through guidance and enforcement from the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), disabled tenants were protected from being denied housing or charged extra fees because of their Emotional Support Animals (ESAs).

Now, HUD has abruptly reversed course and announced it will stop pursuing many ESA housing discrimination complaints.

The Fair Housing Act itself has not changed. Disabled people still have rights. But HUD has signaled it no longer intends to meaningfully enforce this law.

This policy shift could leave countless disabled renters more vulnerable to discrimination, housing instability, and displacement.

DREDF breaks down what changed, what protections still exist, and what tenants can do next.
Read more: https://dredf.org/huds-esa-policy-reversal/

05/26/2026

Valuable resources for family caregivers interested in managing their mental health

Caregivers play a vital role in supporting others, and their well-being matters too.

Easterseals offers trusted resources that help caregivers manage stress, build resilience, and stay supported.

Explore resources and learn more about disability, mental health, and caregiving at https://hq.easterseals.com/resources

05/26/2026

May is Lupus Awareness Month! Learn about helpful workplace supports and reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with Lupus.

May is Lupus Awareness Month. The Lupus Foundation of America provides a helpful resource on understanding reasonable accommodations under the ADA for people with lupus. Learn more: bit.ly/lupus-work.

05/26/2026

Excellent resource for golf course operators!

The Facility Self-Assessment Process is a short microlearning lesson that tees up actions you can take to ensure your facility is welcoming to all golfers.

When was the last time you drove the golf course and walked around the facility buildings you manage with "access" in mind? Do you have cart path curbs, but no gaps for vehicles? Can individuals with limited mobility access your practice areas as well as teeing grounds and greens on the course? Is the ramp to access you pro-shop in another county? It's easy to do a self-assessment to confirm all the things you may be doing great, but to also identify improvement opportunities. Start here with an introduction to the Facility Self-Assessment Process, a short microlearning lesson that tees up actions you can take to ensure your facility is welcoming to all golfers.

https://rise.articulate.com/share/PkbBpkAW_isiNjnnnSPcsImBlHplI8DF

PGA TOUR Superstore National Golf Course Owners Association United States Golf Association - USGA ASGCA - American Society of Golf Course Architects Golf Course Builders Association of America GCSAA Kafka Granite LLC PGA TOUR Par 5 Group

05/25/2026

Wishing everyone a grateful Memorial Day holiday!

Our offices are closed today. If you need immediate ADA-related information, visit us online at gpadacenter.org

05/25/2026

Helpful sensory friendly planning tips as the Kansas City area prepares for the FIFA World Cup this summer from Eitas

Sensory Friendly Planning Tips

Kansas City is preparing to welcome visitors from around the world during FIFA World Cup festivities. While big events can bring excitement and energy to our community, they can also bring noise, crowds, traffic, longer wait times, and changes to everyday routines.

At eitas, we know that preparation can help reduce stress and help people feel more comfortable, confident, and connected in their communities.

Here are a few sensory friendly planning tips to consider ahead of busy event days:

• Plan errands, appointments, and outings during quieter times when possible.

• Bring comfort items that help with regulation, such as headphones, sunglasses, snacks, fidgets, or calming tools.

• Allow extra travel time to reduce stress caused by traffic or unexpected delays.

• Talk through changes in routine ahead of time and explain what to expect in ways that feel supportive and easy to understand.

• Identify quiet spaces or backup locations where someone can take a break if crowds or noise become overwhelming.

• Keep phones, devices, and communication plans updated in case plans change quickly.

• Plan ahead for groceries, medications, and essential errands to help avoid busy stores and long lines.

• Remember that accessibility and sensory awareness benefit everyone. Flexible, welcoming communities help more people safely participate in everyday life.

Big events should still leave room for everyone to safely participate in community life.

Read our latest blog for more tips. https://conta.cc/3PIUHI2

05/25/2026

As we head into Memorial Day, we want to amplify important disability-related resources for Veterans and their families. Learn more about the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment & Training Service

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

05/24/2026

A helpful resource on veteran mental health in the workplace from EARN - Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability

May is National Military Appreciation Month. Check out this resource from EARN - Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability exploring veterans’ mental health in the workplace. This discussion highlights practical strategies employers can use to better support veteran employees, foster inclusive work environments, and address mental health needs with disability awareness and respect. Learn more: bit.ly/veterans-mh.

Also check out this resource from the ADA National Network on Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace and the ADA: bit.ly/3CEnd2s.