Array
(
    [0] => Array
        (
            [id] => 12
            [date] => 2022-10-19
            [status] => Active
            [new] => 
            [title] => Access in the News!
            [author] => Brittany Pudnos
            [article] => 
Did you know that Close to 30 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from hearing aid use? And that the average price of an adult hearing aid is about $2,000-$3,000. It can range from $1,000 up to more than $4,000 for each device, depending on the level of technology. The good news is that the push for easier access to assistive technology had a big win recently! On August 16th, The U.S. FDA issued a final rule to improve access to hearing aids. Certain hearing aids for those who are 18 and older will now be available with no doctor's visit or fitting necessary. These new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids enable consumers with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment to purchase hearing aids directly from stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription, or fitting adjustment by an audiologist. 

“Reducing healthcare costs in America has been a priority of mine since Day One, and this rule is expected to help us achieve quality, affordable healthcare access for millions of Americans in need,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’s action by the FDA represents a significant milestone in making hearing aids more cost-effective and accessible.”



What a great way to take down barriers and make healthcare accessible for all!

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-historic-rule-enabling-access-over-counter-hearing-aids-millions-americans
        )

    [1] => Array
        (
            [id] => 4
            [date] => 2025-11-30
            [status] => Active
            [new] => 
            [title] => Tips for Being an Ally to People with Disabilities
            [author] => Jacob Lesner-Buxton
            [article] => 

	1. Listen and believe our experiences.

	When we say something is inaccessible or that we’ve experienced discrimination, believe us. Avoid minimizing or questioning our experiences; access barriers may not be visible to you, but they are real to us.



	2. Ask how to offer support before stepping in.

	If you want to help, start by asking if and how we’d like your support, especially in public situations. Respect our preferences, even if they differ from what you expect.



	3. Be honest, respectful, and direct.

	Treat people with disabilities as equals. Communicate honestly and avoid being overly cautious or performative; authenticity builds trust.



	4. Learn with us, not about us.

	Attend disability-related events, trainings, and celebrations. Support disability-led organizations, amplify our voices, and encourage others to do the same.



	5. Understand that disability experiences are diverse.

	Disability intersects with race, class, gender, sexuality, and culture. Recognize that no single person represents all disability experiences.



	6. Respect boundaries around questions and privacy.

	If you’re curious about someone’s disability, ask respectfully, and be okay if they prefer not to discuss it. No one owes an explanation about their body or experience.



	7. Use inclusive language and honor preferences.

	If you’re unsure about what terms to use (e.g., “disabled person” vs. “person with a disability”), it’s okay to ask what someone prefers. Language matters, and being flexible shows respect.



	8. Be comfortable being uncomfortable.

	Allies make mistakes; what matters is listening, apologizing when needed, and continuing to learn. Don’t let fear of imperfection stop you from showing up in solidarity.


        )

    [2] => Array
        (
            [id] => 1
            [date] => 2025-12-21
            [status] => Active
            [new] => Yes
            [title] => Note to Readers About the Word “Ableism”
            [author] => Jacob Lesner-Buxton
            [article] => 

Note to readers about the word “ableism”. In short, the word ableism means discrimination against people with disabilities.


An example of ableism is a two-story office building without an elevator. The designers of the building consciously or unconsciously assume that people with mobility issues wouldn’t need to access the top floor of the building. Their ableist assumptions caused them not to build an elevator.


Another example of ableism happened at Cal-State East Bay earlier this year. A group of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities enrolled in a certificate program were denied a chance to participate in the school's commencement ceremony.


While the school claimed that only those who were receiving degrees were allowed to cross the stage, activists provided examples of others who received certificates who were allowed to take part in past ceremonies. They suggest that the school administration was acting on an ableist assumption that students with disabilities weren’t supposed to graduate from college. Despite public pressure, the school administration still wouldn’t let the students cross the stage.


We hope that through reading these articles, you begin to notice ableism in society and look for ways to advocate against ableism by becoming an ally to people with disabilities.

        )

)
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