Able Newspaper

08/24/2026

Leaders in the disability community and advocates welcomed a recent statement by New York Governor Kathy Hochul who called a federal action ceasing enforcement of its Olmstead guidance a “troubling step backward.” Hochul in the statement issued in mid-July, urged every Republican in Congress to “stand up for their constituents with disabilities and oppose The United States Department of Justice's recent decisions to undermine the Americans with Disabilities Act. Advocates say more action is needed by the Governor to protect community living. Read more at https://ablenews.com/advocates-appreciate-hochuls-defense-of-olmstead-rights-but-say-more-action-is-needed-to-protect-community-living/

08/22/2026

Disability advocates and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority - MTA reached a settlement in a long-running class action lawsuit regarding elevator outages in the city’s subway system. The agreement includes major accessibility improvements in the subways for people with disabilities. See the detailed list of improvements at https://ablenews.com/settlement-over-mta-elevators-includes-efforts-to-improve-usability-of-subway-system-for-people-with-disabilities/

08/21/2026

In 2016, the Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) recognized a growing trend: more autistic students were enrolling in college, yet only about one-third were graduating. The challenge wasn’t academics. Social connection, independence and self-advocacy were the key factors. Our latest Able News article explores how autism support programs like D-CAP at West Chester University of PA are helping students overcome these barriers and build the skills they need to reach graduation. Read the full article at https://ablenews.com/advancing-support-for-neurodivergent-students-in-higher-education/ to learn more.

08/20/2026

In 1977, disability activists occupied a federal building for 25 days. Their fight helped secure the Section 504 regulations that became a foundation of disability rights and paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our latest article by Warren Shaw takes readers to Denver for 504: The Musical, a new production that brings this pivotal chapter of disability history to the stage. Read the full article and explore the history behind the production at

In early August I flew out to Denver, Colorado, the see the world premiere of a play—504: The Musical, produced and performed by the Phamaly Theatre Company, an all-disability company that has been creating high-caliber disability-centered theater since 1989. I’d heard the highest praise for Pha...

08/19/2026

In early August I flew out to Denver, Colorado, the see the world premiere of a play—504: The Musical, produced and performed by the Phamaly Theatre Company, an all-disability company that has been creating high-caliber disability-centered theater since 1989. I’d heard the highest praise for Pha...

08/18/2026

A visual timer, digital typewriter, voice recorder, and specialized binder are just some of the tools that can support disabled students as they return to school. For parents of students with disabilities, back-to-school shopping involves more than pencils, binders and backpacks. Finding the right tools can help create a more supportive and successful learning experience. In this article, Ron Lyons, Jr. highlights some accessible tools that help students with reading, note-taking, time management and more. Read the full article at https://ablenews.com/accessible-tools-for-back-to-school-success/

08/12/2026

Thirty-six years after the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, Marc Safman writes that New York City still has work to do to make its promise of full and equal inclusion a reality.

In his Able News commentary, Safman examines the economic and political cost of treating disability as an add-on rather than essential infrastructure. From underfunding the New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities to overlooking disabled New Yorkers in the city’s economic strategy, he highlights how New York is leaving one of its largest untapped labor pools behind.

Read the full commentary at https://ablenews.com/not-a-new-era-just-more-audacious-ableism/ and learn why disability inclusion must be treated as an investment in New York City’s future.

08/10/2026

Disability Pride Month may be over, but the work doesn’t stop on August 1.
In his latest piece, Marcus Johnson reflects on what comes after the celebrations, asking us to carry the spirit of Disability Pride into every month of the year.
Celebrating disability history, culture, resilience, and accomplishments matters. So does continuing to challenge barriers, amplify voices, and create a more inclusive world.
Read the full piece at https://ablenews.com/what-happens-in-august/ and consider the question: What happens on August 1?

07/29/2026

In a breaking and exclusive story, Able News Staff Writer Christopher Alvarez reports on a new report just released by NYC Comptroller Mark Levine that takes a closer look at a city program designed to help disabled jobseekers. The report analyzed NYC:ATWORK's results—and finds the program's reach has been limited by fragmented resources, insufficient data tracking, and weak accountability.
The report raises questions about how the city measures success, tracks outcomes, and supports New Yorkers with disabilities seeking employment. Read the exclusive story to see what the audit uncovered and what officials say needs to happen next at https://ablenews.com/audit_urges_stronger_support_for_nyc_job_program_for_pwd/

07/28/2026

How do the words we choose shape the way we think about disability? In this opinion piece, Lawrence Carter-Long explores the role of language, participation, and Disability Pride in challenging assumptions and encouraging a new perspective.
Read the full article https://ablenews.com/disability-is-bipartisan-lessons-from-beleaguered-presidents/