The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Monday it had reached a settlement agreement with the Cedar Rapids Community School District regarding what it determined to be the school district’s “discriminatory use of seclusion and restraint against students with disabilities.” The Civil Rights Division began its review of whether […]
Americans with Disabilities Act
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa’s ban on school mask mandates halted by federal judge
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on Monday afternoon that stops the Reynolds administration from enforcing its law prohibiting Iowa school districts from creating their own face mask mandates. “Iowa’s mask mandate ban makes it dangerous for disabled or immunocompromised children to attend school, but several pediatricians opine it is dangerous for […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Before you ban straws, listen to people with disabilities
By Scott Wieser To write this letter, I used a headstick (a long curved pointer attached to a headpiece) to type. And to drink, I use a plastic straw. When I’m out to eat or at work, I usually bring my own. Able-bodied people could, too. But if an able-bodied person forgets theirs, they can […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa City Riverfront Crossings Park project receives federal grant for an inclusive nature play area
The grant will help fund a nature play area that will combine a traditional playground with landscape-based features.
Posted inCommunity/News
Trump’s Justice Department drops its support for an Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit
The U.S. Justice Department’s sudden reversal in a case involving the Americans with Disabilities Act is adding to concerns about the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting civil rights.
Posted inCommunity/News
Accessibility survey of downtown Iowa City restaurants in the works
Local disability rights activists Harry Olmstead and Geoffrey Ford are teaming up with University of Iowa students, city officials and other community partners to survey downtown Iowa City restaurants for accessibility. The project may eventually expand to include other businesses as well.
Posted inCommunity/News
Election Day equality: Access is crucial for those with disabilities
Voters with disabilities can face challenges when heading to the polls, including difficulty finding transportation to polling locations, challenges accessing polling booths or filling out traditional ballots and anxieties surrounding the voting process that may discourage them from participating. But local groups in Johnson and Linn counties are working to make sure these barriers do […]
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Give Me Shelter: 25 years after the ADA, housing discrimination remains an uphill battle
This July marks the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The law, spearheaded by recently retired Senator…
Posted inCommunity/News
US Sen. Tom Harkin to speak in Iowa City for 24th annual Americans with Disabilities Act celebration
U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) will give the keynote speech at the 24th annual Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration in downtown Iowa City on July 26…
