In a heartening shift towards inclusivity, there is a growing movement to end the practice of paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities. This effort aims to ensure fair compensation for all workers, regardless of their abilities. Understanding the Issue The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 allowed employers to pay workers with disabilities…
The U.S. Department of Education’s recent decision to lay off nearly 1,400 employees has raised significant concerns about its ability to enforce critical laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This move has sparked worries among advocates and families about the future of special education services and civil rights protections in schools. Impact…
Late last week, eight Democratic-led states took a significant step by filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its decision to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for teacher training programs. These programs are crucial for addressing teacher shortages in STEM fields and supporting students with disabilities or those learning English. Background…
In a significant move, Dr. Matthew J. Memoli, the acting director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), has extended the appointments of three prominent neuroscience lab heads at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The decision, announced on March 7, 2025, affects Dr. Mark Histed, Dr. Soohyun Lee, and Dr. Tobias Merson,…
CDC Embarks on Study of Vaccines and Autism Despite Clear Scientific Consensus The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive study into the alleged link between vaccines and autism, a move that has sparked both concern and debate. This decision comes despite decades of scientific research consistently showing…
In a significant development in the Bryan Kohberger case, the defense team has brought autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to the forefront of their legal strategy. Kohberger, accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, now faces a new dimension in his legal battle as his attorneys argue that his ASD diagnosis should preclude…
In a contentious Senate confirmation hearing on March 5, 2025, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ignited a firestorm of debate with his comments on vaccine safety and autism research. Bhattacharya, a Stanford University professor of medicine, expressed openness to funding new studies exploring potential links…
Another good article over at the Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism. Author Kaishawna Fleming discusses the importance of understanding and implementing effective disability policies within education to support disabled learners. It highlights several key points: Overall, the article advocates for a comprehensive approach to support disabled students and their families, emphasizing the need for inclusive…
