Center for Disabilities Studies

Because certain mental health conditions can present differently in people with autism, and be experienced more often by these individuals, the CDS-led Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA) will hold an online training May 16 for clinicians, family members and others. Participants can increase their understanding of autism and co-occurring diagnoses so they can better support autistic individuals and their mental health. DNEA Director Alicia Fletcher will co-present.

Setting sign language to music has become increasingly popular on social media, but the D/deaf and hard of hearing community has noted numerous mistakes from hearing creators that make the interpretation unintelligible.

Karen Latimer, from the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) housed at CDS, will present to the Sussex County Advisory Committee on Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities on May 15. She will demonstrate assistive technology and describe services available statewide through the DATI.

The Community Legal Aid Society’s Disability Law Program reports that almost one-third of Delaware polling places lack accessible parking spots among other ADA violations. Laura Waterland, member of CDS’s Community Advisory Council, led the project to assess polling place accessibility on Election Day in November.

The rate of younger adult Americans being fitted for hearing aids has increased more rapidly than other age groups, in part thanks to changing attitudes.