All articles tagged with #disability
The NHS in England will provide fampridine, the first MS treatment shown to improve walking for some patients, potentially helping up to about 5,000 people per year. Eligibility depends on the degree of walking difficulty, and patients will undergo a one-month trial to confirm clear benefit before continuing.
Beatriz Hatz reflects on Love Island USA Season 8, detailing her friendship with Melanie Moreno, Gabriel Vasconcelos’ recoupling with Jen Terry, and the online abuse she faced over her disability; she says her time in the villa was “just enough,” explains her direct communication style, mentions a potential connection with Caleb, and cites Trinity and Kayda as her closest friends as the season’s drama and rising popularity continue to unfold.
A Lancet study finds about 1.2 billion people had mental health disorders in 2023, a 95.5% rise since 1990, with anxiety up 158% and depression up 131% across 204 countries. Mental health conditions now account for the largest share of global disability, yet government spending on mental health averages only around 2% of health budgets, and roughly 9% of people with depression receive minimally adequate treatment. The report highlights a surge among youth (15–19 age group) and calls for stronger global leadership, expanded mental-health services, and attention to lifestyle factors like sleep and social connection to address this mounting crisis.
Visually impaired riders in California describe Waymo’s driverless taxis as a rare source of solitude and control—being able to ride alone, choose music, and avoid human drivers—though higher costs, limited vehicle availability, and ongoing safety debates accompany the service as Waymo expands and partners with disability groups.
JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty warns that some travelers abuse wheelchair assistance to fast-track through security and boarding, highlighting a tension between disability accommodations and misuse. Airlines are legally required to provide wheelchair service, but verifying intent is difficult and abuse can cost time and money, potentially disadvantaging those who genuinely need help. Advocates urge careful policing without denying access, noting many disabilities are invisible and last‑minute requests strain staff. DOT data show thousands of disability-related complaints, underscoring the need for better planning and processes to balance accessibility with accountability.
Trump-era Medicaid reductions threaten in‑home care for millions by slashing funding for self‑directed caregiver programs; with Maryland already cutting caregiver wages and hours and other states moving toward similar cuts, families like Melissa Gonce’s—who cares for her nonverbal son Jason—face tough choices about keeping loved ones at home and maintaining stability.
Bruce, a New Zealand kea missing the upper portion of his beak, has learned to use his remaining straight lower beak like a weapon to dominate male rivals at Willowbank Nature Reserve. In a four-week study of nine males and three females, he led 36 combative interactions, secured feeder access on 83% of recorded days, and attracted preening from subordinate males, while showing the lowest stress markers among the group. The researchers highlight Bruce’s innovative problem-solving and note that disability did not prevent him from achieving alpha status, a finding compared to high-status individuals in primates, though long-term dominance remains uncertain.
Disability in Nigeria creates daily barriers to education and services: a torture survivor who lost a hand needed a toe-print for JAMB admission after advocacy, while a woman with a missing eye struggles with biometric facial recognition. About 15% of Nigerians have disabilities; laws and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities aim to improve access, including JAMB fee waivers and 75% tuition waivers at Federal University of Lafia. Despite progress, inclusive infrastructure, sign-language support, and accessible materials are still lacking, but Friday's enrollment shows that with advocacy and diligent effort, students with disabilities can pursue higher education.
A Verge feature explains how the author uses wearables to pace energy for long covid and POTS—using Whoop, Visible, and Garmin not to push harder but to manage daily life, gain data that validates changes to doctors and family, and influence wearable design for disability.
Idaho’s proposed budget could dissolve the state’s Medicaid-funded home-care and other disability services, prompting fears among families who rely on these programs and potentially forcing caregivers to leave or reduce work. Advocates warn the cuts could be devastating for people with disabilities and may make Idaho a bellwether for disability services amid broader Medicaid reductions, with hearings drawing hundreds of attendees.
A Dorset mother, initially told she had the flu, was hospitalized in 2024 after being diagnosed with viral meningitis. The infection triggered a functional neurological disorder, robbing her of mobility from the waist down and leaving her in a wheelchair for two years, with brain fog and eye spasms. She continues intensive physiotherapy, hopes to reclaim some movement, and advocates for greater awareness and resources for FND, acknowledging the long road ahead but emphasizing the importance of support for affected families.
The VA published a final rule effective Feb. 17 that will determine disability ratings based on whether prescribed medications or treatments improve a veteran’s condition, potentially lowering ratings for those whose symptoms are alleviated. VA says it formalizes a longstanding practice, while veterans groups warn it changes how claims are evaluated, could discourage treatment, and may affect millions of beneficiaries.
Australia's new rules banning under-16s from social media aim to shield minors but risk isolating disabled youths who rely on online spaces for connection and community; advocates warn access to online networks is a lifeline for people with disabilities and call for better support and safeguards as some teens circumvent or go offline.
Jazz Turner, a 27-year-old with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, defies doctors’ prognosis to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland, relying on adaptability, a supportive sailing community, and a focus on quality of life despite a life-limiting condition.
David Holmes, Harry Potter's stunt double, was paralyzed after a stunt accident but remains positive, emphasizing his pride in his work, his ongoing friendship with Daniel Radcliffe, and his efforts to raise awareness about disability issues while continuing to be involved in the wizarding world through voice acting and storytelling.