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THE ADA AT 36 A Q&A with Disability Rights Pioneer Stephanie Thomas “There were no community services. If your family couldn’t help you, and you didn’t have extraordinary friends, you couldn’t make it — if you needed help getting out of bed, or eating, or bathing, you were out of luck, says Stephanie Thomas, reflecting on life as a wheelchair user before the passage of the ADA. But amidst new attacks on the disability rights, Thomas, one of ADAPT’s founders, says she’s worried the ADA’s success has also quieted the in-your-face activism that helped us win our rights. “I think people assumed the ADA would take care of everything, without realizing it was more of a tool than a final solution.” PRODUCTS Aquila SofTech: The Cushion That Finally Got My Pressure Injury Healing Over two years battling a relentless pressure sore, Alex Ghenis tried multiple cushions and wound VACs and endured multiple setbacks, including infections and ER visits. His quality of life was suffering and he worried he might never get back to the active life he loved. When we asked if he’d be interested in trying and reviewing view the Aquila SofTech, a custom-made, alternating-pressure cushion designed to help heal and prevent wounds, he jumped at the opportunity. Three months later, his wound is healing, he’s getting back to his daily routine and he can’t imagine using any other cushion. Read his review. MEDIA Stand Up courtesy of Loco Films Summer Disability Film Preview If you’re looking to beat the heat and take a break from the stream of Hollywood blockbusters, there are a handful of promising films coming out that center disabled actors and creators. Whether you’re looking for suspenseful thrillers, dramas about adapting or feel-good documentaries, we’ve got you covered. None of these are slated for wide release as of yet, but keep an eye out for local screenings and streaming options. PERSPECTIVES To Be Disabled Is to Grieve Your Friends Too Soon Erica Mones writes about the complex emotions she felt after the passing of one of her best friends, delving into why death often seems like a taboo topic in our community despite its inevitability and prevalence. “Ignoring the reality that having a disability comes with increased mortality does not change the facts,” she writes, “it only serves to cause us further pain when we do experience premature loss.” TRENDING Roger That: The Walkie-Talkie Trick That Keeps Your Wheelchair Safe What do you do when airline employees are likely to damage your $30k+ power chair? Ian MacKay has a novel idea: zip tie a walkie talkie to your chair, so you have a direct communication line to the baggage handlers. Whether you think it’s brilliant or unlikely to work, join the conversation on our Instagram channel.

New Mobility publishes member content for United Spinal Association, whose mission is to empower wheelchair users to achieve their highest quality of life. Join here.

Last Chance: Registration Ends Today for the Life with Brain Injury Annual Conference!

 

Friday, July 24, 2026 • R2i2 Richland Two Institute Of Innovation 763 Fashion Dr, Columbia, SC  Registration ends today! Register Now! Today is your last opportunity to register for the Life with Brain Injury Annual Conference.  Join survivors, caregivers, professionals, and advocates for a day of nationally recognized speakers, practical resources, meaningful connections, and hope. Whether you're living with a brain injury, supporting a loved one, or working in the field, you'll leave with valuable knowledge, new connections, and renewed inspiration. Registration closes at 11:45 p.m. today, July 16. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of South Carolina's brain injury community. Register now before it's too late. Education • Inspiration • Connection

Co-hosted by: Special thanks to these generous sponsors: SC Equipment Distribution Program

AAIDD FYI: Soak Up the Latest from AAIDD This July

 

July AAIDD Highlights Benefits AAIDD members are enjoying this month

This July, stay connected and grow with AAIDD membership! Unlock exclusive access to professional webinars, leading IDD journals, networking opportunities and more. Discover all the membership benefits waiting for you this month.

Join AAIDD Today!

AAIDD at Reimagining Quality 2026 Reimagining the future of quality supports for people with IDD

Registration is Now Open for the 2026 RQ Conference AAIDD is proud to be a joint host of Reimagining Quality, taking place October 4-6, 2026, in Baltimore, MD. Join professionals, leaders, practitioners, and self-advocates from across the IDD field for three days of shared knowledge, practical strategies, and bold ideas to advance quality, person-centered supports and services. Register today! Showcase Your Organization at RQ 2026 Increase your visibility and connect with leaders, providers, researchers, and decision-makers from across the IDD community by becoming a sponsor or exhibitor at Reimagining Quality 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to share your products, services, and mission with a highly engaged audience! View the Prospectus

AAIDD Webinars  Ongoing professional education  Why pay $10? Members receive registration at no cost for all AAIDD webinars

New NADSP Code of Ethics for Direct Support Professionals AAIDD Webinar July 23, 2026 2:00-3:00 pm Eastern  Register Here

AAIDD Interest Networks  AAIDD Members gain access to topic-focused networks where professionals connect, collaborate, and share resources

Advancing Rural Healthcare for People with IDD  AAIDD Health & Wellness Interest Network Webinar July 30, 2026 3:00-4:00 pm Eastern    Learn how the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) can improve healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in rural communities. Dr. Craig Escudé will explain the program, why IDD inclusion is essential, and share practical strategies for advocating with state leaders, Medicaid agencies, and rural health partners to ensure people with IDD are included in RHTP planning and funding. Register Here

AAIDD Journals Leading Peer-Reviewed Journals in the IDD Field Access articles at no cost for AAIDD Members

The July 2026 Issue of the American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AJIDD) is Available Now!  Read AAIDD Journals

Ready to Take the Next Step? Join AAIDD and enjoy all these member benefits and more! AAIDD's mission is to promote progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Become a member today! Join AAIDD!

A Personal Invitation to Join Us on July 24.

 

Dear Friends, Maybe you've been meaning to register for the Life with Brain Injury Annual Conference. Maybe you looked over the agenda, saved the email, or thought, "I'll come back to this later." With registration closing this Thursday, I wanted to personally invite you to join us. Every person who comes to this conference arrives with a different experience. Some are living with the effects of a brain injury themselves. Some are family members or caregivers looking for answers and support. Others are professionals who want to better understand and serve the people whose lives are affected by brain injury. What makes this conference special is bringing all of those perspectives together in one place. On July 24, we'll talk about what it means to live with brain injury over a lifetime. We'll explore new ideas around health, wellness, technology, communication, and independence. And just as importantly, we'll create space for people to meet others who understand the challenges and the possibilities of life after brain injury. If you've been thinking about attending, I hope you'll decide to join us. Registration closes this Thursday, July 16. Register Now!  I look forward to seeing you there. Life with Brain Injury Annual Conference Friday, July 24, 2026 • R2i2 Richland Two Institute Of Innovation 763 Fashion Dr, Columbia, SC

Co-hosted by: Special thanks to these generous sponsors: