Rocky Mountain ADA Center

02/04/2026

** NEW PODCAST EPISODE **

Professor Macfarlane serves as professor of law and director of the Disability Law and Policy Program at Syracuse University College of Law. She teaches and writes about disability law, civil rights litigation, and constitutional law.

https://rockymountainada.org/podcast/ep-83-katherine-macfarlane

02/04/2026

A federal judge denied a class certification in a disability lawsuit filed by 10 retired NFL players - https://frontofficesports.com/nfl-retired-players-disability-lawsuit-cte-class-certification-denied/

A federal judge denied a class certification in a disability lawsuit filed by 10 retired NFL players in 2023.

02/03/2026

Small businesses can play an important role in creating healthy and productive workplaces by supporting employees with mental health conditions or substance use disorders. Practical approaches like promoting work-life balance, open communication, and fair treatment can help create a supportive environment.
One key point in this guide is that employers with 15 or more employees must follow Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title 1 prohibits discrimination in employment against qualified individuals with disabilities, which can include people with mental health conditions or substance use disorders when they meet the ADA’s definition of a disability. This applies across many areas of employment such as hiring, pay, promotions, and performance management.

If you’re interested in practical steps for supporting employee well-being while understanding workplace responsibilities under the ADA, EARN - Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability posted a helpful resource - https://askearn.org/page/small-business-guide-mh-sud.

Create a supportive work environment for employees with mental health conditions or substance use disorder in this guide.

02/03/2026

Inclusive Dining Technology - could it be accessible? Inclusive dining isn't always physical, it can open doors to a wider dining audience.

Read more: https://foodinstitute.com/focus/inclusive-dining-tech-the-new-must-have-for-foodservice/

Inclusive dining technology is quickly shifting from optional to essential, as operators lean on accessible design to serve a wider range of guests with fewer friction points. The payoff is empowered diners

02/02/2026

A recent article from The Sentinel highlights ongoing accessibility challenges at Aurora City Council meetings, even though the facilities are considered ADA compliant. The situation underscores an important point: ADA compliance focuses on meeting specific legal requirements, but accessibility challenges can still arise in real-world use.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is designed to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to public programs, services, and activities—including public meetings. As communities grow and technology changes, public entities may need to regularly review how their spaces and processes function in practice to ensure access remains effective.

Understanding the distinction between technical compliance and lived accessibility can help public entities better identify areas for improvement.

Read more: https://sentinelcolorado.com/metro/aurora-city-councils-accessibility-woes-continue-despite-ada-compliance/

“I just got stuck in the elevator, and there's something really terrifying about being stuck in a box and having to yell for someone to let you out.”

02/02/2026

While technology is always evolving, assistive technology has the opportunity to emerge along with the capabilities of AI and other technology - https://www.newamerica.org/the-thread/ai-tech-inclusion-disabilities-design/

Technology can be both a lifeline and a barrier. Users with disabilities explain how accessible design transforms tech from an obstacle to a tool.

01/29/2026

2026 ADA State of the Science Research Conference registration is open! There are two separate dates you can register to attend - February 26th and March 12th. Don't miss out on this opportunity to attend!

Register here: https://adata.org/sos-2026

01/27/2026

FREE Webinar! Ask an ADA Professional: The ADA in Jails and Prisons

Register here: https://www.accessibilityonline.org/adapro/session?id=111207

The Great Lakes ADA Center offers this session as a self-paced webinars.This session has been approved for 1.5 contact hours for AIA HSW and Great Lakes ADA Center’s Certificate of Attendance. Due to the verification process, the criteria to earn Continuing Education credit requires that you view ...

01/27/2026

When you think about accessibility in the long run, accessible design does deliver measurable business value based off data and outcomes: https://bit.ly/4ridvv8

Learn how accessible design delivers measurable business value.

01/27/2026

Accessibility never stops when it comes to the weather!

01/23/2026

January 23rd marks as Ed Roberts Day! Every year on this day, we take the time to honor former American disability rights activist Eduward Verne Roberts, who was the pioneering leader of the disability rights movement and is known to be the father of Independent Living.

Learn more here about Ed Roberts Day: https://edrobertsandassociates.org/.