Institute on Disability Awareness at Niagara University

02/25/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

February is Black History Month, a time to acknowledge the profound leadership, influence, and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped every part of our society. This year, as Team USA competes at the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we see that recognition reflected on...

02/24/2026

We’re excited to announce our upcoming webinar:

Interacting with Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
📅 March 24
🕖 7:00 PM
💻 Virtual
Visit the link below to register.

This session will focus on effective communication strategies, working with interpreters, legal rights and accommodations, and practical guidance for real-world interactions.

We are pleased to share that ASL interpretation will be provided, and we will also be joined by a special guest speaker bringing lived experience and professional insight to the conversation.

This webinar is ideal for first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, hospitality workers, and anyone who wants to strengthen their understanding of accessibility and communication.

Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYi5gsRW5e4lCerHlr8VuL-XqtYBdBJjZj6cuWLrVEqyf5Bg/viewform

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join the Institute on Disability Awareness for a live webinar on interacting with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, including communication strategies, working with interpreters, and accommodating communication needs. When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Where: Zoom (Link will be emailed the day prior)...

02/04/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

Winter weather has been unpredictable and severe this season. While snow and extreme cold affect everyone, they often expose gaps in planning that disproportionately impact people with disabilities. These gaps are rarely intentional, but they become visible when systems are stressed.

01/16/2026

IDA@NU eNews -

Stories about animals in public spaces continue to dominate news and social media, often framed as feel good moments or public controversies. A recent report from WTOC described a service dog being denied entry to a Hilton Head post office, a situation that quickly drew attention and sparked public....

12/19/2025

IDA@NU eNews -

This program offers practical training that delivers value from day one. Participants walk away with skills they can apply immediately, including:

11/21/2025

IDA@NU eNews

This program offers practical training that delivers value from day one. Participants walk away with skills they can apply immediately, including:

10/30/2025

IDA@NU eNews – October 30, 2025 -

This program offers practical, hands-on training that delivers value from day one. Participants walk away with skills they can apply immediately, including:

10/27/2025

Did you know it’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month? This month, we recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and celebrate the importance of inclusive employment practices.

Let’s continue building workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. 💼✨

09/24/2025

The CDC reports that 61 million Americans live with a disability — that's 1 in 4 people in your community. Yet 97% of websites aren't accessible and 40% of disabled workers face workplace discrimination.

It's time to build a more thoughtful world together. Learn how proper disability awareness training can transform your workplace, protect your business, and create opportunities for everyone.

https://ida.niagara.edu/disability-awareness-101/

The Institute of Disability of Disability Awareness (IDA) is a holistic training and education center on all aspects of disabilities.

06/18/2025

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools that disability discrimination claims in education must follow the same legal standard as other settings. This means students like Ava Tharpe, who was denied full school hours due to epilepsy, can now seek justice without facing extra legal hurdles.

Why it matters: Schools must meet the same “deliberate indifference” standard, making it easier for families to pursue fair treatment. This is a major win for disability rights and equitable education nationwide. ⚖️

Learn more: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/06/13/supreme-court-makes-it-easier-for-students-with-disabilities-to-sue-schools/31493/

In a ruling with broad implications, the Supreme Court said unanimously that claims of disability discrimination at schools shouldn't be held to a higher standard than those originating from other settings.

06/17/2025

New York’s National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) initiative is opening doors for people with disabilities by connecting job seekers with supportive employers and sustainable career opportunities. This innovative approach is helping to break down barriers and build a more inclusive workforce across the state.

Read more about the impact: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2024/12/20/disability-employment-new-york-neon-initiative

As a NEON core state, New York is advancing competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities.