The National Medical Commission (NMC)’s revised Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum has sparked controversy due to the omission of key disability and transgender rights provisions, drawing criticism from activists and international organizations. The exclusion of essential terms, removal of disability competencies, and use of outdated terminology have raised concerns about inclusivity and equity in medical education.
A disability rights organization has filed a lawsuit against Nassau County, New York, challenging a new law that bans face coverings in public. The lawsuit argues that the ban discriminates against people with disabilities and poses a threat to public health.
India’s push for equity in education, health care, and rights cannot succeed without dismantling ableist barriers that exclude Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) people. Despite government initiatives, DHH citizens continue to face limited opportunities in education and employment, and everyday life is made inaccessible due to a lack of sign language interpretation. This article highlights the need for recognizing Indian Sign Language (ISL) as an official language, incorporating it into education systems, and improving accessibility in public services and media. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of training healthcare professionals in sign language interpretation and ensuring DHH representation in healthcare professions.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) applauds the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024, which includes provisions aimed at improving the air travel experience for people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users. The legislation prioritizes the safety and dignity of disabled passengers, particularly military veterans with catastrophic injuries or illnesses. It includes measures such as increased training for airline personnel, improved complaint processes, and ongoing studies on the feasibility of flying in wheelchairs.
Nursing student Maria Thomson was dismissed from Joyce University after a series of incidents involving her service dog, Daisy. Thomson, who has postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), relies on Daisy to alert her to symptoms. Despite providing medical documentation, Joyce officials allegedly failed to accommodate her disability, resulting in absences and ultimately expulsion. Thomson is suing the university under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alleging violations of her civil rights. The case highlights the need for increased awareness and improved practices for accommodating students with disabilities in STEM settings.
A group representing the disabled community has expressed outrage over recent changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS) program at Disneyland and Disney World. The changes, which limit assistance to only those with developmental disabilities, have been met with criticism for excluding individuals with a wide range of other disabilities. The DAS Defenders group has called on Disney to revise the policy and reverse the updates, stating that they erode the legacy of inclusion and accessibility that the company has long been known for.
Disability rights advocates are optimistic after the Congress and CPI(M) pledged to include disability as a specific ground for discrimination in Article 15 of the Indian Constitution. Currently, Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, but it does not explicitly mention disability. The proposed amendment would bring India in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes that individuals with disabilities should enjoy their rights on an equal basis with others.
