The Annual Year in Review webinar by Jennifer Perry and Joe Zesski of the Northeast ADA Center will look back to notable developments related to the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as the Northeast ADA Center in 2025.
You will find out about:
Updates on ADA enforcement activities by different federal agencies
New materials created by these agencies
What was new at the Northeast ADA Center during 2026
Webinar will explore Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC) recently published Empowerment Through Partnership employment toolkit for Centers for Independent Living
Employment and Empowerment Through Sustainable Partnerships
Webinar Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | Time: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm Eastern Time
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) support people with disabilities in employment and independent living. Strong partnerships with community stakeholders—such as state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies, community organizations, and businesses—are essential for expanding employment opportunities and ensuring people with disabilities have the support they need to thrive in the workforce. This webinar will explore DETAC’s recently published Empowerment Through Partnership employment toolkit for CILs and feature a panel of community stakeholders who will share real-world examples of successful collaborations to advance employment and economic outcomes for people with disabilities. This session will provide actionable strategies and practical tools to help CILs initiate and sustain partnerships to drive meaningful outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
Identify approaches for engaging community partners and demonstrating the value of collaboration
Discuss strategies for sustaining relationships over time
Recognize the benefits of developing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), including learning strategies for how to gain leadership buy-in for establishing formal partnerships
Join Experian and National Disability Institute experts for an informative webinar – Identity Theft and Scam Prevention: What’s Changed, What Hasn’t, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET.
Identity theft and scams are a concern for everyone, especially as scammers get more sophisticated through new technology. However, people within the disability community are often targeted as one of the most vulnerable populations. Victims can suffer long-term financial damage as well as emotional upheaval.
Join us to learn about the commonalities and differences between identity theft and scams, new tactics that are being used, additional risk factors and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
PHOTO: Graphic for a live webinar co-hosted by Experian and the National Disability Institute’s Financial Resilience Center. The title reads: “Identity Theft and Scam Prevention: What’s Changed, What Hasn’t…” The webinar features Michael Bruemmer, Vice President of Data Breach Resolution Group and Consumer Protection at Experian. The event is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET. A photo of Michael Bruemmer, wearing glasses and a suit, appears on the right side against a teal background.
National Trends in Disability Employment (or nTIDE) Lunch & Learn series – first Friday of every month, corresponding with the Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report – live broadcast via Zoom Webinar to share the results of the latest nTIDE findings. Also, providing news and updates from the field of Disability Employment, as well as host an invited panelist who will discuss current disability related findings and events.
12:00 pm: Introduction & Welcome Andrew Houtenville, University of New Hampshire
12:10 pm: Overview of National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) Jobs Report
Release John O’Neill, Kessler Foundation
The Numbers Andrew Houtenville, University of New Hampshire
12:15 pm: Announcements from the field of Disability Employment Denise Rozell, Director of Policy Innovation, AUCD
12:30 pm: Guest Presenter:
12:45 pm: Open Question & Answer period for attendees
Note. All webinars will be recorded and closed captioned and will be added to our website archives along with full transcripts following the live broadcast.
Heather Lafferty, Chief Resilience Officer and State Hazard Mitigation Officer, Nevada Office of Emergency Management / Homeland Security
Jan Garrett, Pacific ADA Center
Join Pacific ADA Center staff with guest presenter Heather Lafferty of the Nevada Office of Emergency Management to learn how the ADA protects the rights of people with disabilities in emergency situations. This session will cover how to plan for personal emergencies, communicate your needs, and ensure that emergency services and public alerts are accessible. Gain tools and strategies to stay safe and informed before, during, and after a disaster.
Open or Closed Captions – Accommodations are available upon request. Please submit your accommodation requests on your registration form. Accommodation requests must be received by 4 PM Pacific Time on December 1, 2025.
AUDIENCE: People with Disabilities, State and Local Government, ADA Coordinator, Attorney or Other Legal Professional, Educator, Family Member of Person With Disability, Service Provider, State/Local Affiliate
Transition from Paper Checks to Electronic Payments
As of September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer issues paper checks for benefit payments.
This change affects people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
If any of the people you serve are still expecting a paper check, they need to switch to electronic payments to avoid interruptions in their benefits.
Here’s what to know:
Paper checks ended September 30, 2025.
People must now receive benefits by direct deposit into a bank account or by signing up for a Direct Express® prepaid debit card.
There are limited exemptions. To request an exemption from the electronic payment requirement, you must file a waiver with the U.S. Treasury by calling 1-800-967-5042.
Technical Assistance Guide
The Technical Assistance Guide can help you:
Explain to individuals with disabilities the two options they have for switching to electronic payment options.
Guide individuals with disabilities through the process to set up direct deposit to a bank account.
Ensure individuals with disabilities can access their my Social Security account with their new bank account information
We have also developed a Plain Language Guide that you can share with the individuals with disabilities you serve to help them better understand the electronic payment options they have.
Let’s make sure no one misses the benefits they rely on.
Given the number of requirements found in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards, some are bound to be misinterpreted or forgotten. Although the mistake may be small, correcting the design after construction can be time-consuming and costly. The presenter will identify many of the most common accessibility mistakes made during the planning stages of a project. The focus of this webinar is to highlight frequently missed and misunderstood provisions in the Standards and to provide clear answers and requirements. Some of the elements to be covered include lavatories, doors, signs, and handrails.
Participants can ask questions in advance during the registration process as well as ask questions during the live session.
General Accommodations:
American Sign Language (ASL) Open or Closed Captions Materials Available in Alternate Formats
From the Sponsor: Region 5 – Great Lakes ADA Center, ADA National Network, U.S. Access Board
Take an intimate look at the life and career of actress Marlee Matlin as she shares her story in American Sign Language. At 21 years old, Matlin became the first Deaf actress to win an Academy Award for her role in Children of A Lesser God. With credits that include The West Wing and the Oscar-winning film CODA, Matlin continues to champion for more inclusivity and accessibility in entertainment. Broadcast In: English Duration: 1:39:39
Join Pacific ADA Center staff for an in-depth look at your rights in the workplace under the ADA. This session will explore reasonable accommodations, the interactive process, disclosure, and protections during hiring and employment. Whether you’re a job seeker or currently employed, this session will help you better understand your rights and advocate for yourself at work.
Session Date: October 15, 2025 Session Time: 12 Noon-1 PM PT — 3-4 PM ET
Join the Pacific ADA Center in collaboration with the California Commission on Disability Access (CCDA) for their next online Lunch and Learn webinar on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 12 – 1 PM Pacific Time. 3-4PM Eastern Time
Emergencies such as wildfires, power outages, and extreme heat are impacting business operations throughout California. Many businesses adapt quickly to these occurrences by shifting their services, modifying operations, or temporarily transforming them into community support centers. While these pivots are often essential for continuity and community support, they might unintentionally create barriers for individuals with disabilities if accessibility is not considered in the planning process.
In the California Commission on Disability Access (CCDA) final 2025 Lunch & Learn webinar, the in collaboration with the Pacific ADA Center, will provide information to help businesses learn how to maintain operational resilience while upholding accessibility during emergencies. The event will provide an overview of emergency preparedness considerations, the role of accessibility in business continuity, and how temporary changes in business functions might impact access for customers and employees with disabilities.
Participants will receive information about relevant legal requirements, practical planning considerations, and available local, state, and federal resources. This webinar is intended for business owners, managers, and professionals that work in operations, facilities, or emergency preparedness.
Accessibility features such as ASL interpretation, captioning, and language access will be provided, with additional accommodations available upon request within 10 days of each webinar.
Session Date: October 16, 2025 Session Time: 12 Noon – 1:00 PM PT 3-4PM ET
Ohio Disability Blog 