Resources to prepare for emergencies. Investigation of stakeholder perceptions of the wheelchair service deliver process. Power of Play Device Repository. AAIDD Student Researcher of the Year. Webinar: Accessible Parking. Webinar: Different by Design. Project CARE and RILL Network recruitment. Article on detecting language difficulties.
NARIC News:
This summer has been difficult for many communities due to wild fires, flooding, and wind events, as well as recent earthquakes. Some people may have time to evacuate safely, others may have to shelter where they are and get to safety when the danger passes. Even small events like a house fire or burst pipe could force one to leave home quickly. It's never too early to be prepared for an emergency. We polled the NARIC staff about how they've prepared for emergencies, along with some resources to help you be ready when the sirens sound.
This Just In:
Investigation of stakeholder perceptions of the wheelchair service delivery process. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. NARIC Accession Number: J94405.
New to the NARIC collection, this NIDILRR-funded study explored the perceptions of stakeholders regarding the performance of the wheelchair service delivery process (SDP) in the United States. The wheelchair SDP refers to the process of determining what wheelchair equipment an individual needs, procuring that equipment, and delivering it. A survey of clinicians, suppliers, consumers/caregivers, manufacturers, and payers showed these stakeholders view the wheelchair SDP as not performing well. Less than 18 percent of all responses indicate a positive perception. “Funding and Procurement” was viewed in the least positive light followed by “Follow-up, Maintenance, and Repair”. “Fitting, Training, and Delivery” was viewed most positively. The findings suggest that there are several opportunities for improvements with the wheelchair SDP. Access the full abstract and ordering information in REHABDATA.
Resource Highlight:
Power of Play Device Repository
The NIDILRR-funded Power of Play (90REGE0020) created an open-source device repository of designs for affordable assistive technology (AT) for sports and recreation activity. The repository includes more than 15 devices designed in response to idea submissions from the disability community, including swim paddles, an attachment for a miniature golf club, and a game piece mover, among others. Each device record includes documentation, device designs, and assembly instructions for users to fabricate the devices themselves with existing materials or 3D printing. Users may also submit ideas for new devices.
News from the NIDILRR Community:
NIDILRR Investigator Named AAIDD Student Researcher of the Year
Christopher Worth, co-principal investigator for the NIDILRR-funded project My Risk for Opportunity, Autonomy, and Dignity (My ROAD): Developing an Intervention to Expand Dignity of Risk in Postsecondary Education Programs (90IFDV0037), received the 2026 Student Researcher of the Year Award at the June conference of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). The award recognizes student contributions in service, leadership, or scholarship to the field of IDD. Mr. Worth's doctoral research focuses on dignity of risk and how it affects people with disabilities.
Events:
Webinar: Accessible Parking - Pushing Beyond Minimum Requirements to Meet Today's Demand
The NIDILRR-funded Great Lakes ADA Regional Center (90DPAD0012) will host a webinar, Accessible Parking: Pushing Beyond Minimum Requirements to Meet Today's Demands, September 3rd, 2:30 - 4 pm ET. Presenters will review the minimum design requirements for accessible parking under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and potential solutions to address the needs of people with disabilities. Presenters will propose improvements that can be made at a state or local government level, including educating the public and improving enforcement. Registration is free and required. Continuing education credits are available upon request.
Webinar: Different by Design - Become a Stronger Advocate for Team-based Services That Work for Transition-Age Youth Diagnosed with Serious Mental Health Conditions
The NIDILRR-funded Learning and Working During the Transition to Adulthood Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (90RTEM0012) will host a webinar, Different by Design: Become a Stronger Advocate for Team-based Services That Work for Transition-Age Youth Diagnosed with Serious Mental Health Conditions, October 27th, 12 - 1 pm ET. Presenters will share research and practice-based insights to help mental health providers advocate for developmentally responsive team-based services for transition-aged youth (TAY). Presenters will introduce a new advocacy guidance tool for making a compelling case for TAY-specific service structures, practices, and supports in their own organizations and communities. Registration is free and required.
Opportunity to Participate:
Project CARE and RILL Network Recruitment
The NIDILRR-funded project Creative Collaborations for Rural Empowerment: Library and Independent Living Partnerships (90RTCP0007) seeks libraries, centers for independent living (CILs), and individuals to join the Collaborative Access for Rural Empowerment (Project CARE) Implementation Team or the Rural Independent Living and Libraries (RILL) Network. Project CARE will be expanding to help implement a CIL/Library resource. The RILL Network will explore collaborative programming between CILs and libraries to improve disability services. For more information contact Jeff Gutierrez at jeff.gutierrez@mso.umt.edu or subscribe to the RTC:Rural enews for project updates.
Elsewhere in the Community:
Detecting Language Difficulties: DLD Can Have Subtle Signs
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently published an article, Detecting Language Difficulties: DLD Can Have Subtle Signs. The article discusses developmental language disorders (DLD), signs of DLD in children and adults, how health care professionals may screen for DLD, and how interventions may be tailored to an individuals needs. The article provides resources to help parents and caregivers find more information about DLD.