Disabilities Archives - Sheri Byrne-Haber's Blog

AI generated images of a red brain surrounded by teal and orange gears

The Many “Blindnesses” of Neurodivergence That Have Nothing To Do With Sight

When people hear the word “blindness,” they often think of vision loss. But for many neurodivergent people, the word describes something entirely different. Neurodivergent “blindness” is a functional gap characterized by difficulty processing certain types of information in real-time, even…

Car dashboard showing the car is in neutral.

When “Neutral” Isn’t Really Neutral: 12 Everyday Practices That Disproportionately Impact People with Disabilities

Policies don’t need to mention disability to be discriminatory and ableist. Many systems, requirements, and social norms present as “equal treatment” while quietly erecting barriers that disproportionately exclude people with disabilities. This exclusion isn’t always malicious or even intentional. However,…

Three business people at a table with paper, one standing and shaking a finger at the person across from them

The Accessibility Manager Moment No One Warns You About

The demand letter/lawsuit lands first. The questions come next. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?” one or more of the CEO / COO / CFO / Corporate Counsel asks, genuinely surprised. If you work in accessibility leadership, you already know the…

Numerous colorful game piece representations of people, all connected in a network.

Accessibility and DEI are Deeply Interconnected

Accessibility and DEI are deeply interconnected. Too often, organizations treat them as separate initiatives. This disconnect risks creating accessibility solutions that lack depth and fail to address the real-world challenges people with disabilities face. For accessibility to thrive, it must…

Git Hub publication with the write up: remove content related to 1/20/25/eo

Disability Erasure 8

Disability Erasure Step 7 came and went in the blink of an eye. A completely unconstitutional freeze on block funding for programs that would have hit people with disabilities hard. Section 8 housing, medical services, small business loans — all…

Group of many diverse people holding plates of food in their hands standing in front of a table full of buffet-style hors d’oeuvres

Disability Inclusive Holiday Party Planning

It’s that time of year again. Planning an inclusive holiday party goes beyond picking out festive decorations or sending fancy invitations. It’s about creating an environment where every employee feels welcome, safe, and able to fully participate. For employees with…

Accessible provision for wheelchair users by FAA

Accessibility Triumph Thursday: The FAA has Agreed to Define Safety Criteria for Wheelchair Users in the Cabin in 2025

Big news in accessible air travel! The FAA has agreed to define safety criteria for wheelchairs in the cabin in 2025. This transition is happening faster than I expected, which is incredible news for the disability community. Having a wheelchair…

Screenshot from Sheri Byrne-Haber’s laptop showing the Barbie Fashionistas website with an overwhelming amount of pink. The page view is a specific Barbie (Striped top, pink skirt, sunglasses, 65th anniversary). In the lower-left corner is an icon of a black and white human figure with a circle and a green dot and text that says “Exit Accessibility Mode”

Is “Blind Barbie” really inclusive?

“Blind Barbie” is all the rage recently. Barbie has become increasingly inclusive over the past decade, including Barbies with different skin tones, hearing aids, vitiligo, alopecia, a wheelchair-using Barbie, a Skipper with a prosthetic leg, the facial characteristics associated with…

book and gravel on a table in a law court with a lawyer writing

Why Litigation is Essential for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

This article is NOT legal advice. If you find yourself in a situation where you are either considering filing or possibly defending accessibility litigation in the US, you need to consult a US lawyer who specializes in accessibility cases. The…

Black, white and red image with the text “Project 2025 Presidential Transition Project” with a red circle and a slash running through it over the text

Project 2025’s threat to Disability Rights

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is turning 34 this week. But it could be eviscerated if Project 2025 is implemented. The Heritage Foundation has spearheaded Project 2025. It aims to reshape various aspects of the U.S. federal government through…

Category: Disabilities