The Atlantic: By 2050, There Could Be as Many as 25 Million Poor, Elderly Americans
A back-of-the-envelope estimate suggests that the number of elderly Americans in poverty will increase substantially in the coming decades. In 2010, 46.6 million Americans were over 65. Using the OECD’s measure of impoverishment, which takes into account food insecurity and chronic material need, about 8.9 million of those Americans were poor or near-poor. Based on current rates of population growth and assuming no improvements in what is promised in Social Security benefits, there’s likely to be an increase in the numbers of elderly poverty from 8.9 million in 2010 to 25 million in 2050—an increase of 180 percent. — Teresa Ghilarducci (Dec. 30)
Disability Scoop: Justice Department Intervenes in Housing Discrimination Case
A mother and daughter – both of whom have developmental disabilities – are set to receive a five-figure payout amid claims that they were repeatedly harassed and pressured to move from their apartment. Laura Doty, who has cerebral palsy and visual impairment, and her daughter Brenda, who has Down syndrome, along with an advocate who helped them, will get $40,000 in damages under a proposed settlement brokered by the U.S. Department of Justice. — Shaun Heasley (Jan. 19)
GOOD Magazine: Facebook Plans to Improve Accessibility for Visually Impaired Users
Facebook is looking into the use of artificial intelligence software that allows users with visual impairments the ability to query the site about what is in front of them. For example, not only will the site describe a photograph based on who is tagged in it, but upon prompting, will be able to narrate the action taking place as well. — Rafi Schwartz (Dec. 24)
PBS Newshour: For children with disabilities, making the world a custom fit out of cardboard
MacArthur fellow Alex Truesdell sees a world of possibilities in a simple piece of cardboard. At her Adaptive Design Association, cardboard furniture and learning tools are built for children with disabilities to help them realize their potential. — Jackie Judd (Jan. 6)
Utica Observer-Dispatch: Schumer, “Congress must pass Disability Integration Act of 2015”
The legislation gives individuals with disabilities the option to live more independently and in their own home rather than in an institutional facility away from family and friends, according to a news release. — S. Alexander Gerould (Jan. 7)
OP-ED, Chicago Tribune: A father’s view of drug addiction
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (Jan. 6)
OP-ED, The Providence-Journal: The sustaining knock on the door
Llewellyn King (Jan. 25)
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