MetroWest Center for Independent Living

08/27/2026

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/20/well/dating-app-disabilities.html?unlocked_article_code=1.8lA.Hzc6.8VDz3JpG-0nT&smid=nytcore-android-share

Image, Man in wheelchair looking at a woman in a room.

Many Dateability users said they were drawn to the app after negative experiences on mainstream platforms.

08/27/2026

The MBTA's Mobility Center, located in Boston at 1000 Massachusetts Ave, is available to anyone looking to explore accessible transit options and other community transport resources. They also offer a variety of free travel training services to help older adults and people with disabilities travel independently on the bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail.

For more information about the services they provide, visit mbta.com/MobilityCenter.

08/27/2026

08/24/2026

We want to share a recent update regarding a new rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

Beginning August 17, 2026, many devices and software used to view video programming, such as TVs, set-top boxes, smartphones, tablets, computers, and video players, must make closed-captioning settings “readily accessible.”

That means caption controls should be easier to find, adjust, and preview, while preferred caption settings should remain consistent across devices and apps.

The new rule is designed to improve accessibility by making caption settings easier to find, access, and use.

Read more: Bit.ly/cc-fcc

08/24/2026

👓Time to get focused people! Its kinda chic and never too early to sign up for the 18th Annual "Focus" on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Vision Loss. And registration is now open!

This conference will be held on October 6, 2026 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood, MA.

Keynote Speaker: Greg R Waldorf, OD, MPH FAAO, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs, MCPHS School of Optometry will discuss "Becoming Vision Detectives: Spotting Eye Problems in Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities"

And the Universal Access Program will be tabling and presenting on Accessible Recreation Opportunities with DCR!

For Further Information and to Register visit: https://www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org/conferences--workshops.html

For questions email: [email protected]

This conference is organized by Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services together with Perkins School for the Blind, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, New England College of Optometry, and Shriver Clinical Services Corp.

08/24/2026

Action Alert: Take the DSP Crisis Survey!

Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs, are paid workers who help people with disabilities in daily life. Missouri has a big shortage of these workers. This is called the DSP crisis.

When there are not enough workers, people cannot get the daily help they need. This happens even when they have Medicaid or waiver services. A waiver is state support that helps pay for care in the community.

How has the worker shortage affected you and your family? Share your story in our survey here: https://forms.gle/ZWnX1xBRKCcVEYwG6

08/24/2026

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/earlyvotingweb/EarlyVotingSearch.aspx

Early Voting August 22 - 28 - Visit the link to find the times and locaitons in your community

08/24/2026

Join us on 9/15 from 7-8 PM ET for “Air Travel While Disabled," a FREE virtual discussion of the challenges, tips, and tricks to airplane adventures. This webinar will feature disabled travelers Elizabeth Dicker, Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson, and Emily Ladau, moderated by Rosemary McDonnell-Horita. All of our webinars are live captioned and include ASL interpretation. Register at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars and spread the word!

These webinars are part of our educational series titled OUR RIDE AHEAD, from the team behind the Emmy® Award-winning feature documentary, . Made possible through a grant from Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. A recording will be sent out to all who register.

Image Description: A navy, yellow, and orange promotional graphic with text reading "OUR RIDE AHEAD: Air Travel While Disabled." There are headshots of Rosemary McDonnell-Horita, Emily Ladau, Elizabeth Dicker, and Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson. Text below reads "September 15, 4:00 pm PST/7:00pm EST, Virtual, RSVP for FREE at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars." In the bottom right corner is a white Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation logo with text above "with support from".