NPR Topics: On Disabilities http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1133&ft=1&f=1133 On Disabilities en Copyright 2010 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:00:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/npr_news_123x20.gif On Disabilities http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1133&ft=1&f=1133 Can Cognitive Exercise Speed Up Dementia? New research suggests that seniors who did mentally stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles postponed the loss of thinking skills, but had an accelerated rate of decline once dementia set in later in life. Neuropsychologist Robert S. Wilson explains the finding. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129629744&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129629744&ft=1&f=1133 New research suggests that seniors who did mentally stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles postponed the loss of thinking skills, but had an accelerated rate of decline once dementia set in later in life. Neuropsychologist Robert S. Wilson explains the finding.

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]]> What Now For Federally Funded Stem Cell Work? A federal judge has blocked President Obama's 2009 executive order expanding embryonic stem cell research. U.S. Rep. Diana DeGett (D-Colo.) and stem cell researcher Rudolph Jaenisch discuss the ruling's impact on scientists, and whether Congress can pass stem cell legislation. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129475831&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129475831&ft=1&f=1133 A federal judge has blocked President Obama's 2009 executive order expanding embryonic stem cell research. U.S. Rep. Diana DeGett (D-Colo.) and stem cell researcher Rudolph Jaenisch discuss the ruling's impact on scientists, and whether Congress can pass stem cell legislation.

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]]> In The Comment Thread: Obama's Vacation, Eldercare Listeners and readers have their say about whether First Lady Michelle Obama’s vacation was insensitive. And commenters share personal stories, following a conversation about elder care. Producer Lee Hill also offers updates on gay marriage in California and an official government response to a recent conversation about the U.S. "No Fly" list. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129179074&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129179074&ft=1&f=1133 Listeners and readers have their say about whether First Lady Michelle Obama’s vacation was insensitive. And commenters share personal stories, following a conversation about elder care. Producer Lee Hill also offers updates on gay marriage in California and an official government response to a recent conversation about the U.S. "No Fly" list.

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]]> Democrats Extend Medicaid Subsidy, But Miss Out On COBRA In an unusual August session, House Democrats pushed through an aid package that will boost state Medicaid budgets. But, the lawmakers whiffed on extending a popular insurance subsidy for the unemployed. Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:55:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/08/11/129125552/democrats-extend-medicaid-subsidy-but-miss-out-on-cobra?ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/08/11/129125552/democrats-extend-medicaid-subsidy-but-miss-out-on-cobra?ft=1&f=1133 In an unusual August session, House Democrats pushed through an aid package that will boost state Medicaid budgets. But, the lawmakers whiffed on extending a popular insurance subsidy for the unemployed.

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]]> Low-Income Minorities With Disabilities See Services Disparity The nation commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act last week. But a number of Americans have yet to fully benefit from the law. Individuals living with disabilities are disproportionally poor, many of whom live in low-income urban areas that sometimes lack necessary services or physical accommodations. Host Michel Martin talks with disabled rights activist Bobby Coward and Deidre Davis, the first director of ADA services for retail giant Walmart. Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128932141&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128932141&ft=1&f=1133 The nation commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act last week. But a number of Americans have yet to fully benefit from the law. Individuals living with disabilities are disproportionally poor, many of whom live in low-income urban areas that sometimes lack necessary services or physical accommodations. Host Michel Martin talks with disabled rights activist Bobby Coward and Deidre Davis, the first director of ADA services for retail giant Walmart.

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]]> What's Changed In 20 Years Since ADA Passage The Americans with Disabilities Act required businesses, buildings, public transportation and other services to accommodate people with disabilities. It also outlawed workplace discrimination against disabled workers. Still, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is disproportionately high. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128825580&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128825580&ft=1&f=1133 The Americans with Disabilities Act required businesses, buildings, public transportation and other services to accommodate people with disabilities. It also outlawed workplace discrimination against disabled workers. Still, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is disproportionately high.

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]]> 20 Years Of Protecting People With Disabilities It was twenty years ago this week that the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. It mandated that, for the first time in this country, public spaces accommodate people with disabilities. Host Michel Martin talks to University of Texas professor Lex Frieden, who helped craft that legislation, and the Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind, Melanie Brunson. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:53:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128797654&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128797654&ft=1&f=1133 It was twenty years ago this week that the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. It mandated that, for the first time in this country, public spaces accommodate people with disabilities. Host Michel Martin talks to University of Texas professor Lex Frieden, who helped craft that legislation, and the Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind, Melanie Brunson.

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]]> Communication Technology For Disabled Is Nothing To Sniff At Israeli researchers are developing a way for the severely disabled to communicate with their breathing. Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/07/26/128776406/communication-technology-for-disable-is-nothing-to-sniff-at?ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/07/26/128776406/communication-technology-for-disable-is-nothing-to-sniff-at?ft=1&f=1133 Israeli researchers are developing a way for the severely disabled to communicate with their breathing.

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]]> 'Voice Blind' Man Befuddled By Mysterious Callers Steve Royster could never understand how those around him could pick up the phone and instantly recognize who was on the other end. By the time he figured out in his late 20s that he had a rare disorder, he had had his fair share of awkward encounters. Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128412201&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128412201&ft=1&f=1133 Steve Royster could never understand how those around him could pick up the phone and instantly recognize who was on the other end. By the time he figured out in his late 20s that he had a rare disorder, he had had his fair share of awkward encounters.

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]]> Listeners Deeply Affected By Eldercare, House Music <em>Tell Me More</em> host Michel Martin and Lee Hill, the program's "digital media guy," comb through listener feedback and offer important news updates to recent conversations heard on the program. Hear one listener share his personal experiences with the challenges of caring for elderly loved ones. Also, a recent <em>Tell Me More</em> exploration of the popular house music subculture inspired listeners to share why, for some, the music is more than just a genre, it's a lifestyle. And as an update: a world famous female track star who was suspected of being a man has been vindicated. Hear the latest developments in this week's <em>BackTalk</em>. Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128409667&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128409667&ft=1&f=1133 Tell Me More host Michel Martin and Lee Hill, the program's "digital media guy," comb through listener feedback and offer important news updates to recent conversations heard on the program. Hear one listener share his personal experiences with the challenges of caring for elderly loved ones. Also, a recent Tell Me More exploration of the popular house music subculture inspired listeners to share why, for some, the music is more than just a genre, it's a lifestyle. And as an update: a world famous female track star who was suspected of being a man has been vindicated. Hear the latest developments in this week's BackTalk.

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]]> For Kids, Dad's Bionic Hand Recalls 'Star Wars' In 2007, Eric Jones became one of the first Americans to receive a bionic hand. To his children, it's like something out of science fiction -- and a big hit at show and tell. But Eric has a humble goal: to be able to throw a baseball again. Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:33:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128389867&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128389867&ft=1&f=1133 In 2007, Eric Jones became one of the first Americans to receive a bionic hand. To his children, it's like something out of science fiction -- and a big hit at show and tell. But Eric has a humble goal: to be able to throw a baseball again.

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]]> Glucosamine Doesn't Ease Lower Back Pain, Study Says Unlike cancer and heart disease, lower back pain doesn't have a specially organized interest group. Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/07/06/128341490/glucosamine-doesn-t-ease-back-pain-study-says?ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/07/06/128341490/glucosamine-doesn-t-ease-back-pain-study-says?ft=1&f=1133 Unlike cancer and heart disease, lower back pain doesn't have a specially organized interest group.

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]]> Helping Those With Hearing Loss Get In The Loop A simple technology called a magnetic hearing loop allows wearers of specially outfitted hearing aids to get a wireless signal transmitted directly to their ear. The technology transforms garbled PA sounds into clear announcements. Hearing-impaired user David Myers explains. Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128268480&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128268480&ft=1&f=1133 A simple technology called a magnetic hearing loop allows wearers of specially outfitted hearing aids to get a wireless signal transmitted directly to their ear. The technology transforms garbled PA sounds into clear announcements. Hearing-impaired user David Myers explains.

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]]> The Writer Who Couldn't Read Imagine you wake up and can't read. The letters on the page have turned into squiggles. They make no sense. Howard Engel, a writer of detective stories, has this condition, but amazingly, has found a way to trick his brain to almost read again. Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127745750&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127745750&ft=1&f=1133 Imagine you wake up and can't read. The letters on the page have turned into squiggles. They make no sense. Howard Engel, a writer of detective stories, has this condition, but amazingly, has found a way to trick his brain to almost read again.

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]]> A Decade Of Alzheimer's Devastating Impact In 1999, Tom DeBaggio was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. He was 57. Soon after the diagnosis, he began talking with NPR about his illness. He wanted to document his decline, to break through what he called the "shame and silence" of the disease. Now he can't talk, walk or feed himself. Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:54:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127857149&ft=1&f=1133 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127857149&ft=1&f=1133 In 1999, Tom DeBaggio was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. He was 57. Soon after the diagnosis, he began talking with NPR about his illness. He wanted to document his decline, to break through what he called the "shame and silence" of the disease. Now he can't talk, walk or feed himself.

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