Disabilities

It takes skill and practice to navigate the world in a wheelchair. This summer program teaches kids how, one wheelie at a time.

For blind and low-vision adults, the ability to read braille can be life-changing. Braille literacy is directly linked to higher rates of academic success and better employment outcomes for them. But there's a problem. The U.S. is facing a national shortage of qualified braille teachers and there's a lack of scientific research around braille overall. An interdisciplinary team led by linguist Robert Englebretson wants to change that.

An all-terrain vehicle accident left Robert Ward paralyzed and isolated for more than 20 hours on a remote mountain in West Virginia. He recounted his story to his wife, Binal Ward, at StoryCorps Charlotte.

Students with disabilities often face a tough time getting the services they need at school. When they can't get them, many families seek help from the federal government. And, right now, the Department of Education is swamped with a record number of discrimination complaints. The backlog is leaving families across the country waiting months, even years, for help.

The Education Department is handling record numbers of discrimination cases, including those involving disability. The backlog leaves some families waiting for help.

People with disabilities stage days of protests in North Carolina’s capital to try to raise awareness about inadequate community services and housing options.

Advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a long list of needs that they would like North Carolina lawmakers to address.

The Census Bureau has proposed changing how it produces data about people with disabilities. It could reduce the national rate of disability by about 40%. That's sparked controversy among advocates.

Disability Rights NC, which represented plaintiffs in the case, called the ruling "historic," while the state Department of Health and Human Services said the order could have negative consequences for the people it's trying to help.