Disability news making headlines this week includes a workplace discrimination settlement, new educational opportunities for adults with disabilities, concerns about federal health data and plans to restore disability-focused emergency training.

This DoRaleigh roundup highlights recent stories featured by Disability Scoop, with context for Raleigh and Triangle readers interested in accessibility, employment and community inclusion.

AMC Settles Disability Discrimination Lawsuit

AMC Theatres will pay $56,000 to resolve a federal lawsuit involving a longtime employee with cerebral palsy at its Owings Mills, Maryland, location.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, AMC allegedly failed to provide requested accommodations, including an adapted ticket scanner and a large-print movie list, and reduced the employee’s hours. The settlement includes updated accommodation policies and staff training.

The case puts practical workplace accommodations in focus for employers and workers, including those in Raleigh’s hospitality and entertainment industries. 

New Program Supports Adults With Developmental Disabilities

An Alabama nonprofit is launching Everyday Sunshine University, a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Decatur program combines practical learning, social activities and job-related development. Planned activities include handling money, community outings and electives such as art, music and recreation.

For Triangle families considering life after high school, the story offers an example of how community organizations can support continued learning, friendships and independence. 

Proposed CDC Survey Changes Raise Concerns

Disability Scoop reports that advocates are concerned about proposed changes to the 2028 National Health Interview Survey.

The redesign would reduce questions about disability and functioning. Advocates warn that removing certain questions could make people with intellectual and developmental disabilities harder to identify in the data. Changes to survey collection methods have also raised accessibility concerns.

Federal officials describe the redesign as an effort to improve efficiency and make participation easier. The coverage highlights why accurate disability data matters when assessing health needs and services. 

FEMA Plans to Restore Disability-Focused Training

FEMA says it will restore training for state and local partners on supporting people with disabilities before, during and after disasters.

Disability Scoop reports that the training was removed in 2025. A Government Accountability Office review recommended reinstating it, strengthening coordination involving disability specialists and collecting accessibility feedback about disaster-assistance applications.

For Raleigh and Wake County readers, the story raises useful questions about accessible emergency communications, evacuation support and shelter planning. 

Wrigley Field Highlights Autism Inclusion

Disability Scoop recently featured Wrigley Field’s designation as Major League Baseball’s first Certified Autism Center.

The designation includes autism and sensory-awareness training for guest-facing employees. The Chicago ballpark also provides sensory supports, including a sensory room and sensory bags.

The story offers an example for Triangle sports and entertainment venues considering how staff training and sensory resources can improve the visitor experience. 

Staffing Shortages Limit Disability Services

A national survey covered by Disability Scoop found that disability service providers continue to face serious staffing challenges.

The ANCOR survey included 524 providers serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Among respondents, 85% reported moderate or severe staffing shortages, 55% had declined new referrals, and 29% had reduced programs or services for existing clients.

These findings describe a national challenge rather than a Raleigh-specific assessment. For local families and advocates, they underscore the importance of examining both available programs and providers’ capacity to accept participants. 

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Source: Disability Scoop and linked reporting. This roundup contains independently written summaries.