Resources

Quick links

Sign language classes

IRC offers fun and informative Beginning, Advanced Beginning, and Intermediate Sign Language Classes. We offer fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions. Due to the pandemic, our classes are being held via Zoom only.

Brenda Gianniny of the IRC leads a sign language class

Adaptive equipment

See what adaptive equipment (power chairs, manual wheelchairs, etc.) is currently available. If we don't have what you need, we also accept requests.

ADA corner

Our central hub for various resources related to the Americans with Disabilities Act

The VisitAble Database

The Visitable Database actively helps locations become more mobility-friendly, advertises companies who are leading the way in accessibility, and provides an easy way for those with mobility issues to explore accessibility!

Featured articles

The ADA was born in Virginia efforts for Accessibility

Kathryn A. Hayfield column: Americans with Disabilities Act born of Virginia's struggle for equality

IRC and Transportation

Since IRC's historic influence on the transportation system in the '80s, IRC has continued to be the principle advocate for accessible transportation for people with disabilities in Planning District Ten.

IRC announcements

Sign Language Classes–Spring Session 2022

All Classes will be conducted virtually through Zoom: Advanced Beginner's Class 2 Start Date: Thursday, April 14, 2022, 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm End Date: June 30, 2022 There is a sliding scale of $50-$75 per 12-week session. You can mail a check to the IRC to reserve a slot in an upcoming session. Make sure to include your name, email address, and phone number. Mail checks to:  Sign Language, IRC, 815 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903. For more information contact Sarah Barker, 434-975-3825, jsdssam@gmail.com  

Local news

Piedmont Health District Offers Four Free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Next Week

FARMVILLE, Va. – The Piedmont Health District will offer four free COVID-19 vaccination clinics next week (May 25-May 28) across the health district. The clinics will offer first, second, additional primary and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to the public. All clinics will be held outside, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Read More

Piedmont Health District Offers Free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Charlotte County Farmers Market

DRAKES BRANCH, Va. – The Piedmont Health District will offer a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic this Friday, May 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Charlotte County Farmers Market, located at 4900 Drakes Main St. in Drakes Branch.

The clinic will offer first, second, additional primary and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to the public. The clinic will be held outside, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Read More

News

How the Supreme Court is setting back disability rights-without even trying

Select text to read full story The rightward shift in the court that made the Dobbs decision possible, and the fact that the author of the Olmstead dissent has outlasted all the justices who supported it, shows how endangered disability rights are and explains why many people within the community are afraid the ADA is next on the chopping block.

U.S. Access Board Seeks Information on Low Transfer Surface Height for Medical Diagnostic Equipment

The U.S. Access Board currently has an open comment period through , 2022 regarding the appropriate low-height of medical diagnostic equipment with transfer surfaces, including examination tables and chairs and diagnostic imaging medical equipment with tables, so that the equipment can be adjusted to accommodate the broadest range of users. Read More

FDA authorizes second booster shot for people age 50 and up

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the green light on Tuesday to a second coronavirus vaccine booster shot for people aged 50 and older in an effort to ward off another potential spike in infections due to a subvariant of omicron. Read More

Federal Judge rules in favor of parents in mask lawsuit

Virginia state officials will not be allowed to prevent or limit 10 school divisions from considering mask requirements as an accommodation for some students with disabilities, under a federal injunction. Read More

Department of Transportation to Hold Public Meeting on Air Travel by Persons Who Use Wheelchairs

VIRTUAL MEETING REGARDING AIR TRAVEL

Parents of disabled students sue Virginia Governor

SEVEN SCHOOL BOARDS SUE VIRGINIA GOVERNOR

DOJ settles discrimination claims against 19 business owners

DOJ makes moves to assure access in DC, Maryland, and Virginia businesses.

Additional Protections for Workers with Disabilities in Virginia

Virginia companies employing five or more workers will need to comply with the addition of “disability” as a protected characteristic to the Virginia Human Rights Act effective July 1.

The Safety Net Program Congress Forgot

https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/550027-the-safety-net-program-congress-forgot?fbclid=IwAR3qyOrAGOzZ3BYCb7ZgPLxURr7OIW3u-ZruKfhASL13sLk5I4UvWGztpec

Due to the neglect of the SSI program and other programs which were meant to support the disabled population, millions of people have been forced to live in abject poverty within the richest nation in the world. They must live on outdated and below poverty level checks from the government. But if they try to supplement their menial incomes, they are penalized for the effort.