Our Scans · Assistive Technology · Weekly Summary

• A coalition of U.S. senators and national veterans organizations is pushing back against proposed changes that could significantly alter how the Department of Veterans Affairs evaluates tinnitus and sleep apnea for disability compensation. Hearing Health & Technology Matters
• Conditions that might be a close call under federal standards are more likely to qualify as disabilities under California standards. KraeberLaw
• Kentucky will implement House Bill 562 starting with the 2027-28 school year, replacing the certificate of completion with a modified diploma for about 4,500 students with disabilities. Access Information News
• Extended health, dental, vision, life, AD \ &D, and disability coverage are typical components of a competitive Canadian group benefits plan. Atlas HXM
• The national disability insurance scheme's proposed overhaul will cause material harm to Australians with disabilities, undermine its original intentions and hand unprecedented power to the health minister, the federal government's own reform advisory committee warns. The Guardian
• Low caregiver pay under the PASSE managed care system, and a recent DOJ policy shift removing requirements for home - or community-based care, threaten the sustainability of disability services. Access Information News
• Athletes Without Limits is excited to share that in 2026 two USA Cycling events will include categories for athletes with Intellectual Disability, Down Syndrome and/or Autism. Athletes Without Limits - Virtus USA Member
• Globally, more than 2.5 B people rely on one or more assistive products to support their daily lives, a number that is expected to rise to 3.5 B by 2050. UnitedHealthcare Community & State
• India's draft rules will require global and domestic tech companies offering digital products or services in India to meet disability-accessibility standards or face fines, deregistration, and exclusion from government contracts. Top Tech Tidbits
• Veterans organizations are deeply divided over the Taking Care of America's Veterans Act as Congress proposes paying for parts of the legislation with projected savings from a long-pending Department of Veterans Affairs disability ratings rule. Military Times
• The Department of Justice's decision to stop protecting the right of people with disabilities to remain in their homes will make it easier for states to slash home care benefits in response to deep federally-mandated cuts in Medicaid funding. Forbes
• 56% of Americans turning 65 will eventually develop a disability serious enough to require long-term services and supports. Care Across America
• Implementing a separate cost-of-disability payment could be so challenging within current budgets, as Irish households with a disabled person can face up to EUR555 in extra weekly costs. Access Information News
• Importance: Poor nutrition remains the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and its major risk actors, contributing to substantial morbidity, early disability, mortality, economic burdens, and health disparities in the US. PubMed
• The European Social Fund Plus represents the largest EU pot for disability-related work, with roughly €99 billion allocated for 2021-2027. GrantBite
• The UK has a strong record of including people with disabilities in its development programmes and policies, yet experience shows that without explicit attention and recognition to people furthest behind, development agendas risk repeating past shortcomings. Bond | The international development network

Last updated: 02 November 2026