Good News for Disability Rights in 2025: From Policy to the Runway

Image: A model who is a wheelchair user rolls the runway at Denver Fashion Week's "Adaptive Night". Photo by Weston Mosburg

This year has brought powerful momentum across the disability community through legislation, policy changes, inclusive design, and grassroots leadership. From the Supreme Court to the fashion runway, people with disabilities are not only gaining greater access and protection, but also claiming space in new, joyful, and deeply visible ways.

Here’s a detailed look at the most significant good news stories from 2025—nationally and here in Colorado—that are shaping a more inclusive future.

Supreme Court Strengthens Education Rights for Students with Disabilities

In June 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in the case of A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools. The decision significantly lowers the legal burden for students with disabilities to pursue claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Previously, some courts had required families to prove “bad faith or gross misjudgment” in education-based discrimination cases. The Court ruled that such claims should be held to the same “deliberate indifference” standard used in other civil rights law.

The case involved a Minnesota student with epilepsy who had been denied the evening instruction she required due to her condition. The ruling now makes it easier for families to seek justice when reasonable accommodations are denied in school settings.

This landmark decision reaffirms what disability advocates have long argued: that students with disabilities deserve equal legal protection, access to education, and a pathway to advocate for themselves in court.

Learn more by reading The Arc article on the ruling.

DOT Implements New Protections for Wheelchair Users in Air Travel

Image: A woman in an electric wheelchair waits at the gate of an airport while an airport staff person helps adjust their feet.

Air travel has long been frustrating and harmful for passengers with mobility devices. In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation enacted its “Wheelchair Rule,” a comprehensive regulation designed to improve the safety, dignity, and treatment of passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility equipment.

Under the new rule, airlines must train staff on safe handling and transfers, return mobility devices directly to passengers at the gate, and provide expedited repairs or replacement in cases of damage. Full enforcement of the rule began on August 1, 2025. In the past, many wheelchair users reported that their wheelchairs were significantly damaged by airline handling, but there were few to no options for recourse or repairs by the airlines. 

These protections address widespread issues faced by wheelchair users, including equipment loss, injury during transfers, and poor communication. The rule is the result of years of advocacy and marks a significant step forward in accessible air travel.

Learn more from Disability Scoop’s article.

Sidewalks and Streets Must Now Meet Federal Accessibility Standards

In January, the U.S. Department of Transportation finalized the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), giving long-awaited legal force to accessibility standards for sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, and transit stops.

Before, these standards were optional. Now, they are mandatory and must be followed everywhere in the U.S. Cities and transportation departments must incorporate these guidelines when building or altering pedestrian infrastructures. PROWAG outlines detailed specifications to ensure paths are wide enough, surfaces are stable, slopes are manageable, and features like crosswalks and bus stops are designed with universal access in mind. The guidelines help ensure that people with mobility disabilities can navigate public spaces independently and safely.

Learn more: U.S. Access Board announcement

DOJ Requires Accessible Government Websites and Mobile Apps

In April, the U.S. Department of Justice finalized a rule that expands ADA Title II to include enforceable digital accessibility requirements for state and local governments. Under the rule, public entities must ensure that their websites and mobile applications comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines.

Compliance deadlines are set for April 2026 for large entities (those serving 50,000 or more people) and April 2027 for small entities (those serving fewer than 50,000). In Colorado, the timeline is even shorter: under state law HB21-1110, all state and local government digital services must comply by July 1, 2025.

This new rule ensures that public websites and services—such as online forms, meetings, transportation systems, and public health updates—are accessible to people with visual, cognitive, hearing, and motor disabilities.

Learn more: DOJ guide to web rule

Colorado Leading the Way in Accessibility

Colorado continues to be a leader in advancing disability rights and inclusion. Here are just a few highlights so far in 2025:

Trackchair Expansion in Colorado Springs

Image: A woman uses a trackchair on a trail in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

The City of Colorado Springs expanded its Trackchair Program, which allows individuals with mobility disabilities to reserve all-terrain chairs to explore trails and open spaces. In 2025, the program added new routes and made all reservations free, ensuring greater access to nature for all.

Learn more about their trackchair program here. 

Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) Delivers Impact

Established via HB24‑1360, the CDOO hit its stride this year by awarding $2 million in grants through the Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC). In early April 2025, the CDOO allocated funds to 23 organizations focused on critical services like SSI/SSDI application assistance, Medicaid enrollment support, tax credit guidance, and housing and utility application assistance.

By mid-June, a second round of "New & Innovative" grants followed, with the CDOO selecting 34 new projects from nearly 200 applications requesting over $15 million in proposals. The funding will support a wide range of community-driven, high-impact programs across the state, from accessible recreation and employment readiness initiatives to service animal training and mental health support.

CPWD was one of the awardees, receiving funding to support benefits application assistance, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Learn about this service from CPWD here. 

Spotlight on Inclusion and Community Empowerment

Beyond policy and law, 2025 has brought inspiring stories of inclusion, visibility, and leadership in arts, sports, and community spaces. These moments remind us that culture change is as essential as policy reform.

Denver Fashion Week Hosts Adaptive Runway Show

Image: A woman who is a double-arm amputee walks the runway in a billowing yellow dress during Denver Fashion Week's "Adaptive Night". Photo by Weston Mosburg

In May, Denver Fashion Week hosted its annual Adaptive Night, a groundbreaking runway event focused on accessible fashion. Produced in partnership with the nonprofit Guided By Humanity, the show featured models with disabilities wearing adaptive designs created for style, function, and comfort.

Designers included Andrea Fischer, SKYEAIRE, and Guided By Humanity’s in-house label, everyBODY. The event included sensory-aware staging and inclusive storytelling. It challenged traditional beauty standards and elevated disability representation in the fashion world.

As one model shared, “This wasn’t about being ‘inspirational.’ It was about being seen as beautiful, powerful, and whole—just as we are.”

Learn more: 303 Magazine feature on Adaptive Night

Special Olympics Unified Basketball Makes History

Image: Jennifer Willison and the Unified 3×3 Basketball team

In August, Jennifer Willison, a Special Olympics athlete from Michigan, helped her team win gold at the first-ever North American Unified 3x3 basketball tournament. Unified teams consist of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, competing side-by-side.

Willison played point guard, leading her team with energy, defense, and determination. Off the court, she formed lifelong friendships with teammates who had previously been strangers. The experience offered not only athletic pride but a model for an inclusive community and mutual respect.

She is now a finalist to represent Team USA at the Special Olympics World Cup in Puerto Rico in 2026.

Read the full story at Big Rapids News coverage

Accessibility Is the Foundation for Belonging

Progress is happening, but making sure that progress reaches everyone is not automatic. It takes intention, education, and ongoing collaboration. Laws can open doors, but it’s community support, advocacy, and inclusion that truly make those doors usable. We hope these good news stories shared in this article demonstrate the great strides being made in the disability community. 

Accessibility is a value system. It’s about ensuring that people with disabilities can participate fully in education, employment, recreation, civic life, and culture without unnecessary barriers. It’s about honoring dignity, agency, and voice.

We know that real change happens when we build together. If you’re ready to create a more inclusive workplace, event, classroom, city, or community, we invite you to reach out.