The weekly highlight: Help shape disability reporting at the New York Times

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

As we pass this milestone, many of us are reflecting. We’re thinking about what the ADA means for the workplace — and how we can build upon existing progress as we move into the future.

The New York Times is reflecting too, and its staff is asking for your input. Help shape its coverage of disability issues by sharing your own stories. The newspaper’s social strategy editor Hanna Wise writes:

“Over the years, I’ve learned about my rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and how people like me are protected from discrimination in employment, housing and a number of other facets of life. I’ve also learned how the ADA has helped define a community, one that is vibrant and creative, filled with passionate and diverse individuals who are defining themselves and their world.

“This year, on the 30th anniversary of the ADA, the New York Times is starting a new iteration of Your Lead, our reader-powered reporting series, to inspire conversations and further reporting about disability and accessibility in the United States.

“This is your opportunity to help shape and inform our reporting by sharing your questions and experiences.

“We are especially interested in hearing from other people with disabilities or individuals with chronic illnesses. How do you share your story with friends, colleagues or strangers? What words do you use to describe your disability and what words would you educate others to stop using?”

The request for input also asks how you consume news and information, and what accessibility formats are most important to you. 

Help shape the disability coverage of the New York Times by submitting your perspective to Your Lead.

Tara Drinks is an associate editor at Understood.