SimplyHome: Empowered by Technology

06/09/2026

Two children in Minnesota who are visually impaired wanted to play hockey. So their parents created a team🥲

Two Minnesota children just wanted to play on a hockey team like their older brother. But there was an issue. Both were born blind. In this Home Town, Mike Max explains how their parents stepped in and created a team.

06/08/2026

Did you know that over 8 million students with disabilities rely on assistive technology (like screen readers, speech-to-text software, and audiobooks) to get through the school day?

Some parents are now raising the alarm that blanket screen restrictions in schools could have consequences for students with disabilities who depend on that technology to read, write, and participate in class.

Some students with disabilities rely on assistive technology to learn, and they worry it could be swept up in the movement to get screens out of schools.

06/02/2026

Paralympian and NHS surgeon John McFall could be the first physically disabled astronaut to reach orbit, following a new agreement between the UK government and commercial space company Vast.

John McFall takes one step closer to becoming first disabled astronaut.

05/25/2026

Today we pause and remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Memorial Day in the United States is supposed to be about mourning fallen service members

05/25/2026

05/19/2026

Eye gaze technology can give children with complex communication needs more ways to communicate, interact, learn, and participate in activities. This article shares a great example of how these tools can become part of life for both children and their families.

An AT&T commercial centers on a 7-year-old with cerebral palsy and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy who uses eye-gaze technology to communicate — and to play music.

05/15/2026

“When we're out riding together, we're all on wheels, so it's a really unifying and equalizing experience,” said Matt Lee, an adaptive group rider who will partake in the Pisgah All Mountain Challenge.

For the first time, one nonprofit is hosting a community race with an adaptive category for people with disabilities to participate in.

05/11/2026

A couple in Orlando is turning 400 acres into a community built for people with disabilities. Learn more about their plans in the article below.

The community, which is expected to be home to hundreds of adults with disabilities, will include shops, restaurants, a pool and other amenities that will be open to the public at large.

05/11/2026

38% of adults with disabilities don’t own a computer. That’s millions of people missing out on jobs, healthcare, staying connected to loved ones, and more.

We’re changing that with AT&T. Through 26 chapters of The Arc, we’re offering free, in-person digital skills workshops that include:

Plain language materials
Adaptive tools like screen readers
One-on-one help

Can’t make it in person? Free, on-demand training is available online 24/7. Use the link in the comments below.

05/07/2026

This year's winner in NPR's College Podcast Challenge is a letter to a grandparent that grapples with health issues including dementia. It's the story of a family learning to talk about hard things.