Irmo Marini, PhD

J.D. Power Award to Microtel for Access Initiatives
     Microtel Inns & Suites has raised the bar on accessibility at public accommodations and consistently won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for providing the best service and facilities in an economy budget motel. Microtel Inns & Suites CEO Michael Leven had spent 45 years […]

Reports continue to come in regarding how persons with disabilities fared in the aftermath of Katrina in the New Orleans area. New Mobility magazine reported that a number of wheelchair users were evacuated without their wheelchairs, while others were placed on bridges or underpasses for up to 12 hours without a cushion to sit […]

The Disability Rights Advocates recently announced its annual Turkey and Eagle awards. Eagle awards go to businesses or individuals who have promoted disability rights, while Turkey awards go to those who have been insensitive to disability issues. A 2005 Eagle award went to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, for designing and promoting universal home […]

Irmo Marini, PhD
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) has released a report citing a study showing that performers with disabilities are significantly under-represented in the entertainment industry, and explains how these actors are often reluctant to ask producers for even minor accommodations. Findings showed that less than 2% of television show characters display a disability, […]

Irmo Marini, PhD, CRC
ADA Lawsuits Stifled in California
US District Court Judge Edward Rafeedie of California recently issued a ruling that may negatively impact lawsuits filed in California under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Judge Rafeedie ordered Jarek Molski, a wheelchair user, to ask permission before he files any further ADA lawsuits.
The […]