Kim Knackstedt
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kimkdc.bsky.social
Kim Knackstedt
@kimkdc.bsky.social
Policy wonk, disability & accessibility work, Founder & Principal Consultant of Unlock Access, LLC, equestrian always & dog mom.
📰 It is newsletter time! Check out my latest newsletter for a dive into some of the top events from March.

‼️ Plus - check out another big list of job postings. From junior to mid-level to senior postings, browse to find out more.

Enjoy!

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Unlock, Unwind, and Unravel: Accessibility and Disability News
Unlock, Unwind, and Unravel: Accessibility and Disability News
zc.vg
March 31, 2025 at 1:37 PM
📰 Happy end of the month! That means it is newsletter time.

Grab your coffee ☕ or tea 🫖 and take a read.

I also gathered A LOT of job postings from the past month. If you are looking for a job right now, take a look! 🔍
Enjoy!

zc.vg/enDMg?m=0
Unlock, Unwind, and Unravel: Accessibility and Disability News
Unlock, Unwind, and Unravel: Accessibility and Disability News
zc.vg
February 28, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Reposted by Kim Knackstedt
The phase-out of the #SubminimumWage is a turning point for workers with disabilities. But the transition can be challenging for them, their families, and their employers.

Here, our team shares perspectives and solutions for this important policy moment.

🔗 www.newamerica.org/education-po...
Perspectives on Phasing Out Subminimum Wage
To help bring more states phase out subminimum wage and to spur change at the federal level, this report recommends how to smooth the transition to competitive integrated employment, fair wages, and w...
www.newamerica.org
February 25, 2025 at 10:13 PM
ICYDK: It’s still legal to pay individuals with disabilities less than minimum wage. But change is coming!

New America’s latest report showcases those closest to these policy shifts and offers a roadmap for fairer labor practices, everywhere and for all.

↘️ www.newamerica.org/education-po...
Perspectives on Phasing Out Subminimum Wage
To help bring more states phase out subminimum wage and to spur change at the federal level, this report recommends how to smooth the transition to competitive integrated employment, fair wages, and w...
www.newamerica.org
February 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Hi all! Question to those with substack knowledge: I have a newsletter (linked) & thinking of moving to substack.

Pros? Cons? Accessibility concerns? Would keep free.

Welcome all thoughts!

www.unlockaccess.org/newsletter.h...
Newsletter
In January 2024, I began a monthly newsletter. The newsletter includes musings from me, updates about policy that impacts disability and accessibility, news clips that may be relevant to your work,...
www.unlockaccess.org
February 25, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Thanks to Katrina Miller at the NYT for this fantastic piece. Shout out to @bonnieswenor.bsky.social for excellent quotes.

Take a read. Scary moment and what is ahead for disability and research.

www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/s...
Accessibility Is Taking a Hit Across the Sciences (Gift Article)
Confusion has ensued about the future of programs and research supporting people with disabilities as a result of President Trump’s executive order.
www.nytimes.com
February 22, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Take a look. It is shocking, not surprising. But, the ironic part is the EO suggests a “focus” on making America healthy with multi-agency effort yet they are firing staff … so this is just harmful, devastating messaging.
This commission statement refers to people with Autism, ADHD, asthma, auto-immune disease, and chronic illness as a “dire threat to the American people and our way of life”.

This is a manifesto against disability.

This is the language of eugenics.
Establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1.
www.whitehouse.gov
February 18, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Reposted by Kim Knackstedt
WATCH: McMahon's confirmation proceedings are likely to focus on how she would handle President Trump's plans to dissolve the U.S. Education Department.
Watch: Confirmation hearing for Linda McMahon, Trump's education secretary pick
McMahon's confirmation proceedings are likely to focus on how she would handle President Trump's plans to dissolve the U.S. Education Department.
www.npr.org
February 13, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Really enjoyed working with @matthewcort.land to put together this webinar. Reach out if you have questions and hope it helps!! Thanks to those that had GREAT questions and tuned in.
Here's a webinar teaching folks how to meet with the office of a Senator or Congressperson to advocate for Medicaid & how to use social media to talk about the meeting and Medicaid

Meeting with offices is a way to take your advocacy to the next level. This sort of pressure is incredibly important.
How To: Medicaid Congressional Advocacy Webinar | Matthew Cortland
Get more from Matthew Cortland on Patreon
www.patreon.com
February 12, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Reposted by Kim Knackstedt
I've met with many cabinet nominees across many admins, and my meeting with RFK Jr. was by far the most troubling.

He rattled off debunked conspiracy theories & lied to my face—denying his own statements he'd made on record. We cannot confirm an anti-vaxxer as Secretary of Health.
February 11, 2025 at 10:03 PM
For those with migraines as winter storms roll in ... anyone else relate?!
a woman is talking to another woman and saying `` i have a fifth sense . ''
Alt: From mean girls, Karen (blonde girl) is talking to another girl and saying ``I have a fifth sense .''
media.tenor.com
February 11, 2025 at 6:33 PM
What I'm watching this week: HELP comm noms for DOL (2/12) and ED (2/13). Let's see solid questions, pushing for real answers, & confronting issues for students & workers. Accessibility is good for business & SWD have a RIGHT to an equitable education. Let's talk about it.
www.help.senate.gov
Home | The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
www.help.senate.gov
February 11, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Reposted by Kim Knackstedt
You are not powerless, and he is not unstoppable. Look at, and learn from, the funding freeze and how quickly he was forced to surrender.
February 10, 2025 at 3:26 PM