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American Abilities News Update — Thursday, November 12, 2026

Produced, written and edited by Richard J. McCollough. AI-generated narration; original graphics and labeled AI illustrations — not footage of the people or studies.

Video report · 60 seconds

American Abilities News Update

· Daily edition

Apple TV adds on-screen sign language interpretation, New York lets localities waive permit fees for disabled veterans' home accessibility changes, and how quickly concert noise can damage hearing.

  1. Hearing health

    Apple TV adds sign language interpretation

    Why it matters: Native sign language inside a major streaming player goes beyond captions for Deaf viewers.

  2. Disabilities

    NY lets localities waive fees for veterans' home access changes

    Why it matters: Lower permit costs can make it easier for disabled veterans to stay safely in their homes. Fee relief is optional for each locality.

  3. Wellness

    Concert noise can damage hearing in 14 minutes

    Why it matters: Noise damage is permanent but preventable. General information, not medical advice.

Sources for this report

Read the transcript

This is the American Abilities News Update, covering hearing loss, disabilities and wellness. It’s Thursday, November twelfth. Sponsored by Weatherfield Farm. Starting Friday, Apple TV will offer on-screen American and British Sign Language interpretation on select original films, beginning with the disability rights documentary “Being Heumann.” In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a law allowing local governments to waive or reduce permit fees when veterans with service-connected disabilities make accessibility changes to their homes. And hearing health advocate Shari Eberts warns that as little as fourteen minutes at a concert can permanently damage your hearing. Earplugs, including acoustic plugs, can protect your ears and often make the music sound clearer. Find these stories and their sources at AmericanAbilitiesTV.com/news. American Abilities News Update — Hearing Loss, Disabilities and Wellness.

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