ARCHIVE / 2022:
Access Information News for Monday, December 26, 2022 - Volume 890
The Week's News in Access Information
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1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last Week
A.) How The Brain Responds To Blindness | YouTube (6.1% of all clicks.)
In this video, Justin from the Institute of Human Anatomy discusses the brain's ability to remodel itself in the visually impaired:
https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/videos/how-the-brain-responds-to-blindness-368466
B.) The 11 Best Places To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs (5.6% of all clicks.)
Virtual assistants are in high demand. This article will help you find the best of those positions:
https://www.makeuseof.com/best-places-to-find-virtual-assistant-jobs/
C.) TPGi Announces Immediate Release of JAWS for Kiosk (Android ®) (5.6% of all clicks.)
JAWS ® for Kiosk, the world's most widely used and award-winning screen reader, is now available for Android:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tpgi-announces-immediate-release-jaws-135800143.html?guccounter=1
D.) What Is The Plausibility Of Elon Musk's Brain Implant Plans? (4.9% of all clicks.)
Neuralink, a startup co-founded by Elon Musk, is developing brain implant technology to improve the connection between humans and computers through implanted chips in the brain. The technology is purported to be able to restore a person's vision or assist people with mobility issues. Last week, Musk announced that the startup will begin human trials in six months. The idea of brain chips is not new. Researchers in this rapidly growing field have been developing devices that can decode brain signals for decades:
https://azbigmedia.com/business/what-is-the-plausibility-of-elon-musks-brain-implant-plans/
E.) Stumbling With Their Words, Some People Let AI Do The Talking | The Washington Post (3.7% of all clicks.)
Publisher: In my personal, professional and most humble opinion the "Rephrase" feature of the ChatGPT AI Model described within this article is in fact a killer app. But, unfortunately, not just for those with speech impediments. Just imagine what this technology could / would / will / or is already doing for phishers and scammers that do not speak a particular language very well. Those scams that were once easy to spot due to poor language usage will now be replaced by, well, examples like those outlined within this article. And I believe that will have the real world effect of fooling many more people into clicking on them. Be safe out there. Washington Post: The latest AI sensation, ChatGPT, is easy to talk to, bad at math and often deceptively, confidently wrong. Some people are finding real-world value in it, anyway:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/12/10/chatgpt-ai-helps-written-communication/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wp_business-technology
2) Sponsorship Package Updates
Availability: There are currently 11 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. Join Us: If you would like to support the ongoing distribution of Access Information News while reaching over 10,000 access professionals each week, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either quarterly or annually. Annual sponsors gain the additional benefit of being able to schedule their Featured Advertisements up to one year in advance. If you are an access information business or organization that has been looking for a way to consistently reach the largest audience of opt-in access professionals in the world today, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last. Benefits: Learn all about the benefits here:
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3) Access Information News Welcomes Access Ready, Inc. As Seventh Founding Publication Sponsor
Please join all of us here at Access Information News in welcoming aboard Access Ready, Inc. Access Ready, Inc. is now the seventh founding sponsor of the Access Information News publication. Access Ready, Inc. is also a long time Partner of the Top Tech Tidbits Publication. Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications. Learn more today at:
https://accessready.org/
4) Eve Hill Speaks To The Washington Post About The U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs' Inaccessible Websites That Are Locking Blind And Visually-Impaired Veterans Out Of Services.
Brown, Goldstein & Levy partner Eve Hill was featured in a recent Washington Post article entitled “Disabled veterans say they often can't make appointments, message their doctors or apply for benefits online.” The article examines how U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) websites and other technologies are inaccessible to over a million patients who are visually impaired or blind and rely on screen readers to access health care, apply for benefits, and more:
https://browngold.com/news/eve-hill-speaks-to-the-washington-post-about-the-u-s-department-of-veterans-affairs-inaccessible-websites-that-are-locking-blind-and-visually-impaired-veterans-out-of-services/
5) Pioneers Of Tech For The Visually Impaired WeWalk Raise £2M
WeWALK, the company behind the world's first smartphone-connected 'smart cane' for the visually impaired, has announced a £ 2M investment round to help evolve its technology and grow its global market presence:
https://www.businessleader.co.uk/pioneers-of-tech-for-the-visually-impaired-wewalk-raise-2m/
6) AccessWorld December 2022 Issue
December 2022 updates include: Editor's Notes: Closing out 2022 | AudiVision for Audible Vision on Android | Call and Chat with Discord: an Accessibility Review | What's New in macOS Ventura and watchOS 9:
https://www.afb.org/aw/23/12
7) What A Deafblind Kitchen Is Like | Updated Link
Publisher: This author wrote in to let us know that a website maintenance issue forced them to change the link to this article in which a deafblind reader describes what her kitchen looks like and lists products that she finds helpful for independent living:
https://iabilityi.com/uncategorized/jens-kitchen/
8) Hanukkah Books in Braille | Paths To Literacy
A list of favorite Hanukkah books available in braille:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/hanukkah-books-braille/
9) Holiday Cheer and Ideas for Preschoolers | Paths To Literacy
Lots of holiday ideas for multi-sensory activities for preschool children who are blind or visually impaired:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/holiday-cheer-and-ideas-preschoolers/
10) HelpMeSee Announces Collaboration to Fight Global Cataract Blindness
HelpMeSee, a global nonprofit that uses virtual reality and simulation-based training to eradicate cataract blindness, has announced a collaboration with Intel Corporation to accelerate its mission and increase access to sight-restoring surgery in developing countries:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/helpmesee-announces-collaboration-to-fight-global-cataract-blindness-301705534.html
11) Holiday Display In Madrid Becoming More Inclusive | YouTube
A new app called "Accessible Christmas" is guiding those who are visually impaired:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dj23fbgNhU
12) Blind Or Visually Impaired Michiganders Can Now Apply To Receive An Audible Currency Reader
Currency readers are available to eligible Michiganders who are blind or visually impaired. As announced by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), Michigan residents who are blind or visually impaired can apply to receive an audible currency reader at no cost through the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library:
https://www.wilx.com/2022/12/22/blind-or-visually-impaired-michiganders-can-now-apply-receive-an-audible-currency-reader/
13) Strand Bookstore Class Action Claims Website Inaccessible To Blind, Visually Impaired Visitors
Who: A legally blind woman sued the Strand bookstore. Why: The plaintiff says the bookstore's website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired people using a screen reader. Where: The Strand bookstore class action lawsuit was filed in a New York federal court:
https://topclassactions.com/disability-class-action-lawsuit/strand-bookstore-class-action-claims-website-inaccessible-to-blind-visually-impaired-visitors/
14) Kellogg Rolls Out New Packaging for Blind and Visually Impaired
Shopping for cereal at U.S. grocery stores just got easier for people who are blind or have low vision. Kellogg's has just announced that it is launching new packaging for four of its most popular cereal brands — Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Special K Original, Rice Krispies and Crispix — that features an innovative technology for the visually impaired called NaviLens:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/kellogg-navilens-cereal-packaging
15) Reader Review: Inaccessible Pin Pads That Require You To Use A Touch Screen | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan
Courtesy of Access Information News reader Donna Jodhan:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/5.html
16) 'How Is This Not The Norm?': The Campaign To Make Picture Books Accessible To Visually Impaired Children
Mr McGregor chasing Peter Rabbit away from his crops. The curved talons and bright orange eyes of the Gruffalo. The Very Hungry Caterpillar munching its way through a colorful meal. Picture books have given many of us our most evocative childhood memories, but for an estimated 37,000 blind and partially sighted children in England and Wales, the chance to tumble through brightly coloured pages into different worlds is just out of reach:
https://news.yahoo.com/not-norm-campaign-picture-books-064120070.html
17) News And Events From The Andrew Heiskell Library For January - March 2023
https://www.nypl.org/about/locations/heiskell/news
18) I Am A High School Student With A Visual Disability. Here's How I Learned To Ask For The Help I Need | Ava Stryker-Robbins
For a long time, my disorder made me feel inferior. No more. Throughout my life, it has been impossible for me to ignore my disability. People I talk to look like they have two heads due to my eyes' inability to fuse. Any vista in front of me is blurry. Little floaters decorate my field of vision. But while I learned to adapt to my visual impairment, it took me much longer to embrace my identity as a person with a disability:
https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2022/12/19/23506120/visual-disability-school-accommodations-asking-for-help
19) Typing Ideas, Lessons, and Tools | Paths To Literacy
Typing is a skill that can be challenging to learn for some of our students. Learn ways to make it less of a challenge with these tools:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/typing-ideas-lessons-and-tools/
20) Budapest Airport Provides Independent Indoor Navigation App For Visually Impaired Passengers
Following completion of the DANOVA project, Budapest Airport has become the first in Europe to provide an independent indoor navigation application for blind and visually impaired passengers. The airport has also installed tactile walking surface indicators along 1,100m of passenger areas:
https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2022/12/budapest-airport-provides-independent-indoor-navigation-app-for-visually-impaired-passengers/
21) Visually Impaired Girls Blazing The Ramp At The Lakme Fashion Show | YouTube
Eight blind girls took to the ramp at Rajkot recently in a fashion show organized by the Institute of Fashion and Jewellery Design (IFJD). The girls were accompanied by boys halfway into the ramp, after which the girls walked solo into the limelight to hearty applause from the audience. They were dressed in somber-colored gowns with lacey headgear and light makeup to complete their vintage western look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZfxnOpeZPY
22) Visually Impaired Player & Coach Frankie Rohan Labels Tennis A “Game Changer” As She Reveals Her Story Living With Vision Loss
From Durham, England, 36-year-old Frankie grew up immersed in the world of sport, but at the age of 28 she developed a life-threatening medical condition that would leave her fearful for the future. "I lost a lot of my sight due to a stroke when I was 28," said Frankie. "I was so poorly that I ended up losing my job and was forced to sell my house. So, at the time, there really didn't seem to be a way forward for me:"
https://www.lta.org.uk/news/visually-impaired-player--coach-frankie-rohan-labels-tennis-a-game-changer-as-she-reveals-her-story-living-with-vision-loss/
23) Braille Bites | Paths To Literacy
A new online series featuring recipes for early literacy activities and supporting tactile exploration skills:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/braille-bites/
24) Tampa Mapping Effort Expands City Access For Visually Impaired
In order to help support mobility for constituents who are blind or have low vision, the city of Tampa, Florida has implemented a new technology solution to improve access to city services and facilities:
https://www.govtech.com/gov-experience/tampa-mapping-effort-expands-city-access-for-visually-impaired
25) 33 Finance Launches 'MyCard' — Hong Kong's First UnionPay Prepaid Card For The Visually Impaired
33 Financial Services Limited launches 'MyCard,' the first contactless UnionPay prepaid card designed for the visually impaired in Hong Kong SAR. 'MyCard' adopts a global standard of accessible design for the visually impaired, which includes having Braille dots on the physical card and sending cardholders a voice SMS notification after each transaction on the UnionPay and 33 eWallet mobile applications is completed:
https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/198394/33-Finance-launches-%E2%80%98MyCard%E2%80%99---Hong-Kong%E2%80%99s-first-UnionPay-prepaid-card-for-the-Visually-Impaired
26) Visually Impaired Group Creates Pictureless Gourmet Guide | Tokyo, Japan
A unique gourmet booklet for Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, titled “Unpictured Gourmet Guide,” was released by a group of visually impaired people in autumn, in an effort to realize the vision Shibuya has for itself of having a diverse and unified culture:
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20221221-78670/
➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events
✍ Submit your access information related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-webinar or locate "Webinar / Training Course Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) Ask The Advocate | APH ConnectCenter
December 28th 2022 | 5:30PM PT, 6:30PM MT, 7:30PM CT, 8:30PM ET, 1:30AM GMT on 12/29 | Answering questions families have to better understand the processes, procedures and parent rights in a 504/IEP. When parents are better informed they will be better equipped to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes:
https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rSJUAYVjTfCA34Ibi8gyuQ
2) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 4: Braille Around the World | APH
January 4th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's celebrate Louis Braille's Day and explore different braille codes around the world:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
3) Braille Technology Throughout the Ages: A Special Event for World Braille Day | The Braillists Foundation
January 4th 2023 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | In addition to our collaboration with Sight and Sound Technology, we are pleased to present an evening panel discussion for World Braille Day focussing on braille technology: its past, present and future. We will be joined by historians, people working in the braille technology industry today and developers of the next generation of braille hardware and software. The event will take place on Wednesday 4 January at 7:00 PM, and you will need to register in advance. This is a separate registration link to both our regular Masterclasses and the event with Sight and Sound. Please email help@braillists.org ✉ if you have difficulties completing the form:
https://www.braillists.org/uncategorised/braille-technology-throughout-the-ages-a-special-event-for-world-braille-day/
4) 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
January 5th 2023 through January 8th 2023 | CES ® is the most influential tech event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) ®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. Register now:
https://www.ces.tech/
5) Maryland Technology Assistance Program | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)
January 7th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | MD-TAP can help Marylanders acquire, use and own valuable assistive technology products. Learn how you can benefit from their programs. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 ☎or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov ✉
6) Expand Your Blind Life with Sam Seavey
January 11th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Join us for a presentation from Sam, host of the popular YouTube channel, The Blind Life, who will discuss his experience with hosting a YouTube channel and the challenges he's faced living with Stargardt Disease. Sam is the founder and creator of The Blind Life YouTube channel, with more than 46,000 subscribers and over 700 informative videos. He helps people world-wide living with vision loss, offering tips for managing daily tasks, reviewing assistive devices, and hosting informative interviews with key stakeholders in the visually impaired community. He collaborates with tech giants like Google, SONY and Amazon, has created content for MacularDegeneration.net and participates on Microsoft's Window's Accessibility Advisory Board. Join us for an opportunity to learn about Sam's journey living with Stargardt Disease and hosting a popular YouTube channel. Venue/Location: Event Type: Virtual. Organizer: Los Angeles Center, (323) 663-1111 ☎, la@brailleinstitute.org ✉. Capacity: Unlimited spots available. Register for this event:
https://brailleinstitute.org/bioa-event/expand-your-blind-life-with-sam-seavey
7) Special Needs Trusts: Planning For Your Future
January 18th 2023 | 3:30PM PT, 4:30PM MT, 5:30PM CT, 6:30PM ET, 11:30PM GMT | Join the Carroll Center for the Blind's Exclusive Trust Partner, PLAN of MA & RI, for an informational webinar to learn about Special Needs Trusts and how they can help you and your loved ones plan for your future. A Special Needs Trust allows money to be set aside for a person with a disability. The trust is intended to help preserve funds for the sole benefit of this person, enhance their quality of life, and protect their eligibility for public benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Speaker: Kathy Vitello, LSW, Director of Operations at PLAN of MA and RI. About the Speaker: Kathy Vitello is a Licensed Social Worker with more than 35 years of experience working with seniors, people who are physically challenged, and chronically ill. She has broad experience and insight — drawn from her work in hospitals, in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and psychiatric facilities, and in-home care and hospice settings. Kathy holds a degree in Mental Health from Northern Essex Community College; has a BA in Applied Mental Health from University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and earned certificates in Suicide Prevention in Older Adults and Mental Health and Aging from the Institute for Geriatric Social Work at Boston University. Kathy has also participated in a week-long training in Thanatology and is a member of the NPA Conference Planning Committee.
What You'll Learn: Information about the different types of Special Needs Trusts. Why a Special Needs Trust is beneficial to you. How to protect your assets without affecting your Social Security Disability Benefits. Unique features of PLAN as a Professional Trustee. Who Should Attend: Individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits. Parents, family members, and other caregivers of a person with a disability. Professionals. Individuals who think they could benefit from a Special Needs Trust:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S1lhF8UVQP6IygWFlBfFZQ?bblinkid=265480395&bbemailid=44518399&bbejrid=-1739148575
8) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 5: School Aged Numeracy | APH
February 1st 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Using LEGO Braille Bricks to do math: let's discover some of the many uses of these little bricks to develop numerical and geometry skills, understand symmetry, and much more:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
9) Maryland Accessible Telecommunications | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)
February 11th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | Formerly Maryland Relay, this state resource can help clients acquire cell phones, TTY equipment, and other communication devices. The application process is easy and highly encouraged. Learn about all of the programs offered and how you can benefit. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 ☎ or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov ✉
10) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH
March 6th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's explore daily-living activities using LEGO Braille Bricks and share our best practices, experiences, tips:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
11) Using Garage Band App to Create a Song | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)
March 11th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | You have seen this app on your iDevice, and maybe you have even opened it once or twice. In this presentation, you will learn how to create a song from scratch and how to make modifications. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 ☎ or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov ✉
12) 2023 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference
March 13th 2023 through March 17th 2023 | Welcome. Whether you have been attending the conference for years or are planning to attend your first, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, also known as the CSUN Conference, is the ultimate community experience and the premier forum on technology for all persons with disabilities. For over 37 years, California State University, Northridge's Center on Disabilities has sponsored the conference, providing a platform for researchers, practitioners, educators, exhibitors and more from around the world, where they can share knowledge, innovations, and best practices to promote inclusion for all. Building on the momentum from the 2022 conference, exciting new plans are in the works to enhance the conference experience. We encourage you to join us in Anaheim, California in 2023, where attendees can attend Pre-Conference Workshops, the yearly Keynote Address, Featured Presentations, General Sessions, Sponsor Showcase Suites and the Exhibit Hall. We also continue developing new programming to build community and networking opportunities. Check back often or follow us on social media for the latest updates, details, and deadlines. For information on sponsor or exhibitor opportunities, please visit our Opportunities page or email us at conference@csun.edu ✉. We can't wait until the CSUN Conference community is back together to learn, share and connect:
https://www.csun.edu/cod/conference/sessions/
13) 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference
March 15th 2023 and March 16th 2023 | Deque Systems, the trusted leader in digital accessibility, has announced the third annual axe-con conference will return on March 15-16th, 2023. With the success of axe-con over the past two years, Deque will continue to host the conference as a free virtual event again next year. Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences:
https://www.deque.com/blog/save-the-date-for-axe-con-2023/
14) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH
April 5th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's discover together how to make music with these famous bricks! Come and share your creative ideas:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
15) How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)
April 8th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | This operating system has been around for a while, and people champion its security strengths and applications. Should you upgrade, and what is that process? All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 ☎ or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov ✉
16) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH
May 3rd 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
17) Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)
May 13th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | Whether you are traveling to another city, state or country, we will look at tools and resources that will help you get the most assistance for your venture. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 ☎ or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov ✉
18) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH
June 7th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
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➜ Access Ready Seeks Guidance On New Accessible Technologies
What Technologies do you see in the market that are not accessible, but should be? What accessible technologies can you imagine that can make the lives of people with all kinds of disabilities better? We will advocate with developers to make existing technologies accessible on your behalf. We will advocate with developers to build new accessible technologies on your behalf. Give us your guidance and support. Your guidance charts our path toward what is most important. Your support funds our efforts on your behalf:
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About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
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Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter
➜ Prepare For Your Future Today With The All-New APH ConnectCenter's Job Seekers Toolkit!
The APH ConnectCenter and NSITE have partnered to update the Job Seeker's Toolkit, an accessible, self-paced, free online training course. The Toolkit includes five sections covering self-awareness, career exploration tools, the preliminary employment process, the interview, and maintaining employment. We are bringing the Job Seeker's Toolkit to a larger audience and in a Learning Management System format for today's learners, at no cost. Visit APHCareerConnect.org to get started with the Job Seekers Toolkit today at:
https://aphcareerconnect.org/lesson-plans-for-teachers-and-professionals/the-job-seekers-toolkit/
Sponsor Since: November 29th 2022
Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐
Email: connectcenter@aph.org ✉
APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line:
(800) 232-5463 ☎
Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET
Facebook (CareerConnect) | Facebook (FamilyConnect) | Facebook (VisionAware) | Twitter | YouTube
About: The APH ConnectCenter offers curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives.
Sponsor: Menus4ALL
➜ A Revolution in Resolution — Menus for Everyone
No matter when, where or who, the Menus4ALL iPhone app gives you the info you need quickly. No more multiple Google searches to research menus before going out. Info is organized to give you quick access to what you are looking for — the menu! Optimized to give you the best viewing experience. No more struggling to see small print, or looking at a menu in a dimly lit restaurant. Do you use magnification, large print, VoiceOver, a braille display or Voice Control? Enjoy 750,000 fully accessible menus. Download the app today at:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/menus4all/id1640547801?platform=iphone
Sponsor Since: November 20th 2022
Website: https://www.menus4all.com/ 🌐
Email: stephanie@menus4all.com ✉
About: 750,000 Accessible Restaurant Menus. On your iPhone ® in the palm of your hand.
Yes, that's not a typo. The Menus4ALL iPhone app offers 500,000 accessible menus in the United States and 250,000 accessible menus in Canada.
Wherever you are and whenever you want The Menus4ALL iPhone app is the largest network of restaurant menus in one place and all of the menus are fully accessible.
Perfect for when you are out running errands and want to know what restaurants are near your current location. Great for planning a night out with friends. Favorite menus that you want to look at later or when you know you are going back for that amazing dish.
Download The App (Apple): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/menus4all/id1640547801?platform=iphone
Sponsor: WayAround
➜ Save 10% on WayAround 25 Packs Until December 15th!
Use the coupon code Merry10 to get 10% off any 25-pack of WayTag NFC tags now through December 15th. Choose from many popular styles of WayTag NFC tags: stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips. Use the WayTags with the FREE mobile app to add a description and other important details, so you can spend less time figuring out what things are, and more time getting things done. Order by December 15 for guaranteed arrival by Christmas!
https://www.wayaround.com/shop/product-category/25-packs/?utm_source=AssistiveTech&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AccessInfoNewsSponsorAd
Sponsor Since: November 18th 2022
Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐
General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 ☎
Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 ☎
Email: connect@wayaround.com ✉
About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence.
All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®.
Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence.
Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8
Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround
Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
➜ Finally! Holding Businesses Accountable
Those who need accessibility accommodations aren't strangers to jumping in with self-advocacy to achieve it. But, what about the rest of us? When explaining the benefits of a reasonable accommodation to one's place of work or school. This is where our self-advocacy kits come in. Pneuma has written up customizable email templates you can modify according to your situation. We cover a variety of different advocacy scenarios. Simply choose your scenario, answer a few simple questions, adapt the language, address it to the right person, and submit it! Self-advocacy has never been easier:
https://pneumasolutions.com/finally-holding-businesses-accountable/
Sponsor Since: November 7th 2022
Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐
Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education.
Sales: (866) 202-0520 ☎
Support: (650) 249-1000 ☎
About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive?
Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs.
Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.
➜ Access Ready Seeks Your Support at the Public Policy Level
Moving the public policy needle is both difficult and costly. Access Ready has one of the most experienced teams in the business who have shown results. We have fostered Congressional language on accessible websites, elections, healthcare, communications, and other areas touched by information and communications technologies. These efforts are costly and we need your help to continue. Become an Access Ready supporter and create an accessible future for people with disabilities:
https://accessready.org/
Sponsor Since: December 19th 2022
Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐
Email: info@accessready.org ✉
Phone: (727) 531-1000 ☎
About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.
➜ Access Ready Provides Access To The Best In The Business
If you need assistance with a new accessible website, document remediation or disability consulting of other kinds, Access Ready can help. We seek out the best in the business and bring them to you already vetted as to quality, professionalism and ability. By going through AccessReady.org to one of our qualified providers, you're not only getting the best, but supporting our advocacy and technological development efforts as well:
https://accessready.org/
Sponsor Since: December 13th 2022
Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐
Email: info@accessready.org ✉
Phone: (727) 531-1000 ☎
About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
Your Name Here: Sponsor Package #8 of 18 Available For Purchase
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Sponsor Since: Today
Website: https://accessinformationnews.com/ 🌐
Phone: (855) 578-6660 ☎
Email: news@accessinformationnews.com ✉
About: Access Information News is a leading, not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 10,000 access professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Access Information refers to informational topics that directly affect the lives of people with disabilities. Access Information includes any and all information related to bettering the lives of people who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled. Access Information News is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication.
11 of 18 Sponsorship Packages currently available.
Access Information News is a leading, not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 10,000 access professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week.
Access Information refers to informational topics that directly affect the lives of people with disabilities. Access Information includes any and all information related to bettering the lives of people who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled.
Access Information News offers a total of 18 Sponsorship Packages which are used to support the ongoing distribution of the publication.
➜ Availability: There are currently 11 of 18 Sponsorship Packages available. All 18 Sponsorship Packages are offered on a first-come, first serve basis.
➜ Waiting List: If you would like to become an Access Information News Sponsor but there are no sponsorship packages currently available, we encourage you to join our waiting list by sending an email to: sponsorships@accessinformationnews.com ✉. Once you have joined our waiting list we will notify you the next time a current sponsor decides not to renew. You will then have 72 hours to secure your sponsorship before it is offered to the next sponsor on the list.
➜ Pricing Options: When available you can secure one of these packages for just $300.00 USD for the next 3 months, or $1,200.00 USD for the next year. Annual sponsors gain the ability to schedule all 4 of their Featured Advertisement dates up to one year in advance.
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Access Information News for Monday, December 19, 2022 - Volume 889
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com/
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
https://mvsltd.com/
Access Information News. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information.
Subscribers: 7,087 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email.
This Week's Featured Advertisement: Have You Been Looking For A Way To Consistently Reach The Largest Audience Of Opt-In Access Professionals In The World Today? Please Consider Becoming A Sponsor For Just $100 USD Per Month. While Packages Last. This Issue Made Possible By Support From The Following Sponsors:
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This issue made possible by Sponsorship support from Pneuma Solutions, WayAround, Menus4ALL, APH ConnectCenter and Access Ready, Inc. Learn more about Sponsorship today at: https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsor.
Dear Access Information News Subscriber,
✍ Submit your access information news item for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-news or locate "News Item Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last Week
A.) What A Deafblind Kitchen Is Like (6.3% of all clicks.)
A Deafblind reader describes what her kitchen looks like and lists products that she finds helpful for independent living:
https://iabilityi.com/uncategorized/jens-kitchen/
B.) Why Listening To Audiobooks Is As Good As Reading Books (5.7% of all clicks.)
Some people may not like it, but listening to audiobooks also counts as reading, and here's why:
https://www.makeuseof.com/why-listening-audiobooks-counts-as-reading/
C.) Reader Review: Self Service Check Outs at Supermarkets | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan (5.6% of all clicks.)
Courtesy of Access Information News reader Donna Jodhan:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/2.html
D.) A Version Of "A Christmas Carol" With Characters And Narration Voiced By Various Speech Synthesizers: Produced By Martin Courcelles | MP3 | David Goldfield | Tech-VI List (4.9% of all clicks.)
I first found this gem several years ago, downloaded it and have continued to archive it. It's a wonderful adaptation of "a Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. The narrator along with each character is voiced by a different speech synthesizer, many or all of which you might recognize. As an example, the character Ebenezer Scrooge is voiced by one of the British Eloquence voices. This piece also has music and soundscapes. I am grateful to Martin for once again making this available which he did in a recent post on Mastodon:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2zczncdhxkdcxb1/a_synth_Xmas_carol.mp3?dl=0
E.) Braille Institute Presents Unique Holiday Gift Items For Anyone With Low To No Vision (4.7% of all clicks.)
Searching for the perfect gift for a family member or friend who is blind or visually impaired? Braille Institute has put together a selection of the best gifts for those with low to no vision. This holiday season gift something they can use all year-long:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/braille-institute-presents-unique-holiday-gift-items-for-anyone-with-low-to-no-vision-301696521.html
2) Sponsorship Package Updates
Availability: There are currently 12 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. Join Us: If you would like to support the ongoing distribution of Access Information News while reaching over 10,000 access professionals each week, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either quarterly or annually. Annual sponsors gain the additional benefit of being able to schedule their Featured Advertisements up to one year in advance. If you are an access information business or organization that has been looking for a way to consistently reach the largest audience of opt-in access professionals in the world today, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last. Benefits: Learn all about the benefits here:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-information.html#sponsorship-package-benefits ✉
3) Access Information News Welcomes Access Ready, Inc. As Sixth Founding Publication Sponsor
Please join all of us here at Access Information News in welcoming aboard Access Ready, Inc. Access Ready, Inc. is now the sixth founding sponsor of the Access Information News publication. Access Ready, Inc. is also a long time Partner of the Top Tech Tidbits Publication. Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications. Learn more today at:
https://accessready.org/
4) Newly Added Website Carousel Provides Additional Exposure For Access Information News Sponsors
On December 19th 2022 the Access Information News website (specifically, the Home page) was updated to include a visual image carousel, also known in web development parlance as an "image slider". Visual image carousels, or image sliders, act like a visual pitch deck, with each image in the carousel representing a single "slide". These images automatically "slide" in and out of view every few seconds, giving visual users the appearance of a flip book. The new Access Information News image carousel now includes a single slide for each Sponsor. Learn more here:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/4.html
5) Stumbling With Their Words, Some People Let AI Do The Talking | The Washington Post
Publisher: In my personal, professional and most humble opinion the "Rephrase" feature of the ChatGPT AI Model described within this article is in fact a killer app. But, unfortunately, not just for those with speech impediments. Just imagine what this technology could / would / will / or is already doing for phishers and scammers that do not speak a particular language very well. Those scams that were once easy to spot due to poor language usage will now be replaced by, well, examples like those outlined within this article. And I believe that will have the real world effect of fooling many more people into clicking on them. Be safe out there. Washington Post: The latest AI sensation, ChatGPT, is easy to talk to, bad at math and often deceptively, confidently wrong. Some people are finding real-world value in it, anyway:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/12/10/chatgpt-ai-helps-written-communication/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wp_business-technology
6) The 11 Best Places To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
Virtual assistants are in high demand. This article will help you find the best of those positions:
https://www.makeuseof.com/best-places-to-find-virtual-assistant-jobs/
7) Expecting Mom Who Is Visually Impaired Able To 'See' Baby With 3D Printed Ultrasound | YouTube
Ashton Johnson got an ultrasound she didn't know how she would see the results. Her OBGYN doctor teamed with another doctor to create 3D prints of the ultrasound:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvX9hss5iUI
8) How An Expectant Mother With Visual Impairment Was Able To 'See' Her Baby | Video | CNN
Doctors helped expectant Nebraska mother, Ashton Johnson, who has a visual impairment, get a better idea of what her unborn baby looks like with an innovative 3D printed ultrasound. CNN affiliate KETV has the story:
https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2022/12/10/visually-impaired-expecting-mother-3d-ultrasound-affil-pkg-cprog-vpx.ketv
9) What Is The Plausibility Of Elon Musk's Brain Implant Plans?
Neuralink, a startup co-founded by Elon Musk, is developing brain implant technology to improve the connection between humans and computers through implanted chips in the brain. The technology is purported to be able to restore a person's vision or assist people with mobility issues. Last week, Musk announced that the startup will begin human trials in six months. The idea of brain chips is not new. Researchers in this rapidly growing field have been developing devices that can decode brain signals for decades:
https://azbigmedia.com/business/what-is-the-plausibility-of-elon-musks-brain-implant-plans/
10) Accessibility = Go! A Guide To Action: Delivering On Seven Accessibility Commitments
The World Blind Union has published this guide for organizations:
https://worldblindunion.org/programs/accessibility/accessibility-go-a-guide-to-action/
11) WGGB Launches Access Rider For Disabled Writers
Disabled writers are seriously under-represented in the creative industries, and in UK broadcasting alone make up only 5.4% of contributions, according to data this year from Project Diamond. To reduce access barriers for freelance writers in broadcasting, film, theatre, publishing and the video games industry, WGGB has launched Writers' Access Rider:
https://writersguild.org.uk/access-rider/
12) Walgreens Announces Free Paxlovid Delivery
COVID cases are rising again, but deaths have remained low compared to earlier seasons, thanks in part to treatments like Paxlovid:
https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/walgreens-announces-free-paxlovid-delivery/#ftag=CAD590a51e
13) My Web Accessibility Experiences on Retail Sites: Common Challenges | Michael Taylor | UsableNet
In this post, I share my experience with web accessibility on e-commerce websites for small to medium size retailers, including the most common accessibility challenges I face. and six ideas for businesses that want to improve web accessibility. Because I am a blind online shopper and will focus primarily on screen reader accessibility. Yet, it should be noted that different disability groups have varying accessibility needs:
https://blog.usablenet.com/my-accessibility-experiences-with-smaller-online-shopping-sites-a-real-light-bulb-moment
14) Blind And Disabled Veterans Can't Access VA Websites, Report Says
Disabled veterans say they often can't make appointments, message their doctors or apply for benefits online:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/12/14/va-website-accessibility-disabled-veterans/
15) Unlocking The Virtual Front Door: An Examination Of Federal Technology's Accessibility For People With Disabilities, Older Adults And Veterans
On December 14th 2022 Senator Casey, Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, released a Majority staff report on the accessibility of federal technology for people with disabilities. Articles on the report appeared in The Washington Post and The Hill. Links below. Unlocking the Virtual Front Door examines the federal government's compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires federal technology to be accessible and usable for people with disabilities. The report found that the Department of Veterans Affairs has failed to consistently make its technology accessible for people with disabilities, and that other departments and agencies, including the Social Security Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, have suffered from similar failures. Unlocking the Virtual Front Door includes a set of 12 recommendations for ensuring federal technology is accessible, including recommendations for the executive branch and Congress. You can review a two-page summary of the recommendations and a copy of the report using these links:
Report: https://www.acccessinformationnews.com/documents/Unlocking-The-Virtual-Front-Door-Full-Report.pdf
Recommendations: https://www.acccessinformationnews.com/documents/Unlocking-The-Virtual-Front-Door-Recommendations.pdf
16) Federal Web Accessibility Focus Puts Private Sector on Notice
Federal agencies, as well as the private sector, are facing pressure due to a growing focus on web accessibility by the Department of Justice, which recently sought to increase its own online user-friendliness with a makeover of its ADA.gov website. DOJ said it would make the site more "user-centered" by incorporating easier to understand language, among other upgrades. The website itself offers information to employers and employees on the rights of disabled people in the workplace and in public spaces:
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/federal-web-accessibility-focus-puts-private-sector-on-notice
17) TPGi Announces Immediate Release of JAWS for Kiosk (Android ®)
JAWS ® for Kiosk, the world's most widely used and award-winning screen reader, is now available for Android:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tpgi-announces-immediate-release-jaws-135800143.html?guccounter=1
18) DOJ Agreement with UC Berkeley Over Digital Content Accessibility Could Have Huge Impact On IHEs
A new consent decree between the Justice Department and University of California, Berkeley resolving allegations that UC Berkeley's digital content is not accessible enough may have much broader implications for education institutions with free online content and courses that are not fully ADA compliant — regardless of the platform where the institution's content exists:
https://campustechnology.com/articles/2022/12/15/doj-agreement-with-uc-berkeley-over-digital-content-inaccessibility-could-have-huge-impact-on-ihes.aspx
19) FDA Clears New Continuous Glucose Monitor From Dexcom | CNet
One of our favorite CGM systems is getting an upgrade. The G7 is smaller than the G6, takes less time to warm up and comes with an improved app and alerts:
https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/fda-clears-new-continuous-glucose-monitor-from-dexcom/#ftag=CAD590a51e
20) 'The Blind Woodsman' — Whose Designs Wow Millions — Says 'No One Would Know' Him Without His Wife
John Furniss, who lost his eyesight at the age of 16 after a near-fatal suicide attempt, has turned his life around and become a TikTok sensation:
https://people.com/human-interest/the-blind-woodsman-says-no-one-would-know-him-without-wife-real-life-love/
21) PWDs And The Rise Of Remote Work | BusinessWorldTV | YouTube
Carolina C. Catacutan-Sam, ATRIEV Chief of Operations, explains how online work has helped persons with disabilities enter the job market. Technology is an "equalizing factor," says Ms. Catacutan-Sam, who is totally blind. ATRIEV stands for Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpB-VUWXm8E
22) Tampa Partners With Tech Startup Lazarillo To Boost Accessibility For The Blind, Visually Impaired
A new app maps select city locations to provide easy navigation. The city of Tampa has implemented a new pilot project with assistive technology company Lazarillo to improve access to select locations for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The city and company are working together to create accessible indoor and outdoor maps of public buildings and parks that can be navigated with audio guidance on a smartphone:
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/576630-tampa-partners-with-tech-startup-lazarillo-to-boost-accessibility-for-the-blind-visually-impaired/
23) The Carroll Center for the Blind Announces Strategic Partnership with Level Access to Advance Career Readiness for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Carroll Center for the Blind — a pioneering and innovative vision rehabilitation and educational center for the blind and visually impaired of all ages, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with Level Access — the trusted provider of enterprise digital accessibility solutions. Through this partnership, Level Access has committed to a multi-year grant to help fund The Carroll Center for the Blind's Screen Reader User Tester training program:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-carroll-center-for-the-blind-announces-strategic-partnership-with-level-access-to-advance-career-readiness-for-the-blind-and-visually-impaired-301704172.html
24) APH Partners With Daisy Consortium On New Digital Braille Standard
We're pleased to announce our partnership with the DAISY Consortium to develop a brand-new, electronic braille standard! This development is an important step as we continue to imagine, create, and produce more high-tech braille devices. It is essential that the eBRF be accessible on both braille displays and embossers. The eBRF is being created in collaboration with leaders from the field and will change the way braille users, teachers, and transcribers interact with braille and tactile graphics:
https://www.aph.org/aph-partners-with-daisy-consortium-on-new-digital-braille-standard/
25) Kellogg Empowers Blind Consumers In U.S. With NaviLens Technology On Packaging
Kellogg is the first food company in the U.S. to introduce this accessibility feature on packaging following a successful pilot in Europe:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kellogg-empowers-blind-consumers-in-us-with-navilens-technology-on-packaging-301702736.html
26) Self-Checkouts Often Inaccessible to Disabled Shoppers
In July 2018, Melissa Sheeder, a visually-impaired person, attempted to use the self-checkout lane at a Maryland Walmart. After struggling to scan some of the items, Sheeder's friend, who is also visually-impaired, asked a nearby employee for help. But instead of helping them check out, the Walmart employee canceled the transaction, helped put the merchandise back in their cart, and directed them to a cashier lane:
https://foodinstitute.com/focus/self-checkout-often-inaccessible-to-disabled-shoppers/
27) Tactile Paper Dolls: Incorporating The ECC
Tactile paper dolls offer lots of opportunities to work on functional skills and many areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum, such as independent living, career exploration, and social skills:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/tactile-paper-dolls-incorporating-ecc/
28) HearUSA To Offer Sony Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
Responding to the Food and Drug Administration's recent approval of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, today HearUSA announced that it will offer Sony's new over-the-counter hearing aids. The first two models — the Sony CRE-C10 and Sony CRE-E10 — will be available for clients to purchase early next year in all HearUSA centers and online, according to the announcement:
https://hearingreview.com/hearing-products/hearing-aids/otc/hearusa-to-offer-sony-over-the-counter-hearing-aids
29) Georgia Library Service For The Blind And Print Disabled Launches New Accessibility Features
Our new website is easier to read and easier to navigate, so anyone using adapted technology, like a screen reader, will be able to more easily, independently go through our website and find the information that they need:
https://www.wabe.org/georgia-library-service-for-the-blind-and-print-disabled-launches-new-accessibility-features/
30) DIY Theme Boxes | Paths To Literacy
Theme boxes can be used to help children who are blind or visually impaired with multiple disabilities to develop basic concepts, expand language, and understand experiences:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/diy-theme-boxes/
31) Computer Vision Technology Startup Brodmann17 Has Shut Down
Brodmann17, an Israeli computer vision technology startup that developed a novel approach to take on a marketplace dominated by Mobileye, shut down this week. Brodmann17's co-founder and CEO Adi Pinhas posted a message on LinkedIn announcing the move, stating that while the company would not be able to bring its products to the mass market as hoped, "we do get comfort that our innovation will hopefully influence the market thinking and others will proceed in the mission of creating safer mobility to everyone:"
https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/09/computer-vision-technology-startup-brodmann17-has-shut-down/
32) How The Brain Responds To Blindness | YouTube
In this video, Justin from the Institute of Human Anatomy discusses the brain's ability to remodel itself in the visually impaired:
https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/videos/how-the-brain-responds-to-blindness-368466
33) Can AI Smart Glasses Make Blind People More Independent? | YouTube | BBC News
Using AI-powered smart glasses can improve personal independence for visually impaired people, according to one blind user of the technology. Stuart Beveridge, who is visually impaired and has been blind since birth, relies on his guide dog around the clock. But since 2020, he has been using smart glasses with software which can take a photo and describe his surroundings. It can also connect him with loved ones who can access his video vision. "I'm actually doing a lot more on my own,"" Mr Beveridge said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehOgzmaVpw4
34) Holiday Ideas and Activities for 2022 | Paths To Literacy
December means lots of events, activities, and celebrations. Here are some ways to make it a meaningful learning experience for our students with visual impairments:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/holiday-ideas-and-activities-for-2022/
35) State Partnership Aims To Help Visually Impaired Ohioans With COVID-19 Testing
This first-of-its-kind partnership with the Ohio Department of Health, pairs users with a specialized pharmacy that aids the user via video chat with a COVID-19 test:
https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/state-partnership-aims-to-help-visually-impaired-ohioans-with-covid-19-testing
36) How a Visually Impaired Athlete Competes Triathlon: Go Inside Worlds with Kyle Coon | YouTube
Here's a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the relationship between Kyle Coon and his guide Zack:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMmelBc-mTg
37) How Visually Impaired Content Creators Do Their Makeup
If the beauty industry has shown us anything over the last few decades, it's that makeup is for everyone. People of all genders, skin tones, ages, sexual orientations, and abilities are able to experience the power of transformation — whether that comes from throwing on some red lipstick at the office or executing a glitter cut crease for a TikTok tutorial. And, despite makeup being primarily recognized as a visual medium, it's enjoyed by many in the visually impaired community:
https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/blind-low-vision-approach-makeup-49034384
38) Sensory Bags | Paths To Literacy
Sensory bags can be used to increase tactile exploration, hand strength & finger coordination, as well as cognitive concepts with kids who are blind or visually impaired & also multiple disabilities"
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/sensory-bags/
39) Skiing Gives Blind Students Vision As Challenge Aspen Hosts Visitors In Snowmass
It was nothing but pure bliss for Leah Mayberry when she skied down the hill off the magic carpet at Snowmass on Sunday morning. "I did it! I did it! I did it! Woo hoo!" she yelled. Mayberry is one of 14 visually impaired students from the Tennessee School for the Blind and the Governor Morehead School for the Blind (North Carolina) visiting Snowmass to learn to ski:
https://www.aspentimes.com/news/skiing-gives-blind-students-vision/
40) Sightline by Consilio eDiscovery Platform Achieves WCAG Web Accessibility Certification
Consilio, the global leader of legal technology solutions and enterprise legal services, announced today that it has achieved conformance with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standard for its leading eDiscovery platform, Sightline by Consilio. This certification demonstrates that the Company's eDiscovery platform is accessible to a wide range of people with disabilities:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221213005282/en/Sightline-by-Consilio-eDiscovery-Platform-Achieves-WCAG-Web-Accessibility-Certification
41) Accessibility In Chicago: A Local Shares Favorite Spots For Blind And Visually Impaired Visitors | Beth Finke
I grew up in the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst. When my oldest sister moved to Chicago, she took it upon herself to expose her baby sister to the Chicago architecture and art scene: the Old Town Art Fair, the lakefront, the Chicago Cultural Center, The Art Institute of Chicago, and beyond. I knew then that I'd live in Chicago someday. What I didn't know is that I'd be blind by the time I made that move. In 1985, I was diagnosed with a rare eye disease called retinopathy. Efforts to save my eyesight failed. I've been totally blind ever since:
https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/arts-culture-entertainment/accessibility-in-chicago-a-local-shares-favorite-spots-for-blind-and-visually-impaired-visitors/
42) Thriving Through Vision Loss: 5 Bostonians On Identity, Career Growth And Giving Back | Technical.ly
In this part of a series exploring what thriving means to different people, Technical.ly spoke with members of the visually impaired community about how they've overcome challenges, and what drives them now:
https://technical.ly/civic-news/thriving-visually-impaired-boston/
43) Coca-Cola UK Becomes First Beverage Brand To Pilot NaviLens Technology For Visually Impaired
Coca-Cola has rolled out NaviLens codes across 24x330ml and 30x330ml packs of its Christmas can multi-packs, which can be scanned with a mobile phone camera from distances of up to four meters to help blind and partially sighted consumers, and are readable even when unfocused:
https://packagingeurope.com/news/coca-cola-uk-becomes-first-beverage-brand-to-pilot-navilens-technology-for-visually-impaired/9183.article
44) Expanded Museum Audio Descriptions Help The Sight-Impaired Envision The Art
"Look, but don't touch" has long been one of the tenets of interacting with fine art, from great works of painting to sculpture, for obvious reasons. But where does that leave museum goers for whom seeing is limited or impossible?
https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/art-exhibits/expanded-museum-audio-descriptions-help-the-sight-impaired-envision-the-art
45) I'm A Blind Scientist And Inventor. More Disabled Kids Should Have The Opportunities I Had | Time
As a little kid, I was fascinated by the inner workings of every device in my family's home. I would spend hours disassembling and reassembling radios, toasters, and other household appliances, trying to figure out how they worked. Some sighted adults marveled at this, but to me, a blind kid exploring the world, it felt perfectly natural. Blindness is a hands-on process:
https://time.com/6241021/stem-education-normalize-disability-access/
➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events
✍ Submit your access information related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-webinar or locate "Webinar / Training Course Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) ZoomText, JAWS & Fusion: Latest Features (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 21st 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | It's that time again. Not only is it the holidays but also the time when there are important updates for ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion. Join Ian Ramos and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to explore what's new in the 2023 updates and some features within the past few years. Learning Outcomes: Briefly explain the differences between ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion. Compare the different licenses and how you can find out if you are eligible for the latest updates. Explore new 2023 features such as Tethered View, Smart Glance, Notification History improvements, New Tables Only option for Smart Navigation, etc. Review recent features, including Docking the Quick Access Bar, Voice Assistant, Sound Splitter, New Vocalizer Expressive Voices and Languages, and more. Meeting ID: 827 9977 1867 | Passcode: 853407 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82799771867#,,,,*853407# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82799771867?pwd=VVNHeWhjVVVLc1JDUUtSMlllMnlQZz09#success
2) Ask The Advocate | APH ConnectCenter
December 28th 2022 | 5:30PM PT, 6:30PM MT, 7:30PM CT, 8:30PM ET, 1:30AM GMT on 12/29 | Answering questions families have to better understand the processes, procedures and parent rights in a 504/IEP. When parents are better informed they will be better equipped to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes:
https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rSJUAYVjTfCA34Ibi8gyuQ
3) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 4: Braille Around the World | APH
January 4th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's celebrate Louis Braille's Day and explore different braille codes around the world:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
4) Braille Technology Throughout the Ages: A Special Event for World Braille Day | The Braillists Foundation
January 4th 2023 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | In addition to our collaboration with Sight and Sound Technology, we are pleased to present an evening panel discussion for World Braille Day focussing on braille technology: its past, present and future. We will be joined by historians, people working in the braille technology industry today and developers of the next generation of braille hardware and software. The event will take place on Wednesday 4 January at 7:00 PM, and you will need to register in advance. This is a separate registration link to both our regular Masterclasses and the event with Sight and Sound. Please email help@braillists.org ✉ if you have difficulties completing the form:
https://www.braillists.org/uncategorised/braille-technology-throughout-the-ages-a-special-event-for-world-braille-day/
5) 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
January 5th 2023 through January 8th 2023 | CES ® is the most influential tech event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) ®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. Register now:
https://www.ces.tech/
6) Special Needs Trusts: Planning For Your Future
January 18th 2023 | 3:30PM PT, 4:30PM MT, 5:30PM CT, 6:30PM ET, 11:30PM GMT | Join the Carroll Center for the Blind's Exclusive Trust Partner, PLAN of MA & RI, for an informational webinar to learn about Special Needs Trusts and how they can help you and your loved ones plan for your future. A Special Needs Trust allows money to be set aside for a person with a disability. The trust is intended to help preserve funds for the sole benefit of this person, enhance their quality of life, and protect their eligibility for public benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Speaker: Kathy Vitello, LSW, Director of Operations at PLAN of MA and RI. About the Speaker: Kathy Vitello is a Licensed Social Worker with more than 35 years of experience working with seniors, people who are physically challenged, and chronically ill. She has broad experience and insight — drawn from her work in hospitals, in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and psychiatric facilities, and in-home care and hospice settings. Kathy holds a degree in Mental Health from Northern Essex Community College; has a BA in Applied Mental Health from University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and earned certificates in Suicide Prevention in Older Adults and Mental Health and Aging from the Institute for Geriatric Social Work at Boston University. Kathy has also participated in a week-long training in Thanatology and is a member of the NPA Conference Planning Committee.
What You'll Learn: Information about the different types of Special Needs Trusts. Why a Special Needs Trust is beneficial to you. How to protect your assets without affecting your Social Security Disability Benefits. Unique features of PLAN as a Professional Trustee. Who Should Attend: Individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits. Parents, family members, and other caregivers of a person with a disability. Professionals. Individuals who think they could benefit from a Special Needs Trust:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S1lhF8UVQP6IygWFlBfFZQ?bblinkid=265480395&bbemailid=44518399&bbejrid=-1739148575
7) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 5: School Aged Numeracy | APH
February 1st 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Using LEGO Braille Bricks to do math: let's discover some of the many uses of these little bricks to develop numerical and geometry skills, understand symmetry, and much more:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
8) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH
March 6th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's explore daily-living activities using LEGO Braille Bricks and share our best practices, experiences, tips:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
9) 2023 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference
March 13th 2023 through March 17th 2023 | Welcome. Whether you have been attending the conference for years or are planning to attend your first, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, also known as the CSUN Conference, is the ultimate community experience and the premier forum on technology for all persons with disabilities. For over 37 years, California State University, Northridge's Center on Disabilities has sponsored the conference, providing a platform for researchers, practitioners, educators, exhibitors and more from around the world, where they can share knowledge, innovations, and best practices to promote inclusion for all. Building on the momentum from the 2022 conference, exciting new plans are in the works to enhance the conference experience. We encourage you to join us in Anaheim, California in 2023, where attendees can attend Pre-Conference Workshops, the yearly Keynote Address, Featured Presentations, General Sessions, Sponsor Showcase Suites and the Exhibit Hall. We also continue developing new programming to build community and networking opportunities. Check back often or follow us on social media for the latest updates, details, and deadlines. For information on sponsor or exhibitor opportunities, please visit our Opportunities page or email us at conference@csun.edu ✉. We can't wait until the CSUN Conference community is back together to learn, share and connect:
https://www.csun.edu/cod/conference/sessions/
10) 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference
March 15th 2023 and March 16th 2023 | Deque Systems, the trusted leader in digital accessibility, has announced the third annual axe-con conference will return on March 15-16th, 2023. With the success of axe-con over the past two years, Deque will continue to host the conference as a free virtual event again next year. Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences:
https://www.deque.com/blog/save-the-date-for-axe-con-2023/
11) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH
April 5th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's discover together how to make music with these famous bricks! Come and share your creative ideas:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
12) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH
May 3rd 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
13) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH
June 7th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
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➜ Prepare For Your Future Today With The All-New APH ConnectCenter's Job Seekers Toolkit!
The APH ConnectCenter and NSITE have partnered to update the Job Seeker's Toolkit, an accessible, self-paced, free online training course. The Toolkit includes five sections covering self-awareness, career exploration tools, the preliminary employment process, the interview, and maintaining employment. We are bringing the Job Seeker's Toolkit to a larger audience and in a Learning Management System format for today's learners, at no cost. Visit APHCareerConnect.org to get started with the Job Seekers Toolkit today at:
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➜ A Revolution in Resolution — Menus for Everyone
No matter when, where or who, the Menus4ALL iPhone app gives you the info you need quickly. No more multiple Google searches to research menus before going out. Info is organized to give you quick access to what you are looking for — the menu! Optimized to give you the best viewing experience. No more struggling to see small print, or looking at a menu in a dimly lit restaurant. Do you use magnification, large print, VoiceOver, a braille display or Voice Control? Enjoy 750,000 fully accessible menus. Download the app today at:
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Download The App (Apple): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/menus4all/id1640547801?platform=iphone
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Use the coupon code Merry10 to get 10% off any 25-pack of WayTag NFC tags now through December 15th. Choose from many popular styles of WayTag NFC tags: stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips. Use the WayTags with the FREE mobile app to add a description and other important details, so you can spend less time figuring out what things are, and more time getting things done. Order by December 15 for guaranteed arrival by Christmas!
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About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence.
All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®.
Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence.
Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8
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Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
➜ Finally! Holding Businesses Accountable
Those who need accessibility accommodations aren't strangers to jumping in with self-advocacy to achieve it. But, what about the rest of us? When explaining the benefits of a reasonable accommodation to one's place of work or school. This is where our self-advocacy kits come in. Pneuma has written up customizable email templates you can modify according to your situation. We cover a variety of different advocacy scenarios. Simply choose your scenario, answer a few simple questions, adapt the language, address it to the right person, and submit it! Self-advocacy has never been easier:
https://pneumasolutions.com/finally-holding-businesses-accountable/
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About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive?
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About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
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To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
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Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.
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About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
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Access Information News for Monday, December 12, 2022 - Volume 888
The Week's News in Access Information
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✍ Submit your access information news item for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-news or locate "News Item Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last Week
A.) A Version Of "A Christmas Carol" With Characters And Narration Voiced By Various Speech Synthesizers: Produced By Martin Courcelles | MP3 | David Goldfield | Tech-VI List (7.2% of all clicks.)
I first found this gem several years ago, downloaded it and have continued to archive it. It's a wonderful adaptation of "a Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. The narrator along with each character is voiced by a different speech synthesizer, many or all of which you might recognize. As an example, the character Ebenezer Scrooge is voiced by one of the British Eloquence voices. This piece also has music and soundscapes. I am grateful to Martin for once again making this available which he did in a recent post on Mastodon:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2zczncdhxkdcxb1/a_synth_Xmas_carol.mp3?dl=0
B.) Why Amazon Alexa (And Other Voice Assistants) Aren't Making Money (5.6% of all clicks.)
Earlier this week, Business Insider reported that Amazon is on pace to lose $10 billion from its Alexa voice assistant and its smart speaker business. The news comes at a time when Alexa's competitors are dealing with difficulties of their own and struggling to find a way to monetize their voice assistants:
https://bdtechtalks.com/2022/11/28/amazon-alexa-revenue/
C.) The Hottest Low Vision Gifts | Ophthalmic Edge (5.3% of all clicks.)
Finding the right gift for someone who has a visual impairment can be complicated. Great gifts come in many forms and at many prices. So, as usual, we are including some gifts that don't cost a lot and some that don't cost anything, because the gift of empowerment is priceless:
https://ophthalmicedge.org/patient/the-hottest-low-vision-gifts/
D.) Ways In Which Cameras Help The Blind | Kevin Jones (5.0% of all clicks.)
I've been politely asked, "how do you read messages or email on a computer?" A less common question is "How did you take that picture?":
https://accessibility-insights.com/2022/11/30/ways-in-which-cameras-help-the-blind/
E.) Blind Chef Teaches Her Skills And Love Of Cooking To Others With Visual Impairments | Video | KGW8 (4.9% of all clicks.)
Chef Debra Erickson launched "The Blind Kitchen" to make space for cooks and bakers with vision loss. She hopes it becomes a community of support:
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/community/debra-erickson-blind-chef-kitchen-oregon-city/283-de3d18a3-8dcf-4e21-a36a-1c40691d25ab
2) Sponsorship Package Updates
There are currently 13 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. If you would like to support the ongoing distribution of Access Information News while reaching over 10,000 access professionals each week, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either quarterly or annually. Annual sponsors gain the additional benefit of being able to schedule their Featured Advertisements up to one year in advance. If you are an access information business or organization that has been looking for a way to consistently reach the largest audience of opt-in access professionals in the world today, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last. Learn all about the benefits here:
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3) Innovation Is What We Need For An Accessible Future | Microsoft News Centre Canada | Chris Barry | President
December 3rd 2022 was International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an annual moment to bring awareness to disability issues, promote inclusion, and embrace people of all abilities. Statistics Canada reports that one in five Canadians aged 15 years or older live with one or more disabilities. Even if you do not live with a disability today, that can change as you age or move through life stages. As Dave Dame, our Director of Accessibility says, "one day, we'll all age into a disability:"
https://news.microsoft.com/en-ca/2022/12/02/innovation-is-what-we-need-for-an-accessible-future/
4) How to Make a Mastodon Account and Join the Fediverse
The recent chaos at Twitter is a reminder that when you rely on a social media platform, you're putting your voice, your privacy, and your safety in the hands of the people who run that system. Many people are looking to Mastodon as a backup or replacement for Twitter, and this guide will walk you through making that switch. Note this guide is current as of December 2022, and the software and services discussed are going through rapid changes:
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/12/how-make-mastodon-account-and-join-fediverse
5) My Experiences With Inaccessible Legal Docs And Processes — And How To Fix Them | Deque | Patrick Sturdivant
To observe this year's International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD), I would like to share my experience with e-signature software. This experience highlights the importance of digital accessibility as it relates to the full engagement of people with disabilities while promoting the rights, respect and dignity of those who daily live with unique challenges and special abilities:
https://www.deque.com/blog/inaccessible-legal-docs-esign-processes/
6) Leader Dogs For The Blind Detroit Is Looking For Host Families
Nonprofit founded in Detroit in 1939. Volunteers can do their part by hosting Leader Dog Moms. Right now, two special dogs need host families. Truvy and Wendy. Both are very good girls:
https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2022/12/07/leader-dogs-for-the-blind-is-looking-for-host-families/
7) Bubbly: New CVI Literacy App
Bubbly, a free iPad app, is a literacy game created specifically for emerging and beginner readers with CVI. Based on the word bubbling tool, the interactive game can be customized to meet the individual needs of any CVI student. Learn more about Bubbly here:
https://www.perkins.org/resource/bubbly-new-cvi-literacy-app/
8) Introducing Accessibility In Typography
Here is a good overview in ensuring that your typography is accessible on the web:
https://fonts.google.com/knowledge/readability_and_accessibility/introducing_accessibility_in_typography
9) ACT Rules Implementation In Test Tools And Methodologies
The W3C has published how rules are implemented differently with different testing tools:
https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/act/implementations/
10) Reader Review: Self Service Check Outs at Supermarkets | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan
Courtesy of Access Information News reader Donna Jodhan:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/2.html
11) The Failure Of Amazon's Alexa Shows Microsoft Was Right To Kill Cortana | Windows Central | Jez Corden
Publisher: While I personally find this author's use of the word "failure" to be misleading, I do believe this article still offers some really great insights. I say the word "failure" is misleading because the failure being described is not one of the technology itself, but that of a monetization scheme for the service which has not yet emerged. Therefore the failure being described is a business failure, and not a technological one. Some technologies are so very difficult to achieve (like AI) that few companies can withstand the term of investment required to see a return. Technology changes every day. The answer that Amazon has been looking for may manifest itself in the form of new technological opportunity tomorrow, or 10 years from now. There is now way for anyone to know precisely when the proper technologies will align to make voice interaction good enough for everyone to buy in. But it will happen. The only question will be whether or not Amazon can hold on that long. However long that is.
Jex Corden: Microsoft Cortana, we barely knew ye. 2023 is looking to be a rough year in tech, with layoffs already hitting various major companies as forecasts predict recession almost across the entire world. A combination of inflationary effects of money printing through the pandemic, Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, and even China's COVID-Zero lockdown policies — are all contributing to a perfect economic storm hitting practically everyone. From gas prices to food costs, we're all tightening our belts, and for the world's biggest companies, that means accepting some harsh realities about some of their more experimental departments:
https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/the-failure-of-amazons-alexa-shows-microsoft-was-right-to-kill-cortana
12) What A Deafblind Kitchen Is Like
A Deafblind reader describes what her kitchen looks like and lists products that she finds helpful for independent living:
https://iabilityi.com/uncategorized/jens-kitchen/
13) Smart Speakers Can Restore Radio's Relevance | Roger Lanctot | Radio World
It's time to put Alexa, Google Voice and Siri to work tapping into the untapped treasures spilling out of automotive speaker systems:
https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/guest-commentaries/smart-speakers-can-restore-radios-relevance
14) AbleGamers: Combating Social Isolation Through Play
Video games have the power to change lives. Humans have the power to transform the gaming world into a landscape accessible to all gamers. That's what Mark Barlet, Steven Weitz, and Dr. Andy Wu of AbleGamers Charity, believe. 3Play Media was excited to welcome leaders from AbleGamers for a fireside chat about the impact of accessibility in the gaming community in observance of this year's Giving Tuesday. The AbleGamers Charity is a "nonprofit public charity that aims to improve the overall quality of life for those with disabilities through the power of video games." Watch a recording of the fireside chat below, or read on for key takeaways from the webinar, and learn about the difference they're making for the 46 million gamers in the US living with one or more disability:
https://www.3playmedia.com/blog/ablegamers-combating-social-isolation-through-play/
15) Google Steps Up Accessibility Commitments At New London Innovation Hub
Last week, Google launched its new Accessibility Discovery Centre (ADC) at its central London office located in the Kings Cross district of the U.K. capital. In doing so, the tech giant announced its intentions to enhance its understanding and commitment to accessibility innovation across its multiple product lines to new and exciting levels:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2022/12/08/google-steps-up-accessibility-commitments-at-new-london-innovation-hub/?sh=ef76da87bf37
16) WeWalk Raises Cash To Bring Computer Vision To Smart Cane For Visually Impaired People
WeWalk, a U.K.-based startup developing a "smart cane" for visually impaired people, today announced it has raised £2 million ($2.4 million) in venture funding from several notable institutional and angel investors — including Manchester City and German international footballer Ilkay Gundogan. Founded out of London in 2019, WeWalk has developed a GPS-enabled smart cane and smartphone app, helping users navigate their surrounding environment. Time named the WeWalk Smart Cane one of the "best inventions" of 2019:
https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/08/wewalk-raises-cash-to-bring-computer-vision-to-smart-cane-for-visually-impaired-people/
17) BBC Preparing To Go Online-Only Over Next Decade, Says Director General
Tim Davie outlines vision for a world of 'infinite choice' where broadcast TV and radio are being switched off:
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2022/dec/07/bbc-will-go-online-only-by-2030s-says-director-general
18) Ice Cube Painting For Children With Visual Impairments Or Multiple Disabilities
Designed by an Occupational Therapist (OT), this activity uses a unique medium to work in and provides special sensory elements to drawing and writing for children with visual impairments or multiple disabilities:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/ice-cube-painting/
19) 4 Amazon Customers Share How Alexa Helps Make Life Simpler For People With Disabilities | Amazon
Every day we hear from customers with disabilities who tell us the ways, big and small, that Alexa makes a difference in their lives. From a mom in the United States who uses Alexa to create a sensory room for her son with autism, to a film director in France with spinal muscular dystrophy who utilizes Alexa to help him manage his day as he lives independently — customers all over the world are inventing and discovering new ways to incorporate Alexa into their lives:
https://www.aboutamazon.com/4-amazon-customers-share-how-alexa-makes-life-simpler-for-people-with-disabilities
20) Guide Dogs Australia Joins Be My Eyes
Guide Dogs Australia delivers essential services to children, teenagers, adults, and older Australians who are blind or have low vision in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. As a Be My Eyes Specialized Help provider, Guide Dogs Australia will provide live visual assistance to any and all Australians struggling with their vision. All Be My Eyes calls placed to Guide Dogs Australia will be directed to their team in Brisbane; from there, callers can have their information and requests forwarded to their local Guide Dogs Australia chapter:
https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog/guide-dogs-australia-joins-be-my-eyes
21) Paths To Literacy Newsletter For December 6th 2022 | Holiday Ideas and Activities For 2022
December means lots of events, activities, and celebrations. Here are some ways to make it a meaningful learning experience for our students with visual impairments:
https://pathstoliteracy.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/d/4C554EFD2FB66B142540EF23F30FEDED/3882A775971F8327F1E87EB810D8F10A?alternativeLink=False
22) Why Listening to Audiobooks Is as Good as Reading Books
Some people may not like it, but listening to audiobooks also counts as reading, and here's why:
https://www.makeuseof.com/why-listening-audiobooks-counts-as-reading/
23) Google Opens Its First UK Centre Making Tech For Disabled People
If you design technology with disabled people in mind, you design technology better for everyone. This was the sentiment from Google as it opened its first UK research and development center dedicated to making tech to help people with disabilities:
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-63828617
24) Braille Institute Presents Unique Holiday Gift Items For Anyone With Low To No Vision
Searching for the perfect gift for a family member or friend who is blind or visually impaired? Braille Institute has put together a selection of the best gifts for those with low to no vision. This holiday season gift something they can use all year-long:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/braille-institute-presents-unique-holiday-gift-items-for-anyone-with-low-to-no-vision-301696521.html
25) Developer Of Pokémon GO Sued By NJ Man For Lack Of Accessibility For The Visually Impaired
A Hudson County man filed two separate lawsuits against Niantic, Inc., the augmented reality mobile game developer behind Pokémon GO, saying the popular app and the company's website discriminate against the visually impaired:
https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/new-jersey/2022/12/09/pokemon-go-creator-niantic-sued-by-new-jersey-resident/69709296007/
26) New Technological Innovations That Are Improving Care for the Disabled
Entries include bionic exoskeletons, helmets for the blind, eye-controlled wheelchairs, 3D-printed prosthetics and text-to-speech software:
https://www.healthtechzone.com/topics/healthcare/articles/2022/11/30/454184-new-technological-innovations-that-improving-care-the-disabled.htm
27) Federal Communications Commission Reminder of Audio Description Rules Phase in to DMAs 81-90 on 1/1/23
The Media Bureau reminds television broadcasters that the audio description rules will extend to DMAs 81 through 90 on January 1, 2023:
https://www.fcc.gov/document/reminder-audio-description-rules-phase-dmas-81-90-1123
28) A Proclamation on International Day of Persons With Disabilities, 2022 | The White House
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recognize and celebrate the equal rights and dignity of disabled people everywhere and reaffirm our commitment to building a world where people with disabilities are afforded the opportunities, independence, and respect they deserve:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/12/02/a-proclamation-on-international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-2022/
29) Accessibility Can Improve Everyone's Lives \ Social Europe | Jakob Rosin
In a digitalized world, accessibility is ever more at a premium for the visually impaired — who should be involved in finding solutions. Accessibility can improve everyone's lives. In a digitalized world, accessibility is ever more at a premium for the visually impaired — who should be involved in finding solutions. Years ago, while I was studying at university, a lecturer keen on innovation insisted on the final examination being taken online, via a platform hitherto unknown to me. There was a time limit for taking the test and, among other things, the assessment took into account how long it took to answer some questions:
https://socialeurope.eu/accessibility-can-improve-everyones-lives
30) Hosting a Braille Holiday Party | Paths To Literacy
Hosting a Braille Holiday Party: Invite family, friends, and members of the community to create braille cards for students with visual impairments, blindness, deafblindness or multiple disabilities:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/hosting-braille-holiday-party/
31) Antwerp-Based App Wants To 'Make World Bigger' For Visually-Impaired
Antwerp-based start-up AYES is gaining traction with its app that helps blind and visually-impaired people cross the street safely. With fresh money from investors, the small company hopes to reach millions of people. Launched a year ago, AYES' iPhone app can 'see' when a pedestrian light is green and notifies the user with sounds and vibrations. The Antwerp start-up's app allows blind and visually impaired people to cross safely, even at intersections that do not have an audible signal. The app is also sued to help them get on the correct buses and trams:
https://www.brusselstimes.com/329516/antwerp-based-app-wants-to-make-world-bigger-for-visually-impaired
32) In Photos | 'Please Touch': How One Person Is Making Art Accessible to the Blind
'Access For All' aims to make the world more enjoyable, not just sustainable, for the disabled. "Initially, people are hesitant to touch the artwork. Everywhere they go, they are told 'do not touch this', 'keep away from that'. When we get them to interact with the artwork, they ask us twice, thrice, if it's okay to touch. It's a mental barrier that we are lifting for them," says Siddhant Shah:
https://www.thequint.com/photos/international-day-for-disabled-persons-access-for-all-art-blind
33) Ten Tips for Exercising Safely with Diabetes: Part 5 in Series | APH VisionAware
Audrey Demmitt, RN, BSN, is a Diabetes Nurse Educator, APH VisionAware Peer Advisor, and author of the APH VisionAware multi-part blog series on diabetes and diabetes education. In this post, she discusses ten tips for exercising safely with diabetes:
https://visionaware.org/blog/visionaware-blog/ten-tips-for-exercising-safely-with-diabetes-part-5-in-series/
34) Help Your Students Grow Roots with Braille Using the Dual Media Decision Tree
Using a Dual Media Decision Tree with students can help guide them when making choices between braille and print:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/help-your-students-grow-roots-with-braille-using-the-dual-media-decision-tree/
35) Mnemonics for Identifying Tricky Braille Characters | Paths To Literacy
This mnemonic device helps braille readers remember characters that are often confused.
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/mnemonics-identifying-tricky-braille-characters/
36) Why Assistive Technology Matters to Me | Clark Montgomery | AdaptiVision
Did you know that the first long-playing records (or LPs, as they are known) were not designed for music? Instead, they were used to record talking books for the blind. In the 1930s, the demand for talking books increased dramatically once soldiers returned home from the first world war. Many blinded veterans, unable to read Braille, needed another way to access literature and information:
https://lowvisionsource.com/why-assistive-technology-matters-to-me-clark-montgomery/?utm_content=230986818&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-2382446636
37) Thales Releases 'Voice Payment Card' For The Visually Impaired
Thales has released a 'Voice Payment Card', to help guide visually impaired people as they conduct transactions at the till. To take advantage of the innovation, users just have to install an app on their mobile phone, which is uniquely associated with their card. Each time they make a payment, the mobile app vocalizes the amount of the transaction before letting users validate it with their secret code:
https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/41427/thales-releases-voice-payment-card-for-the-visually-impaired
➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events
✍ Submit your access information related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-webinar or locate "Webinar / Training Course Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 3: Creative Manual Activities for Christmas | APH
December 12th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Christmas is a great time to create crafts. Let's share amazing and fun tactile ideas adapted to visually impaired children:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
2) Basics of Accessibility Testing | TPGi
December 13th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Presenter: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. Accessibility testing is a critical step in delivering a modern online experience. This webinar goes beyond testing checklists to answer the fundamental questions people have when they start testing for web accessibility. For accessibility testing to be effective, organizations must understand what makes a digital experience equal. We'll cover web accessibility, the role and structure of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and how to quantify the risk associated with a guideline. Additionally, we'll discuss the following: How to set the scope for accessibility testing and feel confident you are covering the "right parts" of a website/web application. We'll document mouse-only, keyboard-only, and assistive technology testing plans. We'll delve into how web pages expose "semantics" and the tools to understand if your site is properly conveying its meaning to assistive technology. How to get expert support beyond your team to be sure that your accessibility testing results are accurate and more! Learn how to use the tools, access resources, and receive clear steps to perform a full-scale WCAG audit. Register:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-13-at-12pm-et-basics-of-accessibility-testing/
3) Partner Showcase: Audiojack's Newest O+M Experience | APH ConnectCenter
December 13th 2022 | 1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM GMT | The APH Partner Showcase for December features Audiojack and its creator David Tobin. Listen live to the latest O&M Audiojack in the Life category, located in the mobile app and on the website. Then, engage with other Audience members and David as you discuss the newest Audiojack. The APH Partner Showcase is part of Access Academy, but does not offer ACVREP credits. The Showcase is strictly informational/promotional, and highlights some of APH's partner vendors in the field, and their product(s):
https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GnG1mrKsT0SX60sz1MDs4g
4) Explore SuperSense and Seeing AI Webinar | Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc.
December 14th 2022 | 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 12/15 | Come explore SuperSense and Seeing AI, two leading apps that leverage artificial intelligence to describe the world around you. We'll compare these apps in real world scenarios, learn to maximize their functionality, and help you decide which app might best meet your needs in this fun, interactive and informative webinar from the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Register in advance at:
https://thelighthousefortheblindinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_54Ben7JCTBeh66IoXUzzWA
5) Creating Accessible Promotional Materials (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 14th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | As a document author, learn about choosing colors, selecting images, and laying out your brochure, poster, or flyer in an engaging yet accessible way. Join Rachel Reeves in reviewing the most accessible way to create PDF Promotional Material. Learning Outcomes: Review color contrast requirements. Address mistakes commonly made in the Layout/Reading Order of one-page posters or flyers. Understand obstacles commonly encountered if using authoring tools such as Canva or Illustrator. Analyze poor templates that have images and fonts that make PDF remediation difficult. Meeting ID: 865 1628 1737 | Passcode: 967492 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,86516281737#,,,,*967492# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86516281737?pwd=NTZDdzRmZUdieFBTWnRiMzFsQVhHdz09#success
6) Training Course: Catching Up with JAWS Chapter 4 for JAWS 2022 and 2023 | Hartgen Consultancy
December 14th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | Catching Up with JAWS is priced £35 which is approximately 40 American dollars. Now is your chance to get some high quality training on some of the latest features within the screen-reader JAWS for Windows which have been introduced over the past two years. This follows on from our previous popular training courses on this subject. These training courses are still popular and people are purchasing the older volumes in the series even today:
https://www.hartgen.org/catchup4
7) Career Conversations with Joe Strechay | APH ConnectCenter
December 15th 2022 | 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM on 12/16 GMT | Join us and meet Joe Strechay, a blind Film and Television Producer. No stranger to CareerConnect, Joe is back with us sharing his breakthrough into Television and film. Listen in and hear how as a blind professional, Joe works directly on set with actors and actresses who themselves are blind. From television and film sets both domestic and international, we will spend the hour engaging on this fascinating career:
https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m0H5e0hpTeOLEeCIl-SH3g
8) Clear the Clutter: Personalize Your Web Experience with JAWS | Freedom Scientific
December 15th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Are you looking for ways to quickly locate information on web pages? Want to learn about JAWS features that will help you navigate more efficiently? Join us for a live webinar, "Clear the Clutter: Personalize Your Web Experience with JAWS." Objectives: We'll discuss different types of web content and show you how to: Use Flexible Web to quickly find or hide content. Hide/ignore inline frames. Use the Skim Reading tool to review page content. Navigate tables, forms, and web-based applications with Smart Navigation. Freedom Scientific Presenters: Elizabeth Whitaker, Cathy Johnson, and Rachel Buchanan. ACVREP Credits: ACVREP credits will be available for those who attend the live webinar. Help Us Spread the Word: Please feel free to share this with someone you think might benefit from attending. Register:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S6hSiWGeRc-KLWIHjPK-rg
9) ZoomText, JAWS & Fusion: Latest Features (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 21st 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | It's that time again. Not only is it the holidays but also the time when there are important updates for ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion. Join Ian Ramos and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to explore what's new in the 2023 updates and some features within the past few years. Learning Outcomes: Briefly explain the differences between ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion. Compare the different licenses and how you can find out if you are eligible for the latest updates. Explore new 2023 features such as Tethered View, Smart Glance, Notification History improvements, New Tables Only option for Smart Navigation, etc. Review recent features, including Docking the Quick Access Bar, Voice Assistant, Sound Splitter, New Vocalizer Expressive Voices and Languages, and more. Meeting ID: 827 9977 1867 | Passcode: 853407 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82799771867#,,,,*853407# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82799771867?pwd=VVNHeWhjVVVLc1JDUUtSMlllMnlQZz09#success
10) Ask The Advocate | APH ConnectCenter
December 28th 2022 | 5:30PM PT, 6:30PM MT, 7:30PM CT, 8:30PM ET, 1:30AM GMT on 12/29 | Answering questions families have to better understand the processes, procedures and parent rights in a 504/IEP. When parents are better informed they will be better equipped to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes:
https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rSJUAYVjTfCA34Ibi8gyuQ
11) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 4: Braille Around the World | APH
January 4th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's celebrate Louis Braille's Day and explore different braille codes around the world:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
12) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 5: School Aged Numeracy | APH
February 1st 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Using LEGO Braille Bricks to do math: let's discover some of the many uses of these little bricks to develop numerical and geometry skills, understand symmetry, and much more:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
13) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH
March 6th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's explore daily-living activities using LEGO Braille Bricks and share our best practices, experiences, tips:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
14) 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference
March 15th 2022 and March 16th 2023 | Deque Systems, the trusted leader in digital accessibility, has announced the third annual axe-con conference will return on March 15-16th, 2023. With the success of axe-con over the past two years, Deque will continue to host the conference as a free virtual event again next year. Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences:
https://www.deque.com/blog/save-the-date-for-axe-con-2023/
15) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH
April 5th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's discover together how to make music with these famous bricks! Come and share your creative ideas:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
16) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH
May 3rd 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
17) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH
June 7th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
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Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
➜ Finally! Holding Businesses Accountable
Those who need accessibility accommodations aren't strangers to jumping in with self-advocacy to achieve it. But, what about the rest of us? When explaining the benefits of a reasonable accommodation to one's place of work or school. This is where our self-advocacy kits come in. Pneuma has written up customizable email templates you can modify according to your situation. We cover a variety of different advocacy scenarios. Simply choose your scenario, answer a few simple questions, adapt the language, address it to the right person, and submit it! Self-advocacy has never been easier:
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Access Information News for Monday, December 5, 2022 - Volume 887
The Week's News in Access Information
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1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last Week
A.) 7 Best iOS 16 Apps and Features for Accessibility (6.6% of all clicks.)
Technology has helped society in so many ways, but tech developments are a true blessing for those with impairments and conditions or who require help with daily tasks. Whether you have a loved one you take care of or you need assistance yourself, some iOS 16 apps and features have made certain tasks significantly more convenient. Apple always seeks to accommodate those with accessibility needs, as the company continuously adds features that aim to help with their lives. If you're interested in learning more about how you can use your iPhone with iOS 16 installed to help with everyday needs, then keep reading:
https://appletoolbox.com/best-ios-16-apps-and-features-accessibility/
B.) 4 Ways to Make Online Banking Accessible (5.2% of all clicks.)
Here are some tips, written by an actual screen reader user, of things you can do to make your banking website accessible:
https://blog.usablenet.com/4-ways-to-make-online-banking-accessible
C.) A Guide to Understanding Your Current 2022 Aira Plan (5.1% of all clicks.)
Definition of Retail, Community and Legacy Plans, and Basic Information about Changes Coming in Early 2023:
https://aira.io/a-guide-to-understanding-your-current-2022-aira-plan/
D.) 5 Takeaways From Screen Reader Usability Interviews | Jess Budd | Senior Front-End Engineer Specializing In Web Accessibility (5.1% of all clicks.)
Editor: This article does an absolutely extraordinary job describing how screen reader users interact with websites. | Jess Budd: Earlier this year I worked on the re-development of my workplace's primary website navigation. We went from a simple, single-tier nav with no drop-downs to a two-tier nav with a drop-down mega menu. I was pretty confident we were ticking the major boxes of complying with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), but I also know that technical compliance does not necessarily equal a good user experience for people with disabilities. As part of the overall user testing strategy, it was important to us to include people with disabilities. Of the five usability interviews we conducted with frequent screen reader users, some common patterns stood out to me:
https://jessbudd.com/blog/screen-reader-usability-testing-observations/
E.) Hiking For Visually Impaired People: How One Writer Is Fighting For Her Right To Roam | Caroline Butterwick (4.6% of all clicks.)
Hiking is great exercise and a way to get outdoors. Visually impaired writer Caroline Butterwick considers how she and other people with disabilities can make the most of hiking, and her sense of belonging in the natural world:
https://www.stylist.co.uk/fitness-health/hiking-visually-impaired-people-benefits/732076
2) Sponsorship Package Updates
There are currently 13 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. If you would like to support the ongoing distribution of Access Information News while reaching over 10,000 access professionals each week, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either quarterly or annually. Annual sponsors gain the additional benefit of being able to schedule their Featured Advertisements up to one year in advance. If you are an access information business or organization that has been looking for a way to consistently reach the largest audience of opt-in access professionals in the world today, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last. Learn all about the benefits here:
https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsor ✉
3) Access Information News Welcomes APH ConnectCenter As Fourth Founding Publication Sponsor
Please join all of us here at Access Information News in welcoming aboard APH ConnectCenter. APH ConnectCenter is now the fourth founding sponsor of the Access Information News publication. APH ConnectCenter is also a founding and longtime sponsor of the Top Tech Tidbits Publication. The APH ConnectCenter offers curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives. Learn more today at:
https://aphconnectcenter.org/
3) Access Information News Welcomes Access Ready, Inc. As Fifth Founding Publication Sponsor
Please join all of us here at Access Information News in welcoming aboard Access Ready, Inc. Access Ready, Inc. is now the fifth founding sponsor of the Access Information News publication. Access Ready, Inc. is also a long time Partner of the Top Tech Tidbits Publication. Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications. Learn more today at:
https://accessready.org/
4) Neuralink's Brain Chip Plans: Help the Blind See and the Paralyzed Walk
Elon Musk's startup hopes to start human tests in six months for its implant that connects computers to brains. The company, one of five that Musk leads, is working on technology to drop thousands of electrodes thinner than a hair into the outer surface of human brains. Each electrode is a tiny wire connected to a battery powered, remotely recharged, quarter sized chip package that's embedded into a spot that once held a circle of skull. The chip, called the N1, communicates wirelessly with the outside world. The technology is still far from the initial medical uses, much less Musk's ultimate vision of using Neuralink to hang out with super intelligent AIs. But it's making significant progress, including applying with the Food and Drug Administration to begin human trials it hopes to start within 6 months, the company said at a "show and tell" event lasting more than two hours:
https://www.cnet.com/science/neuralink-brain-chip-plan-help-the-blind-see-and-the-paralyzed-walk/#ftag=CAD590a51e
5) What Is Bioptic Driving?
Every day many young people are given the news that obtaining a driver's license is not in their future due to blindness or low vision. Adults also face this challenge but with the possibility of losing their license. This news, no matter the age, not only has an emotional impact but also has an impact on the ability to move around independently. A diagnosis of low vision may mean no driving abilities, however, those that have mild to moderate central vision impairment with good peripheral vision may benefit from something called "bioptic driving:"
https://aphcareerconnect.org/blog/careerconnect-blog/what-is-bioptic-driving/
6) Study Finds Apple's AirPods Pro May Serve As A Hearing-Assistive Device For Mild-To-Moderate Hearing Loss
AirPods Pro can help offer assistance to people with mild-to-moderate hearing problems. People with severe SNHL and other types of hearing impairment were excluded from the study. A hearing aid can cost up to thousands of dollars, whereas Personal Sound Amplification Products are less expensive:
https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/study-finds-apples-airpods-pro-may-serve-as-a-hearing-assistive-device-for-mild-to-moderate-hearing-loss/articleshow/95683268.cms
7) AccessReady Reporter Newsletter | Issue 33 | November 30th 2023
The Reporter Newsletter is a service of Access Ready Inc. which is an independent, non-profit, cross-disability education and advocacy organization promoting a policy of inclusion and accessibility of information and communications technology (ICT). For people with disabilities, accessible information and communications technology is a necessity, not a luxury or a convenience, which fosters independence, economic self-sufficiency, and active, meaningful participation in civic life:
https://accessreadyreporter.org/november-30-2022-issue-33.html
8) Accessibility in the Fediverse (and Mastodon)
This is a good explainer on how the Fediverse operates and how there are accessibility opportunities there. It also provides a list of accessibility-minded people for you to follow:
https://yatil.net/blog/accessibility-in-the-fediverse-and-mastodon
9) On Joining Mastodon | From My Vast Experience Of Three Weeks, A Guide To Diving In | Jeff Jarvis
Publisher: While not accessibility-specific, this article is incredibly informative:
https://medium.com/whither-news/on-joining-mastodon-d539eed5e41a
10) Vision Nanny Activities for Children who have CVI | Paths To Literacy
Vision Nanny is a web based design with specific activities for children with CVI that is broken down into different skill levels:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/vision-nanny-activities-for-students-who-have-cvi/
11) ABC International Excellence Awards Given to Kogan Page and Mr. Ashoka Bandula Weerawardhana
The accessible books consortium has awarded Mr. Ashoka Bandula Weerawardhana for his work in braille production:
https://www.accessiblebooksconsortium.org/news/en/2022/news_0008.html
12) Ways In Which Cameras Help The Blind | Kevin Jones
I've been politely asked, "how do you read messages or email on a computer?" A less common question is "How did you take that picture?"
https://accessibility-insights.com/2022/11/30/ways-in-which-cameras-help-the-blind/
13) 10 Tips for Selecting Holiday Gifts for Young Children with Visual Impairments or Multiple Disabilities | Paths To Literacy
Suggestions on how to choose a Christmas or Hanukkah present for child w/ multiple disabilities or a young child who is blind, visually impaired, deafblind:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/10-tips-selecting-holiday-gifts-young-children-visual-impairments-or-multiple-disabilities/
14) The Hottest Low Vision Gifts | Ophthalmic Edge
Finding the right gift for someone who has a visual impairment can be complicated. Great gifts come in many forms and at many prices. So, as usual, we are including some gifts that don't cost a lot and some that don't cost anything, because the gift of empowerment is priceless:
https://ophthalmicedge.org/patient/the-hottest-low-vision-gifts/
15) Important Update About Aira Free Sponsored Offers | Tech-VI List
The purpose of this letter is to tell you about three changes to our "free" Aira-sponsored programs. These changes are being announced on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, and will go into effect on Monday, December 5, 2022:
https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/3064
16) State of Ohio Announces Partnership to Provide COVID-19 Testing Assistance for Ohioans Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) have partnered to identify a solution to support Ohioans who are blind or have low vision in self-administering at-home COVID-19 tests widely available through retail, pharmacy and grocery stores, community libraries, and local health departments:
https://odh.ohio.gov/media-center/odh-news-releases/odh-news-release-11-28-22
17) Medical Bills Remain Inaccessible For Many Visually Impaired Americans
A Missouri man who is deaf and blind said a medical bill he didn't know existed was sent to debt collections, triggering an 11% rise in his home insurance premiums. In a different case, from California, an insurer has suspended a blind woman's coverage every year since 2010 after mailing printed "verification of benefits" forms to her home that she cannot read, she said. The problems continued even after she got a lawyer involved. And still another insurer kept sending a visually impaired Indiana woman bills she said she could not read, even after her complaint to the Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights led to corrective actions:
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/12/01/1139730806/blind-disability-accessibility-medical-bills
18) Helping Your Child Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired Get Oriented to a New School Building
Starting a new school year is always both exciting and nerve-racking. When a child who is blind is going to a school building for the first time, it is important that they become very familiar with it to lessen that feeling of being lost that every new student feels:
https://familyconnect.org/browse-by-age/grade-schoolers/transition-to-independence-grade-schoolers/orienting-to-school-buildings/
19) 2022 ACB Audio Description Project Gala and Pre-Show replays now on ACB Media 9
The 2022 Second Annual Audio Description Project Awards Gala and Gala Pre-show are now replaying on ACB Media 9. The replays will run every 4 hours, 24/7, throughout December 2022 on Media 9:
https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/3083
20) Why Amazon Alexa (And Other Voice Assistants) Aren't Making Money
Earlier this week, Business Insider reported that Amazon is on pace to lose $10 billion from its Alexa voice assistant and its smart speaker business. The news comes at a time when Alexa's competitors are dealing with difficulties of their own and struggling to find a way to monetize their voice assistants:
https://bdtechtalks.com/2022/11/28/amazon-alexa-revenue/
21) US Mulls More Regulations To Help Disabled Use Self-Service Kiosks
As self-service expands at a fast pace at retail, many machines do not sufficiently accommodate disabled persons, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. To rectify the problem, The Access Board, a federal agency that supports equal rights for persons with disabilities, has since September 2022 been developing additional guidelines for self-service equipment and has sought comments from the public:
https://www.retailcustomerexperience.com/news/us-mulls-more-regulations-to-help-disabled-use-self-service-kiosks/
22) Resource Guide for Students With Visual Disabilities | Test Prep Insight
The college experience poses unique and often trying obstacles for students with visual disabilities. Yet, earning a college degree is far from impossible. Universities and private organizations are doing more than ever to help visually impaired students. Between counseling, accommodations, learning tools, and specialized housing, there is much to understand about the options available to college students with visual disabilities. In this guide, we take an in-depth look at the evolving college experience for blind and low vision students, as well as offer useful tips and resources:
https://testprepinsight.com/resources/resource-guide-students-with-visual-disabilities/
23) A Year After Life-Changing Award, Berkeley Inventor For The Blind Is Writing A Memoir
Joshua Miele won a MacArthur "genius" prize in 2021. Set up in a new workshop, he's planning a listening party for the sounds of the aurora borealis and is learning to use his celebrity for good:
https://www.berkeleyside.org/2022/11/13/joshua-miele-berkeley-inventor-blind-adaptive-technology-macarthur-genius-prize
24) Blind Chef Teaches Her Skills And Love Of Cooking To Others With Visual Impairments | Video | KGW8
Chef Debra Erickson launched "The Blind Kitchen" to make space for cooks and bakers with vision loss. She hopes it becomes a community of support:
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/community/debra-erickson-blind-chef-kitchen-oregon-city/283-de3d18a3-8dcf-4e21-a36a-1c40691d25ab
25) Lighthouse Guild and Bionic Sight Announce Partnership to Expand Treatment Options for People Who Are Blind
Lighthouse Guild, the leading not-for-profit vision and healthcare organization, and Bionic Sight, the developer of treatments and technologies for advanced stage blindness, announced today that they are entering into a partnership that will change the landscape of treatment for people who are blind:
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/11/29/2564100/0/en/Lighthouse-Guild-and-Bionic-Sight-Announce-Partnership-to-Expand-Treatment-Options-for-People-Who-Are-Blind.html
26) A Version Of "A Christmas Carol" With Characters And Narration Voiced By Various Speech Synthesizers: Produced By Martin Courcelles | MP3 | David Goldfield | Tech-VI List
I first found this gem several years ago, downloaded it and have continued to archive it. It's a wonderful adaptation of "a Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. The narrator along with each character is voiced by a different speech synthesizer, many or all of which you might recognize. As an example, the character Ebenezer Scrooge is voiced by one of the British Eloquence voices. This piece also has music and soundscapes. I am grateful to Martin for once again making this available which he did in a recent post on Mastodon:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2zczncdhxkdcxb1/a_synth_Xmas_carol.mp3?dl=0
27) Temporary Discounted Prices on Audio Dramas From Focus on The Family | David Goldfield | Tech-VI List
I am a fan of audio drama, both classic and modern and have enjoyed this form of entertainment for over 40 years. I am always on the lookout for legal sources for obtaining audio drama. Focus on the Family is temporarily offering many of their audio dramas at reduced prices. They are a Protestant organization but their audio dramas can be enjoyed by people of all faiths. When they had a similar sale last year I purchased their version of “a Christmas Carol” as well as their dramatized adaptations of the Narnia books. The production values, acting and music are excellent. Their adaptation of “a Christmas Carol” was extremely well-done and I found it to be very moving. These dramatizations can be purchased either on CD or as MP3 digital downloads. The digital downloads should be playable in any device or software capable of playing MP3 files, such as a Victor Stream or software such as VLC Media Player. I have successfully played them using Voice Dream Reader on my iPhone:
https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/3062
28) Athens Acropolis Becomes Accessible to the Visually Impaired
The Acropolis of Athens has become accessible to the visually impaired through a route recently unveiled that combines models of monuments, haptic feedback points, and signs in Greek and English Braille:
https://greekreporter.com/2022/11/25/athens-acropolis-accessible-visually-impaired/
29) How Disability Charities Are Working To Solve The U.S. Labor Shortage | Forbes
The United States currently finds itself in the grips of a labor shortage in key areas like retail and manufacturing as the after-effects of the Covid-inspired “Great Resignation” continue to be felt:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2022/11/25/how-disability-charities-are-working-to-solve-the-us-labor-shortage/?sh=4c2b2b564b57
30) Tactile Bulletin Board: Cells | Paths To Literacy
Create a tactile bulletin board to make cells and biology accessible to braille readers and students who are blind or visually impaired:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/tactile-bulletin-board-cells/
31) Learning Ally Announces PreK-2 Literacy Grant Program For U.S. Schools — Excite Reading TM Prepares Early Learners For Reading Success
To increase reading preparedness in early learners, Learning Ally, a national education nonprofit known to double the rate of reading growth for struggling readers, is announcing its new Excite Reading™ Early Literacy Grant Program for eligible U.S. schools at no cost. Applications are now open until December 15, 2022:
https://learningally.org/Solutions-for-School/Educator-Blog/learning-ally-announces-prek-2-literacy-grant-program-for-us-schools-excite-reading-prepares-early-learners-for-reading-success#close
➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events
✍ Submit your access information related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-webinar or locate "Webinar / Training Course Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) Microsoft Accessibility for Nonprofits Webinar
December 6th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | If you are part of a disability nonprofit organization, please join us for our Microsoft Accessibility for Nonprofits Webinar on Tuesday, December 6th. In this introductory session, you will learn about: Accessibility Nonprofit Tech Accelerator 2023 grant program that provides selected organizations with technology grants and dedicated specialist staff to support your mission. Access to Microsoft Philanthropies grants and discounts across our nonprofit cloud products including Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365 for all registered 501 c3 organizations. Microsoft Accessibility team will share our commitment to disability nonprofit partners, our work on AI for Accessibility & Innovation. Register today for the Microsoft Accessibility for Nonprofit Webinar:
https://learning.eventbuilder.com/event/67484
2) The Current Legal Landscape for Digital Assets Accessibility Risks and How to Provide an Accessible Experience for Retail Customers
December 6th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Presenter: Matt Ater, Lori Sommerfield, and Kim Phan
Join Matt Ater of Vispero, along with Lori Sommerfield & Kim Phan, partners at Troutman Pepper, for a discussion concerning the current state of legal risks for accessibility non-compliance and practical tips for making your retail business digital assets accessible for people with disabilities. We will discuss the current state of website and mobile application accessibility litigation, as well as the increasing threat of enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act for digital assets by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Biden administration. Learn how to mitigate legal risks by meeting digital accessibility requirements and creating a usable and accessible retail experience. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-6-at-11am-et-the-current-legal-landscape-for-digital-assets-accessibility-risks-and-how-to-provide-an-accessible-experience-for-retail-customers/
3) What's New With JAWS, ZoomText And Fusion In 2023 | APH ConnectCenter
December 6th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2023 contain several new features and enhancements that increase productivity at school, work, and play. Join us for a live webinar to learn about these features and see some of them in action:
https://aph.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f36877787e431c3edc0020ff5&id=ee03fc7f7f&e=55c3c23403
4) ONYX Family of Magnifiers: Portable & Powerful (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 7th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | The ONYX family of video magnifiers combines ease of use with powerful yet portable features to help people retain their independent lifestyle - reading, writing, viewing photographs, and engaging in hobbies. Did you know there are three different ONYX models? The ONYX Deskset and ONYX OCR offer larger screens and can adapt to multiple environments and tasks for productivity at school, work, and home. Modern camera technology and HD displays provide a clear, crisp picture with a wide range of magnification and color-coded controls. The ONYX Pro takes portability to the next level by combining it with the Surface 7 tablet to provide the ultimate tool for mobile magnification and reading tasks. During this webinar, we discuss the features and benefits all the ONYX models can give in specific situations. Join Ian Ramos and Joe McDaniel from Vispero as they dive deep into these powerful tools to help those challenged by vision loss. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), this presentation is approved for ACVREP continuing education credit. Learning Outcomes: Features of all ONYX models. How to determine which model fits your needs best. How adding speech capability can take you further. Benefits of portable, powerful visual tools. Meeting ID: 821 2886 0126 | Passcode: 792304 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82128860126#,,,,*792304# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82128860126?pwd=UHBhYXBzTHVGb0tCaktXZVc1anQ0dz09#success
5) 2022 Sight Tech Global — Shaping New Technologies to Create a More Accessible World for People with Blindness and Visual Impairments
December 7th 2022 and December 8th 2022 | Sponsored by Google, APH, Amazon, Humanware, Microsoft, Fable, LinkedIn, and Waymo, Sight Tech Global is the first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers on how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility. Register for free:
https://sighttechglobal.com/
6) 2022 Digital Accessibility Legal Update with Lainey Feingold | Free Webinar
December 8th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | What We'll Cover: A lot has happened in the digital accessibility legal space this year — have you kept up? Most recently, a new digital accessibility law was introduced in the United States Congress. If the law passes as written, it will result in digital accessibility regulations for both websites and software applications. Commercial providers who design, develop, and modify certain websites or applications are part of the proposed legislation. Speaker: Lainey Feingold. Lainey Feingold is a disability rights lawyer who has worked in the digital accessibility space since 1995. She is also an author and international speaker. Lainey, along with her blind clients and co-counsel, helped negotiate the first web accessibility agreement in the United States more than twenty years ago. She has worked with dozens of companies on their accessibility initiatives since that time. Lainey is the author of Structured Negotiation: A Winning Alternative to Lawsuits. Her book shares stories and strategies from twenty-five years of collaborations and relationship-building to help create an inclusive digital world. Register here:
https://go.3playmedia.com/wbnr-12-08-2022-lainey
7) 20 Websites to Bookmark for 2023 | Technology User Group, Maryland State Library
December 10th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | Technology keeps changing and so do the websites that are useful in our everyday lives. Find out why these 20 websites are so important for 2023. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET:
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx
8) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 3: Creative Manual Activities for Christmas | APH
December 12th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Christmas is a great time to create crafts. Let's share amazing and fun tactile ideas adapted to visually impaired children:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
9) Basics of Accessibility Testing | TPGi
December 13th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Presenter: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. Accessibility testing is a critical step in delivering a modern online experience. This webinar goes beyond testing checklists to answer the fundamental questions people have when they start testing for web accessibility. For accessibility testing to be effective, organizations must understand what makes a digital experience equal. We'll cover web accessibility, the role and structure of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and how to quantify the risk associated with a guideline. Additionally, we'll discuss the following: How to set the scope for accessibility testing and feel confident you are covering the "right parts" of a website/web application. We'll document mouse-only, keyboard-only, and assistive technology testing plans. We'll delve into how web pages expose "semantics" and the tools to understand if your site is properly conveying its meaning to assistive technology. How to get expert support beyond your team to be sure that your accessibility testing results are accurate and more! Learn how to use the tools, access resources, and receive clear steps to perform a full-scale WCAG audit. Register:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-13-at-12pm-et-basics-of-accessibility-testing/
10) Partner Showcase: Audiojack's Newest O+M Experience | APH ConnectCenter
December 13th 2022 | 1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM GMT | The APH Partner Showcase for December features Audiojack and its creator David Tobin. Listen live to the latest O&M Audiojack in the Life category, located in the mobile app and on the website. Then, engage with other Audience members and David as you discuss the newest Audiojack. The APH Partner Showcase is part of Access Academy, but does not offer ACVREP credits. The Showcase is strictly informational/promotional, and highlights some of APH's partner vendors in the field, and their product(s):
https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GnG1mrKsT0SX60sz1MDs4g
11) Explore SuperSense and Seeing AI Webinar | Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc.
December 14th 2022 | 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 12/15 | Come explore SuperSense and Seeing AI, two leading apps that leverage artificial intelligence to describe the world around you. We'll compare these apps in real world scenarios, learn to maximize their functionality, and help you decide which app might best meet your needs in this fun, interactive and informative webinar from the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Register in advance at:
https://thelighthousefortheblindinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_54Ben7JCTBeh66IoXUzzWA
12) Creating Accessible Promotional Materials (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 14th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | As a document author, learn about choosing colors, selecting images, and laying out your brochure, poster, or flyer in an engaging yet accessible way. Join Rachel Reeves in reviewing the most accessible way to create PDF Promotional Material. Learning Outcomes: Review color contrast requirements. Address mistakes commonly made in the Layout/Reading Order of one-page posters or flyers. Understand obstacles commonly encountered if using authoring tools such as Canva or Illustrator. Analyze poor templates that have images and fonts that make PDF remediation difficult. Meeting ID: 865 1628 1737 | Passcode: 967492 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,86516281737#,,,,*967492# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86516281737?pwd=NTZDdzRmZUdieFBTWnRiMzFsQVhHdz09#success
13) Training Course: Catching Up with JAWS Chapter 4 for JAWS 2022 and 2023 | Hartgen Consultancy
December 14th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | Catching Up with JAWS is priced £35 which is approximately 40 American dollars. Now is your chance to get some high quality training on some of the latest features within the screen-reader JAWS for Windows which have been introduced over the past two years. This follows on from our previous popular training courses on this subject. These training courses are still popular and people are purchasing the older volumes in the series even today:
https://www.hartgen.org/catchup4
14) Career Conversations with Joe Strechay | APH ConnectCenter
December 15th 2022 | 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM on 12/16 GMT | Join us and meet Joe Strechay, a blind Film and Television Producer. No stranger to CareerConnect, Joe is back with us sharing his breakthrough into Television and film. Listen in and hear how as a blind professional, Joe works directly on set with actors and actresses who themselves are blind. From television and film sets both domestic and international, we will spend the hour engaging on this fascinating career:
https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m0H5e0hpTeOLEeCIl-SH3g
15) ZoomText, JAWS & Fusion: Latest Features (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 21st 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | It's that time again. Not only is it the holidays but also the time when there are important updates for ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion. Join Ian Ramos and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to explore what's new in the 2023 updates and some features within the past few years. Learning Outcomes: Briefly explain the differences between ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion. Compare the different licenses and how you can find out if you are eligible for the latest updates. Explore new 2023 features such as Tethered View, Smart Glance, Notification History improvements, New Tables Only option for Smart Navigation, etc. Review recent features, including Docking the Quick Access Bar, Voice Assistant, Sound Splitter, New Vocalizer Expressive Voices and Languages, and more. Meeting ID: 827 9977 1867 | Passcode: 853407 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82799771867#,,,,*853407# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82799771867?pwd=VVNHeWhjVVVLc1JDUUtSMlllMnlQZz09#success
16) Ask The Advocate | APH ConnectCenter
December 28th 2022 | 5:30PM PT, 6:30PM MT, 7:30PM CT, 8:30PM ET, 1:30AM GMT on 12/29 | Answering questions families have to better understand the processes, procedures and parent rights in a 504/IEP. When parents are better informed they will be better equipped to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes:
https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rSJUAYVjTfCA34Ibi8gyuQ
17) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 4: Braille Around the World | APH
January 4th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's celebrate Louis Braille's Day and explore different braille codes around the world:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
18) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 5: School Aged Numeracy | APH
February 1st 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Using LEGO Braille Bricks to do math: let's discover some of the many uses of these little bricks to develop numerical and geometry skills, understand symmetry, and much more:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
19) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH
March 6th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's explore daily-living activities using LEGO Braille Bricks and share our best practices, experiences, tips:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
20) 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference
March 15th 2022 and March 16th 2023 | Deque Systems, the trusted leader in digital accessibility, has announced the third annual axe-con conference will return on March 15-16th, 2023. With the success of axe-con over the past two years, Deque will continue to host the conference as a free virtual event again next year. Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences:
https://www.deque.com/blog/save-the-date-for-axe-con-2023/
21) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH
April 5th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's discover together how to make music with these famous bricks! Come and share your creative ideas:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
22) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH
May 3rd 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
23) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH
June 7th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
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Sponsor: WayAround
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Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
➜ Finally! Holding Businesses Accountable
Those who need accessibility accommodations aren't strangers to jumping in with self-advocacy to achieve it. But, what about the rest of us? When explaining the benefits of a reasonable accommodation to one's place of work or school. This is where our self-advocacy kits come in. Pneuma has written up customizable email templates you can modify according to your situation. We cover a variety of different advocacy scenarios. Simply choose your scenario, answer a few simple questions, adapt the language, address it to the right person, and submit it! Self-advocacy has never been easier:
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Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter
➜ Prepare For Your Future Today With The All-New APH ConnectCenter's Job Seekers Toolkit!
The APH ConnectCenter and NSITE have partnered to update the Job Seeker's Toolkit, an accessible, self-paced, free online training course. The Toolkit includes five sections covering self-awareness, career exploration tools, the preliminary employment process, the interview, and maintaining employment. We are bringing the Job Seeker's Toolkit to a larger audience and in a Learning Management System format for today's learners, at no cost. Visit APHCareerConnect.org to get started with the Job Seekers Toolkit today at:
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Access Information News for Monday, November 28, 2022 - Volume 886
The Week's News in Access Information
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A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
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✍ Submit your access information news item for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-news or locate "News Item Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last Week
A.) 5 Takeaways From Screen Reader Usability Interviews | Jess Budd | Senior Front-End Engineer Specializing In Web Accessibility (7.2% of all clicks.)
Editor: This article does an absolutely extraordinary job describing how screen reader users interact with websites. | Jess Budd: Earlier this year I worked on the re-development of my workplace's primary website navigation. We went from a simple, single-tier nav with no drop-downs to a two-tier nav with a drop-down mega menu. I was pretty confident we were ticking the major boxes of complying with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), but I also know that technical compliance does not necessarily equal a good user experience for people with disabilities. As part of the overall user testing strategy, it was important to us to include people with disabilities. Of the five usability interviews we conducted with frequent screen reader users, some common patterns stood out to me:
https://jessbudd.com/blog/screen-reader-usability-testing-observations/
B.) 7 Best iOS 16 Apps and Features for Accessibility (7.0% of all clicks.)
Technology has helped society in so many ways, but tech developments are a true blessing for those with impairments and conditions or who require help with daily tasks. Whether you have a loved one you take care of or you need assistance yourself, some iOS 16 apps and features have made certain tasks significantly more convenient. Apple always seeks to accommodate those with accessibility needs, as the company continuously adds features that aim to help with their lives. If you're interested in learning more about how you can use your iPhone with iOS 16 installed to help with everyday needs, then keep reading:
https://appletoolbox.com/best-ios-16-apps-and-features-accessibility/
C.) Making New York City Crosswalks Accessible For The Blind (4.9% of all clicks.)
Hundreds of junctions in New York City will become accessible to blind people, in a new project powered by technology developed in Israel:
https://nocamels.com/2022/11/making-new-york-city-crosswalks-accessible-for-the-blind/
D.) The Man Behind Mastodon Built It for This Moment (4.4% of all clicks.)
Eugen Rochko looks exhausted. The 29-year-old German programmer is the founder of Mastodon, a distributed alternative to Twitter that has exploded in popularity in recent weeks as Elon Musk's ownership of the platform has rained chaos on its users. Rochko began developing Mastodon shortly after leaving university in 2016. He was a fan of Twitter but wanted to create a platform not controlled by any single company or person, reasoning that online communication is too important to be at the whim of commercial interests or CEOs. He believed that the lack of profit motive and canny design could discourage harassment and abuse, and provide users more control:
https://www.wired.com/story/the-man-behind-mastodon-eugen-rochko-built-it-for-this-moment/
E.) Blind Veteran Prepares To File Lawsuit Against Columbia County Sheriff's Office Following Arrest (4.1% of all clicks.)
The attorney representing a blind veteran has sent a notice of intent to pursue damages against the Columbia County Sheriff's Office after the man's cane was mistaken for a pistol:
https://www.wcjb.com/2022/11/16/blind-veteran-prepares-file-suit-against-columbia-county-sheriffs-office-following-arrest/
2) Sponsorship Package Updates
There are currently 15 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. If you would like to support the ongoing distribution of Access Information News while reaching over 10,000 access professionals each week, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either quarterly or annually. Annual sponsors gain the additional benefit of being able to schedule their Featured Advertisements up to one year in advance. If you are an access information business or organization that has been looking for a way to consistently reach the largest audience of opt-in access professionals in the world today, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last. Learn all about the benefits here:
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3) AccessWorld November 2022
November 2022 updates include: Editor's Notes: News Regarding Hearthstone Access | AccessWorld's 2022 Online Shopping Guide | A Look at New Features in the JAWS 2023 Release | Envision Glasses: Getting Smarter all the Time | Easy Smartphone Input with Hable One:
https://www.afb.org/aw/23/11
4) Introducing The New Menus4ALL App Providing 750,000 Accessible Restaurant Menus | Stephanie Jones
Publisher: Menus4ALL is a founding sponsor of the new Access Information News publication and a long time Top Tech Tidbits supporter. They've been working on this solution for some time and we are all so very happy to finally see it come to fruition. | Stephanie Jones: My name is Stephanie Jones and I am co-founder of an accessibility solutions company, Menus4ALL. Our mission is to provide folks accessible restaurant menus. Previously we offered 50,000 US accessible menus on our website for 3 years. This Fall we beta tested with the BVI community an iPhone app, available now in the App Store. The Menus4ALL iPhone app features 750,000 fully accessible restaurant menus. 500,000 menus in the U.S. and 250,000 menus in Canada. It supports Apple's dynamic type, VoiceOver, Voice Control and common Braille displays. And it's affordable for all at $2.99 a month, with a one time 14-day trial:
https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/introducing-new-menus4all-app-providing-750000-accessible-restaurant-menus
5) Mastodon Is Now Mushroom FM's Social Network Of Choice. Here's Why We've Done It, The Benefits To You, And How To Join Us There
What's happening? That seemed an appropriate heading to start this post given the subject matter. Today, we are announcing that Mastodon will now be Mushroom FM's primary social media platform. We're not abandoning Twitter, at least at this stage, but it will all be automated. We will continue to tweet announcements from our blog, as well as show reminders half an hour before they start. But for live, interactive events, mastodon will now be our social network of choice. Change can be unsettling, and we want to make sure that our loyal listeners understand why we've decided to do this, the benefits for you of this decision, and how you can join us on Mastodon if you are not already there:
https://mushroomfm.com/MastodonMove
6) Twitter's Layoffs Are a Blow to Accessibility | Wired
Editor: This article chronicles some of Twitter's contributions to accessibility over the last couple of years. It is good to see coverage of accessibility setbacks in mainstream publications like Wired. | Wired: The company recently took major steps to make the platform more inclusive after pressure from disabled users. Then Elon Musk gutted its accessibility team:
https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-layoffs-accessibility/
7) Leaving Twitter's Walled Garden | What is the Fediverse, Federation and Mastodon?
A wave of people have announced that they're leaving Twitter to check out something called Mastodon, and that leaves many wondering, what is Mastodon anyway? More importantly, what is the "fediverse" and what is "ActivityPub"? This explainer will help you make heads or tails of this new approach to communications and social media:
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/11/leaving-twitters-walled-garden
8) Right Info Wrong Location: Accessibility Hints | The Idea Place | Kelly Ford
In my web use, I've noticed a growing trend to add instructions to more experiences on the web. This week it was more than 250 words on reading a table on a financial web site and another couple hundred words on a calendar control for an airline company. Most often, this is coming in the form of an ARIA-Label or other hidden text, aimed at explaining how to use the experience with a screen reader in particular. This is typically scoped to some sort of custom control that the site has opted to use. On the surface, this might sound great. We have some complex experience and want to give users some tips so we'll jam in a set of instructions. We don't want to clutter the visual experience with information that isn't relevant if you are not using a screen reader though, so we'll hide this info with some web technique we've learned about from someplace:
https://theideaplace.net/right-info-wrong-location-accessibility-hints/
9) A Guide to Understanding Your Current 2022 Aira Plan
Definition of Retail, Community and Legacy Plans, and Basic Information about Changes Coming in Early 2023:
https://aira.io/a-guide-to-understanding-your-current-2022-aira-plan/
10) Accessibility Virtual Reality: Augmented Reality Captioned Glasses
The augmented reality technology wave provides us with a chance to build accessible hardware and software solutions from the ground up, rather than as an afterthought. Xander and XRAI Glass are aiming to caption the world through smart glasses. Here's your chance to get a glimpse of these augmented reality (AR) glasses:
https://equalentry.com/accessibility-augmented-reality-captioned-glasses/
11) Joe Strechay Helps Actors and Production Teams Accurately Portray Blindness
This AFB Career Connect article describes the work on popular television shows and movies done by Joe Strechay to make them more realistic in terms of how they represent blindness:
https://aphcareerconnect.org/blog/careerconnect-blog/joe-strechay-helps-actors-and-production-teams-accurately-portray-blindness/
12) Understanding Disability: Ableism | TPGi
A common definition of ableism is that it is discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities. That's undoubtedly true, but ableism can also be described as discrimination in favor of non-disabled people. The distinction lies in how ableism — sometimes subtly, sometimes blatantly — puts forward the myth of the superiority of non-disabled people and the inferiority of disabled people:
https://www.tpgi.com/understanding-disability-ableism/
13) ESA Names Astronaut Candidate With a Physical Disability, in a First
"Science is for everyone," Paralympian and surgical trainee John McFall says. "And space travel, hopefully, can be for everyone:"
https://www.cnet.com/science/space/esa-names-astronaut-candidate-with-a-physical-disability-in-a-first/#ftag=CAD590a51e
14) Hiking For Visually Impaired People: How One Writer Is Fighting For Her Right To Roam | Caroline Butterwick
Hiking is great exercise and a way to get outdoors. Visually impaired writer Caroline Butterwick considers how she and other people with disabilities can make the most of hiking, and her sense of belonging in the natural world:
https://www.stylist.co.uk/fitness-health/hiking-visually-impaired-people-benefits/732076
15) New Regulations For Kiosks And Self-Service Transaction Machines? We've Been Here Before.
This is an article about action by a government agency in the United States called The US Access Board. The Board is thinking about making new rules about self-service kiosks so they are accessible for disabled people. Kiosks are machines designed for people to do things like order food and get health information without help. Disabled people often cannot use them. The Access Board started to make rules on this topic twelve years ago. But they never finished. In September of 2022 the Access Board published nine questions that would impact any new rules about kiosk access. The public can submit comments by November 21 of this year. Even though there are no regulations yet, many legal cases require kiosks to work for disabled people:
https://www.lflegal.com/2022/11/kiosk-anprm-2022/
16) An Audiobook Narrator For Authors Like Margaret Atwood And Elena Ferrante Says Any Self-Starter Can Break Into The Field And Make A Lucrative Living — But The Work Can Be Draining
Hillary Huber has narrated almost 700 books after starting out in commercial voiceover work. She says the hardest part is not mixing up complicated sentences or character voices. A self-starter attitude is key to entering the field. "It's about forging relationships," she said:
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-become-audiobook-narrator-voiceover-actor-pay-2022-11
17) ReSound Gift of Hearing Campaign Begins November 18th 2022
ReSound announced that it will again look to partner with hearing care professionals in the Gift of Hearing campaign, a nationwide effort to donate hundreds of hearing aids to people living with hearing loss who are experiencing financial hardship:
https://www.resound.com/en-us/press/resound-gift-of-hearing-campaign-begins-november-18
18) Integrating Emergent Literacy into Adaptive PE
This activity integrates adapted physical education, speech therapy and emergent literacy for students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/integrating-emergent-literacy-adaptive-pe/
19) This 22-Year-Old Product Designer Created Toys To Help Visually Impaired Babies Enjoy Their Food
While most of us take eating for granted, many visually impaired babies develop an aversion to mushy or slimy foods. CNA Women speaks to Lim Jin Ying about how inclusive design can help such babies and children overcome these and other common barriers:
https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/women/inclusive-product-design-visually-impaired-children-eating-lim-jin-ying-338076
20) Department Of Special Education Offering New Master's Program In Low Vision And Blindness
The Department of Special Education at Illinois State is excited to offer a master of science in education in low vision and blindness. This fully online, five-semester program will provide current teachers an opportunity to add a state of Illinois endorsement in low vision and blindness while obtaining a master's degree:
https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2022/11/department-of-special-education-offering-new-masters-program-in-low-vision-and-blindness/
21) Tulsa Transit Debuts New Technology For Visually Impaired Passengers
With its partnership with Aira, an online service that provides live, real-time assistance to those with visual impairments, Tulsa Transit is now part of the Aira promo and designated facilities within the Aira online application for users:
https://ktul.com/news/local/tulsa-transit-debuts-new-technology-for-visually-impaired-passengers
22) Online Only Retailers Have a New Defense Against Website Accessibility Claims in California
On August 1, 2022, the California Court of Appeals issued the decision in Martinez v. Cot'n Wash, Inc. (2022) 81 Cal.App.5th 1026 [297 Cal.Rptr.3d 712]. In Martinez, the plaintiff claimed that Cot'n Wash's website (dropps.com) was inaccessible because it did not comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Cot'n Wash disputed Martinez's claim, but also argued that California's Unruh Civil Rights Act did not apply because there was no evidence of intentional discrimination, and Title III of the ADA did not apply to Cot'n Wash because it was an online only business selling cleaning products to customers who order online, but without any retail or physical locations:
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/online-only-retailers-have-a-new-6118339/
23) Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Kiosk Accessibility Deadline Looms | 25% of Airport Kiosks Must Be Accessible by December 2022 | TPGi
The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA) is one of the more detailed laws providing specific requirements for deploying accessible self-service kiosks. An update in 2013 set two deadlines for accessible kiosks.
https://www.tpgi.com/air-carrier-access-act-acaa-kiosk-accessibility-deadline-looms/
24) Reference Objects for Students with Multiple Disabilities and Visual Impairments | Paths To Literacy
Learn about this key chain of reference objects referring to daily routine actions and the concrete symbols of yes and no for students with multiple disabilities and visual impairments and complex communication needs:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/reference-objects-for-students-with-multiple-disabilities-and-visual-impairments/
25) 4 Ways to Make Online Banking Accessible
Here are some tips, written by an actual screen reader user, of things you can do to make your banking website accessible:
https://blog.usablenet.com/4-ways-to-make-online-banking-accessible
26) Learn to Read Braille with Dottie and Dots | Paths To Literacy
This book can be downloaded for free to teach children the dot configurations of the braille alphabet:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/learn-read-braille-dottie-and-dots/
27) Amazon And National Association Of The Blind (NAB) Bring Interactive Learning With Alexa To Over 100 Schools In Uttar Pradesh
After a successful pilot with 10 schools in Basti, Gorakhpur and Lucknow, Amazon and NAB UP will place Echo smart speakers in 93 additional schools, reaching 34,000+ students in the state:
https://www.timesnownews.com/technology-science/amazon-and-national-association-of-the-blind-nab-bring-interactive-learning-with-alexa-to-over-100-schools-in-uttar-pradesh-article-95658976
28) Happy 82nd Anniversary to Raising Expectations and Shaping Our Future | National Federation of the Blind | YouTube | President Mark Riccobono
President Mark Riccobono shares a message to reflect on our anniversary and goals of our future in the designated museum space. The space is empty with an exposed, fire proofed tall ceiling, dry-walled walls, support pillars, and unfinished concrete flooring:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eiPR1maBtU
29) A Beginner's Guide to Kiosk Accessibility: Part 1 | TPGi
You might pick up the new camera you ordered at a buy-online-pick-up-in-store kiosk locker. Or use a self-service kiosk to order a Reuben at the sandwich place near work. Or check into your eye appointment with a healthcare check-in kiosk. Kiosks allow people to complete everyday tasks independently, and that's why self-service kiosks need to be accessible for people with disabilities:
https://www.tpgi.com/a-beginners-guide-to-kiosk-accessibility-part-1/
30) Meetup.com Raises Concerns with New Accessibility Overlay
Meetup.com raised some concerns with the WordPress community (and the broader community of accessibility professionals) this week after it added an accessibility overlay to its website. The overlay, powered by EqualWeb, displays a list of settings that can be toggled, ostensibly to address various accessibility needs:
https://wptavern.com/meetup-com-raises-concerns-with-new-accessibility-overlay
31) Meetup.com Accessibility Overlay Update
On November 24, 2022 Meetup.com requested that we update the "Next Steps" portion to focus on feedback around accessibility of their platform broadly, instead of the accessibility overlay, as that is no longer in place:
https://make.wordpress.org/community/2022/11/23/meetup-com-accessibility-overlay-update/
➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events
✍ Submit your access information related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-webinar or locate "Webinar / Training Course Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) ACB's 2022 Audio Description Awards Gala
November 29 2022 | The American Council of the Blind (ACB) proudly announces the second annual Audio Description Awards Gala on November 29, 2022. The Gala will once again celebrate outstanding achievements in audio description in media and expand awareness of its benefits. In recent years there has been enormous success in expanding audio description for audiences who are blind, low vision, or have other sensory disabilities that create barriers to full inclusion in visual media. "The Audio Description Awards Gala will celebrate the best of the best within the art and science of inclusive audio-described media," said Eric Bridges, ACB's Executive Director. "Together we will work to expand awareness of the transformative value that audio description brings to the lives of people with disabilities:"
https://acb.org/save-the-date-2022-AD-Awards
2) Linking Up with LinkedIn to Increase Employment Opportunities For Blind or Low Vision Users | Mississippi State University National Technical Assistance Center on Blindness & Low Vision
November 30th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | We are having our final webinar of the year, and you are invited! Brief Summary: The NRTC will partner with NSITE to discuss how people with vision loss can increase employment opportunities by using LinkedIn. Registration: Visit the Webinars & Podcasts page to learn more about this webinar, and register today:
https://www.ntac.blind.msstate.edu/consumers/webinars-podcasts
3) PDF Accessibility Training for Organizations | Access Ingenuity
November 30th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Creating accessible PDF documents is essential for most organizations' digital accessibility process. However, organizations often struggle to get their staff trained and efficient at creating accessible PDFs and other accessible digital content. The first step is identifying document creators within the organization and the types of documents they're developing. Depending on the findings, standard and advanced PDF accessibility training may be required. Join Michael Parker from Access Ingenuity to review lessons we learned from creating digital accessibility training and how to apply them to your organization. Learning Outcomes: Understand the components of a comprehensive PDF accessibility training program. Understand the importance of creating accessible templates and using accessible color palettes. Breaking the training down into manageable chunks - from beginners to advanced users. Meeting ID: 883 8806 6414 | Passcode: 878053 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,88388066414#,,,,*878053# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88388066414?pwd=RU9tQU02ZDlRVjZzWlpwZHVGZjBSUT09
4) Using JAWS Inspect and JAWS Connect for Testing | TPGi
December 1st 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Presenter: Charlie Pike, Platform Success Lead Using transcripts of JAWS speech, you can quickly pinpoint accessibility and usability issues. This demonstration will walk you through some simple tests using both JAWS Inspect and JAWS Connect, explaining how these tools can be integrated into your test processes. Register today:.
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-1-at-12pm-et-using-jaws-inspect-and-jaws-connect-for-testing/
5) Blind Health Expo | The Accessible Pharmacy
December 2nd 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | The Accessible Pharmacy Blind Health Expo will be the largest virtual expo of healthcare information, products, services, and medication for individuals who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. Join thousands of other attendees and register now for free!
https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/blind-health-expo/
6) Microsoft Accessibility for Nonprofits Webinar
December 6th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | If you are part of a disability nonprofit organization, please join us for our Microsoft Accessibility for Nonprofits Webinar on Tuesday, December 6th. In this introductory session, you will learn about: Accessibility Nonprofit Tech Accelerator 2023 grant program that provides selected organizations with technology grants and dedicated specialist staff to support your mission. Access to Microsoft Philanthropies grants and discounts across our nonprofit cloud products including Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365 for all registered 501 c3 organizations. Microsoft Accessibility team will share our commitment to disability nonprofit partners, our work on AI for Accessibility & Innovation. Register today for the Microsoft Accessibility for Nonprofit Webinar:
https://learning.eventbuilder.com/event/67484
7) The Current Legal Landscape for Digital Assets Accessibility Risks and How to Provide an Accessible Experience for Retail Customers
December 6th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Presenter: Matt Ater, Lori Sommerfield, and Kim Phan
Join Matt Ater of Vispero, along with Lori Sommerfield & Kim Phan, partners at Troutman Pepper, for a discussion concerning the current state of legal risks for accessibility non-compliance and practical tips for making your retail business digital assets accessible for people with disabilities. We will discuss the current state of website and mobile application accessibility litigation, as well as the increasing threat of enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act for digital assets by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Biden administration. Learn how to mitigate legal risks by meeting digital accessibility requirements and creating a usable and accessible retail experience. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-6-at-11am-et-the-current-legal-landscape-for-digital-assets-accessibility-risks-and-how-to-provide-an-accessible-experience-for-retail-customers/
8) ONYX Family of Magnifiers: Portable & Powerful (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 7th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | The ONYX family of video magnifiers combines ease of use with powerful yet portable features to help people retain their independent lifestyle - reading, writing, viewing photographs, and engaging in hobbies. Did you know there are three different ONYX models? The ONYX Deskset and ONYX OCR offer larger screens and can adapt to multiple environments and tasks for productivity at school, work, and home. Modern camera technology and HD displays provide a clear, crisp picture with a wide range of magnification and color-coded controls. The ONYX Pro takes portability to the next level by combining it with the Surface 7 tablet to provide the ultimate tool for mobile magnification and reading tasks. During this webinar, we discuss the features and benefits all the ONYX models can give in specific situations. Join Ian Ramos and Joe McDaniel from Vispero as they dive deep into these powerful tools to help those challenged by vision loss. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), this presentation is approved for ACVREP continuing education credit. Learning Outcomes: Features of all ONYX models. How to determine which model fits your needs best. How adding speech capability can take you further. Benefits of portable, powerful visual tools. Meeting ID: 821 2886 0126 | Passcode: 792304 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82128860126#,,,,*792304# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82128860126?pwd=UHBhYXBzTHVGb0tCaktXZVc1anQ0dz09#success
9) 2022 Sight Tech Global — Shaping New Technologies to Create a More Accessible World for People with Blindness and Visual Impairments
December 7th 2022 and December 8th 2022 | Sponsored by Google, APH, Amazon, Humanware, Microsoft, Fable, LinkedIn, and Waymo, Sight Tech Global is the first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers on how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility. Register for free:
https://sighttechglobal.com/
10) 2022 Digital Accessibility Legal Update with Lainey Feingold | Free Webinar
December 8th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | What We'll Cover: A lot has happened in the digital accessibility legal space this year — have you kept up? Most recently, a new digital accessibility law was introduced in the United States Congress. If the law passes as written, it will result in digital accessibility regulations for both websites and software applications. Commercial providers who design, develop, and modify certain websites or applications are part of the proposed legislation. Speaker: Lainey Feingold. Lainey Feingold is a disability rights lawyer who has worked in the digital accessibility space since 1995. She is also an author and international speaker. Lainey, along with her blind clients and co-counsel, helped negotiate the first web accessibility agreement in the United States more than twenty years ago. She has worked with dozens of companies on their accessibility initiatives since that time. Lainey is the author of Structured Negotiation: A Winning Alternative to Lawsuits. Her book shares stories and strategies from twenty-five years of collaborations and relationship-building to help create an inclusive digital world. Register here:
https://go.3playmedia.com/wbnr-12-08-2022-lainey
11) 20 Websites to Bookmark for 2023 | Technology User Group, Maryland State Library
December 10th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | Technology keeps changing and so do the websites that are useful in our everyday lives. Find out why these 20 websites are so important for 2023. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET:
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx
12) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 3: Creative Manual Activities for Christmas | APH
December 12th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Christmas is a great time to create crafts. Let's share amazing and fun tactile ideas adapted to visually impaired children:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
13) Basics of Accessibility Testing | TPGi
December 13th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Presenter: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. Accessibility testing is a critical step in delivering a modern online experience. This webinar goes beyond testing checklists to answer the fundamental questions people have when they start testing for web accessibility. For accessibility testing to be effective, organizations must understand what makes a digital experience equal. We'll cover web accessibility, the role and structure of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and how to quantify the risk associated with a guideline. Additionally, we'll discuss the following: How to set the scope for accessibility testing and feel confident you are covering the "right parts" of a website/web application. We'll document mouse-only, keyboard-only, and assistive technology testing plans. We'll delve into how web pages expose "semantics" and the tools to understand if your site is properly conveying its meaning to assistive technology. How to get expert support beyond your team to be sure that your accessibility testing results are accurate and more! Learn how to use the tools, access resources, and receive clear steps to perform a full-scale WCAG audit. Register:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-13-at-12pm-et-basics-of-accessibility-testing/
14) Creating Accessible Promotional Materials (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 14th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | As a document author, learn about choosing colors, selecting images, and laying out your brochure, poster, or flyer in an engaging yet accessible way. Join Rachel Reeves in reviewing the most accessible way to create PDF Promotional Material. Learning Outcomes: Review color contrast requirements. Address mistakes commonly made in the Layout/Reading Order of one-page posters or flyers. Understand obstacles commonly encountered if using authoring tools such as Canva or Illustrator. Analyze poor templates that have images and fonts that make PDF remediation difficult. Meeting ID: 865 1628 1737 | Passcode: 967492 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,86516281737#,,,,*967492# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86516281737?pwd=NTZDdzRmZUdieFBTWnRiMzFsQVhHdz09#success
15) Training Course: Catching Up with JAWS Chapter 4 for JAWS 2022 and 2023 | Hartgen Consultancy
December 14th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | Catching Up with JAWS is priced £35 which is approximately 40 American dollars. Now is your chance to get some high quality training on some of the latest features within the screen-reader JAWS for Windows which have been introduced over the past two years. This follows on from our previous popular training courses on this subject. These training courses are still popular and people are purchasing the older volumes in the series even today:
https://www.hartgen.org/catchup4
16) ZoomText, JAWS & Fusion: Latest Features (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 21st 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | It's that time again. Not only is it the holidays but also the time when there are important updates for ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion. Join Ian Ramos and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to explore what's new in the 2023 updates and some features within the past few years. Learning Outcomes: Briefly explain the differences between ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion. Compare the different licenses and how you can find out if you are eligible for the latest updates. Explore new 2023 features such as Tethered View, Smart Glance, Notification History improvements, New Tables Only option for Smart Navigation, etc. Review recent features, including Docking the Quick Access Bar, Voice Assistant, Sound Splitter, New Vocalizer Expressive Voices and Languages, and more. Meeting ID: 827 9977 1867 | Passcode: 853407 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82799771867#,,,,*853407# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82799771867?pwd=VVNHeWhjVVVLc1JDUUtSMlllMnlQZz09#success
17) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 4: Braille Around the World | APH
January 4th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's celebrate Louis Braille's Day and explore different braille codes around the world:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
18) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 5: School Aged Numeracy | APH
February 1st 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Using LEGO Braille Bricks to do math: let's discover some of the many uses of these little bricks to develop numerical and geometry skills, understand symmetry, and much more:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
19) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH
March 6th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's explore daily-living activities using LEGO Braille Bricks and share our best practices, experiences, tips:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
20) 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference
March 15th 2022 and March 16th 2023 | Deque Systems, the trusted leader in digital accessibility, has announced the third annual axe-con conference will return on March 15-16th, 2023. With the success of axe-con over the past two years, Deque will continue to host the conference as a free virtual event again next year. Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences:
https://www.deque.com/blog/save-the-date-for-axe-con-2023/
21) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH
April 5th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's discover together how to make music with these famous bricks! Come and share your creative ideas:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
22) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH
May 3rd 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
23) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH
June 7th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
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Those who need accessibility accommodations aren't strangers to jumping in with self-advocacy to achieve it. But, what about the rest of us? When explaining the benefits of a reasonable accommodation to one's place of work or school. This is where our self-advocacy kits come in. Pneuma has written up customizable email templates you can modify according to your situation. We cover a variety of different advocacy scenarios. Simply choose your scenario, answer a few simple questions, adapt the language, address it to the right person, and submit it! Self-advocacy has never been easier:
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Access Information News for Monday, November 21, 2022 - Volume 885
The Week's News in Access Information
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1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last Week
A.) 7 Best iOS 16 Apps and Features for Accessibility (9.1% of all clicks.)
Technology has helped society in so many ways, but tech developments are a true blessing for those with impairments and conditions or who require help with daily tasks. Whether you have a loved one you take care of or you need assistance yourself, some iOS 16 apps and features have made certain tasks significantly more convenient. Apple always seeks to accommodate those with accessibility needs, as the company continuously adds features that aim to help with their lives. If you're interested in learning more about how you can use your iPhone with iOS 16 installed to help with everyday needs, then keep reading:
https://appletoolbox.com/best-ios-16-apps-and-features-accessibility/
B.) 'You're a Tyrant?': Bodycam Video Appears to Show Florida Deputies Handcuffing Visually-Impaired Man Walking Back from Cancelled Jury Duty (6.0% of all clicks.)
James Hodges, 61, was stopped by two deputies from the Columbia County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office on October 31st 2022. Body-worn camera footage shows one deputy, a woman, approaching Hodges as he walked on the sidewalk:
https://lawandcrime.com/caught-on-video/youre-a-tyrant-bodycam-video-appears-to-show-florida-cops-handcuffing-visually-impaired-man-walking-back-from-cancelled-jury-duty/
C.) Columbia County Sheriff Gives Update After Arrest Of Visually-Impaired Man Goes Viral (5.0% of all clicks.)
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/news/local/columbia-county-sheriff-gives-update-after-arrest-of-visually-impaired-man-goes-viral/77-a962f7cc-8615-4fbb-ae62-270a41947dfb
D.) LG Distributes Common-use Braille Stickers for Free (4.6% of all clicks.)
LG Electronics Inc. has announced it is distributing common-use braille stickers to customers for free as a way to enhance home appliance accessibility:
http://koreabizwire.com/lg-distributes-common-use-braille-stickers-for-free/232698
E.) Resource Guide for Students With Visual Disabilities (4.1% of all clicks.)
An all-encompassing, resource-packed guide for college students with visual impairments:
https://testprepinsight.com/resources/resource-guide-students-with-visual-disabilities/
2) Access Information News Welcomes WayAround As Second Founding Publication Sponsor
Please join all of us here at Access Information News in welcoming aboard WayAround. WayAround is now the second founding sponsor of the Access Information News publication. WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result is doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence. Learn more today at:
https://www.wayaround.com/
3) Access Information News Welcomes Menus4ALL As Third Founding Publication Sponsor
Please join all of us here at Access Information News in welcoming aboard Menus4ALL. Menus4ALL is now the third founding sponsor of the Access Information News publication. Menus4ALL provides over 750,000 accessible restaurant menus. On your iPhone. In the palm of your hand. That's not a typo. The Menus4ALL iPhone app offers 500,000 accessible menus in the United States and 250,000 accessible menus in Canada. Wherever you are and whenever you need it, the Menus4ALL iPhone app offers the largest network of fully accessible and current restaurant menus, all in one place. Learn more today at:
https://www.menus4all.com/
4) Sponsorship Package Updates
There are currently 15 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages still available. If you would like to support the ongoing distribution of Access Information News while enjoying some really incredible marketing benefits, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either quarterly or annually. Annual sponsors gain the additional benefit of being able to schedule their Featured Advertisements up to one year in advance. If you are an access information business or organization that has been looking for a way to consistently reach the largest audience of opt-in access professionals in the world today, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last. Learn all about the benefits here:
https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsor ✉
5) The Man Behind Mastodon Built It for This Moment
Eugen Rochko looks exhausted. The 29-year-old German programmer is the founder of Mastodon, a distributed alternative to Twitter that has exploded in popularity in recent weeks as Elon Musk's ownership of the platform has rained chaos on its users. Rochko began developing Mastodon shortly after leaving university in 2016. He was a fan of Twitter but wanted to create a platform not controlled by any single company or person, reasoning that online communication is too important to be at the whim of commercial interests or CEOs. He believed that the lack of profit motive and canny design could discourage harassment and abuse, and provide users more control:
https://www.wired.com/story/the-man-behind-mastodon-eugen-rochko-built-it-for-this-moment/
6) 5 Takeaways From Screen Reader Usability Interviews | Jess Budd | Senior Front-End Engineer Specializing In Web Accessibility
Editor: This article does an absolutely extraordinary job describing how screen reader users interact with websites. | Jess Budd: Earlier this year I worked on the re-development of my workplace's primary website navigation. We went from a simple, single-tier nav with no drop-downs to a two-tier nav with a drop-down mega menu. I was pretty confident we were ticking the major boxes of complying with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), but I also know that technical compliance does not necessarily equal a good user experience for people with disabilities. As part of the overall user testing strategy, it was important to us to include people with disabilities. Of the five usability interviews we conducted with frequent screen reader users, some common patterns stood out to me:
https://jessbudd.com/blog/screen-reader-usability-testing-observations/
7) Blind Veteran Prepares To File Lawsuit Against Columbia County Sheriff's Office Following Arrest
The attorney representing a blind veteran has sent a notice of intent to pursue damages against the Columbia County Sheriff's Office after the man's cane was mistaken for a pistol:
https://www.wcjb.com/2022/11/16/blind-veteran-prepares-file-suit-against-columbia-county-sheriffs-office-following-arrest/
8) A Former Twitter Employee Who Is A Cancer Survivor Is Suing The Company After Elon Musk Targeted Remote Work, Claiming The Abrupt Policy Change Was Discriminatory
An engineer is suing Twitter due to a U-turn on remote work instituted by Elon Musk in one of his first moves after he purchased the embattled company:
https://www.businessinsider.com/twitter-worker-disability-sues-after-elon-musks-remote-work-change-2022-11
9) Orientation and Mobility for Blind Babies and Toddlers | APH FamilyConnect
What Is Orientation and Mobility? Orientation and Mobility (O&M) includes the skills needed to orient to surroundings and to move independently and safely in the environment. To learn and master these skills, a blind or visually impaired child commonly works with an O&M specialist from infancy through late adolescence. He may choose to occasionally work with an O&M specialist again as an adult to learn routes around a college campus, unfamiliar town, or new job. For blind babies and toddlers, O&M entails encouraging movement and developing foundational concepts and skills which we'll call "the building blocks" of O&M:
https://familyconnect.org/browse-by-age/infants-and-toddlers/transition-to-independence-iandt/orientation-and-mobility-for-blind-babies-and-toddlers/
10) Blind and Low Vision Screen Reader Users Needed For Research Study — $100 Honorarium | National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind is searching for blind and low vision users of screen reader technology to participate in 2-3 hours of remote user testing of the accessibility of computer-generated speech. Participants will be guided through an online exercise using a screen reader via the Zoom meeting platform. A $100.00 honorarium will be provided as compensation.
If you meet the following criteria and are interested in participating, please complete the survey: 1. You are over the age of 18 and are blind or low vision. 2. You use screen reader technology. 3. You have access to a computer with internet access, a camera, microphone, and headphones. 4. Your computer has a web browser (other than Firefox) and screen reader software, like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver. 5. You consent to being observed remotely while conducting user testing. 6. You can use the Zoom software, through which you will be connected to the study facilitators, who will guide you through the study and observe you remotely. Zoom training is available upon request. Registration survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BWF9HG8
11) The Innovative Startup 'Dot' Won Best Of Innovation At CES 2023 With 'Dot Pad'
"Dot Pad" was nominated as the finalist in three categories - Accessibility, Mobile & Devices, and Virtual & Augmented Reality and was respectively awarded in all three categories:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-innovative-startup-dot-won-best-of-innovation-at-ces-2023-with-dot-pad-301682496.html
12) Information Provided By The 4to24 App, Created By The National Research & Training Center On Blindness & Low Vision, Is Now Available Through An Online Portal For Professionals
The 4to24 app is a free resource for parents of children and youth who are blind or have low vision and youth aged 16 or older. It focuses on building independence over time to help young people prepare for successful employment and independent living as an adult. This online portal provides access to the 4to24 app's information and topic areas. It is for professionals who would like to have the app's information without being restricted to a specific app account. This portal is available through the NRTC's web-based learning management system, and provides access to the 4to24 app's content and topic areas. The app modules include information, activities, and links to resources about the skills and experiences that will be helpful to blind or low vision (B/LV) youth as they grow. To register for the 4to24 online portal, you must be a professional working with people who are B/LV. For more information about 4to24, visit our website at https://www.blind.msstate.edu/our-products/transition-resources. If you need any other information or have questions about the app, please email Karla Antonelli at kantonelli@colled.msstate.edu ✉. To apply for access, please visit our 4to24 Portal for Professionals page:
https://www.ntac.blind.msstate.edu/service-providers/resources/4to24-app-portal-for-professionals
13) Bookbaby And Speechki Collaborate To Create AI Voice-Narrated Audiobooks
BookBaby, one of the leading players in the audiobook segment announced it has entered into a collaboration with Speechki to create audiobooks using artificial intelligence-powered synthetic voice narration, the company revealed in a press release. BookBaby said the partnership is aimed at making the entire process of creating an audiobook much faster and cheaper than what it is right now. BookBaby said with the advanced Speechki-powered technology with them, they will be able to produce the audio proof in just 5-days' time after the author has uploaded the manuscript:
https://goodereader.com/blog/audiobooks/bookbaby-and-speechki-collaborate-to-create-ai-voice-narrated-audiobooks
14) Tatum Is Building A Robot Arm To Help People With Deafblindness Communicate | TechCrunch
Precise numbers on deafblindness are difficult to calculate. For that reason, figures tend to be all over the place. For the sake of writing an intro to this story, we're going to cite this study from the World Federation of the Deafblind that puts the number of severe cases at 0.2% globally and 0.8% of the US:
https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/16/tatum-is-building-a-robot-arm-to-help-people-with-deafblindness-communicate/
15) Getting Up to Speed on OTC
Since the new FDA regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids went into effect last month, there have been many questions and comments about them. Such questions as: How might OTC devices differ from prescribed hearing aids? Where can consumers buy these products? What exactly do the regulations say about how they are to be manufactured and sold?
https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearingnewswatch/2022/getting-up-to-speed-on-otc/
16) About Us, The Unwritten
This publication pays disabled writers for their contributions:
https://www.theunwritten.co.uk/about-us/
17) Bristol Braille Technology Develops First Braille Gaming System
The sky is the limit for the tactile gaming device, called the Canute Gaming Dock's, from Bristol Braille Technology, which allows blind and partially sighted people to play and create their own video games:
https://coolblindtech.com/bristol-braille-technology-develops-first-braille-gaming-system/
18) Braille Books with a Character Who Is Blind and/or Deaf for Middle & High School | Paths To Literacy
Are you looking for braille books with a character who is blind and/or deaf for middle & high school students? Check out this list for students with visual impairments or deafblindness:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/braille-books-character-blind-deaf-middle-high-school/
19) Senator Markey and Representative Eshoo Introduce Bill to Improve Access to Accessible Media and Video Communications Technologies for Individuals with Disabilities
Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) have introduced the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/senator-markey-and-representative-eshoo-introduce-bill-to-improve-access-to-accessible-media-and-video-communications-technologies-for-individuals-with-disabilities-301682098.html
20) 2022 Dear Mrs. Claus Children's Writing Contest For BVI Kids 12 And Under. Cash Prizes For: 1st Place: $250, 2nd Place: $150, 3rd Place: $50. Sponsorships Available. Contest Open. Deadline To Submit: November 28th 2022. Winners Announced: December 12th 2022:
This initiative out of Canada is a letter writing contest that is open to blind, vision impaired, and/or deafblind kids from anywhere in the world. Cash prizes to be awarded:
https://www.donnajodhan.com/news2022/news50.html
21) 7 Winter Must-Haves For Kids In Wheelchairs | WonderBaby
Winter can be a challenging time for parents of kids with mobility issues. Cold weather and snow-covered sidewalks can make it difficult to push a wheelchair around, and salty snow melting off your child's wheelchair in the living room is just a mess:
https://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/wheelchair-winter-must-haves
22) Missouri Allows Some Disabled Workers To Earn Less Than $1 An Hour. The State Says It's Fine If That Never Changes | ProPublica
Sheltered workshops are meant to employ disabled adults as they prepare to enter the regular workforce. In Missouri, these workers rarely graduate to higher-paying jobs.
https://www.propublica.org/article/missouri-sheltered-workshops-low-graduation-rate
23) FCC Sets the Deadline for Accessibility Changes to EAS
Mark December of 2023 on your calendar. The FCC has set deadlines for EAS participants, including most U.S. radio stations, to comply with its recent report and order on clarity and accessibility of EAS messages:
https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/business-and-law/fcc-sets-the-deadline-for-accessibility-changes-to-eas
24) Digital Books Wear Out Faster Than Physical Books | The Internet Archive
Publisher: This article from the Internet Archive is completely legitimate. When they say that digital books "wear out" they mean that the format within which they have been stored either becomes obsolete or has been updated so often since digitization that the currently stored version is considered to be "worn out." | Ever try to read a physical book passed down in your family from 100 years ago? Probably worked well. Ever try reading an eBook you paid for 10 years ago? Probably a different experience. From the leasing business model of mega publishers to physical device evolution to format obsolescence, digital books are fragile and threatened:
http://blog.archive.org/2022/11/15/digital-books-wear-out-faster-than-physical-books/
25) Noctura 400 Is A Facemask That Can Prevent Vision Loss Caused From Diabetes
Healthy individuals get an adequate flow of blood and oxygen to their eyes, however, those with advanced diabetes do not since they tend to have narrower and weaker blood vessels incapable of meeting the required oxygen demand. Even though the body attempts to compensate by growing more blood vessels, the new ones tend to be weak, causing fluid leaks and ultimately damaging surface of the retina. Night time usually elevates this because adapting to the dark means higher demand for oxygen by the eyes. Over a period of time, individuals form dark spots in their vision and can possibly lose their sight in the long run:
https://assistivetechnologyblog.com/2022/11/noctura400.html
26) Independence in the Kitchen: Braille Your World | Paths To Literacy
Using braille to label shelves and items in kitchen helps develop braille literacy, as well as independent living skills:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/independence-kitchen-braille-your-world/
27) Why You Need To Know About Section 508 If You Send Mass Communications | United States Coast Guard
One particular focus for Section 508 efforts is Microsoft Teams, the cornerstone of online collaboration in the Coast Guard. It is crucial for us to ensure that all users, particularly those with targeted disabilities, can fully engage with the features of this well-known software package. Some easy steps that can be taken to create an inclusive environment in Teams are:
https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/3213035/why-you-need-to-know-about-section-508-if-you-send-mass-communications/
28) Tactile Turkeys | Paths To Literacy
This Thanksgiving craft is designed to give students who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities, practice with fine motor skills and tactile discrimination:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/tactile-turkeys/
29) Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled November / December 2022 Newsletter
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDLIBRARY/bulletins/338bdc1
30) Occupational Therapy Students Team Up With TechOwl To Create Adaptive Technology Designs For Disability Community
In an effort to make the world a more accessible place, Temple University occupational therapy graduate students have created innovative convenience products that help people with disabilities live more freely:
https://news.temple.edu/news/2021-12-08/occupational-therapy-students-team-techowl-create-adaptive-technology-designs
31) Blind And Partially Sighted Brits Struggling To Reduce Household Energy Bills
More than nine in ten blind and partially sighted adults in Britain are finding it difficult to reduce their energy bills. A poll of 1,000 adults in the UK, who are blind or have other sight issues, also found 44 percent say their condition requires additional energy use - and are worried about how they will afford the extra cost:
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/property/1695456/blind-partially-sighted-household-energy-bills
32) Making New York City Crosswalks Accessible For The Blind
Hundreds of junctions in New York City will become accessible to blind people, in a new project powered by technology developed in Israel:
https://nocamels.com/2022/11/making-new-york-city-crosswalks-accessible-for-the-blind/
33) American Printing House For The Blind Lands Two National Accolades
Louisville-based American Printing House for the Blind is being lauded by a couple of national media outlets:
https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/inno/stories/news/2022/11/14/american-printing-house-for-the-blind-lands-two-na.html
34) Advocacy, Policy, Audio Description, & Resolutions | #NFB22 National Convention General Session IV | YouTube
Welcome to the 2022 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind. This is the fourth general session with the following presentations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3BR2WpUpss
35) FCC Broadband Label Information and Accessibility
On November 17, 2022, the FCC released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will require broadband Internet access service providers to display easy-to-understand labels to assist consumers when comparison shopping for broadband services. More specifically regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities:
https://www.fcc.gov/fcc-broadband-label-information-and-accessibility
➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events
✍ Submit your access information related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-webinar or locate "Webinar / Training Course Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) Live and Virtual Technology Fair | Carroll Center for the Blind
November 22nd 2022 | The Carroll Center for the Blind's in person Technology Fair is back! Attend exciting and informative presentations, visit with assistive technology exhibitors in breakout rooms, and find the products and services you need to live as independently as possible. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the latest products for individuals who are visually impaired. The Technology Fair is free and open to consumers, families, friends, and professionals:
https://carroll.org/events/live-and-virtual-technology-fair/
2) ACB's 2022 Audio Description Awards Gala
November 29 2022 | The American Council of the Blind (ACB) proudly announces the second annual Audio Description Awards Gala on November 29, 2022. The Gala will once again celebrate outstanding achievements in audio description in media and expand awareness of its benefits. In recent years there has been enormous success in expanding audio description for audiences who are blind, low vision, or have other sensory disabilities that create barriers to full inclusion in visual media. "The Audio Description Awards Gala will celebrate the best of the best within the art and science of inclusive audio-described media," said Eric Bridges, ACB's Executive Director. "Together we will work to expand awareness of the transformative value that audio description brings to the lives of people with disabilities:"
https://acb.org/save-the-date-2022-AD-Awards
3) PDF Accessibility Training for Organizations | Access Ingenuity
November 30th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Creating accessible PDF documents is essential for most organizations' digital accessibility process. However, organizations often struggle to get their staff trained and efficient at creating accessible PDFs and other accessible digital content. The first step is identifying document creators within the organization and the types of documents they're developing. Depending on the findings, standard and advanced PDF accessibility training may be required. Join Michael Parker from Access Ingenuity to review lessons we learned from creating digital accessibility training and how to apply them to your organization. Learning Outcomes: Understand the components of a comprehensive PDF accessibility training program. Understand the importance of creating accessible templates and using accessible color palettes. Breaking the training down into manageable chunks - from beginners to advanced users. Meeting ID: 883 8806 6414 | Passcode: 878053 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,88388066414#,,,,*878053# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88388066414?pwd=RU9tQU02ZDlRVjZzWlpwZHVGZjBSUT09
4) Using JAWS Inspect and JAWS Connect for Testing | TPGi
December 1st 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Presenter: Charlie Pike, Platform Success Lead Using transcripts of JAWS speech, you can quickly pinpoint accessibility and usability issues. This demonstration will walk you through some simple tests using both JAWS Inspect and JAWS Connect, explaining how these tools can be integrated into your test processes. Register today:.
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-1-at-12pm-et-using-jaws-inspect-and-jaws-connect-for-testing/
5) Blind Health Expo | The Accessible Pharmacy
December 2nd 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | The Accessible Pharmacy Blind Health Expo will be the largest virtual expo of healthcare information, products, services, and medication for individuals who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. Join thousands of other attendees and register now for free!
https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/blind-health-expo/
6) Microsoft Accessibility for Nonprofits Webinar
December 6th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | If you are part of a disability nonprofit organization, please join us for our Microsoft Accessibility for Nonprofits Webinar on Tuesday, December 6th. In this introductory session, you will learn about: Accessibility Nonprofit Tech Accelerator 2023 grant program that provides selected organizations with technology grants and dedicated specialist staff to support your mission. Access to Microsoft Philanthropies grants and discounts across our nonprofit cloud products including Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365 for all registered 501 c3 organizations. Microsoft Accessibility team will share our commitment to disability nonprofit partners, our work on AI for Accessibility & Innovation. Register today for the Microsoft Accessibility for Nonprofit Webinar:
https://learning.eventbuilder.com/event/67484
7) The Current Legal Landscape for Digital Assets Accessibility Risks and How to Provide an Accessible Experience for Retail Customers
December 6th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Presenter: Matt Ater, Lori Sommerfield, and Kim Phan
Join Matt Ater of Vispero, along with Lori Sommerfield & Kim Phan, partners at Troutman Pepper, for a discussion concerning the current state of legal risks for accessibility non-compliance and practical tips for making your retail business digital assets accessible for people with disabilities. We will discuss the current state of website and mobile application accessibility litigation, as well as the increasing threat of enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act for digital assets by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Biden administration. Learn how to mitigate legal risks by meeting digital accessibility requirements and creating a usable and accessible retail experience. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-6-at-11am-et-the-current-legal-landscape-for-digital-assets-accessibility-risks-and-how-to-provide-an-accessible-experience-for-retail-customers/
8) ONYX Family of Magnifiers: Portable & Powerful (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 7th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | The ONYX family of video magnifiers combines ease of use with powerful yet portable features to help people retain their independent lifestyle - reading, writing, viewing photographs, and engaging in hobbies. Did you know there are three different ONYX models? The ONYX Deskset and ONYX OCR offer larger screens and can adapt to multiple environments and tasks for productivity at school, work, and home. Modern camera technology and HD displays provide a clear, crisp picture with a wide range of magnification and color-coded controls. The ONYX Pro takes portability to the next level by combining it with the Surface 7 tablet to provide the ultimate tool for mobile magnification and reading tasks. During this webinar, we discuss the features and benefits all the ONYX models can give in specific situations. Join Ian Ramos and Joe McDaniel from Vispero as they dive deep into these powerful tools to help those challenged by vision loss. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), this presentation is approved for ACVREP continuing education credit. Learning Outcomes: Features of all ONYX models. How to determine which model fits your needs best. How adding speech capability can take you further. Benefits of portable, powerful visual tools. Meeting ID: 821 2886 0126 | Passcode: 792304 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82128860126#,,,,*792304# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82128860126?pwd=UHBhYXBzTHVGb0tCaktXZVc1anQ0dz09#success
9) 2022 Sight Tech Global — Shaping New Technologies to Create a More Accessible World for People with Blindness and Visual Impairments
December 7th 2022 and December 8th 2022 | Sponsored by Google, APH, Amazon, Humanware, Microsoft, Fable, LinkedIn, and Waymo, Sight Tech Global is the first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers on how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility. Register for free:
https://sighttechglobal.com/
10) 2022 Digital Accessibility Legal Update with Lainey Feingold | Free Webinar
December 8th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | What We'll Cover: A lot has happened in the digital accessibility legal space this year — have you kept up? Most recently, a new digital accessibility law was introduced in the United States Congress. If the law passes as written, it will result in digital accessibility regulations for both websites and software applications. Commercial providers who design, develop, and modify certain websites or applications are part of the proposed legislation. Speaker: Lainey Feingold. Lainey Feingold is a disability rights lawyer who has worked in the digital accessibility space since 1995. She is also an author and international speaker. Lainey, along with her blind clients and co-counsel, helped negotiate the first web accessibility agreement in the United States more than twenty years ago. She has worked with dozens of companies on their accessibility initiatives since that time. Lainey is the author of Structured Negotiation: A Winning Alternative to Lawsuits. Her book shares stories and strategies from twenty-five years of collaborations and relationship-building to help create an inclusive digital world. Register here:
https://go.3playmedia.com/wbnr-12-08-2022-lainey
11) 20 Websites to Bookmark for 2023 | Technology User Group, Maryland State Library
December 10th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | Technology keeps changing and so do the websites that are useful in our everyday lives. Find out why these 20 websites are so important for 2023. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET:
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx
12) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 3: Creative Manual Activities for Christmas | APH
December 12th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Christmas is a great time to create crafts. Let's share amazing and fun tactile ideas adapted to visually impaired children:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
13) Basics of Accessibility Testing | TPGi
December 13th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Presenter: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. Accessibility testing is a critical step in delivering a modern online experience. This webinar goes beyond testing checklists to answer the fundamental questions people have when they start testing for web accessibility. For accessibility testing to be effective, organizations must understand what makes a digital experience equal. We'll cover web accessibility, the role and structure of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and how to quantify the risk associated with a guideline. Additionally, we'll discuss the following: How to set the scope for accessibility testing and feel confident you are covering the "right parts" of a website/web application. We'll document mouse-only, keyboard-only, and assistive technology testing plans. We'll delve into how web pages expose "semantics" and the tools to understand if your site is properly conveying its meaning to assistive technology. How to get expert support beyond your team to be sure that your accessibility testing results are accurate and more! Learn how to use the tools, access resources, and receive clear steps to perform a full-scale WCAG audit. Register:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-13-at-12pm-et-basics-of-accessibility-testing/
14) Creating Accessible Promotional Materials (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 14th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | As a document author, learn about choosing colors, selecting images, and laying out your brochure, poster, or flyer in an engaging yet accessible way. Join Rachel Reeves in reviewing the most accessible way to create PDF Promotional Material. Learning Outcomes: Review color contrast requirements. Address mistakes commonly made in the Layout/Reading Order of one-page posters or flyers. Understand obstacles commonly encountered if using authoring tools such as Canva or Illustrator. Analyze poor templates that have images and fonts that make PDF remediation difficult. Meeting ID: 865 1628 1737 | Passcode: 967492 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,86516281737#,,,,*967492# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86516281737?pwd=NTZDdzRmZUdieFBTWnRiMzFsQVhHdz09#success
15) Training Course: Catching Up with JAWS Chapter 4 for JAWS 2022 and 2023 | Hartgen Consultancy
December 14th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | Catching Up with JAWS is priced £35 which is approximately 40 American dollars. Now is your chance to get some high quality training on some of the latest features within the screen-reader JAWS for Windows which have been introduced over the past two years. This follows on from our previous popular training courses on this subject. These training courses are still popular and people are purchasing the older volumes in the series even today:
https://www.hartgen.org/catchup4
16) ZoomText, JAWS & Fusion: Latest Features (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity
December 21st 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | It's that time again. Not only is it the holidays but also the time when there are important updates for ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion. Join Ian Ramos and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to explore what's new in the 2023 updates and some features within the past few years. Learning Outcomes: Briefly explain the differences between ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion. Compare the different licenses and how you can find out if you are eligible for the latest updates. Explore new 2023 features such as Tethered View, Smart Glance, Notification History improvements, New Tables Only option for Smart Navigation, etc. Review recent features, including Docking the Quick Access Bar, Voice Assistant, Sound Splitter, New Vocalizer Expressive Voices and Languages, and more. Meeting ID: 827 9977 1867 | Passcode: 853407 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82799771867#,,,,*853407# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82799771867?pwd=VVNHeWhjVVVLc1JDUUtSMlllMnlQZz09#success
17) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 4: Braille Around the World | APH
January 4th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's celebrate Louis Braille's Day and explore different braille codes around the world:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
18) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 5: School Aged Numeracy | APH
February 1st 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Using LEGO Braille Bricks to do math: let's discover some of the many uses of these little bricks to develop numerical and geometry skills, understand symmetry, and much more:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
19) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH
March 6th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's explore daily-living activities using LEGO Braille Bricks and share our best practices, experiences, tips:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
20) 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference
March 15th 2022 and March 16th 2023 | Deque Systems, the trusted leader in digital accessibility, has announced the third annual axe-con conference will return on March 15-16th, 2023. With the success of axe-con over the past two years, Deque will continue to host the conference as a free virtual event again next year. Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences:
https://www.deque.com/blog/save-the-date-for-axe-con-2023/
21) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH
April 5th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's discover together how to make music with these famous bricks! Come and share your creative ideas:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
22) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH
May 3rd 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
23) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH
June 7th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
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Access Information News for Monday, November 14, 2022 - Volume 884
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com/
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
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Access Information News. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information.
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Dear Access Information News Subscriber,
✍ Submit your access information news item for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-news or locate "News Item Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last Week
A.) This Researcher Builds 'Cool Stuff For Blind People.' He's Also Trying To Help Transform Society (6.8% of all clicks.)
The world is studded with tools to navigate life, but those resources — from the schedule posted at your local bus stop to the cellphone in your pocket — aren't always accessible for people with disabilities. They may be forced to spend extra time, energy or money to access the same information or experiences as non-disabled people. Inventor Joshua Miele says it doesn't have to be that way:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/how-this-innovator-is-making-sure-the-tech-that-drives-daily-life-doesnt-leave-out-people-with-disabilities
B.) Coca-Cola Launches On-Pack Tech For Visually Impaired Shoppers In Industry First (6.6% of all clicks.)
Coca-Cola has become the first drinks business to launch on-pack technology for visually impaired customers:
https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2022/11/02/coca-cola-visual/
C.) Guide Dogs for the Blind's K9 Buddy Program Expands to Include the Entire United States and Adults of Any Age (6.3% of all clicks.)
On October 17th 2022, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) announced that it has expanded the geographic and demographic scope if its K9 Buddy Program to include adults of any age who are blind or visually impaired throughout the U.S. GDB also plans to ultimately expand the program to Canada:
https://www.yahoo.com/now/guide-dogs-blind-k9-buddy-140000495.html
D.) Virtual Reality Accessibility: 11 Things We Learned from Blind Users | Equal Entry (5.9% of all clicks.)
This article presents the results of this study both magnificently and thoroughly, including a number of illustrations showing what blind persons within the study were served, versus what they actually would have seen visually. Equal Entry worked with the XR Access Accessible Development for XR (adXR) group, a workstream where academics and corporate professionals work together on research projects. For months, they discussed possibilities on how to test and refine some best practices for accessible extended reality (XR) experiences:
https://equalentry.com/virtual-reality-accessibility-things-learned-from-blind-users/
E.) New Bill in Congress to Make Websites and Apps Accessible (5.7% of all clicks.)
"Digital innovation is only as powerful as it is inclusive." That quote from Representative John Sarbanes is the message behind the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act. This bill, introduced on September 29, 2022 by Sarbanes in the House of Representatives and Senator Tammy Duckworth in the Senate, would require that websites and apps be made accessible to individuals with disabilities:
https://partnersforsight.org/new-bill-in-congress-to-make-websites-and-apps-accessible/
2) Access Information News Publisher Updates For November 14th 2022 | Aaron Di Blasi, Publisher
Updates this week include: Access Information News Retains Over 10,000 Access Information Subscribers Following Split From Top Tech Tidbits | Access Information News and Top Tech Tidbits Are Now Officially Two Separate Publications:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/1.html
3) Sponsorship Package Updates
There are 17 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages currently available. If you would like to support the ongoing distribution of Access Information News while enjoying some really incredible marketing benefits, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either quarterly or annually. Annual sponsors gain the additional benefit of being able to schedule out their Featured Advertisements up to one year in advance. If you are an access information business or organization that has been looking for a way to consistently reach the largest audience of opt-in access professionals in the world today, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last. Learn all about the benefits here:
https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsor ✉
4) Elon Musk Just Axed Key Twitter Teams Like Human Rights, Accessibility, AI Ethics And Curation
Elon Musk has wasted no time making extremely deep cuts at Twitter, calving off many teams doing essential work at the company in the process. News of layoffs swept the platform on Friday, November 4th 2022, showing that Twitter's billionaire owner is painting in broad strokes when it comes to trimming down the team by half:
https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/04/elon-musk-twitter-layoffs/
5) SEO Tricks Make Browsing The Web For The Visually Impaired Really Bad ...
I, Aaron Di Blasi, Publisher for Access Information News, am also a long time web developer by trade and I can both personally and professionally attest to this article's claims regarding "old school SEO tricks" making life incredibly unpleasant for screen reader users. While we can hope that these kinds of practices are well rooted in the past, because they no longer work, that doesn't mean that they're not still out there. This article expounds:
https://www.seroundtable.com/seo-spam-blind-screen-readers-34379.html
6) Technological Relevance in an Ever-changing World
Everything old is new again. Or so the adage goes. But there is an underlying truth to it, even if it comes in unexpected forms. As technology advances at a rapid pace, it seems as though some things are out of date almost as soon as they're made these days. But then there are the old classics that never seem to fully disappear from the cultural zeitgeist. They might not have all the bells and whistles of modern technology, but that's kind of what makes them charming:
https://www.aph.org/technological-relevance-in-an-ever-changing-world/
7) Resource Guide for Students With Visual Disabilities
An all-encompassing, resource-packed guide for college students with visual impairments:
https://testprepinsight.com/resources/resource-guide-students-with-visual-disabilities/
8) 7 Best iOS 16 Apps and Features for Accessibility
Technology has helped society in so many ways, but tech developments are a true blessing for those with impairments and conditions or who require help with daily tasks. Whether you have a loved one you take care of or you need assistance yourself, some iOS 16 apps and features have made certain tasks significantly more convenient. Apple always seeks to accommodate those with accessibility needs, as the company continuously adds features that aim to help with their lives. If you're interested in learning more about how you can use your iPhone with iOS 16 installed to help with everyday needs, then keep reading:
https://appletoolbox.com/best-ios-16-apps-and-features-accessibility/
9) What Does a Blind Person Think about Virtual Reality? | Equal Entry
Katsutoshi Tsuji joined our virtual reality (VR) accessibility research and provided a lot of insightful feedback. You can read what he shared in Virtual Reality Accessibility: 11 Things We Learned from Blind Users. After he tried the Equal Entry virtual reality environment, we interviewed him to gain insights on virtual reality from his perspective as a person who is blind:
https://equalentry.com/blind-person-virtual-reality/
10) LinkedIn Releasing Several Accessibility Updates
Probably the most important bit of information here is that, "The professional network is also recognizing the 171% spike since September 2019 in job postings in the U.S. including the word "accessibility" in their titles by adding standardized job titles including accessibility designer, accessibility engineer and chief accessibility officer:"
https://www.adweek.com/media/linkedin-releasing-several-accessibility-updates/
11) Announcing The 2022 Audio Description People's Choice Award
Calling all audio description enthusiasts. Make your voice heard at the American Council of the Blind's Second Annual Audio Description Awards Gala by casting your vote for the new Audio Description People's Choice Award, which celebrates the inclusion of audio description in all forms of media entertainment. Ten Audio Description People's Choice Award finalists have been identified that reflect a diverse and varied sampling of entertainment content from broadcast television, cable providers, and streaming services:
Article: https://adawardsgala.org/2022-ad-peoples-choice/
Vote at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022ADPeoplesChoice
12) An Open Door To Unlimited Possibilities: America's Only Theater Troupe With All Blind Actors
Blind actor Matthew Saracho found a talented family in Theatre by the Blind, a Los Angeles-based company that features exclusively blind and visually impaired actors:
https://blindnewworld.org/an-open-door-to-unlimited-possibilities-americas-only-theater-troupe-with-all-blind-actors/
13) Blind Woman 'Yelled At' By Starbucks Worker For Having Guide Dog In Store
A severely sight impaired woman from Port Talbot has called on businesses to train their staff after being told her guide dog couldn't enter a Starbucks store. Angharad Paget-Jones said she had stopped to get a coffee from a service station in England, when a Starbucks worker told her "you can't have your dog in here". Working guide dogs have had the legal right to enter public places including restaurants, shops and taxis for 27 years:
https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2022-11-06/blind-woman-yelled-at-by-starbucks-worker-for-having-guide-dog-in-store
14) Development Charts for Blind and Visually Impaired Babies and Children
Watching your child grow and fall behind traditional development charts can be difficult. You understand that it's normal for blind babies to develop at a slower pace, but how slow is normal... and how slow is too slow?
https://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/development-charts
15) Navigating Urban Spaces: Indoor And Outdoor Wayfinding Technology For Vision-Impaired People | Science Daily
A new report explores how to leverage low-cost methods to enable people with blindness, deaf-blindness, visual impairment or low vision to more easily move through public, urban indoor and outdoor spaces:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221110101831.htm
16) Supersense Serves as Everyday Companion To The Blind And Visually Impaired
For the blind and visually impaired, the Supersense app essentially allows them to have a seeing guide right in their pocket. Whether they're shopping, cleaning or just curling up with a good book, this app turns people's mobile device into an everyday companion or caregiver:
https://www.eastersealstech.com/2022/11/09/supersense-serves-as-everyday-companion/
17) Are You Using An Accessibility Overlay To Help Disabled Users? Don't!
Accessibility overlays are not the answer for sites looking to provide a more inclusive experience for online users with disabilities:
https://searchengineland.com/accessibility-overlay-disabled-users-389394
18) NBCUniversal Teams With 1in4 Coalition In Diversity Plan For Disabled Representation
NBCUniversal has joined the 1in4 Coalition's mission to increase access, employment and authentic representation of disabled people on and off the screen:
https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/nbcuniversal-1in4-coalition-diversity-plan-disabled-representation
19) LG Distributes Common-use Braille Stickers for Free
LG Electronics Inc. has announced it is distributing common-use braille stickers to customers for free as a way to enhance home appliance accessibility:
http://koreabizwire.com/lg-distributes-common-use-braille-stickers-for-free/232698
20) Penn State Researchers Develop New Tool For Blind Or Partially Sighted Computer Programmers
The tool, called Grid Editor, serves as a modification to traditional code editors that programmers use to add lines of code when updating features and functions in software. Prior work has focused on making different parts of the coding process more accessible for blind and partially sighted users, such as reading or navigating code. Grid Editor is the first to place emphasis on code editing — an important step in making continuous updates to software, in which programmers edit and update existing code that was previously written by other programmers:
https://coolblindtech.com/penn-state-researchers-develop-new-tool-for-blind-or-partially-sighted-computer-programmers/
21) Creating CVI-Friendly Flashcards for Beginning Readers
Learn how to create your own CVI-friendly flashcards for beginning readers with cortical / cerebral visual impairment using PowerPoint with these step-by-step instructions:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/creating-cvi-friendly-beginning-readers-and-flashcards/
22) Congressman John P. Sarbanes' Statement On Websites And Software Applications Accessibility Act | YouTube
Congressman John P. Sarbanes's address at the M-Enabling Summit 2022 speaking on The "Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Clx6B_YvwzA
23) 'You're a Tyrant?': Bodycam Video Appears to Show Florida Deputies Handcuffing Visually-Impaired Man Walking Back from Cancelled Jury Duty
James Hodges, 61, was stopped by two deputies from the Columbia County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office on October 31st 2022. Body-worn camera footage shows one deputy, a woman, approaching Hodges as he walked on the sidewalk:
https://lawandcrime.com/caught-on-video/youre-a-tyrant-bodycam-video-appears-to-show-florida-cops-handcuffing-visually-impaired-man-walking-back-from-cancelled-jury-duty/
24) Bodycam Video Shows Florida Deputy Mistake Cane For Firearm, Arrest Visually-Impaired Man
In the video, James Hodges tells police he is legally blind. After an argument, one officer is heard saying, "You know what? Put him in jail for resisting:"
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/body-camera-columbia-county-police-florida-blind-man-visually-impaired-cane-gun/77-104ddf1e-b362-414a-8efb-20c145085984
25) Partner Of Arrested Visually Impaired Veteran Speaks
TV 20 spoke exclusively with her on her emotions about the arrest:
https://www.wcjb.com/2022/11/08/partner-arrested-visually-impaired-veteran-speaks/
26) Columbia County Sheriff Gives Update After Arrest Of Visually-Impaired Man Goes Viral
27) The Next Step in Intervention: Formal Evaluation | Paths To Literacy
This article by a psychologist examines some of the common myths surrounding the formal evaluation and assessment of students who are blind or visually impaired:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/next-step-intervention-formal-evaluation/
28) Emotion Meter: The Row Boat Ride | Paths To Literacy
This story combines mantras, meditations and pretend story writing in a storytelling activity that helps students with visual impairment & autism spectrum disorder to understand their emotional levels:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/emotion-meter-row-boat-ride/
29) ACB Immediate Past President Kim Charlson Receives Award for Excellence in Accessibility Leadership from The Kennedy Center
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) Awards honor a select few arts administrators, individuals and organizations whose dedication has resulted in the advancement of inclusion of people with disabilities in the cultural arts and whose efforts serve as an example to all in the field:
https://www.acb.org/kim-charlson-lead-award-2022
30) Uber Moves to Compel Arbitration in Blind Rider's Guide Dog Discrimination Case
In a motion filed late last week, Uber Technologies Inc. asked the Southern District of Florida court overseeing an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) case to send the plaintiff's claims to arbitration. According to Uber, the rider agreed to the company's arbitration clause stating that claims such as his arising from the use of Uber's services, may only be brought in the para-judicial forum:
https://lawstreetmedia.com/news/tech/uber-moves-to-compel-arbitration-in-blind-riders-guide-dog-discrimination-case/
31) The Record-Breaking Australian Blind Cricketer Who Has Found A 'Family' In The Sport
Growing up visually impaired, school wasn't easy for Australian Steffan Nero. He remembers struggling with anxiety and being "very quiet," "lonely" and "probably weird as well." His life changed when he discovered visually impaired sports — notably cricket:
https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/07/sport/steffan-nero-record-blind-cricket-spt-intl/index.html
32) Gene Therapy Can Restore Night Vision After Decades of Congenital Blindness
According to researchers at the Scheie Eye Institute at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, adults with a genetic form of childhood-onset blindness experienced remarkable recoveries of night vision within days of receiving an experimental gene therapy:
https://scitechdaily.com/gene-therapy-can-restore-night-vision-after-decades-of-congenital-blindness/
33) Royal National Institute Of Blind People Offers Workforce Financial Education
Sight loss charity Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has provided access to financial education to its employees and others with sight loss:
https://employeebenefits.co.uk/royal-national-institute-of-blind-people-offers-workforce-financial-education/
34) How Elizabeth Campbell Is Reclaiming The Driver's Seat With Aira
We believe access to visual information is a right, not a privilege. We sat down with Aira Explorer and journalist Elizabeth Campbell to learn more about how such access can positively impact both the personal and professional lives of blind and low vision individuals:
https://aira.io/how-elizabeth-campbell-is-reclaiming-the-drivers-seat-with-aira/
35) When the Air Is an Orchestra: Visually Impaired Birders On Paying Attention
It is October, fall is falling, and Susan Glass sets her morning coffee down on her patio, anticipating the flutter of feathers. She is awaiting the arrival of the golden-crowned sparrows from Alaska, which will keep her company through the winter. "My listening to birds when the sun comes up is what sunrise is to you," says Glass, who was born blind. "I just love following those sounds around:"
https://baynature.org/2022/11/10/when-the-air-is-an-orchestra-visually-impaired-birders-on-paying-attention/
36) Hearing Is Believing | Nature
For blind and visually impaired astronomers, sonification of data creates opportunities for research and outreach. But for everyone, this Focus issue lays out the benefits of complementing vision-based data analysis tools with data sonification:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-022-01848-z
➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events
✍ Submit your access information related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-webinar or locate "Webinar / Training Course Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.
1) Live and Virtual Technology Fair | Carroll Center for the Blind
November 22nd 2022 | The Carroll Center for the Blind's in person Technology Fair is back! Attend exciting and informative presentations, visit with assistive technology exhibitors in breakout rooms, and find the products and services you need to live as independently as possible. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the latest products for individuals who are visually impaired. The Technology Fair is free and open to consumers, families, friends, and professionals:
https://carroll.org/events/live-and-virtual-technology-fair/
2) ACB's 2022 Audio Description Awards Gala
November 29 2022 | The American Council of the Blind (ACB) proudly announces the second annual Audio Description Awards Gala on November 29, 2022. The Gala will once again celebrate outstanding achievements in audio description in media and expand awareness of its benefits. In recent years there has been enormous success in expanding audio description for audiences who are blind, low vision, or have other sensory disabilities that create barriers to full inclusion in visual media. "The Audio Description Awards Gala will celebrate the best of the best within the art and science of inclusive audio-described media," said Eric Bridges, ACB's Executive Director. "Together we will work to expand awareness of the transformative value that audio description brings to the lives of people with disabilities:"
https://acb.org/save-the-date-2022-AD-Awards
3) PDF Accessibility Training for Organizations | Access Ingenuity
November 30th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Creating accessible PDF documents is essential for most organizations' digital accessibility process. However, organizations often struggle to get their staff trained and efficient at creating accessible PDFs and other accessible digital content. The first step is identifying document creators within the organization and the types of documents they're developing. Depending on the findings, standard and advanced PDF accessibility training may be required. Join Michael Parker from Access Ingenuity to review lessons we learned from creating digital accessibility training and how to apply them to your organization. Learning Outcomes: Understand the components of a comprehensive PDF accessibility training program. Understand the importance of creating accessible templates and using accessible color palettes. Breaking the training down into manageable chunks - from beginners to advanced users. Meeting ID: 883 8806 6414 | Passcode: 878053 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,88388066414#,,,,*878053# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88388066414?pwd=RU9tQU02ZDlRVjZzWlpwZHVGZjBSUT09
4) Using JAWS Inspect and JAWS Connect for Testing | TPGi
December 1st 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Presenter: Charlie Pike, Platform Success Lead Using transcripts of JAWS speech, you can quickly pinpoint accessibility and usability issues. This demonstration will walk you through some simple tests using both JAWS Inspect and JAWS Connect, explaining how these tools can be integrated into your test processes. Register today:.
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-1-at-12pm-et-using-jaws-inspect-and-jaws-connect-for-testing/
5) Blind Health Expo | The Accessible Pharmacy
December 2nd 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | The Accessible Pharmacy Blind Health Expo will be the largest virtual expo of healthcare information, products, services, and medication for individuals who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. Join thousands of other attendees and register now for free!
https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/blind-health-expo/
6) The Current Legal Landscape for Digital Assets Accessibility Risks and How to Provide an Accessible Experience for Retail Customers
December 6th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Presenter: Matt Ater, Lori Sommerfield, and Kim Phan
Join Matt Ater of Vispero, along with Lori Sommerfield & Kim Phan, partners at Troutman Pepper, for a discussion concerning the current state of legal risks for accessibility non-compliance and practical tips for making your retail business digital assets accessible for people with disabilities. We will discuss the current state of website and mobile application accessibility litigation, as well as the increasing threat of enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act for digital assets by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Biden administration. Learn how to mitigate legal risks by meeting digital accessibility requirements and creating a usable and accessible retail experience. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-6-at-11am-et-the-current-legal-landscape-for-digital-assets-accessibility-risks-and-how-to-provide-an-accessible-experience-for-retail-customers/
7) 2022 Sight Tech Global — Shaping New Technologies to Create a More Accessible World for People with Blindness and Visual Impairments
December 7th 2022 and December 8th 2022 | Sponsored by Google, APH, Amazon, Humanware, Microsoft, Fable, LinkedIn, and Waymo, Sight Tech Global is the first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers on how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility. Register for free:
https://sighttechglobal.com/
8) 20 Websites to Bookmark for 2023 | Technology User Group, Maryland State Library
December 10th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | Technology keeps changing and so do the websites that are useful in our everyday lives. Find out why these 20 websites are so important for 2023. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET:
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx
9) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 3: Creative Manual Activities for Christmas | APH
December 12th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Christmas is a great time to create crafts. Let's share amazing and fun tactile ideas adapted to visually impaired children:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
10) Training Course: Catching Up with JAWS Chapter 4 for JAWS 2022 and 2023 | Hartgen Consultancy
December 14th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | Catching Up with JAWS is priced £35 which is approximately 40 American dollars. Now is your chance to get some high quality training on some of the latest features within the screen-reader JAWS for Windows which have been introduced over the past two years. This follows on from our previous popular training courses on this subject. These training courses are still popular and people are purchasing the older volumes in the series even today:
https://www.hartgen.org/catchup4
11) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 4: Braille Around the World | APH
January 4th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's celebrate Louis Braille's Day and explore different braille codes around the world:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
12) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 5: School Aged Numeracy | APH
February 1st 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Using LEGO Braille Bricks to do math: let's discover some of the many uses of these little bricks to develop numerical and geometry skills, understand symmetry, and much more:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
13) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH
March 6th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's explore daily-living activities using LEGO Braille Bricks and share our best practices, experiences, tips:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
14) 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference
March 15th 2022 and March 16th 2023 | Deque Systems, the trusted leader in digital accessibility, has announced the third annual axe-con conference will return on March 15-16th, 2023. With the success of axe-con over the past two years, Deque will continue to host the conference as a free virtual event again next year. Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences:
https://www.deque.com/blog/save-the-date-for-axe-con-2023/
15) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH
April 5th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's discover together how to make music with these famous bricks! Come and share your creative ideas:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
16) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH
May 3rd 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
17) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH
June 7th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
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About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive?
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Access Information News for Monday, November 7, 2022 - Volume 883
The Week's News in Access Information
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1) Welcome To The Very First Issue of Access Information News | Aaron Di Blasi | Publisher
Greetings and welcome to the new Access Information Newsletter. You have received this newsletter because you were already subscribed to receive this information from within the Top Tech Tidbits weekly newsletter. As of today, November 7, 2022, Access Information News has become a standalone publication that will now be released independently every Monday morning at 4:00 AM ET. This information will no longer be included in Top Tech Tidbits. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter you may unsubscribe by locating your personal unsubscribe link located at the very bottom of every email we send you. Unsubscribing from the Access Information Newsletter will have no effect whatsoever on your Top Tech Tidbits subscription. They are now completely separate publications. That said, I sincerely hope you'll stay on with us. We have some great things planned that we look forward to sharing with you. Welcome to Access Information News!
publisher@accessinformationnews.com ✉
2) Access Information News Welcomes Pneuma Solutions As Founding Publication Sponsor
Please join all of us here at Access Information News in welcoming aboard Pneuma Solutions. Pneuma Solutions is a long time Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor and now the very first founding sponsor of the new Access Information News publication. Pneuma Solutions provides a seamless bridge between assistive technology and mission critical applications. Their line of products was built with stability, affordability, and security in mind to attract the largest user pool inside and outside of the office space. Their Remote Incident Manager (RIM) provides secure, efficient, accessible, feature-rich remote desktop access, enabling field technical support providers to cut costs while improving quality of service since 2007. Additional Sponsorship Packages currently available for online purchase. Learn more today at:
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3) Virtual Reality Accessibility: 11 Things We Learned from Blind Users | Equal Entry
This article presents the results of this study both magnificently and thoroughly, including a number of illustrations showing what blind persons within the study were served, versus what they actually would have seen visually. Equal Entry worked with the XR Access Accessible Development for XR (adXR) group, a workstream where academics and corporate professionals work together on research projects. For months, they discussed possibilities on how to test and refine some best practices for accessible extended reality (XR) experiences:
https://equalentry.com/virtual-reality-accessibility-things-learned-from-blind-users/
4) Finally! Holding Businesses Accountable
Those who need accessibility accommodations aren't strangers to jumping in with self-advocacy to achieve it. But, what about the rest of us? When explaining the benefits of a reasonable accommodation to one's place of work or school. This is where our self-advocacy kits come in. Pneuma has written up customizable email templates you can modify according to your situation. We cover a variety of different advocacy scenarios. Simply choose your scenario, answer a few simple questions, adapt the language, address it to the right person, and submit it! Self-advocacy has never been easier:
https://pneumasolutions.com/finally-holding-businesses-accountable/
5) This Terrifying Mac App Will Record Your Every Word And Action So You Can Search Through Your Online Life
While I'm not sure those of us here at Access Information News would agree with this article's use of the word terrifying, we believe you will find the information that it presents to be interesting nonetheless:
https://www.imore.com/apps/mac-apps/this-terrifying-mac-app-will-record-your-every-word-and-action-so-you-can-search-through-your-online-life
6) Coca-Cola Launches On-Pack Tech For Visually Impaired Shoppers In Industry First
Coca-Cola has become the first drinks business to launch on-pack technology for visually impaired customers:
https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2022/11/02/coca-cola-visual/
7) AccessReady Reporter | Issue 32 | October 27th 2022
The Reporter Newsletter is a service of Access Ready Inc. which is an independent, non-profit, cross-disability education and advocacy organization promoting a policy of inclusion and accessibility of information and communications technology (ICT). For people with disabilities, accessible information and communications technology is a necessity, not a luxury or a convenience, which fosters independence, economic self-sufficiency, and active, meaningful participation in civic life:
https://accessreadyreporter.org/october-27-2022-issue-32.html
XX) Thanksgiving Lessons and Ideas For Students With Visual Impairments | Paths To Literacy
Here are several lessons, crafts, ideas, and a turkey braille design for Thanksgiving:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/thanksgiving-lessons-and-ideas/
8) 6 Apple Watch Features That Could Save Your Life
Besides staying on top of your notifications and tracking your fitness levels, you can use the Apple Watch to save your life with these features: Medical ID, ECG, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Blood Oxygen and Emergency SOS:
https://www.makeuseof.com/apple-watch-features-that-could-save-your-life/
9) Trackmania: Visually Impaired Players Can Now Play The Game, All You Need to Know
A French organization builds tech to help visually impaired players play Trackmania:
https://in.ign.com/trackmania-2020/175966/news/trackmania-visually-impaired-players-can-now-play-the-game-all-you-need-to-know
10) Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: What's Available and Where to Buy
An audiologist speaks to the benefits and cautions of over-the-counter hearing aids:
https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/over-the-counter-hearing-aids-whats-available-and-where-to-buy/#ftag=CAD590a51e
11) What's in a Tip? A Cane Tip That Is...
Have you ever wondered what the best cane tip is for an individual who is blind or low vision? The optimal tip for a long white cane depends on the environment in which it will be utilized (for example, a rough or smooth terrain), the cane technique one will utilize (for example, two-point touch or constant contact), and the individual's preferences for the type and amount of feedback (kinesthetic and auditory feedback vary by cane tip). Peruse the following list of cane tips and learn about their characteristics, uses, and costs:
https://visionaware.org/blog/visionaware-blog/whats-in-a-tip-a-cane-tip-that-is/
12) Study: Common AI Language Models Show Bias Against People With Disabilities
This study demonstrates bias in certain artificial intelligence models against disability:
https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/diversity-inclusion/3688507-common-ai-language-models-show-bias-against-people-with-disabilities-study/
13) Twitter Reminds Us About Alt Text, But How Good Are We At It?
Several humble observations on how people describe photos, artworks, and memes:
https://uxdesign.cc/twitter-reminds-about-alt-text-but-how-good-are-we-at-it-f300af5d7787
14) Do Specsavers Ads Make Fun Of The Visually Impaired?
Optical health company Specsavers received a complaint that its TV ad discriminated against and vilifies people with a visual disability. The television advertisement features a man waving and calling out to a cactus he has mistaken for a neighbour, and is part of Specsavers long running series, 'Should've Gone To Specsavers:'
https://www.adnews.com.au/news/do-specsavers-ads-make-fun-of-the-visually-impaired
15) What Is the Libby App? How to Use It
Libby is a free application utilized by many public libraries to access online content such as eBooks and audiobooks easily. Owned by Overdrive, Libby offers an updated digital content portal with more tools for a customized reading experience. How to get access to Libby:
https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-libby-app/
16) AccessWorld October 2022
October updates include: Editor's Notes: AFB Employment Initiatives. | Vision Tech: The Sound Of Sight--Preserving And Restoring Vision Using High Frequency Ultrasound. | A Guide to New Mainstream Features in iOS 16. | What's New in iOS 16: New and Updated Accessibility Features. | Eschenbach Haus Call Telelowvision Program:
https://www.afb.org/aw/23/10
17) Continuous Innovation For More Inclusive Work: What's New In Microsoft 365 Accessibility, July - September 2022 - Plus Ignite
This October has been a busy month here at Microsoft, with National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) coinciding with our largest conference of the year, Microsoft Ignite. And these two major events intersect at the topic of these regular updates: the innovations we've been making across Microsoft 365 to help create a more accessible working environment for everyone. Both at Ignite and in the months leading up to it, we have continued our work toward making collaboration, creativity, and focus more accessible and delightful for people with disabilities in the workplace and beyond. Let's take a look:
https://blogs.microsoft.com/accessibility/microsoft-365-accessibility-10-2022/
18) My Experiences With Inaccessible Job Applications & How To Fix Them | Deque
While I was able to deal with many of the issues I faced applying for jobs, much of that can be attributed to my advanced technical knowledge and persistence. Other people with disabilities may encounter issues like I did and abandon the process of applying for the job altogether. The reality is that people with disabilities should have equitable experiences to their non-disabled peers and not have to jump through extra hoops like this to find work, especially for positions related to accessibility:
https://www.deque.com/blog/my-experiences-with-inaccessible-job-applications-how-to-fix-them/
19) AT&T Announces $10M Contribution to Support Free Computer Distributions to Help Bridge the Digital Divide
As the company works towards its goal of providing 1 million people in need with digital resources, the new commitment will help to close the gap by providing students and families with free computers:
https://about.att.com/story/2022/contribution-free-computers.html
20) Do Adolescents With Impaired Vision Have Different Intentions And Ambitions For Their Education, Career And Social Outcomes Compared To Their Peers? Findings From The Millennium Cohort Study
Background / Aims: To investigate if impaired vision adversely impacts the intentions/ambitions of adolescents concerning their future education, careers and social outcomes. Methods: Population-based birth cohort study in the UK comprising 9273 participants from the Millennium Cohort Study who were followed up to age 17 years. Children were classified as having normal vision or unilateral or bilateral impaired vision caused by significant eye conditions based on detailed parental-structured questionnaire data on sight problems and treatment coded by clinicians. Ten domains covering education, career and social outcomes by age 30 were investigated. Results:
https://bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2022/10/28/bjo-2021-320972
21) Black Woman Provides Hope For Visually Impaired As UK's First Blind Barrister
Jessikah Inaba made history after becoming the first blind, Black, woman barrister in the United Kingdom:
https://www.blackenterprise.com/uks-first-blind-black-female-barrister-provides-hope-for-others-who-are-visually-impaired/
22) Over 300 RBC Bank Branches Across Canada Now Offer Greater Independence for Canadians with Vision Loss
305 RBC branches (about 25% of the Canadian network) recently introduced the BlindSquare app to their customers to offer greater independence for those with vision loss. It's estimated that 1.5 million Canadians identify as having some form of sight loss, which can be a barrier when entering unfamiliar locations such as shops, banks, new streets, etc. RBC has taken the innovative stance to change this with their recent integration with BlindSquare, the world's most widely used accessible GPS app developed for the blind, deafblind, and partially sighted:
https://www.blindsquare.com/2022/11/01/over-300-rbc-bank-branches-across-canada-now-offer-greater-independence-for-canadians-with-vision-loss/
23) Athens' 'Tactual Museum' Allows Blind People To 'Get In Touch' With Greek Culture
Located in Kallithea, the Tactual Museum of Athens is a museum for the visually impaired. It was founded in 1984 by the association Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece to allow visually impaired people to become familiarized with Greek cultural heritage:
https://greekcitytimes.com/2022/11/04/athens-tactual-museum-blind-people-touch-greek-culture-2/
24) Air Canada Apologizes For Not Letting Blind Woman Fly With Guide Dog
A passenger with a genetic eye disease describes a 'humiliating' experience at Toronto airport:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/air-canada-apologizes-for-not-letting-blind-woman-fly-with-guide-dog-1.6629205
25) Picture This! Tips on Using Photos to Document the Work of Students | Paths To Literacy
Tips on using photos to document the work of students who are blind or visually impaired:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/picture-tips-using-photos-document-work-students/
26) 'We Don't Read Print': Blind Voters Say New Accessible Ballot Measures Fall Short
Blind New York voters have a new accessible absentee ballot option this year. But some of the voters say the ballots come with one major flaw: they require people who can't see or read text to print them out and mail them in:
https://gothamist.com/news/we-dont-read-print-blind-voters-say-new-accessible-ballot-measures-fall-short
27) Guide Dogs for the Blind's K9 Buddy Program Expands to Include the Entire United States and Adults of Any Age
On October 17th 2022, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) announced that it has expanded the geographic and demographic scope if its K9 Buddy Program to include adults of any age who are blind or visually impaired throughout the U.S. GDB also plans to ultimately expand the program to Canada:
https://www.yahoo.com/now/guide-dogs-blind-k9-buddy-140000495.html
28) Xbox Accessibility Showcase 2022 (Audio Described) | YouTube | October 14th 2022
Xbox aims to empower everyone to play the games you want, with the people you want, anywhere you want. And that includes the over 400M players with disabilities in the world. Today with the 2022 Xbox Accessibility Showcase, we celebrate the Disability community and the many people and organizations working to remove barriers to play, ultimately making gaming more accessible around the globe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3f73O5YF5c
29) Introducing Insights & Sound Bites | A New Podcast From Hadley
Chief Innovation Officer Doug Walker chats with us about the launch of Hadley's newest podcast, Insights & Sound Bites. This new podcast will offer short stories shared by listeners. By tapping into the power of our community, we hope to share ideas, discoveries, and moments of inspiration along the journey through vision loss:
https://hadley.edu/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/introducing-insights-sound-bites
30) Applying Purpose to Counting | Paths To Literacy
A mother shares ideas for helping young children with visual impairments understand number concepts and counting:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/applying-purpose-counting/
31) Autonomous Vehicle Startup Argo AI Is Shutting Down
Ford and Volkswagen invested billions into the company and will snap up Argo AI's tech:
https://www.engadget.com/autonomous-vehicle-startup-argo-ai-shutting-down-203250200.html?src=rss
32) Connect: A New Website with Articles Available in Arabic
Connect is a new website that was inspired to create access to materials and information in the Arabic language:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/connect-a-new-website-with-articles-available-in-arabic/
33) This Researcher Builds 'Cool Stuff For Blind People.' He's Also Trying To Help Transform Society
The world is studded with tools to navigate life, but those resources — from the schedule posted at your local bus stop to the cellphone in your pocket — aren't always accessible for people with disabilities. They may be forced to spend extra time, energy or money to access the same information or experiences as non-disabled people. Inventor Joshua Miele says it doesn't have to be that way:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/how-this-innovator-is-making-sure-the-tech-that-drives-daily-life-doesnt-leave-out-people-with-disabilities
34) Access Ready Covers Reality Check, Accessible Technology a Matter of National Security
Access Ready asks the question, "If physical facilities in this country must be built in accordance with accessibility standards, why not information and communication technology?"
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/access-ready-covers-reality-check-120400468.html
35) Science 'On Their Fingertips': Texas Professor Making Chemistry Available To Blind Students
Taking a chemistry class typically involves using your eyesight — noticing color changes in a test tube, or making drawings to describe the structure of a molecule, for example. For many blind students, the apparent visual requirements can put chemistry out of reach. Teachers often don't believe it's possible to succeed in the subject without vision. But a new program developed in partnership with Baylor University chemistry professor Bryan Shawaims to open up what's been called "the central science" to more people with blindness or visual impairment, whether they're fulfilling a high school requirement or planning for a career in science:
https://www.tpr.org/education/2022-10-26/science-on-their-fingertips-texas-professor-making-chemistry-available-to-blind-students
36) New Bill in Congress to Make Websites and Apps Accessible
"Digital innovation is only as powerful as it is inclusive." That quote from Representative John Sarbanes is the message behind the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act. This bill, introduced on September 29, 2022 by Sarbanes in the House of Representatives and Senator Tammy Duckworth in the Senate, would require that websites and apps be made accessible to individuals with disabilities:
https://partnersforsight.org/new-bill-in-congress-to-make-websites-and-apps-accessible/
37) SoftwareOne Partners With Eye-Able To Power Digital Accessibility And Equity In Higher Education And The Modern Workplace
The partnership gives organizations and institutions across the United States access to software to help promote inclusivity and create a more equitable digital environment:
https://www.yahoo.com/now/softwareone-partners-eye-able-power-143700004.html
38) Hartgen Consultancy Receives Pennsylvania Council of the Blind Community Impact Award
The Pennsylvania Council of the Blind, a Peer Network for All Impacted by Vision Loss, presents its 2022 Community Impact Award to Hartgen Consultancy:
https://www.hartgen.org/pcb
39) Tactile Baby Blankets | Paths To Literacy
Tactile blankets are a great way to promote the development of motor and cognitive skills in babies who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or multiple disabled:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/tactile-baby-blankets/
40) 74-Year Old Legally 'Blind Golfer' Wins World Team Championship
Linda Port and the North American visually impaired team won the 2022 TPC Sawgrass Vision Cup. After a competitive golfer lost her sight, she googled the words 'Blind Golf' and was surprised to learn that it is actually a thing. Golfing is one of the most challenging sports in the world, especially when you are legally blind:
https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/zevely-zone/blind-golfer/509-fe2486c8-77f0-4f14-89ab-22bf770f4613
41) Cooking: Concept Development and Independence for 1st and 2nd Graders | Paths To Literacy
Learning what ingredients are in the food we eat, as well as becoming more independent with cooking skills, are critical skills for young children who are blind or visually impaired:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/cooking-concept-development-and-independence-1st-and-2nd-graders/
42) Navajo Braille Code | Paths To Literacy
I developed a braille code for the Navajo language and it was approved by the Navajo Nation Board of Diné Education. Navajo braille has no contractions. Navajo words and passages are to be fully written in alphabetic, uncontracted braille. Punctuation, type face, and numbers will adhere to the UEB guidelines (see BANA, 2013). It was designed to be used to instruct adults and children who use braille to read and write in Navajo:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/navajo-braille-code/
43) Hospitals Need To Make Their Websites As Accessible As Their Physical Spaces
It would be anathema for a health care facility in the U.S. to have a main entrance that's not physically accessible to all people. Yet many of their digital front doors block people with disabilities. They need to change that:
https://www.statnews.com/2022/10/31/hospitals-website-accessibility-needs-work/
44) Nuheara Receives FDA Clearance for HP Hearing PRO
Medical device and consumer electronics manufacturer, Nuheara Limited (ASX:NUH) (Company or Nuheara) announced that it received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aid. Nuheara's HP Hearing PRO has been cleared by the FDA for both 874.3325 self-fitting and the 800.30 OTC hearing aid classifications under a new product classification code "QUH," according to the company:
https://hearingreview.com/hearing-products/hearing-aids/otc/nuheara-receives-fda-clearance-for-hp-hearing-pro
45) Eyedaptic Announces EYE5 Ultralight Smart Glasses To Augment Low Vision
Last week, at the American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting and Expo, southern California-based Eyedaptic announced the release of its latest smart glasses to enhance sight for the visually impaired:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2022/10/31/eyedaptic-announces-eye5-ultralight-smart-glasses-to-augment-low-vision/?sh=6c622eb5431d
46) Best Tours for Visually Impaired Travelers in Latin America
Visually impaired travelers in Latin America find exciting places to visit with world-class services and expert guides on tours designed with experiences involving the senses such as hearing, touch, smell, and taste:
https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/best-tours-for-visually-impaired-travelers-in-latin-america.html
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1) The Many Faces of BARD | Maryland State Library Agency
November 10th 2022 | 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT | The topic for the November The Many Faces of BARD program will be the new features in BARD Mobile 2.0 for iOS. The program is on November 10, 7:00 p.m. Eastern time and will last for one hour and be recorded. If participants do not want to be on the recording, they should refrain from speaking. The session will begin with a brief presentation. The remainder of the time will be spent answering questions about the presentation or other questions related to BARD. The session may be joined by going to the link below on a computer or calling +1 (669) 245-5252 ☎. Full Zoom invitation information follows. To call into a session, participants must use the telephone numbers provided here for Zoom.gov rather than the regular Zoom telephone numbers. One tap mobile: US: +16692545252,,1619486122# or +16468287666,,1619486122# | Meeting ID: 161 948 6122 | Passcode: 112643:
https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1619486122?pwd=VVhxNkk1SGJlNHJXVFRtNUo5V3loZz09
2) Usability and Accessibility for Digital Marketers — Delight Your Audience With Inclusive UX
November 10th 2022 | Presenters: Digital Marketing Institute, TPGi's Principal UX David Swallow, TPGi's UX Practice Manager David Sload, and Marketing Educator and Author Will Francis. Digital channels provide an opportunity for you to effectively reach and grow your target audience, communicate with them, provide information, build brand relationships, and enable transactions. The related concepts of usability and accessibility address the importance of removing barriers to efficient, effective, and enjoyable digital interactions for all users, including users with disabilities. When barriers are present, we risk brand damage, losing our audience to competitors, and potentially unlawful discrimination against people with disabilities. But how can we ensure usable and accessible digital experiences? To mark World Usability Day 2022, accessibility and user experience specialists David Swallow and David Sloan will make the argument that a focus on the needs of people with disabilities can help digital marketers deliver better user experiences for everyone. We'll define key concepts of usability, accessibility, and inclusive design and provide practical tips that everyone involved in digital marketing can apply in their work to make their digital experiences more accessible and usable:
https://www.bigmarker.com/digital-marketing-institute/Usability-and-Accessibility-for-Digital-Marketers-Delight-Your-Audience-with-Inclusive-UX
3) National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 2022 Annual Convention
November 11th 2022 to November 14th 2022 | Get ready for a weekend of fun and fellowship. Come and be part of celebrating our accomplishments and planning for the future! Place: Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel, 903 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, MD 21204. Meet our keynote speaker and National Representative, Donald Porterfield, President of the NFB of Arizona, Board Member of the NFB, and a criminal prosecutor. Explore opportunities through special workshops for parents and teachers of blind children, blind merchants and entrepreneurs, and students. Check out our technology workshops and more. Examine new products at the exhibit hall on Friday. Help us raise expectations for ourselves and for officials who manage services for the blind:
https://nfbmd.org/convention/2022
4) NaviLens | Computer Science & Technology Division | NFB of SC
November 12th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | The Computer Science & Technology Division (CSTD) of the NFB of SC invites everyone to a presentation from NaviLens on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM Eastern. Oran McAllister from NaviLens will join us for a presentation to tell us all about the app and what it does! Below is the Zoom information you will need to join us and a brief description of the app! NFB of SC Zoom. | Meeting ID: 803 254 3777 | Passcode: 124578 | One tap mobile: +19292056099,,8032543777# US (New York) | +13017158592,,8032543777# US (Germantown) | Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) | NaviLens is a high-density artificial markers system for long distance reading. The tags generated by this system are designed in order to be read from a long distance, without the need of focusing and even in motion. This makes them useful for blind and low vision people. Join here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8032543777?pwd=QTVQd2RzN3l6QnNmZ0FmSnp6NG8vQT09
5) Bytesize Training Tech Q and A Session
November 14th 2022 | 3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT | This event is where I will be discussing the assistive technology training services that Byte Size Training Tech offers. In addition, there will be a Q and A session where participants will be able to have their questions answered:
https://www.clubhouse.com/event/MOXB7G84?utm_medium=ch_event&utm_campaign=pm-MMIuRiLSoGzDrb2BVkg-438223
6) Interactive Webinar: Windows Narrator: Not Just Another Voice In The Crowd | The Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc.
November 16th 2022 | 6PM PT, 7PM MT, 8PM CT, 9PM ET, 1AM GMT on 11/17 | Where: Online or via phone. Join us for a webinar about Windows Narrator! Windows Narrator is over 20 years old. There have been drastic improvements to this screen reader over the past several years, and this free screen reader is quickly becoming a recognizable voice in the crowd. Come explore some of narrators features, learn to maximize functionality, compare narrator to other leading screen readers, and ask questions during this interactive webinar from The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Sign up via Eventbrite or reach out to Tim Paulding at (208) 771-4901 ☎ or TPaulding@LHBlind.org ✉. Meet The Hosts: Timothy Paulding is the Services and Instructional Manager at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. He has served in the blindness rehabilitation field for over ten years as a computer and assistive technology instructor and orientation and mobility specialist. He believes that people who are blind can be as independent as they want to be, given proper opportunity and training. Tim has masters degrees in Blindness and Low Vision Studies from Western Michigan University and is dual certified in orientation and mobility and vision rehabilitation therapy. Tim is a drummer and keyboard player and lives with his wife and children in Spokane Valley, Washington. Everett Elam, CATIS, is a computer and assistive technology instructor at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Prior to serving at the Lighthouse, Everett worked for a year in St. Louis, Missouri in the k-12 arena and also created and managed a curriculum for Assistive Technology Training. He has served in a variety of roles in the blindness rehabilitation field. He is a technology enthusiast who is passionate about helping people who are blind to reach their fullest potential. Everett believes that learning should be tailored to the learner, easy to apply in real world situations, and should most definitely be fun. In his free time, Everett is an award winning fiddle player and marathon runner and lives in Spokane, Washington. Click here to register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/windows-narrator-not-just-another-voice-in-the-crowd-tickets-454175780987
7) Zoom Meeting for JAWS: Getting Help & Accessing Existing Training Materials | Access Ingenuity
November 16th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | Get to know the various tools, help menu options, and free training materials that already exist with JAWS. Join Rachel Reeves, Marisa Church, and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to discover ways you can get assistance with concepts, commands, exercises, additional web resources, and more. Learning Outcomes: Various help tools of JAWS, including Keyboard Help, Screen Sensitive Help, etc. Additional help from the help menu includes the manual, web resources, and free training. Free training web resources include the Freedom Scientific Training YouTube channel, Free Webinars Training page, Surf's Up Training website, etc. | Meeting ID: 886 5246 9982 | Passcode: 215449 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,88652469982#,,,,*215449# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88652469982?pwd=WnB6L21JbnZwZEpMMEJVM0N2K3VuUT09#success
8) Live and Virtual Technology Fair | Carroll Center for the Blind
November 22nd 2022 | The Carroll Center for the Blind's in person Technology Fair is back! Attend exciting and informative presentations, visit with assistive technology exhibitors in breakout rooms, and find the products and services you need to live as independently as possible. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the latest products for individuals who are visually impaired. The Technology Fair is free and open to consumers, families, friends, and professionals:
https://carroll.org/events/live-and-virtual-technology-fair/
9) ACB's 2022 Audio Description Awards Gala
November 29 2022 | The American Council of the Blind (ACB) proudly announces the second annual Audio Description Awards Gala on November 29, 2022. The Gala will once again celebrate outstanding achievements in audio description in media and expand awareness of its benefits. In recent years there has been enormous success in expanding audio description for audiences who are blind, low vision, or have other sensory disabilities that create barriers to full inclusion in visual media. "The Audio Description Awards Gala will celebrate the best of the best within the art and science of inclusive audio-described media," said Eric Bridges, ACB's Executive Director. "Together we will work to expand awareness of the transformative value that audio description brings to the lives of people with disabilities:"
https://acb.org/save-the-date-2022-AD-Awards
10) PDF Accessibility Training for Organizations | Access Ingenuity
November 30th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | Creating accessible PDF documents is essential for most organizations' digital accessibility process. However, organizations often struggle to get their staff trained and efficient at creating accessible PDFs and other accessible digital content. The first step is identifying document creators within the organization and the types of documents they're developing. Depending on the findings, standard and advanced PDF accessibility training may be required. Join Michael Parker from Access Ingenuity to review lessons we learned from creating digital accessibility training and how to apply them to your organization. Learning Outcomes: Understand the components of a comprehensive PDF accessibility training program. Understand the importance of creating accessible templates and using accessible color palettes. Breaking the training down into manageable chunks - from beginners to advanced users. Meeting ID: 883 8806 6414 | Passcode: 878053 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,88388066414#,,,,*878053# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88388066414?pwd=RU9tQU02ZDlRVjZzWlpwZHVGZjBSUT09
11) Blind Health Expo | The Accessible Pharmacy
December 2nd 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | The Accessible Pharmacy Blind Health Expo will be the largest virtual expo of healthcare information, products, services, and medication for individuals who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. Join thousands of other attendees and register now for free!
https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/blind-health-expo/
12) 2022 Sight Tech Global — Shaping New Technologies to Create a More Accessible World for People with Blindness and Visual Impairments
December 7th 2022 and December 8th 2022 | Sponsored by Google, APH, Amazon, Humanware, Microsoft, Fable, LinkedIn, and Waymo, Sight Tech Global is the first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers on how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility. Register for free:
https://sighttechglobal.com/
13) 20 Websites to Bookmark for 2023 | Technology User Group, Maryland State Library
December 10th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | Technology keeps changing and so do the websites that are useful in our everyday lives. Find out why these 20 websites are so important for 2023. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET:
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx
14) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 3: Creative Manual Activities for Christmas | APH
December 12th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | Christmas is a great time to create crafts. Let's share amazing and fun tactile ideas adapted to visually impaired children:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
15) Training Course: Catching Up with JAWS Chapter 4 for JAWS 2022 and 2023 | Hartgen Consultancy
December 14th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Catching Up with JAWS is priced £35 which is approximately 40 American dollars. Now is your chance to get some high quality training on some of the latest features within the screen-reader JAWS for Windows which have been introduced over the past two years. This follows on from our previous popular training courses on this subject. These training courses are still popular and people are purchasing the older volumes in the series even today:
https://www.hartgen.org/catchup4
16) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 4: Braille Around the World | APH
January 4th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | Let's celebrate Louis Braille's Day and explore different braille codes around the world:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
17) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 5: School Aged Numeracy | APH
February 1st 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | Using LEGO Braille Bricks to do math: let's discover some of the many uses of these little bricks to develop numerical and geometry skills, understand symmetry, and much more:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
18) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH
March 6th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | Let's explore daily-living activities using LEGO Braille Bricks and share our best practices, experiences, tips:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
19) 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference
March 15th 2022 and March 16th 2023 | Deque Systems, the trusted leader in digital accessibility, has announced the third annual axe-con conference will return on March 15-16th, 2023. With the success of axe-con over the past two years, Deque will continue to host the conference as a free virtual event again next year. Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences:
https://www.deque.com/blog/save-the-date-for-axe-con-2023/
20) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH
April 5th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | Let's discover together how to make music with these famous bricks! Come and share your creative ideas:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
21) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH
May 3rd 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
22) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH
June 7th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/
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