ARCHIVE / 2023:

Access Information News for Monday, March 20, 2023 - Volume 902

The Week's News in Access Information
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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,

1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last Week

A.) Accessibility Issues That Must Not Be Named | Paul Martz | AppleVis (5.2% of all clicks.)
It's the accessibility issues without names that keep me up at night. Problems that we never discuss because the English language has no words for them. They are the Lord Voldemort of accessibility issues. They are, "Issues That Must Not Be Named:"
https://www.applevis.com/blog/accessibility-issues-must-not-be-named

B.) Accessibility and AI: Microsoft Details Its Plans for a More Inclusive Future | PC Magazine (4.6% of all clicks.)
At Microsoft's annual Ability Summit, we learned how artificial intelligence is powering some of the most exciting developments in inclusive and accessible design:
https://www.pcmag.com/news/accessibility-and-ai-microsoft-details-its-plans-for-a-more-inclusive-future

C.) Wearable Tinnitus Device by Neosensory Reduces Tinnitus Severity (4.3% of all clicks.)
Neosensory, a technology company designing solutions for hearing impairments, has published new results in their recent scientific study of Duo, their therapeutic intervention for tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The group of participants who used Neosensory's Duo solution daily for eight weeks reported clinically significant reduction in their tinnitus severity. The paper has just been published in the International Tinnitus Journal: Bimodal stimulation for the reduction of tinnitus using vibration on the skin:
https://hearingreview.com/hearing-loss/tinnitus/wearable-tinnitus-device-by-neosensory-reduces-tinnitus-severity

D.) I'm A Badass Blind Babe — Walking Down The Street With My Cane Is Powerful (4.1% of all clicks.)
Valentin Hauy is a voluntary association dedicated to the support of visually impaired people in France. Created in 1889, it deploys a large number of actions throughout the country to allow the visually impaired easier access to education, to the world of work, but also to culture. In 2022, the association organized the Tactile Tour, a new and interactive temporary exhibition. The latter consists in presenting 12 relief reproductions of world-famous works such as Leonardo da Vinci's Self-portrait and Vitruvian Man or Raphael's The Marriage of the Virgin. The objective is simple: to discover art through touch. Blind and visually impaired people have the opportunity to feel the work by coming into contact with it. The exhibition is of course accessible to everyone, and sighted people can extend the experience by participating in the visit blindfolded. Headsets are available to provide a detailed description of the works that the visitor touches:
https://nypost.com/2023/03/10/im-a-badass-blind-babe-walking-with-my-cane-is-powerful/

E.) 5 Things I Wish Were Accessible — But Normally Aren't | Fashioneyesta AKA Emily Davis (3.8% of all clicks.)
These are some of the things that I wish were accessible as a visually impaired person that normally aren't:
https://fashioneyesta.com/5-things-i-wish-were-accessible-but-normally-arent/

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3) Mindset Matters: How The Tribe Of Accessibility Is Fundamental To Scaling The Disability Economy | Forbes

Accessibility is being embraced across the business landscape from corporate stalwarts such as Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Meta to a host of new players in the space recognizing not only a greater need for an accessible world but acknowledging the significance of its growing economic value. While there is progress, there is an element here that needs greater amplification, the role of the accessibility professional. It is these professionals that are at the nexus in not only defining this technological revolution but becoming a real driver for transformation. The Accessibility professional is not just a change agent but in fact, part of a larger tribe that sees the world through a lens of inclusivity and espouses a new cultural norm that is essential in defining the mindset of the digital economy of the here-and-now and the future of the industry:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathankaufman/2023/03/17/mindset-matters-how-the-tribe-of-accessibility-is-fundamental-to-scaling-the-disability-economy/?sh=5f7c24a7699e

4) The Unpredictable Abilities Emerging From Large AI Models | Quanta Magazine

Publisher (Di Blasi): For those of you interested in the inner workings, possible future applications, and/or ramifications of Artificial General Intelligence, I encourage you to review this article. It discusses emergence. Emergence refers to abilities displayed by an artificial intelligence that are considered to be greater than the sum of the input used to train them. In other words, new and emergent abilities that are, in most academic opinion, far beyond the capacity of the inputs that it was trained upon. The article gives you examples of emergence and even discusses how you can use chain-of-thought prompts to elicit emergent behaviors in current models yourself.
Quanta Magazine: What movie do these emojis describe? (girl face emoji followed by three different fish emoji.) That prompt was one of 204 tasks chosen last year to test the ability of various large language models (LLMs) — the computational engines behind AI chatbots such as ChatGPT. The simplest LLMs produced surreal responses. "The movie is a movie about a man who is a man who is a man," one began. Medium-complexity models came closer, guessing The Emoji Movie. But the most complex model nailed it in one guess: Finding Nemo:
https://www.quantamagazine.org/the-unpredictable-abilities-emerging-from-large-ai-models-20230316/?mc_cid=5b30527cd0&mc_eid=f1a80c1f27

5) Game With Your Eyes. Code With Your Voice. Inside The New Accessibility Revolution

Forking an on-screen keyboard project to play Minecraft, customizing keyboard layouts for programming, using ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot for coding and communication, and more: Accessibility is forging new frontiers:
https://github.com/readme/featured/open-source-accessibility?mc_cid=fc82e97602&mc_eid=25075ce883

6) How to Market Your Accessibility Efforts (& Why You Should) | Amanda Dodge | Accessibility.com

Publisher (Di Blasi): As one who has owned and operated a digital marketing agency that has specialized in SEO and accessibility since 2004, I can tell you with full confidence that there has never been a better time to market your accessibility efforts. If you need help, beyond these tips, feel free to reach out to me ✉. Even if it's just for advice. We've been in digital marketing for a very long time, and can often pinpoint unique online marketing opportunities for your specific business or organization.
Accessibility.com: The vast majority of websites are inaccessible. According to DDIY, 97.4% of websites don't offer full accessibility as of 2022. This is a shockingly high amount considering one in four Americans has some form of disability, which means most people either have a disability or know someone who does. And yet, many companies treat accessibility like an optional feature for a niche group of customers. If you have put a significant amount of effort into making your online experience accessible, congratulations. You are part of a tiny percentage of companies that prioritize web usability for customers with disabilities. It's time to shout your efforts from the rooftops and let your users know about these features. Here are a few ways to market your accessibility efforts:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/how-to-market-your-accessibility-efforts-why-you-should

7) AI's Next Big Takeover: Audiobooks | CNET

Stomachs gurgle. The sound of muscles in the digestive system moving. The human body doing its thing. Sometimes, if there's a mic nearby, those burbles and gurgles get picked up. AI audiobook narrators don't have to worry about strange gastrointestinal noises, but Leah Allers and engineer Craig Hinkle aren't bots. They're human beings, recording for Nashville Audiobook Productions in mid-January, fretting about gurgles, discussing where to put the emphasis on the word "increase," and tending to the detailed work of giving a "real" voice to a book about how couples communicate:
https://www.cnet.com/tech/features/will-your-next-audiobook-be-read-by-an-ai/#ftag=CAD590a51e

8) How eBay Made Its New Accessibility Tool — And Made It Available to All

Several eBay teams worked together to create a plug-in that makes it easy to include accessibility in a design right from the start:
https://tech.ebayinc.com/engineering/how-ebay-made-its-new-accessibility-tool-and-made-it-available-to-all/

9) Email Accessibility: A Complete Guide for Marketers, Designers, and Developers

Publisher (Di Blasi): This may go without saying for the Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News publications, but email accessibility is incredibly important, sometimes even more important than web accessibility, and often a serious challenge for many other publications. Simply because the rules for creating accessible emails are wholly different from the rules for creating accessible web pages. Same base languages, sure, but wildly different rules of implementation due to the stark differences between the many email clients out there. Here at Mind Vault we have been creating accessible email newsletters for a very long time. More than 20 years. And one of the partners that has helped us to achieve that success is Email on Acid. We have found them to be the absolute all-stars of everything excellent about email newsletter accessibility.
Email on Acid: Almost everyone uses email every day. That might sound like an exaggeration, but it's not far from the truth. We look to our inboxes for loads of information, and some of it is quite important. That's the biggest reason why email accessibility matters. If brands fail to think about email accessibility, a significant percentage of their subscribers could be left in the dark. Not only does an inaccessible email marginalize some of your contacts and customers, but it's also going to have a negative impact on email performance, brand reputation, and the overall business. The reason is simple: If people have trouble viewing, reading, clicking on, or understanding your email campaigns, they won't take the actions you expect. Of course, the real reason to focus on accessibility in email marketing is because it's the right thing to do. So, let's explore this important topic more. Our complete guide will cover email accessibility best practices and how to design and develop campaigns for every subscriber on your list:
https://www.emailonacid.com/blog/article/email-development/email-accessibilty-in-2017/

10) An AI Told Me I Had Cancer | Wired

Why was an AI looking through my medical records and how did it work? I decided to find out:
https://www.wired.com/story/artificial-intelligence-cancer-detection/

11) Ethical Accessibility | Kelly Ford | The Idea Place

The age-old debate about the glass being half empty or half full is one I've had many times when discussing accessibility in both my personal and professional lives. For me it is true that technology has allowed me to do things that as a child I never thought would be possible. It is also true that technology, and the lack of accessibility at times, has cost me in multiple ways:
https://theideaplace.net/ethical-accessibility/

12) Amazon is Ending Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions — The Final Death of Newspapers?

Last week Amazon announced that they will be shutting down Kindle for Periodicals and Kindle Newsstand. This means starting in September 2023, you will no longer be able to subscribe to digital versions of newspapers and magazines. Amazon is reportedly pushing publishers to make their newspapers and magazines free through Amazon Prime Reading or Kindle Unlimited:
https://cordcuttersnews.com/amazon-is-ending-newspaper-magazine-subscriptions-the-final-death-of-newspapers/

13) Accessible Usability Scale (Aus) Analysis Of Desktop Screen Readers | Fable

User research results from over 1,000 AUS scores and recommendations for screen reader research engagements:
https://makeitfable.com/article/analysis-desktop-screen-readers-using-the-accessible-usability-scale-aus/

14) Accessibility Features Of Uber Ride Sharing App For Riders With Disabilities | Accessibility.com

Ridesharing services like Uber have made transportation more accessible and more convenient for people with disabilities. It's now possible for people with disabilities to go wherever they want to, whenever they want to — at the touch of a button. In this short guide, let us take a look at the accessibility features available in the Uber ridesharing app:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/accessibility-features-of-uber-ridesharing-app-for-riders-with-disabilities

15) Advice For Meeting Someone Who Is Blind | Learning A11y

The first few times I met someone who is blind, I have to admit I saw the disability before I saw the person. I just wasn't prepared for meeting someone different than me, and I didn't know what way to act. Later I learned that some tendencies, while natural and good-intentioned, also are indicative that I'm not seeing the person for the capable and independent person they truly are. I came across some helpful tips about this, and thought I'd share them in this compiled list. As someone who used to see the disability before seeing the person, I wish I had read a guide like this before I met someone who is blind:
https://learninga11y.com/meeting-someone-who-is-blind/

16) How to Make QR Codes More Accessible to People with Disabilities? | Accessibility.com

Quick Response (QR) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned with smartphones and other digital devices. They can store a wide range of data, from website URLs to photos and videos. They are commonly used in advertising and marketing campaigns, to send and receive payment-related information, to authenticate online accounts and for several other purposes. Data shows that in 2021, more than 75 million people in the US scanned at least one QR code using their smartphone. Due to their wide range of applications, it's crucial to make QR codes more accessible so that people with disabilities can use them without any difficulties:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/making-qr-codes-more-accessible-and-improving-business-accessibility

17) Axe Awards at Axe-Con 2023

Axe-con is about building accessible experiences, the mission of the conference is not only focused on bringing together the accessibility community and providing free content but to highlight the organizations that are leaders in the field of accessibility. This year marks the third annual axe awards, named after a well-known Deque open-source project called axe-core. We are proud to announce this year's winners of the axe awards below so they are recognized for their outstanding work in accessibility and so members of the accessibility community can turn to them for advice when building their accessibility efforts. Please join us in celebrating their efforts:
https://www.deque.com/blog/axe-awards-at-axe-con-2023/

18) Integrating Movement Into Tech For Visual Impairment | Christine Ro | Forbes

Here, a team of psychologists and engineers works to create assistive devices for people with visual impairments. They use a bevy of tools to do this, from relatively simple buzzers and sensors to a more complex moving platform whose seat was taken from a race car. This is a (surprisingly quick) rotating chair on a track that is used to assess the body's vestibular system (which is responsible for the sense of balance and spatial orientation). A particularly striking tool is a metal case that unsnaps to reveal a variety of white rubber hands. Research volunteers who see it compare it to the TV series Wednesday, laughs psychologist Carolina Tammurello, referring to the latest Addams Family adaptation, which features the sentient hand known as Thing:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinero/2023/03/16/integrating-movement-into-tech-for-visual-impairment/?sh=6375fce555de

19) Deque Announces Axe Developer Hub (Beta): The Future Of Automated Accessibility Testing

Deque has announced plans for a new revolutionary accessibility testing platform. This new technology will automatically gather meaningful accessibility testing information and deliver detailed and actionable development-centric insights. The watcher API and axe Developer Hub reporting platform will be available to beta testers shortly. Deque's Chief Technology Officer, Dylan Barrell, explains: "For years dev teams have struggled with accessibility testing tools that are tough to implement and maintain. Many tools miss web page changes or changes in state — creating additional work and risk:"
https://www.deque.com/blog/deque-announces-axe-developer-hub-beta/

20) Innovative Brands Making A Difference For The Disabled | BeautyMatter

Many have disputed the beauty industry's pitfalls in catering to the disabled consumer. In 2021, Vogue suggested that beauty's weak spot was providing for those with disabilities, and recently, Dazed questioned if the wellness sector was inherently ableist. With over one billion people worldwide living with some form of disability, it is essential that the industry listens to these conversations and adapts to ensure consumer inclusion. Recent innovations in the sector have indicated a more optimistic future, including L'Oreal's HAPTA device for those with mobility issues and ELC's Voice-Enabled Makeup Assistant for the visually impaired. Several smaller companies also provide cosmetics and products with disabled consumers in mind. To highlight the brands pioneering stronger levels of inclusion, BeautyMatter homes in on four brands making a difference:
https://beautymatter.com/articles/brands-making-a-difference-for-the-disabled

21) Amazon And Vocala Transform Blind Veterans Centre Into Voice-Controlled 'Smart Centre'

The 'smart centre' for blind veterans in Llandudno, Wales, is the first use case of Alexa Smart Properties in the region:
https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/devices/amazon-and-vocala-transform-blind-veterans-centre-into-voice-controlled-smart-centre

22) Five Tips For Focus Groups With People Who Are Blind Or Have Low Vision | Elana Berton | Vision Australia

When I started working in the Digital Access team at Vision Australia I had run many user interviews and focus groups, but never with a single person who was blind or had low vision. I was extremely nervous for my first session, and thoughts were rattling inside my head like, "what if I say something stupid? I don't want to offend anyone” and "I can't make any dumb assumptions". But in the end, other than rushing through the whole thing, I really enjoyed it! As a User Experience Researcher, the opportunity to get a completely different perspective on things and help make a real impact on someone's life was so motivating. I want to give anyone reading this the confidence to have a go at making their focus groups more inclusive. So here are 5 learnings for you to add to your tool box:
https://www.visionaustralia.org/business-consulting/digital-access/blog/five-tips-for-running-focus-groups

23) Game-Changers: How The Video-Game Industry Must Step It Up For Blind Players | Montreal Gazette

The bridges between the visually impaired and sighted video-gaming communities are ill-designed and sometimes non-existent:
https://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/blind-visually-impaired-video-games-ubisoft-last-of-us-part-ii

24) Recording: The Power of an Accessible Website: Practical Tips for Elevating Your E-Commerce Business | 3PlayMedia

In this webinar Bet Hannon covered some of the benefits of website accessibility and steps to inclusion and compliance. Bet Hannon is a longtime digital agency owner and the founder and CEO of AccessiCart, a services agency that focuses on helping e-commerce merchants improve the accessibility of their websites. Bet offered guidance for enhancing e-commerce businesses and increasing potential audiences by 25% through website accessibility, though most of the information that was presented can be applied to any website:
https://www.3playmedia.com/resources/recorded-webinars/wbnr-02-16-2023-accessible-website/

25) Wheel The World Grabs $6M To Offer Guaranteed Accessibility, Price Match For Hotel Rooms

Wheel the World wants to open the world up to people with disabilities and has made it its mission since 2018 to provide travel accommodations and experiences that fit their needs, both in the United States and worldwide. On March 9, 2023 the company announced two new booking tool features, including guaranteed accessibility for hotel rooms booked from its website and a price match offer:
https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/09/wheel-the-world-travel-disabilities/

26) Feds Investigating School That Often Had Students With Disabilities Arrested | Disability Scoop

The U.S. Department of Education has opened a civil rights investigation into a tiny Illinois school district for students with disabilities to determine whether children enrolled there have been denied an appropriate education because of the "“"practice of referring students to law enforcement for misbehaviors:"
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/03/14/feds-investigating-school-often-students-disabilities-arrested/30288/

27) UX Researchers At Ally Bank And Overdrive On Why They Shifted From Accessibility Guidelines To Usability For All | Fable

Experts with Fable Recap: Best practices for user research with assistive technology users:
https://makeitfable.com/article/ally-overdrive-why-shift-from-guidelines-to-usability/

28) Singapore Analysis: Regulations Allow F&B Joints To Let In Guide Dogs For The Visually Impaired, But Why Do Some Still Have Reservations?

After queuing for some time at a fast food restaurant with a group of friends one day, Mr Chia Hong Sen found himself denied service at the counter. The reason: He was accompanied by a guide dog, which helps people with visual impairment like him get around independently. Despite Mr Chia and his friends explaining that such dogs are not prohibited from entering food establishments under the law, and other customers stepping in to plead on their behalf, the employees maintained that "it's a dog, and dogs are pets:"
https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/regulations-guide-dogs-visually-impaired-dining-restaurant-2127876

29) New App Helps Visually Impaired With Grocery Shopping

A Flushing, Michigan native is helping the Kellogg Company change the way that millions of Americans who are blind or have low vision — perform daily tasks as simple as shopping for cereal. With an effort to make packaging more accessible to those who view the world differently Kellogg has partnered with NaviLens Technology to change the world — one box of cereal at a time. Kellogg is introducing a personal cereal shopper for the visually impaired through the NaviLens app with an effort to create a new way of grocery shopping for consumers like flushing native, Beth Foor — a Kellogg employee who helped create this project because she too suffers from loss of vision:
https://www.abc12.com/news/new-app-helps-visually-impaired-with-grocery-shopping/article_40887cc8-c1e1-11ed-9b80-5b936c96eb22.html

30) Braille and Language Development: What Teachers Should Know | Education Week

The overwhelming majority of vision-impaired children attend regular public schools, rather than specialty schools for the blind, and few have teachers who are trained to understand differences between tactile and visual language, experts say. That can be problematic because understanding these different language modes can be critical for teachers to boost literacy skills for their visually impaired students, according to researchers at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference here earlier this month:
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/braille-and-language-development-what-teachers-should-know/2023/03

31) The American Council of the Blind and Supporters Rally to Demand Accessible and Inclusive Currency

On March 10, 2023, Harriet Tubman Day, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and supporters rallied in front of the White House and marched to the U.S. Treasury to highlight the ongoing fight for accessible and inclusive currency for all:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-american-council-of-the-blind-and-supporters-rally-to-demand-accessible-and-inclusive-currency-301771930.html

32) Microsoft Partners With Kansas School For The Blind In New Computer Science Program

Kansas State School for the Blind is teaming up with Microsoft to teach students who identify as blind or low vision how to explore new areas of computer science:
https://www.kake.com/story/48549276/microsoft-partners-with-kansas-school-for-the-blind-in-new-computer-science-program

33) Computers for the Blind | Paths To Literacy

Computers for the Blind is determined to bridge the digital divide for the community of the blind and visually impaired in the US by providing affordable, accessible refurbished computers and training:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/computers-for-the-blind/

34) Disney Parks are More Accessible Thanks to Cast Member Advocate

A Disney Parks Cast Member has helped the Walt Disney Company ensure it is accessible for Guests, particularly in how they utilize its technological features:
https://www.disneydining.com/disney-parks-accessible-cast-member-joanna-collins-sj1/

35) Adapting a Graphic Design Project for a Braille Student | Paths to Literacy

Tips to adapt a three-dimensional graphic design project for a student with a visual impairment in an inclusive art class:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/adapting-graphic-design-project-braille-student/

36) Thousands With Learning Disabilities Trapped In Hospital, Some For Years

Thousands of people with learning disabilities are stuck in long-stay hospitals because of a lack of psychological support and overly complicated treatment systems, according to research. The report from the University of Birmingham and rights-based organization Changing Our Lives has been released in conjunction with an exhibition from the subversive street artist Foka Wolf titled, "Why are we stuck in hospital?"
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/14/thousands-learning-disabilities-trapped-long-stay-hospitals

37) How The Oscars Embraced Accessibility And Inclusion With Asl Interpreters And More (Guest Column)

One year after the landmark success for Best Picture winner "CODA" at the Academy Awards, the 2023 Oscars presented the latest opportunity for Hollywood to show the world where it stands on inclusion and diversity. On Oscars night, through a combination of memorable moments and inclusive components of the ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences demonstrated its growing commitment to embracing inclusion and accessibility for all:
https://variety.com/2023/awards/opinion/oscars-asl-interpreters-accessibility-1235554445/

38) UK Disability Work Tests To Be Scrapped In Welfare Shake-Up

Disability fit-for-work tests will be abolished under reforms billed as the "biggest change to our welfare system in a decade" in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Budget:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-64967329

39) Special Ed Teacher Fired After Complaining About Understaffing, Lawsuit Says | Disability Scoop

A special education teacher in Burlington County has filed a lawsuit claiming she lost her job after repeatedly complaining to school district officials about understaffing in the classroom. Bryanna Mostak, of Hamilton, claims in court papers that understaffing and a hostile work environment in the Bordentown Regional School District forced her to take medical leave in December 2021 due to stress and anxiety. She was terminated two months later, according to the suit. Trudy Atkins, the district's superintendent, did not respond to a request for comment on the suit:
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/03/15/special-ed-teacher-fired-complaining-understaffing-lawsuit/30289/

➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events

March 21, 2023 | Small Changes for Big Impact: Creating Accessible Word Documents | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Microsoft Word has features that help you create documents that are accessible to people with disabilities. By using these features, you can help readers receive your message clearly. If you don't, your message might not get through to your readers — with or without disabilities. In this session, we'll discuss: Using Word's built-in Accessibility Checker to help identify issues. Common accessibility issues and how to prevent or address them. Accessibility considerations that may benefit all users and not just users with disabilities. Word documents intended for conversion to PDF and more. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-21-at-12pm-et-small-changes-for-big-impact-creating-accessible-word-documents/

March 21, 2023 and March 22, 2023 | Multiple Perspectives 2023 | Americans With Disabilities Act Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion, & Disability Conference | Ohio State University

"It is time to move beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law; to shift our focus from redressing human and environmental problems through remedial design to preventing problems through holistic design." -Leslie Kanes Weisman. As a modern land grant university, an important part of Ohio State University's mission is outreach and engagement, serving the community through a variety of activities. During the tenth anniversary year of the Americans With Disabilities Act the Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion And Disability conference was created to help fulfill this mission. In short, the goal of the conference is to encourage the kind of change suggested by Leslie Kanes Weisman in the opening quote. It is hoped that the annual conference will serve as a catalyst for positive change and a springboard for collaborations with our partners in education, business, public, and social service. Each year a series of workshops will provide a forum for individuals and organizations to expand their knowledge and perspectives, and an opportunity to increase community resources through the synergy of collaboration. The workshops are designed to bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. To ensure broad participation from the university community, business, state and local government, educators, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and individuals with disabilities sponsors are sought each year to subsidize conference participants. Register:
https://ada.osu.edu/ada-conference

March 22, 2023 | Navigating The Open Seas Of JAWS And Fusion 2023 | The Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc. | March Community Assistive Technology Webinar

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
Ahoy! Join Light House webinar captain Tim Paulding and Co Captain Everett Elam, along with Ron Miller, Vispero Blindness Technology Product Specialist, as we sail the open seas of the new features in JAWS and Fusion 2023. Discover powerful updates, enhanced browsing, improved braille support, and seamless integration. Ask Ron your questions and participate in the Q&A. Register now to learn from leading authorities on assistive technology's intersection into the mainstream and chart your course toward empowerment and independence! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please contact Tim Paulding at: tpaulding@lhblind.org ✉ if you have any questions or need assistance registering for this event. Register in advance for this webinar:
https://thelighthousefortheblindinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DuhrGxUrQja3DdHnby7xFQ

March 22, 2023 | Features of the ONYX OCR (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
The ONYX OCR magnifies and reads aloud any document. The voice, magnification, and high contrast make reading easier. Change your focus from reading magnified texts to letting the ONYX OCR read them when it becomes too tiring. Place your document under the fixed OCR camera on the left and activate the speech function. Enjoy listening to a text as it is read aloud by a high-quality voice without straining your eyes. This four-in-one solution integrates two separate cameras: one for transforming text-to-speech output and one for magnifying documents and observing the room around you. You can see what you want across the room or at your desk. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity and Joe McDaniel from Vispero to discuss the features and benefits of the ONYX OCR model. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), ACVREP continuing education credit is approved for this presentation. Learning Outcomes: How the ONYX OCR incorporates two low-vision technologies. Different uses of the ONYX OCR. How it differs from the other ONYX models. Why having OCR in a portable unit can be a game changer. | Meeting ID: 848 0272 3291 | Passcode: 894571 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,84802723291#,,,,*894571# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84802723291?pwd=V0l6NmVUTFZmQU9oNjRqcXRNTi9FUT09#success

March 22, 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed "Special Education Boss". The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they "received" their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

March 22, 2023 | Federal Government Career Opportunities Applying for Federal Job March 2023 | U.S. Department of Labor

10:30 AM PT, 11:30AM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 5:30PM GMT
This Event will be a Virtual Online Event and Registration is required to attend. To register for this event go to the following link below. The U.S. Department of Labor's mission is to protect workers, job seekers and retirees. During this virtual session staff from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and Office of Human Resources will share information with students about the following: Protecting Your Workplace Rights. How to Prepare a Federal Resume. Navigating USAJobs Website. How to Apply for a Federal Job. At the end of the session you can get your questions answered:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/federal-government-career-opportunities-applying-for-federal-job-march-2023-tickets-569966293527

March 28, 2023 | VPAT ^® 101: Introduction to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template

2PM PT, 3PM MT, 4PM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenter: Brian Elton, Practice Manager, Training. A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a great way to document your product's accessibility, but many companies are unaware of their existence and how to use them. Join Brian Elton, Practice Manager, Training from TPGi for answers to questions such as: What information is contained in a VPAT? Is a VPAT just for websites? Is every organization required to have one? How can a company secure a VPAT? Is it better to create it in-house or get a third party involved? TPGi's webinar will answer those questions and more, and explain how your organization can benefit from a VPAT. Register for the webinar:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-28-at-12pm-et-vpat-101-introduction-to-the-voluntary-product-accessibility-template/

March 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

March 28, 2023 | Beyond the Alt Tag: Accessible Name | Great Lakes ADA Center

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Continuing Education Recognition Available. The reasoning, best practices, and available technology for creating accessible images and text alternatives has evolved over the last several years. Expert web developers are building upon the foundation of text alternative techniques such as "alt tags" to newer concepts such as "Accessible Name" and "Accessible Description" for HTML. This approach provides better accessibility. During this webinar, Access Board staff will describe how they employ these updated concepts when developing the Guides to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. Participants will understand the reason for these changes and will gain practical strategies for adding “Accessible Name” to their vocabulary and tool kits. Target Audience: Open to all, but of noted interest for experienced web developers. Questions can be submitted in advance of the session or can be posed during the live webinar. This webinar will include video remote interpreting (VRI) and real-time captioning:
https://www.accessibilityonline.org/cioc-508/session/?id=111045

March 28, 2023 | Webinar: AT in the Transition Process | Where It's AT

3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT
Register for our virtual Webinar on AT in the Transition Process, delivered by our Executive Director, Lori Berrong, in partnership with the Maryland School for the Blind! Learn about Assistive Technology solutions that can aid in the process of transitioning out of high school and into whatever lies beyond, be it higher education, employment, and/or community living:
http://www.equipmentlink.org/blog/?p=5367

March 28, 2023 | Accessibility Boutique: The Accessibility of Remote Access | Where It's AT

11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT
Do you need to use remote access at work? Many professions require remotely engaging with others' computers, and vice versa. Some remote access clients are partially accessible, only working with one screen reader, and the rest are not useable by the blind. Partially accessible clients require that both participants run the same screen-reader. Pneuma Solutions — a third party alternative — created Scribe for Meetings, an accessible means of remote desktop access. Remote Incident Manager (RIM) is the most accessible remote access tool available. Attend this boutique to dig into all of the options. If you use a screen reader and find yourself needing to train your customers remotely, or if you would find it convenient to connect to a friend or family member's computer at a distance:
https://nfb.org/form/accessibility-boutique-reg

March 29, 2023 | How to Design and Test for Accessible Learning Modules (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Various eLearning course authoring platforms help content authors quickly create online courses to deliver on desktop and mobile devices. Many platforms allow course creation that supports the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The platforms provide tools to address fundamental accessibility issues, such as implementing accessible course controls, accessible videos (including support for both captions and transcripts), keyboard support, and the option to incorporate accessible quizzes within a course module. However, authors must correctly implement the accessibility features and be aware of the fundamental accessibility limitations in each platform they need to resolve to meet the requirements. Join Michael Parker to learn how to design and test for accessible learning modules. Learning Outcomes: Understand the accessibility limitations of your platform, such as Storyline, RISE 360, etc. Learn techniques to make many common elements accessible. Learn about common mistakes to avoid when authoring content in your learning module platform. Learn about accessibility testing strategies to ensure the content you produce is accessible. | Meeting ID: 875 9093 7816 | Passcode: 136374 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,87590937816#,,,,*136374# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87590937816?pwd=ajJGZy9XSFR0U2NTOGdsRkdRY3pnZz09#success

April 4, 2023 | Online Graduate Programs in Special Education Webinar | Ball State University

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
Register below to attend a webinar about Ball State's online graduate special education programs: Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism. Master's in Special Education. Graduate Certificate in Autism. Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis:
https://admissions.bsu.edu/register/?id=56e048a3-0e21-46ae-85fd-5e66bf62da88&utm_source=Partner_DisScoop&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=OSL_DisScoop&utm_term=March_23&utm_content=RegToday

April 5, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH

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/

April 8, 2023 | How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM 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 ✉

April 19, 2023 | 2023 Helen Keller Achievement Awards | American Foundation for the Blind

http://bit.ly/3YsScrX

April 20, 2023 | Book Talk: Digital Copyright | Internet Archive and Author / Professor Jessica Litman

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Join Internet Archive's founder Brewster Kahle for a virtual book talk with author & professor of law Jessica Litman. In Digital Copyright, law professor Jessica Litman questions whether copyright laws crafted by lawyers and their lobbyists really make sense for the vast majority of us. Should every interaction between ordinary consumers and copyright-protected works be restricted by law? Is it practical to enforce such laws, or expect consumers to obey them? What are the effects of such laws on the exchange of information in a free society? Professor Jessica Litman, the John F. Nickoll Professor of Law, is the author of Digital Copyright and the co-author, with Jane Ginsburg and Mary Lou Kevlin, of the casebook Trademarks and Unfair Competition Law: Cases and Materials. Brewster Kahle, founder and digital librarian of the Internet Archive, has been working to provide universal access to all knowledge for more than 25 years. Register now for the free, virtual discussion:
http://blog.archive.org/2023/03/16/book-talk-digital-copyright/

April 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

May 3, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH

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/

May 9, 2023 through May 12, 2023 | John Slatin AccessU 2023 | Knowbility

Join us virtually or in Austin, TX. John Slatin AccessU is an annual conference where tech professionals, content creators, policymakers, and advocates come together for deep learning in accessible digital design:
https://knowbility.org/programs/john-slatin-accessu-2023

May 13, 2023 | Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM 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 ✉

May 16, 2023 through May 18, 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | Nomensa

Nomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtua11y-web-accessibility-conference-2023-tickets-505953880677

May 18, 2023 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Help us celebrate the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments:
https://accessibility.day/

June 2, 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023

6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 1PM GMT
We would love for you to share your accessibility knowledge during our sixth annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023! As in former years, this virtual conference is FREE for all attendees. This year's ASC event will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 8:00-4:00 CST. As a conference participant you will be able to attend sessions and engage in valuable networking with like-minded professionals. We are soliciting presentations from all experience levels and backgrounds, so please visit the ASC Conference Home Page for more information and to submit a proposal. The session proposal deadline is Friday, February 17th, 2023. What is Accessibility Summer Camp (ASC)? The Accessibility Summer Camp is a FREE annual conference with the goal of connecting professionals and educators with best practices in accessibility and Universal Design. Over the past few years, the ASC conference has grown to become one of the most popular accessibility conferences in the country. Our mission is to provide accessibility professional development that empowers attendees to create high quality, accessible learning environments while removing barriers for all individuals who have a desire to learn:
https://www.accessibilityict.org/

May 23, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

June 7, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH

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/

June 27, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

July 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

August 22, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24

Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between:
https://inclusivedesign24.org/2023/

September 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

October 24, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

November 6, 2023 through November 10, 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)

Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado:
https://accessinghigherground.org/

November 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

➜ Directories

1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directory

https://www.accessinformationnews.com/email-newsletter-directory.html

➜ Sponsor Classified Ads

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

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.

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.

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

Sponsor Since: December 1st 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: APH ConnectCenter

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

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

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

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: NSITE.org

Sponsor Since: March 6th 2023

Website: https://nsite.org/ 🌐

About: NSITE provides a continuum of employment services that connect employers with talented, dedicated people who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans to meet their workforce needs. As you move through the hiring process, NSITE is with you every step of the way to ensure that finding the right employee-employer match is as smooth and seamless as possible.

NSITE works with employers to identify potential candidates who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans. From there, NSITE assists with accessibility needs, onboarding, and training, then prepares both parties for job placement. Our work does not end there; it continues with ongoing support to accommodate changes in accessible technology and employer requirements.

About | Media | Employers | Job Seekers | Training Programs | Job Board | Contact Us

Sponsor: Clusiv

Sponsor Since: January 16th 2023

Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐

About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info.

➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses

➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients

➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates

Your Business or Organization Name Here

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.

9 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  9  of  18  Sponsorship Packages available. All 18 Sponsorship Packages are offered on a first-come, first serve basis.

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Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)

Volunteer Publisher Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)

In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News as a not-for-profit project on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editorial Contributor to Access Information News.

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
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Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
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Editorial Contributor #1: John Hanlin (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, John also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons.

John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

John Hanlin, Esq.

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
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Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, Jenna also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and runs her own Digital Marketing Firm.

Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.

Jenna Lang, PMP

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
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Editorial Contributor #3: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6th 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, David is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.

In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.

He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.

David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.

David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.

As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.

Twitter: @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.

David Woodbridge

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
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National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/ 🌐

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Access Information News for Monday, March 13, 2023 - Volume 901

The Week's News in Access Information
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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,

1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last Week

A.) Accessibility Issues That Must Not Be Named | Paul Martz | AppleVis (7.7% of all clicks.)
It's the accessibility issues without names that keep me up at night. Problems that we never discuss because the English language has no words for them. They are the Lord Voldemort of accessibility issues. They are, "Issues That Must Not Be Named:":
https://www.applevis.com/blog/accessibility-issues-must-not-be-named

B.) My Journey from Surviving to Thriving in a World Not Built for Blindness | Kristin Smedley (5.2% of all clicks.)
I had a plan. Get the degree, land the job, marry the guy, build the house, and have the baby. It was a perfect plan, and I executed it flawlessly. In the year 2000, I had everything I had ever planned for. Until the curve ball. "Your son is blind." Those four words sentenced me to a dark place I didn't plan for. I had never even met a person who is blind before that day. I spiraled in fear and panic. I had no idea what was possible for my son or his brother, who was also born blind three years later:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/my-journey-from-surviving-to-thriving-in-a-world-not-built-for-blindness/

C.) 'Entitled': Woman Slammed For Asking Man In Wheelchair To Move On Bus (5.1% of all clicks.)
A woman has been slammed for expecting a man in a wheelchair to move for her on a bus, with people calling her behavior "insensitive and ableist:"
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/entitled-woman-slammed-for-asking-man-in-wheelchair-to-move-on-bus/news-story/cd5f3b9810415b4d5c5c6e29351eba97

D.) 5 Things I Wish Were Accessible — But Normally Aren't | Fashioneyesta AKA Emily Davis (5.0% of all clicks.)
These are some of the things that I wish were accessible as a visually impaired person that normally aren't:
https://fashioneyesta.com/5-things-i-wish-were-accessible-but-normally-arent/

E.) Revelations Of Blindness In The Middle Ages (4.6% of all clicks.)
Medieval texts, from Islamic medical treatises to Christian books of miracles, reveal surprisingly varied and complex experiences of blindness. But when medieval scholar Jude Seal experienced visual impairment themselves, they gained an even deeper understanding of the lives that they were studying:
https://wellcomecollection.org/articles/Y1AMkxEAAImMCDR4

2) Sponsorship Package Updates

Are you an access-based business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 10,000 access professionals each week? If so, 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 Advertisement dates up to one year in advance. If you've 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. Availability: There are currently 10 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. Advertising Benefits: Review a complete list of advertising benefits here:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-information.html#sponsorship-package-benefits

3) Access Information News Welcomes New Sponsor: NSITE.org

Please join us in offering a warm welcome to NSITE.org, who has so very graciously agreed to support the distribution of the Access Information News publication via sponsorship. We're incredibly happy to have them on board. NSITE provides a continuum of employment services that connect employers with talented, dedicated people who are blind, visually impaired, and/or veterans to meet their workforce needs. As you move through the hiring process, NSITE is with you every step of the way to ensure that finding the right employee-employer match is as smooth and seamless as possible. NSITE works with employers to identify potential candidates who are blind, visually impaired, and/or veterans. From there, NSITE assists with accessibility needs, onboarding, and training, then prepares both parties for job placement. And their work does not end there; it continues with ongoing support to accommodate changes in accessible technology and employer requirements. Learn more today at:
https://nsite.org/

4) Activist Judy Heumann Led A Reimagining Of What It Means To Be Disabled | Joseph Shapiro | NPR

Judy Heumann was the first person I called when, in 1987, I reported my first story on disability rights. Judy, who contracted polio when she was 18 months old, gave me the quote that perfectly summed up that little-known civil rights movement. "Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things we need to lead our lives — job opportunities or barrier-free buildings, for example," she said. "It is not a tragedy to me that I'm living in a wheelchair." That idea seemed so unexpected and strange that my editors at a newsmagazine decided not to publish my story. It was still a radical claim that disabled people didn't see themselves, or their conditions, as something to be pitied. Or that they insisted what most held them back wasn't their health condition but society's exclusion — maybe attitudes that they were less capable to do a job, go to college or find romance; or a physical barrier, like a sidewalk without a curb cut. That reimagining of what it means to be disabled did gain traction over the years — the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act just three years later in 1990 was a milestone — thanks to leaders like Heumann, who died suddenly on Saturday at age 75 at a hospital in Washington, D.C. She'd been hospitalized the previous weekend with breathing problems:
https://www.npr.org/2023/03/04/1161169017/disability-activist-judy-heumann-dead-75

5) Eye Drops Sold Worldwide Recalled Due to Non-Sterility | CNET

Check the medicine cabinet if you recently purchased eye drops from online retailers like Amazon:
https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/eye-drops-sold-worldwide-recalled-due-to-non-sterility/#ftag=CAD590a51e

6) Accessibility and AI: Microsoft Details Its Plans for a More Inclusive Future | PC Magazine

At Microsoft's annual Ability Summit, we learned how artificial intelligence is powering some of the most exciting developments in inclusive and accessible design:
https://www.pcmag.com/news/accessibility-and-ai-microsoft-details-its-plans-for-a-more-inclusive-future

7) Elon Musk Publicly Mocks Twitter Worker With Disability Who Is Unsure Whether He's Been Laid Off | CNN

Elon Musk has apologized after publicly scoffing at a Twitter employee's uncertainty about whether he had been laid off in a recent round of cuts and speaking dismissively of the employee's disability in a series of tweets Monday night:
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/07/tech/elon-musk-twitter-employee-disability/index.html

8) Microsoft's Accessibility Chief On Bing's Chatbot, The Disability Divide, And More

Microsoft's Ability Summit has come a long way since its inaugural event 13 years ago. What began as a meeting of about 20 employees has grown to more than 20,000 participants from within and outside the company, located in 110 countries. The free online event that took place on March 8, 2023 featured sessions with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and Microsoft Chief Accessibility Officer Jenny Lay-Flurrie:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/microsoft-s-accessibility-chief-on-bing-s-chatbot-the-disability-divide-and-more/ar-AA18ndxH

9) Inside the Suspicion Machine | Wired

Obscure government algorithms are making life-changing decisions about millions of people around the world. Here, for the first time, we reveal how one of these systems works:
https://www.wired.com/story/welfare-state-algorithms/

10) ChatGPT Explained: Everything You Need To Know About The AI Chatbot | TechRadar

Publisher (Di Blasi): This incredibly thorough and regularly updated explainer article will answer all of your questions, including what comes next. AKA ChatGPT 4. But we shouldn't get too excited. The company's CEO warns that "in general, we are going to release technology much more slowly than people would like." TechRadar: ChatGPT has quickly become one of the most significant tech launches since the original Apple iPhone in 2007. The chatbot is now the fastest-growing consumer app in history, hitting 100 million users in only two months — but it's also a rapidly-changing AI shapeshifter, which can make it confusing and overwhelming. That's why we've put together this regularly-updated explainer to answer all your burning ChatGPT questions:
https://www.techradar.com/news/chatgpt-explained

11) Eargo Presents New Minute, Affordable Hearing Aids | The Hearing Review

The need for increased awareness around hearing wellness has been amplified now that hearing aids are available over-the-counter since the FDA's ruling in August 2022. Eargo is making solutions for hearing loss more accessible to everyone while innovating the devices to be practically invisible. Last month the brand launched its latest hearing aid, Eargo 7, which combines the high-tech and high-touch of high-end devices, at a more affordable price point:
https://hearingreview.com/hearing-products/hearing-aids/eargo-presents-new-minute-affordable-hearing-aids

12) Wearable Tinnitus Device by Neosensory Reduces Tinnitus Severity

Neosensory, a technology company designing solutions for hearing impairments, has published new results in their recent scientific study of Duo, their therapeutic intervention for tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The group of participants who used Neosensory's Duo solution daily for eight weeks reported clinically significant reduction in their tinnitus severity. The paper has just been published in the International Tinnitus Journal: Bimodal stimulation for the reduction of tinnitus using vibration on the skin:
https://hearingreview.com/hearing-loss/tinnitus/wearable-tinnitus-device-by-neosensory-reduces-tinnitus-severity

13) OTC Hearings Aids At A Pharmacy Near You: Two Experts Weigh In

In October 2022, the FDA's ruling on over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids went into effect, allowing the sale of hearing aids without a prescription. This ruling is intended to make hearing aids more accessible and affordable. Now that hearing aids are available over the counter, you may be thinking of trying them. But what if you need assistance selecting or adjusting OTC hearing aids? Can your pharmacist help?
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53431-Pharmacists-otc-hearing-aids

14) Elon Musk Said Neuralink Is Ready For Humans. Regulators Disagreed. | Mashable

Application denied. That's what regulators with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had to tell Elon Musk's brain implant company, Neuralink, after it sought the green light to begin human trials. Furthermore, it seems unlikely that Neuralink will receive an approval soon, at least not within any timeframes that Musk has previously mentioned. The news of the FDA's denial of Neuralink's application comes from a new report by Reuters. The outlet spoke to more than half a dozen current and former employees who shared details of the rejection, which actually came about a year ago. The FDA's denial was not publicly known before:
https://mashable.com/article/neuralink-fda-application-rejection-report

15) Should Apple Be Allowed To Block Innovative ChatGPT Tools?

Last month, BlueMail rolled up an update to its email client. Part of that included a feature called Gem AI. This helps users through suggestions around context, offering relevant information for email summaries, and generating automated responses. Apple said no:
https://medium.com/nextwithtech/should-apple-be-allowed-to-block-innovative-chatgpt-tools-be9c625922f6

16) The Big Visions Book Series From Vision Australia

Introducing Big Visions Books. Each biography is about an Australian hero living with blindness or low vision:
https://shop.visionaustralia.org/matt-formston-surfing-in-the-dark.html

17) How Selma Blair Is Helping to Make Shopping Easier for People with Disabilities

The vCommerce retailer QVC named the actress, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018, Brand Ambassador for Accessibility:
https://people.com/health/selma-blair-partners-with-qvc-brand-ambassador-accessibility/

18) Train Operator Creates Accessible Travel Simulation To Improve Inclusion | AT Today

Train operator Northern has gained a prestigious national award for its unique and innovative approach to improving accessibility on trains and at stations, including its accessible travel simulation and mobility scooter permit scheme. The Accessible Travel Simulation “Serious Game” by Northern won the Customer Service Excellence category at the Rail Business Awards last week and has been developed to support people who are anxious or need Passenger Assistance, including disabled customers and those with hidden conditions, to build confidence to travel by train:
https://attoday.co.uk/train-operator-creates-accessible-travel-simulation-to-improve-inclusion/

19) Should Special Educators Earn More Than Other Teachers? | Disability Scoop

Special education teacher and aide jobs are some of the most demanding and hardest to fill. Now, one state is considering paying these educators 20% more than their general education counterparts:
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/03/07/should-special-educators-earn-more-than-other-teachers/30275/

20) Aging and Vision Loss Bookshelf | American Printing House

Many adults lose their vision later in life and may have difficulty adapting to their vision loss, which can have an impact on their daily life. These APH Press books provide information and resources for adults experiencing vision loss, their families, and professionals who serve them:
https://www.aph.org/aging-and-vision-loss-bookshelf/

21) These Tools Help Visually Impaired Scientists Read Data And Journals

Nearly 240 data scientists have proved themselves nimble enough at their work to be certified instructors for the 'tidyverse', a popular package for manipulating and visualizing data in the R programming language. JooYoung Seo is unique among them — the first blind instructor to gain certification:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00645-6

22) Three Ways AI Supports People with Disabilities in the Workplace | Accessibility.com

The hot topic of Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly popular as ChatGPT continues to surprise the world with its impressive abilities. ChatGPT is OpenAI's trained language model that communicates conversationally. Although the impact of this technology on the corporate world isn't yet clear, AI has inarguably been rapidly changing the way we work for a while now. While some changes due to AI cause controversy, many of its benefits are cause for celebration:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/three-ways-ai-supports-people-with-disabilities-in-the-workplace

23) New Sound Navigation Technology Enables The Blind To Navigate | MedicalXpress

A new study by researchers at Reichman University's Brain Cognition and Technology Institute directed by Prof. Amir Amedi has shown that visual navigation areas in the brain can be activated using sound. By traversing mazes using sound information instead of visual information after training, visual navigation areas were activated:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-technology-enables.html

24) Accessible Design in the Age of Artificial Intelligence | Cam Waller | Accessibility.com

Artificial intelligence (AI) 's recent emergence has revolutionized how we interact with technology. AI has been making our lives easier and more efficient in many ways for quite some time. And recently, it's been receiving a lot of attention as new uses have become more available to consumers:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/accessible-design-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence

25) Craft Activity for St. Patrick's Day | Paths To Literacy

This St. Patrick's Day craft activity for students who are blind or visually impaired works on fine motor skills, as well as positional concepts:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/craft-activity-st-patricks-day/

26) Astro Access is Making Space for Disabled Astronauts

AstroAccess is a winner of the 2023 Gizmodo Science Fair for pushing for universal accessibility in the space environment and for running pathfinding tests in zero-gravity with help from disabled individuals:
https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2023/03/astroaccess-is-making-space-for-disabled-astronauts/

27) Future Siri Could Talk to Who Ever is Calling You and Take Notes

Apple wants Siri to work the phones for you, make and receive calls, arrange appointments, or just play back different voicemail messages to your partner and your boss:
https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/02/28/future-siri-could-talk-to-whoever-is-calling-you-and-take-notes?utm_medium=rss

28) OpenAI Debuts Whisper AI for Speech to Text Transcription

Whisper is an automatic speech recognition system that OpenAI claims enables "robust" transcription in multiple languages as well as translation from those languages into English. It takes files in a variety of formats, including M4A, MP3, MP4, MPEG, MPGA, WAV and WEBM:
https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/01/openai-debuts-whisper-api-for-text-to-speech-transcription-and-translation/

29) Ads in Audio Books is a Cursed Idea That Won't Go Away

Audible is testing advertisements on some audiobooks and podcasts, though it currently remains unclear which 'free' titles have ads and which don't:
https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2023/03/ads-in-audiobooks-is-a-cursed-idea-that-wont-go-away/

30) It's Always Sunny Is Officially TV's Least Shutting-Up-Est Show | AV Club

It's not a secret that the "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" Gang likes to talk, what with the vast majority of the show's plots eventually devolving into its five central weirdos attempting to verbally badger their victims, each other, and sometimes just reality itself into submission. A new study would seem to confirm that, as WordFinderX—which, as far as we can tell, mostly concerns itself with helping people cheat at Scrabble — analyzed subtitle data from a ton of American TV shows and determined that Sunny had the highest words per minute, at 176.2. Which might not actually be ideal, in terms of accessibility; there's a "six-second rule" in subtitle creation that suggests a two-line snippet of dialogue should be on the screen for about six seconds, which is roughly 140 words per minute. (That being said, we found at least one academic paper that notes the “rule” is nebulous in origins, and that viewers can actually handle, and enjoy, faster text.) In any case, Sunny for sure pushes those limits; its nearest competitor is the now-ended Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which averaged 174.6 words per minute:
https://www.avclub.com/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-words-per-minute-1850188851

31) Website Accessibility Guide: Accessibility Made Easy in 2023 | Mark Holden | Website Planet

Publisher: (Di Blasi): Trigger warning. This article promotes Accessibe, one of the many software overlays that claim to make any website "instantly accessible." I just want readers to know that we are keenly aware of the consensus amongst many AT professionals regarding these kinds of software overlays, but it is our duty to report the news. Outside of the article claiming that Accessibe is the "fastest and easiest" way to become accessible, it also details many other ways to achieve accessibility, and why you should do so, even without using a software overlay. Mark Holden: A website with accessibility issues prevents both disabled and able-bodied users from getting the most out of your site, its content, and — if applicable — the products and services on offer. It isn't fair, nor particularly viable, to deny a huge portion of your audience access to your site. Furthermore, depending on what country you are in, it may also put you at risk of lawsuits. In many cases, your website must be usable by everyone. But where do you begin? Your entire site needs to be evaluated with accessibility in mind. All text must be displayed on a background with sufficient contrast, all images require descriptive alternative text, and all interactive elements should have metadata explaining their purpose. And that's just the easy stuff — deeper flaws in design or functionality may require a significant overhaul. In this article, I'll give you valuable tips and guide you through the changes necessary to ensure your site is accessible to all:
https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/website-accessibility-made-easy-ultimate-guide/

32) Sam Ash Class Action Claims Website Not Fully Accessible To Visually Impaired, Blind Visitors

Jahron Black has filed a class action lawsuit against Sam Ash Music Corp. Black claims Sam Ash violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by allegedly failing to make its website fully accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The class action lawsuit was filed in New York federal court on March 6, 2023:
https://topclassactions.com/disability-class-action-lawsuit/sam-ash-class-action-claims-website-not-fully-accessible-to-visually-impaired-blind-visitors/

33) Accessible Crossword Puzzle App | Paths To Literacy

These crossword puzzles are accessible to students who are blind or visually impaired, using a screen reader or Voice Over. The content corresponds to all areas of the standard general curriculum for grades 5-12:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/accessible-crossword-puzzle-app/

34) Five Strategies For Supporting Students With Special Educational Needs Online | British University in Dubai | Tendai Charles

Five practical tips educators can use when teaching students with special educational needs on an online, blended or hybrid course:
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/five-strategies-supporting-students-special-educational-needs-online

35) Caregivers Of Adult Children With Disabilities May Qualify For Time Off Work, Feds Say | Disability Scoop

Federal officials are introducing a variety of new resources to help family caregivers who need time away from work to support an adult child with a disability:
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/03/06/caregivers-of-adult-children-with-disabilities-may-qualify-for-time-off-work-feds-say/30271/

36) Social Media Star Who Advocates For Blind Community Set To Get 'Life-Changing' Gene Therapy

The sight-saving gene therapy Luxturna can cost more than $1M out of pocket:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/adam-brown-luxturna-tiktok-advocate-1.6764510?cmp=rss

37) The Cascading Consequences of An Accessibility Issue | Kelly Ford | The Idea Place

My wife and I have been on what I've called the Escape Winter tour during part of the coldest part of the year for the past few years here in Wisconsin. We tend to book properties through various services, one of which is VRBO. Little did I know that property owners can you review you as a guest through VRBO's system. Imagine my surprise when for the first time this year in renting multiple properties I received an email saying a property owner had rated me and to see the rating, I had to submit my own review. Well, I wouldn't be writing here if as you can guess, trying to write a review, I encountered some serious accessibility issues. Beyond the immediate frustration of not being able to submit a review, I learned that other property owners can see how you are reviewed in this same system. So, you have people submitting ratings of how you were as a vacation renter that you are not able to read until you submit a review. But I'm not able to submit the review:
https://theideaplace.net/the-cascading-consequences-of-an-accessibility-issue/

38) I'm A Badass Blind Babe — Walking Down The Street With My Cane Is Powerful

A self-proclaimed "badass blind babe" is opening people's eyes to what it's really like not being able to see. Jessie Wolinsky, 30, is using her handicap and social media presence to empower herself and others while also educating them about her disease:
https://nypost.com/2023/03/10/im-a-badass-blind-babe-walking-with-my-cane-is-powerful/

39) 'Tactile Tours': How Can 3D Printing Facilitate Access to Art and Culture For the Visually Impaired?

Valentin Hauy is a voluntary association dedicated to the support of visually impaired people in France. Created in 1889, it deploys a large number of actions throughout the country to allow the visually impaired easier access to education, to the world of work, but also to culture. In 2022, the association organized the Tactile Tour, a new and interactive temporary exhibition. The latter consists in presenting 12 relief reproductions of world-famous works such as Leonardo da Vinci's Self-portrait and Vitruvian Man or Raphael's The Marriage of the Virgin. The objective is simple: to discover art through touch. Blind and visually impaired people have the opportunity to feel the work by coming into contact with it. The exhibition is of course accessible to everyone, and sighted people can extend the experience by participating in the visit blindfolded. Headsets are available to provide a detailed description of the works that the visitor touches:
https://www.3dnatives.com/en/access-art-and-culture-with-3d-printing-visually-impaired-090320235/

40) 5 Recipe Sites To Find Dishes And Food Recommendations By Ingredients

Wondering what to cook with the ingredients and groceries you have at home? These recipe search websites will recommend cooking something based on what you have at hand without needing to go shopping for additional items:
https://www.makeuseof.com/recipe-sites-find-dishes-food-recommendations-by-ingredients/

41) Disney Branded Television's 'Firebuds' Addresses Disability Representation In Upcoming Episodes | Yvette Nicole Brown And Lou Diamond Phillips Among Guest Stars

Disney Branded Television's animated series Firebuds from Emmy-winning creator and executive producer Craig Gerber (Disney's Elena of Avalor and Sofia the First) follows a team of young first responders and their talking vehicle sidekicks. Two upcoming episodes, titled “Cleft Hood” and “All That Jazzy,” will spotlight disability representation addressing volunteerism, community service, teamwork, wheelchair use, and cleft palate disorder:
https://deadline.com/2023/03/disney-branded-televisions-firebuds-disability-yvette-nicole-brown-1235282882/

➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events

March 13, 2023 through March 17, 2023 | 2023 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

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/

March 15, 2023 and March 16, 2023 | 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference

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/

March 15, 2023 | Basics of PowerPoint Remediation (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Join Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity to learn how to make your PowerPoint file as accessible as possible for screen readers. Learning Outcomes: Highlight the Microsoft Office formatting features and how to leverage them to create the most accessible end-product possible. Explore the accessibility tools in PowerPoint, such as the Reading Order pane, and how to add alternative text. Go through the steps in creating a clean PowerPoint Accessibility Check. | Meeting ID: 814 0695 7950 | Passcode: 584298 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,81406957950#,,,,*584298# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81406957950?pwd=Qk40cjV1Vk9TN1VvS2dndjJ1cEFuQT09#success

March 16, 2023 | FCC Meeting To Consider Accessibility Items

7:30AM PT, 8:30AM MT, 9:30AM CT, 10:30AM ET, 3:30 PM GMT
On February 23, 2023, the FCC announced a tentative agenda for the Open Commission Meeting scheduled for 10:30 am EST on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The meeting will be held in the Commission Meeting Room, 45 L Street N.E. Washington, D.C., and will be streamed live with open captioning at https://www.fcc.gov/live. As part of the agenda, the Commission will consider:
https://www.fcc.gov/fcc-march-16-meeting-consider-accessibility-items

March 17, 2023 | On My Terms: Working With Visual Assistance Apps | Older Individuals Who Are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC)

12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 8PM GMT
What could someone do if they had visual assistance whenever they needed it, not just when it was convenient for someone else? Banking, shopping, traveling, cooking, setting a thermostat, getting knowledgeable help with the computer — a whole range of aging-in-place tasks can be done with assistance from a smartphone app. Join Aira's Jenine Stanley and Be My Eyes' Hans Wiberg to learn more about visual interpreting and specialized help through their apps. Find out how visual assistance fits into the tools to access the world as someone who is blind or low vision:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcOytrTwrG9eXb-eE_kJSY1RM4_8amlEU

March 21, 2023 | Small Changes for Big Impact: Creating Accessible Word Documents | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Microsoft Word has features that help you create documents that are accessible to people with disabilities. By using these features, you can help readers receive your message clearly. If you don't, your message might not get through to your readers — with or without disabilities. In this session, we'll discuss: Using Word's built-in Accessibility Checker to help identify issues. Common accessibility issues and how to prevent or address them. Accessibility considerations that may benefit all users and not just users with disabilities. Word documents intended for conversion to PDF and more. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-21-at-12pm-et-small-changes-for-big-impact-creating-accessible-word-documents/

March 21, 2023 and March 22, 2023 | Multiple Perspectives 2023 | Americans With Disabilities Act Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion, & Disability Conference | Ohio State University

"It is time to move beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law; to shift our focus from redressing human and environmental problems through remedial design to preventing problems through holistic design." -Leslie Kanes Weisman. As a modern land grant university, an important part of Ohio State University's mission is outreach and engagement, serving the community through a variety of activities. During the tenth anniversary year of the Americans With Disabilities Act the Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion And Disability conference was created to help fulfill this mission. In short, the goal of the conference is to encourage the kind of change suggested by Leslie Kanes Weisman in the opening quote. It is hoped that the annual conference will serve as a catalyst for positive change and a springboard for collaborations with our partners in education, business, public, and social service. Each year a series of workshops will provide a forum for individuals and organizations to expand their knowledge and perspectives, and an opportunity to increase community resources through the synergy of collaboration. The workshops are designed to bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. To ensure broad participation from the university community, business, state and local government, educators, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and individuals with disabilities sponsors are sought each year to subsidize conference participants. Register:
https://ada.osu.edu/ada-conference

March 22, 2023 | Navigating The Open Seas Of JAWS And Fusion 2023 | The Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc. | March Community Assistive Technology Webinar

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on March 23, 2023
Ahoy! Join Light House webinar captain Tim Paulding and Co Captain Everett Elam, along with Ron Miller, Vispero Blindness Technology Product Specialist, as we sail the open seas of the new features in JAWS and Fusion 2023. Discover powerful updates, enhanced browsing, improved braille support, and seamless integration. Ask Ron your questions and participate in the Q&A. Register now to learn from leading authorities on assistive technology's intersection into the mainstream and chart your course toward empowerment and independence! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please contact Tim Paulding at: tpaulding@lhblind.org ✉ if you have any questions or need assistance registering for this event. Register in advance for this webinar:
https://thelighthousefortheblindinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DuhrGxUrQja3DdHnby7xFQ

March 22, 2023 | Features of the ONYX OCR (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
The ONYX OCR magnifies and reads aloud any document. The voice, magnification, and high contrast make reading easier. Change your focus from reading magnified texts to letting the ONYX OCR read them when it becomes too tiring. Place your document under the fixed OCR camera on the left and activate the speech function. Enjoy listening to a text as it is read aloud by a high-quality voice without straining your eyes. This four-in-one solution integrates two separate cameras: one for transforming text-to-speech output and one for magnifying documents and observing the room around you. You can see what you want across the room or at your desk. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity and Joe McDaniel from Vispero to discuss the features and benefits of the ONYX OCR model. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), ACVREP continuing education credit is approved for this presentation. Learning Outcomes: How the ONYX OCR incorporates two low-vision technologies. Different uses of the ONYX OCR. How it differs from the other ONYX models. Why having OCR in a portable unit can be a game changer. | Meeting ID: 848 0272 3291 | Passcode: 894571 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,84802723291#,,,,*894571# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84802723291?pwd=V0l6NmVUTFZmQU9oNjRqcXRNTi9FUT09#success

March 22, 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed "Special Education Boss". The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they "received" their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

March 22, 2023 | Federal Government Career Opportunities Applying for Federal Job March 2023 | U.S. Department of Labor

10:30 AM PT, 11:30AM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 6:30PM GMT
This Event will be a Virtual Online Event and Registration is required to attend. To register for this event go to the following link below. The U.S. Department of Labor's mission is to protect workers, job seekers and retirees. During this virtual session staff from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and Office of Human Resources will share information with students about the following: Protecting Your Workplace Rights. How to Prepare a Federal Resume. Navigating USAJobs Website. How to Apply for a Federal Job. At the end of the session you can get your questions answered:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/federal-government-career-opportunities-applying-for-federal-job-march-2023-tickets-569966293527

March 28, 2023 | VPAT ^® 101: Introduction to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template

2PM PT, 3PM MT, 4PM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Presenter: Brian Elton, Practice Manager, Training. A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a great way to document your product's accessibility, but many companies are unaware of their existence and how to use them. Join Brian Elton, Practice Manager, Training from TPGi for answers to questions such as: What information is contained in a VPAT? Is a VPAT just for websites? Is every organization required to have one? How can a company secure a VPAT? Is it better to create it in-house or get a third party involved? TPGi's webinar will answer those questions and more, and explain how your organization can benefit from a VPAT. Register for the webinar:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-28-at-12pm-et-vpat-101-introduction-to-the-voluntary-product-accessibility-template/

March 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

March 28, 2023 | Beyond the Alt Tag: Accessible Name | Great Lakes ADA Center

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Continuing Education Recognition Available. The reasoning, best practices, and available technology for creating accessible images and text alternatives has evolved over the last several years. Expert web developers are building upon the foundation of text alternative techniques such as "alt tags" to newer concepts such as "Accessible Name" and "Accessible Description" for HTML. This approach provides better accessibility. During this webinar, Access Board staff will describe how they employ these updated concepts when developing the Guides to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. Participants will understand the reason for these changes and will gain practical strategies for adding “Accessible Name” to their vocabulary and tool kits. Target Audience: Open to all, but of noted interest for experienced web developers. Questions can be submitted in advance of the session or can be posed during the live webinar. This webinar will include video remote interpreting (VRI) and real-time captioning:
https://www.accessibilityonline.org/cioc-508/session/?id=111045

March 29, 2023 | How to Design and Test for Accessible Learning Modules (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Various eLearning course authoring platforms help content authors quickly create online courses to deliver on desktop and mobile devices. Many platforms allow course creation that supports the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The platforms provide tools to address fundamental accessibility issues, such as implementing accessible course controls, accessible videos (including support for both captions and transcripts), keyboard support, and the option to incorporate accessible quizzes within a course module. However, authors must correctly implement the accessibility features and be aware of the fundamental accessibility limitations in each platform they need to resolve to meet the requirements. Join Michael Parker to learn how to design and test for accessible learning modules. Learning Outcomes: Understand the accessibility limitations of your platform, such as Storyline, RISE 360, etc. Learn techniques to make many common elements accessible. Learn about common mistakes to avoid when authoring content in your learning module platform. Learn about accessibility testing strategies to ensure the content you produce is accessible. | Meeting ID: 875 9093 7816 | Passcode: 136374 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,87590937816#,,,,*136374# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87590937816?pwd=ajJGZy9XSFR0U2NTOGdsRkdRY3pnZz09#success

April 4, 2023 | Online Graduate Programs in Special Education Webinar | Ball State University

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on April 5, 2023
Register below to attend a webinar about Ball State's online graduate special education programs: Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism. Master's in Special Education. Graduate Certificate in Autism. Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis:
https://admissions.bsu.edu/register/?id=56e048a3-0e21-46ae-85fd-5e66bf62da88&utm_source=Partner_DisScoop&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=OSL_DisScoop&utm_term=March_23&utm_content=RegToday

April 5, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH

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/

April 8, 2023 | How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

April 19, 2023 | 2023 Helen Keller Achievement Awards | American Foundation for the Blind

http://bit.ly/3YsScrX

April 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

May 3, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH

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/

May 9, 2023 through May 12, 2023 | John Slatin AccessU 2023 | Knowbility

Join us virtually or in Austin, TX. John Slatin AccessU is an annual conference where tech professionals, content creators, policymakers, and advocates come together for deep learning in accessible digital design:
https://knowbility.org/programs/john-slatin-accessu-2023

May 13, 2023 | Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

May 16, 2023 through May 18, 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | Nomensa

Nomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtua11y-web-accessibility-conference-2023-tickets-505953880677

May 18, 2023 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Help us celebrate the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments:
https://accessibility.day/

June 2, 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023

6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 2PM GMT
We would love for you to share your accessibility knowledge during our sixth annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023! As in former years, this virtual conference is FREE for all attendees. This year's ASC event will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 8:00-4:00 CST. As a conference participant you will be able to attend sessions and engage in valuable networking with like-minded professionals. We are soliciting presentations from all experience levels and backgrounds, so please visit the ASC Conference Home Page for more information and to submit a proposal. The session proposal deadline is Friday, February 17th, 2023. What is Accessibility Summer Camp (ASC)? The Accessibility Summer Camp is a FREE annual conference with the goal of connecting professionals and educators with best practices in accessibility and Universal Design. Over the past few years, the ASC conference has grown to become one of the most popular accessibility conferences in the country. Our mission is to provide accessibility professional development that empowers attendees to create high quality, accessible learning environments while removing barriers for all individuals who have a desire to learn:
https://www.accessibilityict.org/

May 23, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

June 7, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH

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/

June 27, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

July 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

August 22, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24

Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between:
https://inclusivedesign24.org/2023/

September 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

October 24, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

November 6, 2023 through November 10, 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)

Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado:
https://accessinghigherground.org/

November 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

➜ Directories

1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directory

https://www.accessinformationnews.com/email-newsletter-directory.html

➜ Sponsor Classified Ads

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

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.

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

Sponsor Since: December 1st 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: APH ConnectCenter

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

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

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

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: NSITE.org

Sponsor Since: March 6th 2023

Website: https://nsite.org/ 🌐

About: NSITE provides a continuum of employment services that connect employers with talented, dedicated people who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans to meet their workforce needs. As you move through the hiring process, NSITE is with you every step of the way to ensure that finding the right employee-employer match is as smooth and seamless as possible.

NSITE works with employers to identify potential candidates who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans. From there, NSITE assists with accessibility needs, onboarding, and training, then prepares both parties for job placement. Our work does not end there; it continues with ongoing support to accommodate changes in accessible technology and employer requirements.

About | Media | Employers | Job Seekers | Training Programs | Job Board | Contact Us

Sponsor: Clusiv

Sponsor Since: January 16th 2023

Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐

About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info.

➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses

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Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)

Volunteer Publisher Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)

In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News as a not-for-profit project on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editorial Contributor to Access Information News.

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
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Editorial Contributor #1: John Hanlin (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, John also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons.

John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

John Hanlin, Esq.

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
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Editorial Contributor #2: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, Jenna also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and runs her own Digital Marketing Firm.

Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.

Jenna Lang, PMP

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor #3: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6th 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, David is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.

In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.

He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.

David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.

David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.

As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.

Twitter: @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.

David Woodbridge

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/ 🌐

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Access Information News for Monday, March 6, 2023 - Volume 900

Access Information News for Monday, March 6, 2023 - Volume 900

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.

Subscribers: 10,575 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email.

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Join Industry Leaders And Begin Reaching Over 10,000 Access Professionals, Educators and Enthusiasts, All Over The World, Each Week. All While Supporting The Ongoing Distribution of This Publication For Those Very Same Readers. Only $100 USD Per Month. While Packages Last. This Issue Made Possible By Support From The Following Sponsors:

This issue made possible by Sponsorship support from Pneuma Solutions, WayAround, Menus4ALL, APH ConnectCenter, Access Ready, Inc. and Clusiv. Learn more about Sponsorship today at: https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsor.

Dear Access Information News Subscriber,

Submit your Access Information News item for free, with timing and placement determined by our editors, using this form: https://www.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 Things I Wish Were Accessible — But Normally Aren't | Fashioneyesta AKA Emily Davis (6.8% of all clicks.)
These are some of the things that I wish were accessible as a visually impaired person that normally aren't:
https://fashioneyesta.com/5-things-i-wish-were-accessible-but-normally-arent/

B.) A New York Teacher Invents Something to Change... Everything (6.7% of all clicks.)
For more than 25 years, Daniel Lubiner has been a special education teacher, and for some time, he taught art to blind students in the Bronx. When the pandemic hit, he was devastated about how poor the education for his students had become. Then he was shocked to learn that only 10% of kids were learning braille well before the pandemic. That's when Mr. Lubiner conceived of the BrailleDoodle:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-new-york-teacher-invents-something-to-change-everything-301754598.html

C.) Software Accessibility For Users With Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) | Eva Katharina Wolf | Medium (4.6% of all clicks.)
When discussing accessibility, the first person that pops into the minds of people is probably a person in a wheelchair. Thinking about software accessibility, the next two types of disabilities might come into mind are blindness and deafness. These are three types of disabilities most people commonly think of when talking about accessibility: blindness, deaf and hard of hearing and mobility impairments. And all three of them are important when optimizing software for accessibility, but there are other ones, and in this article will dive into one that is often forgotten: cognitive disability. There are many kinds of cognitive impairments, to mention some: Dyslexia (difficulty reading), AD(H)D (Attention Deficit Disorder) or Autism Spectrum Disorder. I got my Dyslexia diagnosis as a kid, and not long ago, a lot of things in my life started to make sense with another diagnosis: I have ADHD. And while many people might not see the connection between software accessibility and neurodiversity, I can tell you: there are things we, as UX Designers, can do to make the life for neurodivergent people, like myself, a lot easier. In this article I will focus on (adult) ADHD:
https://uxdesign.cc/software-accessibility-for-users-with-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd-f32226e6037c

D.) Apple, Please Don't Take All Of The Buttons Away | Allison Johnson | The Verge (4.5% of all clicks.)
Reports are pointing to a buttonless iPhone 15 Pro with solid-state haptic buttons in their place. This is very bad and no good. Look, I know it's probably too late, but since reports have been surfacing for a while now that Apple is planning to remove the physical buttons from the iPhone 15 Pro, replacing them with solid-state "taptic" buttons. Some new, alleged renders of the iPhone 15 published by 9to5Mac seem to confirm the news: it's time to bid the physical volume rocker and power switch goodbye, at least on some upcoming models. Surely it is too late to change anyone's mind in Cupertino, but I'm going to make the case anyway. Please don't take the buttons away, Apple:
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/18/23604808/apple-iphone-15-pro-button-rumor-haptic

E.) How To Start A YouTube Channel As A Blind or Disabled Person | Unsightly Opinions | YouTube (4.4% of all clicks.)
Let's chat about how to start a YouTube channel as a person with disabilities and/or blindness. Many of you wondered how to go about creating a channel and uploading content, so today I'll take you through my top tips and tricks and what the creation process looks like for me to run a channel with no vision. If you still have questions about YouTube, monetization, channel building, or anything Video or Editing leave them down below and I'll happily answer them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5uk1WTN_U0

2) Sponsorship Package Updates

Are you an access-based business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 10,000 access professionals each week? If so, 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 Advertisement dates up to one year in advance. If you've 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. Availability: There are currently 10 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. Advertising Benefits: Review a complete list of advertising benefits here:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-information.html#sponsorship-package-benefits

3) Eli Lilly To Cut Insulin Prices Up To 70% Amid Federal Pressure To Lower Costs

On March 1, 2023, Eli Lilly and Co. said it will cut prices of its most commonly prescribed insulins up to 70% and expand a program that limits out-of-pocket monthly costs for some consumers. The Indianapolis drugmaker's price cuts and discounts for insulin come as federal and state lawmakers and patient advocates pressure drug companies and health insurers to improve affordability for the lifesaving medication used by millions of Americans. "The aggressive price cuts we're announcing today should make a real difference for Americans with diabetes," said Lilly Chair and CEO David Ricks:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/03/01/eli-lilly-cuts-insulin-prices/11365772002/

4) AccessWorld Newsletter February 2023 Issue

February 2023 updates include: Editor's Page: Assistive Technology and Standing Out | Braille Codes and Characters: History and Current Use - Part 2 | IrisVision's New Addition, Inspire | Ooma Phone — A Mostly Accessible And Nearly Free Option For Your Home Landline Phone | Letters to the Editor:
https://www.afb.org/aw/24/2

5) LinkedIn Survey For US Residents Pays $60 For Your Time | Blind Android Users

For all who stay in USA, and use the LinkedIn mobile app, there is a survey that will give you 60$ for your time. You must fill out the form and then submit to an online interview. This survey is being done by accessibility user research collective in collaboration with Shepard foundation in Atlanta:
https://accessibilityuserresearchcollective.org/

6) Senator Markey Demands Musk Reinstate Twitter's Accessibility Team, Online Features For Users With Disabilities

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) is calling on Chief Executive Officer of Twitter Elon Musk to reinstate Twitter's Accessibility Team and support the development and implementation of critical online features so that users with disabilities can fully access and utilize the social media platform. In his letter to the company, Senator Markey highlighted a variety of devastating changes under Musk's leadership for disabled Twitter users, including Twitter Spaces no longer offering automatic closed captions, which prevents users who are deaf or hard of hearing from engaging with Spaces:
https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-demands-musk-reinstate-twitters-accessibility-team-online-features-for-users-with-disabilities

7) 'Entitled': Woman Slammed For Asking Man In Wheelchair To Move On Bus

A woman has been slammed for expecting a man in a wheelchair to move for her on a bus, with people calling her behavior "insensitive and ableist:"
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/entitled-woman-slammed-for-asking-man-in-wheelchair-to-move-on-bus/news-story/cd5f3b9810415b4d5c5c6e29351eba97

8) It's Fine to Never Meet IRL | Wired

As high-risk individuals are marginalized from a society eager to ignore pandemic harms, tech companies must do more to expand accessible virtual spaces:
https://www.wired.com/story/cyberintimacy-covid-health/

9) FCC Meeting To Consider Accessibility Items Scheduled For March 16, 2023

On February 23, 2023, the FCC announced a tentative agenda for the Open Commission Meeting scheduled for 10:30 am EST on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The meeting will be held in the Commission Meeting Room, 45 L Street N.E. Washington, D.C., and will be streamed live with open captioning at https://www.fcc.gov/live. As part of the agenda, the Commission will consider:
https://www.fcc.gov/fcc-march-16-meeting-consider-accessibility-items

10) Schakowsky Reintroduces Legislation To Guarantee Home-Use Medical Devices Are Accessible To Blind And Low Vision Americans

On March 1, 2023, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member on the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, led 32 of her colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act. This bill would ensure that home-use medical devices are accessible to blind and low vision Americans across the country:
https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-reintroduces-legislation-guarantee-home-use-medical-devices-are

11) Can A.I. Treat Mental Illness? | The New Yorker (Subscription Information)

New computer systems aim to peer inside our heads — and to help us fix what they find there:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/03/06/can-ai-treat-mental-illness

12) My Journey from Surviving to Thriving in a World Not Built for Blindness | Kristin Smedley

I had a plan. Get the degree, land the job, marry the guy, build the house, and have the baby. It was a perfect plan, and I executed it flawlessly. In the year 2000, I had everything I had ever planned for. Until the curve ball. "Your son is blind." Those four words sentenced me to a dark place I didn't plan for. I had never even met a person who is blind before that day. I spiraled in fear and panic. I had no idea what was possible for my son or his brother, who was also born blind three years later:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/my-journey-from-surviving-to-thriving-in-a-world-not-built-for-blindness/

13) These Fashion Designers Are Putting Braille Right On Their Clothing

The fashion industry has long ignored the disability community, but brands like Aille and Balini are putting braille front and center:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90852271/these-fashion-designers-are-putting-braille-right-on-their-clothing

14) Revelations Of Blindness In The Middle Ages

Medieval texts, from Islamic medical treatises to Christian books of miracles, reveal surprisingly varied and complex experiences of blindness. But when medieval scholar Jude Seal experienced visual impairment themselves, they gained an even deeper understanding of the lives that they were studying:
https://wellcomecollection.org/articles/Y1AMkxEAAImMCDR4

15) APH InSights Annual Art Competition for Artists Who are Blind

Attention artists! The 2023 InSights Art competition will be accepting submissions until March 31, 2023. This international art contest is open to artists of all ages with vision loss. Learn how you, your child, or your students can enter the contest:
https://insights-art.org/enter-the-contest/

16) Amazon Launches New Storefront for Government Supplies

Called AbilityOne Storefront, the new B2B site sells products and services made by people who are blind or have other significant disabilities. It builds off a longstanding federal effort and is open to state and local governments. One of the newest Amazon online storefronts aims to match government buyers with supplies made by workers who are blind or have other "significant disabilities," the e-commerce operator said in a statement:
https://www.govtech.com/biz/amazon-launches-new-storefront-for-government-supplies

17) Toronto Woman With Disability Says Flying Air Canada Made Her Feel Like An 'Unwanted Burden'

Airline says it's 'committed to providing accessible transportation for all' customers:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/flying-disability-air-canada-1.6759456

18) Accessibility Issues That Must Not Be Named | Paul Martz | AppleVis

It's the accessibility issues without names that keep me up at night. Problems that we never discuss because the English language has no words for them. They are the Lord Voldemort of accessibility issues. They are, "Issues That Must Not Be Named:"
https://www.applevis.com/blog/accessibility-issues-must-not-be-named

19) The Overlay Personalization Farce | Karl Groves

The original intent of this article was to provide full examples of the overlay widgets' features in active use, including details on how they operate and before-and-after screenshots. However, due to the litigious nature of some overlay vendors and their continued bullying of their critics, I've chosen to provide this information without mentioning any names:
https://karlgroves.com/the-overlay-personalization-farce/

20) Automated Testing Won't Solve Web Accessibility | Eric Eggert

Over the past few years, accessibility companies have started to develop tools that claim to find accessibility problems automatically. Often the idea is that "automated testing is not quite there yet, but in a few years there will be a revolution". I don't believe that:
https://yatil.net/blog/automated-testing-wont-solve-web-accessibility

21) Hi-Fi Rush Game Director on the Accessibility Trick That Makes You Feel Like a Rock Star

Hi-Fi Rush is the biggest surprise of the year, a wildly imaginative game shadow-dropped out of nowhere by Microsoft. Apart from that, it's also a wild tonal shift for Tango Gameworks, a studio known for making horror games like The Evil Within. Despite that change, Hi-Fi Rush is a massive hit with fans and critics alike. Hi-Fi Rush is a unique mix of a rhythm and action game that tells the story of Chai, a young boy who gets the ability to “feel the beat” in the world around him. Chai joins up with a wild cast of characters, including a spunky hacker named Peppermint and her robotic cat 808, in order to take down the corrupt Vandelay Industries. Between its vibrant rhythm gameplay and surprisingly heartfelt story, Hi-Fi Rush has already gone down as an instant classic:
https://www.inverse.com/gaming/hi-fi-rush-creative-director-interview

22) DLARC Amateur Radio Library Adds 10,000 Magazines, Bulletins, Newsletters, and Podcasts

Launched just five months ago, Internet Archive's Digital Library of Amateur Radio & Communications has expanded to more than 61,000 items related to amateur radio, shortwave listening, and related communications. The library's newest additions include deep historical resources and contemporary reporting about the world of radio:
http://blog.archive.org/2023/02/28/dlarc-61000/

23) It Happens Here: Worcester Radio Station A Reading Service For Visually Impaired, Disabled

Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts, is home to a radio station helping visually impaired and disabled listeners get local news every day. It's called Audio Journal, an FM station that describes itself as a "radio reading service for individuals who are blind":
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/audio-journal-worcester-radio-station-reading-service-visually-impaired-disabled-wbz-tv/?utm_content=239309985&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-18197430

24) How Helpful Is Remote Work for People with Disabilities?

For many years, people with certain disabilities advocated for the right to work from home. These advocates presented this alternative arrangement as a reasonable workplace accommodation. However, companies frequently denied such requests. Then, the pandemic hit:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/how-helpful-is-remote-work-for-people-with-disabilities

25) What I Used Today: 3D Printer & Thingiverse

A TVI shares tips on using 3D printing and Thingiverse to represent concepts in an accessible format for students who are blind or visually impaired:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/what-i-used-today-3d-printer-thingiverse/

26) The Biggest Mistakes in Digital Accessibility and How to Avoid Them

Customers overwhelmingly prefer digital online forums, and that trend is staying strong. With this demand for access to the digital landscape comes the need to remain accessible. However — it's critical to maintain the good accessibility habits developed from your past physical, face-to-face customer dealings. This is an area where many companies make errors — so how can you avoid these common errors and achieve your accessibility goals while navigating the digital arena?
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/the-biggest-mistakes-in-digital-accessibility-and-how-to-avoid-them

27) #AudioEye Will Get You Sued | Adrian Roselli

AudioEye is one of many vendors that claims its accessibility overlay product can make your site “accessible”. Like the other overlay vendors, AudioEye's overlay does not. If you have been lead to believe that AudioEye's overlay will protect you from complaints, whether via AudioEye advertising or sales efforts, then it is important to know that may not be true. In fact, using AudioEye's overlay can add demonstrable WCAG failures and in some cases have no impact for users. I outline a few examples in this post. It is not an exhaustive collection, however. As with my other posts about overlays, I have no interest in providing free QA:
https://adrianroselli.com/2023/02/audioeye-will-get-you-sued.html

28) Accessible Rentals In Short Supply Amid Calls For Minimum Accessibility Standards For All New Houses In NSW

Le Hoa Tseng likes to sit in her wheelchair on the front porch of her unit in Sydney's inner west and chat with her neighbors as they come and go. "Like a security guard," she says. But lately, there are fewer and fewer familiar faces at her Concord West apartment complex. Many of the old tenants have moved out and some of the new ones stay for just a few months. Soon it will be Ms Tseng's turn to leave. After three years she is being forced to move out:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-27/sydney-woman-uses-wheelchair-no-grounds-eviction-rental-crisis/102017968

29) LEGOs Designed For The Blind And Visually Impaired Are Distributed Exclusively From Louisville

Dozens of teachers sat around tables on March 1, 2023 at the Kentucky International Convention Center and worked to put together LEGO bricks while blindfolded. The teachers — who work directly with children who are blind or visually impaired — simulated working with an up-and-coming type of LEGO brick that helps students learn Braille. LEGO Braille Bricks feature a letter or symbol from the Braille alphabet and they can be combined to form words and sentences, just like traditional Braille. The bricks also include printed letters, so sighted teachers, family members and friends can learn alongside the visually impaired children:
https://www.wdrb.com/news/legos-designed-for-the-blind-and-visually-impaired-are-distributed-exclusively-from-louisville/article_70838970-b86a-11ed-b254-f358d46ac51d.html

30) Teaching Students with Visual Impairments: An Introduction | Paths To Literacy

This powerpoint presentation is designed to introduce administrators, teachers, paras and related service providers to some of the basics in working with students with visual impairments:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/teaching-students-visual-impairments-introduction/

31) Blind Man Shows The Reality Of What People With Different Eye Conditions Can Actually See

A man who is blind in one eye has shared a fascinating insight into what reality looks like for people with different eye conditions. Check out his video below:
https://www.ladbible.com/news/blind-eye-condition-insight-tiktok-758531-20230301

32) Disability: IN's Monthly Round Up Of Digital Accessibility News For March 2023

https://disabilityin.org/accessibility/march-2023-digital-accessibility-roundup/

33) Important Disability Terminology, Acronyms, and Definitions

For many, the terms used in, and about special education are unfamiliar. Learning these unfamiliar terms, and the commonly used acronyms that represent them, can help in navigating the special education and 504 processes. This list is intended to help familiarize you with common terms, definitions, and acronyms that are frequently used in the disability space. Education definitions may differ from state to state. The acronyms and terminology below is reflective of definitions most commonly in education at the national level:
https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/important-disability-terminology-acronyms-and-definitions

➜ 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.

March 6, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH

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/

March 7, 2023 | iBUG Today 12-Week Mac Course Begins

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT on 3/8
We are pleased to announce that iBUG Today will be offering a 12-week Mac course beginning Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Sessions take place every Tuesday evening on Zoom from 7:00 to 8:15 PM Central Time. There is also a review session every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 Central time. The course requirements and topics are listed below. 1. Participate in all classes with no more than one absence. 2. Attend at least half of all study sessions. 3. Complete homework assignments, which include reading, Mac practice, and providing oral answers to some of the focus questions from each lesson. 4. Attend the monthly iBUG Mac-N-Talk conference call. Three are included in this course. 5. Must be able to follow classroom instruction consisting of lecture and live demonstrations. 6. All course sessions are conducted in a group format; one-on-one training will not be provided. 7. Basic knowledge of Windows, iOS, and/or other operating systems may be useful as a reference point but is not required. 8. The course will be most beneficial for students who have Macs newer than 2017 that are compatible with macOS 13 Ventura. All sessions will be conducted via Zoom remote conferencing, a free application available for both computer and phone that may be found at http://zoom.us and in the iOS and Android app stores. Lecture recordings will be made available to review class material between sessions. The recorded sessions may also be posted to the iBUG Today website and social media for use by interested individuals who are not otherwise able to take the course. Please do not sign up if you are uncomfortable being recorded. During the class, you will be part of an email list for the receiving of announcements and discussion of course material. If you are interested in enrolling, please complete the course application at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-bXX_38CWIS7sUY0nC_7IDAqUfAXKb9LG4jt4ihQd6lPT1A/viewform?usp=sf_link

March 7, 2023 | JAWS Inspect Hands-on Series: Five Screen Reader Accessibility Tests You Should Always Do

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
By Brian Elton, Practice Manager, Training, and Charlie Pike, Platform Success Lead. In this practical, hands-on session, we will show you five screen reader checks everyone should be doing on their websites and applications. Thanks to TPGi's screen reader testing tool, the tests require little knowledge of accessibility. JAWS Inspect makes screen reader compatibility testing easy regardless of your role in your organization. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-7-at-12pm-et-jaws-inspect-hands-on-series-five-screen-reader-accessibility-tests-you-should-always-do/

March 8, 2023 | Ability Summit | Microsoft

Ability Summit is a free digital event on March 8, 2023. Discover new accessible technology, learn from leaders with disabilities, and explore how accessibility empowers everyone within an organization, your community, and so much more. During the event, there will be opportunities to learn how everyone can imagine new technologies, leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Assistive Technology, and Inclusive Design to invent the future of inclusion; include people with disabilities and allies in a more inclusive workplace and society; and build technology to empower every person to achieve more:
https://abilitysummit.eventcore.com/home

March 8, 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed "Special Education Boss". The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they "received" their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

March 8, 2023 | Talking #Access with Filmmakers | LinkedIn | Nefertiti Matos Olivares

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 3/9
An exciting opportunity for #filmmakers and #AudioDescription users alike:
https://www.linkedin.com/events/talking-accesswithfilmmakers7032514229429501953/comments/

MArch 8, 2023 | Meetings on Microsoft Teams for Work with JAWS (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
We previously provided a presentation on the basics of Microsoft Teams for work. While the previous one provided an overview of the interface and various features, this presentation will focus on the meetings aspect of Teams. Join Ian Ramos and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to explore the Microsoft Teams interface while using the JAWS screen reader for work and meetings. Note this presentation is on the Microsoft Teams for Work program, which is installed at the workplace and is not the Microsoft Teams for personal use program included with Windows 11. Although the topic of this presentation is Microsoft Teams, the webinar is through Zoom, which allows those who do not know how to use Teams to attend. Learning Outcomes. Briefly discuss the Microsoft Teams for Work interface. Discover how to get a list of keyboard commands for using Microsoft teams and JAWS. Demonstrate how to create a Teams meeting with Teams and Outlook. Discuss how to attend a Teams meeting and provide a list of commands. Meetings on Microsoft Teams for Work with JAWS. Meeting ID: 891 8423 6704 | Passcode: 080914 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,89184236704#,,,,*080914# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89184236704?pwd=NStOc2ZKTzd0Uk0wRXJROGRQTEUwQT09#success

March 9, 2023 | Getting Onboard: Accessibility and Inclusion in Transportation | GoodMaps

8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT
From public transit to high-speed rail, to airports and city transportation hubs, enhancing the traveler experience for those with disabilities must include measures to improve accessibility and inclusivity — steps that can in fact improve the journey for all. Beyond necessary ADA compliance infrastructure, technology and innovation for modern transportation can not only improve the practical accessibility of stations and airports for the vision, hearing, or mobility impaired, but it can also make the path from entrance to destination more comfortable, stress free, convenient, and enjoyable for everyone. It's not just about providing an enhanced customer experience — it's about providing an inclusive one, too. In this informative webinar, you'll hear from experts in customer experience for transportation, including those with first-hand experience with Goodmaps accessible mapping and wayfinding technology. Goodmaps utilizes modern innovation including lidar, camera-based positioning (CPS), and geo-referenced images to provide secure, accessible, point-to-point indoor and outdoor wayfinding with unmatched accuracy:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3116764686974/WN_Uunzbq9KQBihPLdYBCLCKQ

March 9, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: Color Contrast | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Presenter: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. TPGi's Accessibility Resource Center (ARC Platform) empowers teams to solve common accessibility issues while growing their understanding of accessibility over time. The "Understand, Test, and Solve" webinar series addresses fundamental concepts in accessibility. The next topic of our webinar series will cover color contrast testing and the set of WCAG Success Criteria, which address the use of color in a website. Color contrast testing involves a blend of manual and automated tools. We'll evaluate these methods and specifically discuss ARC Toolkit, Color Contrast Analyser, and the browser's built-in Developer Tools. We'll review the basics of color contrast testing and address three color contrast issues using our three-step method: Understand, Test, and Solve. This session is 30 minutes long with 30 minutes dedicated to Q&A. Register for the webinar:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-9-at-12pm-et-understand-test-solve-color-contrast/

March 10, 2023 | ACB Currency Rally In Front Of The White House

10:30AM PT, 11:30AM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 6:30 PM GMT
Join the American Council of the Blind (ACB) at 1:30pm ET on March 10th — Harriet Tubman Day. We're coming together for a rally in front of the White House with one clear demand: we need accessible and inclusive currency now! RSVP for ACB's Currency Rally and join us in Washington, DC:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACBRally

March 11, 2023 | Using Garage Band App to Create a Song | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

March 13, 2023 through March 17, 2023 | 2023 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

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/

March 15, 2023 and March 16, 2023 | 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference

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/

March 15, 2023 | Basics of PowerPoint Remediation (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Join Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity to learn how to make your PowerPoint file as accessible as possible for screen readers. Learning Outcomes: Highlight the Microsoft Office formatting features and how to leverage them to create the most accessible end-product possible. Explore the accessibility tools in PowerPoint, such as the Reading Order pane, and how to add alternative text. Go through the steps in creating a clean PowerPoint Accessibility Check. | Meeting ID: 814 0695 7950 | Passcode: 584298 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,81406957950#,,,,*584298# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81406957950?pwd=Qk40cjV1Vk9TN1VvS2dndjJ1cEFuQT09#success

March 16, 2023 | FCC Meeting To Consider Accessibility Items

7:30AM PT, 8:30AM MT, 9:30AM CT, 10:30AM ET, 3:30 PM GMT
On February 23, 2023, the FCC announced a tentative agenda for the Open Commission Meeting scheduled for 10:30 am EST on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The meeting will be held in the Commission Meeting Room, 45 L Street N.E. Washington, D.C., and will be streamed live with open captioning at https://www.fcc.gov/live. As part of the agenda, the Commission will consider:
https://www.fcc.gov/fcc-march-16-meeting-consider-accessibility-items

March 17, 2023 | On My Terms: Working With Visual Assistance Apps | Older Individuals Who Are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC)

12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 8PM GMT
What could someone do if they had visual assistance whenever they needed it, not just when it was convenient for someone else? Banking, shopping, traveling, cooking, setting a thermostat, getting knowledgeable help with the computer — a whole range of aging-in-place tasks can be done with assistance from a smartphone app. Join Aira's Jenine Stanley and Be My Eyes' Hans Wiberg to learn more about visual interpreting and specialized help through their apps. Find out how visual assistance fits into the tools to access the world as someone who is blind or low vision:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcOytrTwrG9eXb-eE_kJSY1RM4_8amlEU

March 21, 2023 | Small Changes for Big Impact: Creating Accessible Word Documents | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Microsoft Word has features that help you create documents that are accessible to people with disabilities. By using these features, you can help readers receive your message clearly. If you don't, your message might not get through to your readers — with or without disabilities. In this session, we'll discuss: Using Word's built-in Accessibility Checker to help identify issues. Common accessibility issues and how to prevent or address them. Accessibility considerations that may benefit all users and not just users with disabilities. Word documents intended for conversion to PDF and more. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-21-at-12pm-et-small-changes-for-big-impact-creating-accessible-word-documents/

March 21, 2023 and March 22, 2023 | Multiple Perspectives 2023 | Americans With Disabilities Act Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion, & Disability Conference | Ohio State University

"It is time to move beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law; to shift our focus from redressing human and environmental problems through remedial design to preventing problems through holistic design." -Leslie Kanes Weisman. As a modern land grant university, an important part of Ohio State University's mission is outreach and engagement, serving the community through a variety of activities. During the tenth anniversary year of the Americans With Disabilities Act the Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion And Disability conference was created to help fulfill this mission. In short, the goal of the conference is to encourage the kind of change suggested by Leslie Kanes Weisman in the opening quote. It is hoped that the annual conference will serve as a catalyst for positive change and a springboard for collaborations with our partners in education, business, public, and social service. Each year a series of workshops will provide a forum for individuals and organizations to expand their knowledge and perspectives, and an opportunity to increase community resources through the synergy of collaboration. The workshops are designed to bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. To ensure broad participation from the university community, business, state and local government, educators, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and individuals with disabilities sponsors are sought each year to subsidize conference participants. Register:
https://ada.osu.edu/ada-conference

March 22, 2023 | Features of the ONYX OCR (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
The ONYX OCR magnifies and reads aloud any document. The voice, magnification, and high contrast make reading easier. Change your focus from reading magnified texts to letting the ONYX OCR read them when it becomes too tiring. Place your document under the fixed OCR camera on the left and activate the speech function. Enjoy listening to a text as it is read aloud by a high-quality voice without straining your eyes. This four-in-one solution integrates two separate cameras: one for transforming text-to-speech output and one for magnifying documents and observing the room around you. You can see what you want across the room or at your desk. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity and Joe McDaniel from Vispero to discuss the features and benefits of the ONYX OCR model. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), ACVREP continuing education credit is approved for this presentation. Learning Outcomes: How the ONYX OCR incorporates two low-vision technologies. Different uses of the ONYX OCR. How it differs from the other ONYX models. Why having OCR in a portable unit can be a game changer. | Meeting ID: 848 0272 3291 | Passcode: 894571 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,84802723291#,,,,*894571# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84802723291?pwd=V0l6NmVUTFZmQU9oNjRqcXRNTi9FUT09#success

March 22, 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed "Special Education Boss". The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they "received" their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

March 22, 2023 | Federal Government Career Opportunities Applying for Federal Job March 2023 | U.S. Department of Labor

10:30 AM PT, 11:30AM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 6:30PM GMT
This Event will be a Virtual Online Event and Registration is required to attend. To register for this event go to the following link below. The U.S. Department of Labor's mission is to protect workers, job seekers and retirees. During this virtual session staff from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and Office of Human Resources will share information with students about the following: Protecting Your Workplace Rights. How to Prepare a Federal Resume. Navigating USAJobs Website. How to Apply for a Federal Job. At the end of the session you can get your questions answered:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/federal-government-career-opportunities-applying-for-federal-job-march-2023-tickets-569966293527

March 28, 2023 | VPAT ^® 101: Introduction to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template

2PM PT, 3PM MT, 4PM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Presenter: Brian Elton, Practice Manager, Training. A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a great way to document your product's accessibility, but many companies are unaware of their existence and how to use them. Join Brian Elton, Practice Manager, Training from TPGi for answers to questions such as: What information is contained in a VPAT? Is a VPAT just for websites? Is every organization required to have one? How can a company secure a VPAT? Is it better to create it in-house or get a third party involved? TPGi's webinar will answer those questions and more, and explain how your organization can benefit from a VPAT. Register for the webinar:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-28-at-12pm-et-vpat-101-introduction-to-the-voluntary-product-accessibility-template/

March 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

March 28, 2023 | Beyond the Alt Tag: Accessible Name | Great Lakes ADA Center

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Continuing Education Recognition Available. The reasoning, best practices, and available technology for creating accessible images and text alternatives has evolved over the last several years. Expert web developers are building upon the foundation of text alternative techniques such as "alt tags" to newer concepts such as "Accessible Name" and "Accessible Description" for HTML. This approach provides better accessibility. During this webinar, Access Board staff will describe how they employ these updated concepts when developing the Guides to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. Participants will understand the reason for these changes and will gain practical strategies for adding “Accessible Name” to their vocabulary and tool kits. Target Audience: Open to all, but of noted interest for experienced web developers. Questions can be submitted in advance of the session or can be posed during the live webinar. This webinar will include video remote interpreting (VRI) and real-time captioning:
https://www.accessibilityonline.org/cioc-508/session/?id=111045

March 29, 2023 | How to Design and Test for Accessible Learning Modules (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Various eLearning course authoring platforms help content authors quickly create online courses to deliver on desktop and mobile devices. Many platforms allow course creation that supports the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The platforms provide tools to address fundamental accessibility issues, such as implementing accessible course controls, accessible videos (including support for both captions and transcripts), keyboard support, and the option to incorporate accessible quizzes within a course module. However, authors must correctly implement the accessibility features and be aware of the fundamental accessibility limitations in each platform they need to resolve to meet the requirements. Join Michael Parker to learn how to design and test for accessible learning modules. Learning Outcomes: Understand the accessibility limitations of your platform, such as Storyline, RISE 360, etc. Learn techniques to make many common elements accessible. Learn about common mistakes to avoid when authoring content in your learning module platform. Learn about accessibility testing strategies to ensure the content you produce is accessible. | Meeting ID: 875 9093 7816 | Passcode: 136374 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,87590937816#,,,,*136374# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87590937816?pwd=ajJGZy9XSFR0U2NTOGdsRkdRY3pnZz09#success

April 4, 2023 | Online Graduate Programs in Special Education Webinar | Ball State University

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on April 5, 2023
Register below to attend a webinar about Ball State's online graduate special education programs: Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism. Master's in Special Education. Graduate Certificate in Autism. Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis:
https://admissions.bsu.edu/register/?id=56e048a3-0e21-46ae-85fd-5e66bf62da88&utm_source=Partner_DisScoop&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=OSL_DisScoop&utm_term=March_23&utm_content=RegToday

April 5, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH

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/

April 8, 2023 | How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

April 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

May 3, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH

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/

May 9, 2023 through May 12, 2023 | John Slatin AccessU 2023 | Knowbility

Join us virtually or in Austin, TX. John Slatin AccessU is an annual conference where tech professionals, content creators, policymakers, and advocates come together for deep learning in accessible digital design:
https://knowbility.org/programs/john-slatin-accessu-2023

May 13, 2023 | Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

May 16, 2023 through May 18, 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | Nomensa

Nomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtua11y-web-accessibility-conference-2023-tickets-505953880677

May 18, 2023 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Help us celebrate the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments:
https://accessibility.day/

June 2, 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023

6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 2PM GMT
We would love for you to share your accessibility knowledge during our sixth annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023! As in former years, this virtual conference is FREE for all attendees. This year's ASC event will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 8:00-4:00 CST. As a conference participant you will be able to attend sessions and engage in valuable networking with like-minded professionals. We are soliciting presentations from all experience levels and backgrounds, so please visit the ASC Conference Home Page for more information and to submit a proposal. The session proposal deadline is Friday, February 17th, 2023. What is Accessibility Summer Camp (ASC)? The Accessibility Summer Camp is a FREE annual conference with the goal of connecting professionals and educators with best practices in accessibility and Universal Design. Over the past few years, the ASC conference has grown to become one of the most popular accessibility conferences in the country. Our mission is to provide accessibility professional development that empowers attendees to create high quality, accessible learning environments while removing barriers for all individuals who have a desire to learn:
https://www.accessibilityict.org/

May 23, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

June 7, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH

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/

June 27, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

July 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

August 22, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24

Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between:
https://inclusivedesign24.org/2023/

September 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

October 24, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

November 6, 2023 through November 10, 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)

Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado:
https://accessinghigherground.org/

November 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

➜ Directories

1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directory

https://www.accessinformationnews.com/email-newsletter-directory.html

➜ Sponsor Classified Ads

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

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.

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

Sponsor Since: December 1st 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: APH ConnectCenter

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

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

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

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: Clusiv

Sponsor Since: January 16th 2023

Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐

About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info.

➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses

➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients

➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

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.

Your Business or Organization Name Here

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.

10 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  10  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.

➜ Access Information News Supporters:

We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!

Access Information News Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or on an annual basis in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication.

One Time Donation: If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.

Annual Donation: If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.

Exposure: All Access Information News Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Access Information News website.

Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Access Information News possible.

Platinum Supporters:

Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.

1.) James Hulme
Platinum Supporter since December 5th 2022.

2.) Your name here.
Platinum Supporter since ...

Gold Supporters:

Become an Access Information News Gold Supporter today.

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Gold Supporter since ...

Silver Supporters:

Become an Access Information News Silver Supporter today.

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Bronze Supporters:

Become an Access Information News Bronze Supporter today.

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➜ Access Information News Team

Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)

Volunteer Publisher Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)

In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News as a not-for-profit project on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editorial Contributor to Access Information News.

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor #1: John Hanlin (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, John also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons.

John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

John Hanlin, Esq.

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor #2: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, Jenna also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and runs her own Digital Marketing Firm.

Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.

Jenna Lang, PMP

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor #3: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6th 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, David is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.

In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.

He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.

David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.

David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.

As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.

Twitter: @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.

David Woodbridge

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/ 🌐

Email: editor@accessinformationnews.com ✉
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Access Information News for Monday, February 27, 2023 - Volume 899

The Week's News in Access Information
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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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This Week's Featured Advertisement: Access Ready Asks, Why Does The Federal Government Continue To Shirk Its Accessibility Mandate Under Section 508?

Last week, the Department of Justice and the General Services Administration released a long-promised report on Section 508 compliance across the federal government. It says what many of us already believe and know: that federal agencies are failing miserably to comply with accessible technology requirements. Even this report, which by law must be published every 2 years, hasn't been updated since 2012 — until now. The statistics are not shocking, but they are embarrassing — only 1/3 of the top PDFs published by each agency are accessible. Even the majority of agency's accessibility statements don't meet the requirements. This report is a tiny step forward, but Congress is taking notice of how ineffective Section 508 has been. We are working with our partners to find real solutions that meaningfully advance accessibility — and won't take no for an answer. Stay tuned.

The full report is available here: https://bit.ly/section-508-2023.

Dear Access Information News Subscriber,

Submit your Access Information News item for free, with timing and placement determined by our editors, using this form: https://www.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.) MrBeast's Blindness Video Puts Systemic Ableism on Display (9.0% of all clicks.)
At a fundamental level, MrBeast's video is inspiration porn, meant to portray abled people as the selfless heroes waging war against the diabolical villain known as disability. And it's ultimately not meant for the disabled person. It's for abled people to feel good about themselves and about disabled people striving to become more like them — more normal:
https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/10/mrbeasts-blindness-video-puts-systemic-ableism-on-display/

B.) How ChatGPT Works: The Model Behind The Bot (4.0% of all clicks.)
A brief introduction to the intuition and methodology behind the chat bot you can't stop hearing about:
https://towardsdatascience.com/how-chatgpt-works-the-models-behind-the-bot-1ce5fca96286

C.) Rihanna's Super Bowl ASL Interpreter Opens Up About Her Viral Halftime Show Performance (4.0% of all clicks.)
Justina Miles just opened up about her Super Bowl 2023 playbook for the first time since her American Sign Language interpretation of Rihanna's halftime show on February 5th 2023 went mega viral. In a candid interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings on Friday, February 17th 2023, the performer shared details about how she prepped for game day and revealed what Ri said in a DM to her afterward:
https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rihannas-asl-interpreter-viral-super-bowl-halftime-show-interview-1235255847/

D.) The History of Speech Synthesis And A Recording Of The First Computer Programmed To Sing | YouTube | Dennis Klatt (4.0% of all clicks.)
Fun fact, the narration was done by Kenneth Stevens, the person who invented HLSyn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy0EtGvfvMo

E.) How Innovation Sets Me Backwards | Aubrie Lee (3.9% of all clicks.)
Tech that could be enabling me is impairing me instead:
https://immerse.news/how-innovation-sets-me-backwards-91b30e0b6b95

2) Sponsorship Package Updates

Are you an access-based business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 10,000 access professionals each week? If so, 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 Advertisement dates up to one year in advance. If you've 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. Availability: There are currently 10 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. Advertising Benefits: Review a complete list of advertising benefits here:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-information.html#sponsorship-package-benefits

3) Will ChatGPT Mean Your Smart Home Can Finally Understand You? | Jennifer Pattison Tuohy | The Verge

This proof-of-concept video by Josh.ai shows how AI language models could finally make your smart home voice assistant, well, actually smart:
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/24/23613382/chatgpt-smart-home-josh-ai-voice-assistant-demo

4) Apple Hits 'Major Milestones' In Moonshot To Bring Noninvasive Blood Glucose Monitoring To Apple Watch

Apple's efforts to bring glucose monitoring features to the Apple Watch have been reported on a few times over the years, but the company has reportedly had several major breakthroughs recently. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple has hit "major milestones recently" and "now believes it could eventually bring glucose monitoring to the market:"
https://9to5mac.com/2023/02/22/apple-hits-major-milestones-in-moonshot-to-bring-noninvasive-blood-glucose-monitoring-to-apple-watch/

5) What Is Amazon Clinic?

Amazon Clinic is a virtual healthcare service launched in November of 2022 that delivers care for 20 common conditions, including hair loss, heartburn, acne, dandruff and seasonal allergies. The virtual consultation service allows customers to select their condition from a list provided, then choose a preferred provider from a list of third-party licensed clinicians, including ones from SteadyMD and HealthTap. After completing a short intake questionnaire, customers and third-party clinicians directly connect via a message-based portal within hours of the initial request. The Amazon Clinic site says no video visit or live chat is required:
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/what-is-amazon-clinic

6) A New York Teacher Invents Something to Change... Everything

For more than 25 years, Daniel Lubiner has been a special education teacher, and for some time, he taught art to blind students in the Bronx. When the pandemic hit, he was devastated about how poor the education for his students had become. Then he was shocked to learn that only 10% of kids were learning braille well before the pandemic. That's when Mr. Lubiner conceived of the BrailleDoodle:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-new-york-teacher-invents-something-to-change-everything-301754598.html

7) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Proposes Benefit Expansion for Mobility Devices, Advancing Health Equity for People with Disabilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have released a proposed National Coverage Determination (NCD) decision that would, for the first time, expand coverage for power seat elevation equipment on certain power wheelchairs to Medicare individuals. The proposed NCD is open for public comment for 30 days:
https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-benefit-expansion-mobility-devices-advancing-health-equity-people-disabilities

8) Here's How To Secure Your Twitter Account Without Paying For Blue

Twitter's taking away SMS two-factor authentication for non-paying Twitter users on March 19, 2023. Here's how to switch to another method of 2FA:
https://www.theverge.com/23606430/how-to-secure-twitter-account-2fa-without-blue

9) Software Accessibility For Users With Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) | Eva Katharina Wolf | Medium

When discussing accessibility, the first person that pops into the minds of people is probably a person in a wheelchair. Thinking about software accessibility, the next two types of disabilities might come into mind are blindness and deafness. These are three types of disabilities most people commonly think of when talking about accessibility: blindness, deaf and hard of hearing and mobility impairments. And all three of them are important when optimizing software for accessibility, but there are other ones, and in this article will dive into one that is often forgotten: cognitive disability. There are many kinds of cognitive impairments, to mention some: Dyslexia (difficulty reading), AD(H)D (Attention Deficit Disorder) or Autism Spectrum Disorder. I got my Dyslexia diagnosis as a kid, and not long ago, a lot of things in my life started to make sense with another diagnosis: I have ADHD. And while many people might not see the connection between software accessibility and neurodiversity, I can tell you: there are things we, as UX Designers, can do to make the life for neurodivergent people, like myself, a lot easier. In this article I will focus on (adult) ADHD:
https://uxdesign.cc/software-accessibility-for-users-with-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd-f32226e6037c

10) 'Tremendous Potential': Why Some Disability Advocates Laud ChatGPT | Seb Starcevic Thomson | Reuters Foundation

ChatGPT has spurred lively conversations about the role of educational technology. While some colleges and universities are cracking down on ChatGPT, the AI-powered chatbot, other educators believe ChatGPT could help with assisted learning:
https://www.csmonitor.com/text_edition/Technology/2023/0217/Tremendous-potential-Why-some-disability-advocates-laud-ChatGPT

11) Be My Eyes and APH ConnectCenter: An Exciting Partnership

In case you haven't heard the news, The APH ConnectCenter is excited to announce our recent partnership with Be My Eyes, the app that many adults who are blind or low vision have come to love and use for assistance from a sighted volunteer. Be My Eyes now features the APH ConnectCenter listed in the "Specialized Help" section of the app. Simply tap to browse "Specialized Help," select Blindness Organizations, and touch the "APH ConnectCenter" to be connected to an agent in seconds who can assist with questions and provide resources relating to life with low vision and blindness:
https://visionaware.org/blog/visually-impaired-now-what/be-my-eyes-and-aph-connectcenter-an-exciting-partnership/

12) JAWS Tips for Teachers #2: Convenient OCR | APH

JAWS is a foundational tool for ensuring students who are blind or low vision succeed in the classroom. Whether you're new to the screen reader program or you're a seasoned user who wants to brush up on the features you haven't used in a while, these six brief tips that will help you support your students in using JAWS more effectively:
https://bit.ly/3RbhRDl

13) Apple Watch Import Ban Gets Dangerously Close: President Biden Upholds The ITC's Alivecor Ruling

Apple's patent battle with health tech company AliveCor isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The two companies have been battling it out for years, and the pendulum has swung back and forth multiple times. Most recently, in December, the US International Trade Commission handed AliveCor a major victory, agreeing that Apple had infringed its patented technology. The ITC's ruling has now been upheld by President Biden, following the required 60-day review. This sets the stage for a potential import ban of the Apple Watch in the United States:
https://9to5mac.com/2023/02/21/apple-watch-import-ban-president-biden-approval/

14) Apple, Please Don't Take All Of The Buttons Away | Allison Johnson | The Verge

Reports are pointing to a buttonless iPhone 15 Pro with solid-state haptic buttons in their place. This is very bad and no good. Look, I know it's probably too late, but since reports have been surfacing for a while now that Apple is planning to remove the physical buttons from the iPhone 15 Pro, replacing them with solid-state "taptic" buttons. Some new, alleged renders of the iPhone 15 published by 9to5Mac seem to confirm the news: it's time to bid the physical volume rocker and power switch goodbye, at least on some upcoming models. Surely it is too late to change anyone's mind in Cupertino, but I'm going to make the case anyway. Please don't take the buttons away, Apple:
https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/18/23604808/apple-iphone-15-pro-button-rumor-haptic

15) Meta Is Launching A Paid Verification Service For Facebook and Instagram | February 19, 2023

Meta Verified is available for direct purchase on Instagram or Facebook in Australia and New Zealand starting later this week. People can purchase a monthly subscription for (USD) $11.99 on the web and (USD) $14.99 on iOS and Android:
https://about.fb.com/news/2023/02/testing-meta-verified-to-help-creators/

16) How To Start A YouTube Channel As A Blind or Disabled Person | Unsightly Opinions | YouTube |

Let's chat about how to start a YouTube channel as a person with disabilities and/or blindness. Many of you wondered how to go about creating a channel and uploading content, so today I'll take you through my top tips and tricks and what the creation process looks like for me to run a channel with no vision. If you still have questions about YouTube, monetization, channel building, or anything Video or Editing leave them down below and I'll happily answer them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5uk1WTN_U0

17) Microsoft's Bill Gates Is Backing This Brain Implant Computing Company

Ever wondered what it would be like to scroll reddit just by thinking it? Well, if you have, perhaps our old pal Billy G has something in the works for you. Microsoft co-founder and prolific philanthropist Bill Gates has joined up with Amazon's Jeff Bezos according to reports to back Synchron, a company building brain implants to help further interface humans with computers. Human-computer interfacing of today revolves around external peripherals, such as touch screens, Xbox controllers, keyboards, etc. But fear not, government-mandated brain implants are not (yet) in Synchron's purview. Instead, Synchron's technology revolves around improving accessibility, for those with limited or impaired mobility:
https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-co-founder-bill-gates-has-backed-brain-implant-computing-company-synchron

18) Aira to Expand Leadership Team, Further Focus on State and Federal Government

Our mission is to remove visual barriers and make the world more accessible, creating pathways to even greater independence. Making visual interpreting available for all those who seek the benefit, irrespective of the individual's ability to pay, is core to Aira's belief system. As part of our 2023 strategic plan, we are expanding our leadership team by adding a new position, Vice President of Blindness Initiatives, to focus exclusively on this effort. Please visit the job posting to learn more about this position:
https://apply.workable.com/aira/j/F0A5701171/

19) State of Colorado Becomes Latest Aira Access Partner

On February 23, 2023 the Lieutenant Governor of Colorado announced the State of Colorado is now an Aira Access Partner, get the full story in this press release and this video. The State of Colorado is offering Aira's visual interpreting service for blind and low vision Coloradans. This initiative is an extension of the state's efforts to be fully welcoming and accessible to all; Coloradans will get free access for up to 30 minutes per session while navigating state locations and websites, reducing barriers to services and creating a more welcoming Colorado for all:
https://aira.io/colorado/

20) Colorado To Offer Blind Residents Free Audio Assistance

Colorado will offer blind and low-vision residents free access to visual interpretation app Aira when visiting state agencies:
https://statescoop.com/colorado-to-offer-blind-residents-free-audio-assistance/

21) Twitter Spaces No Longer Has Captions — Let's Talk About That | Liam O'Dell

In what may well be Twitter's first accessibility cock-up since Tesla founder Elon Musk took over late last year, the social media platform has decided to remove live captions from its social audio feature, Spaces — and so far they haven't given us a reason why:
https://liamodell.com/2023/02/02/twitter-spaces-captions-deaf-accessibility-what-is-elon-musk/

22) A Position Paper On Researching Braille In The Cognitive Sciences: Decentering The Sighted Norm | Cambridge University Press | PDF | 16 Pages

This article positions braille as a writing system worthy of study in its own right and on its own terms. We begin with a discussion of the role of braille in the lives of those who read and write it and a call for more attention to braille in the reading sciences. We then give an overview of the history and development of braille, focusing on its formal characteristics as a writing system, in order to acquaint sighted print readers with the basics of braille and to spark further interest among reading researchers. We then explore how print-centric assumptions and sight-centric motivations have potentially negative consequences, not only for braille users but also for the types of questions researchers think to pursue. We conclude with recommendations for conducting responsible and informed research about braille. We affirm that blindness is most equitably understood as but one of the many diverse ways humans experience the world. Researching braille literacy from an equity and diversity perspective provides positive, fruitful insights into perception and cognition, contributes to the typologically oriented work on the world's writing systems, and contributes to equity by centering the perspectives and literacy of the people who read and write braille:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/64946B5F1007FE52140E1C4C5AFB356E/S0142716423000061a.pdf/position_paper_on_researching_braille_in_the_cognitive_sciences_decentering_the_sighted_norm.pdf

23) You Say Potato, I Say Interpreting | Jenine Stanley | Aira

What's the correct way to talk about what we do at Aira? You've probably heard us use the terms visual interpreting and visual interpretation interchangeably. It can be argued that the words "interpreting" and "interpretation" mean essentially the same thing, a form of the verb "interpret" or related nouns. I beg to differ and here's why:
https://aira.io/interpreting/

24) The Compounding Value Of Investing In Digital Accessibility And Usability | Fable

Most of us know that accessibility is something we should care about or implement into our work somehow. Nobody would argue against equal access to digital products and services for people with disabilities. What is often not widely discussed or clearly articulated is the strong business case for engaging with people with disabilities in the early stages of designing and developing new products. So, it can be challenging to understand why accessibility is important for you to invest in right now. Particularly in the current economic climate. Investing in accessibility and creating usable experiences for people with disabilities in 2023 will yield returns this year, and well into the future:
https://makeitfable.com/article/roi-of-investing-in-digital-accessibility-and-usability/

25) New Lego Sets Feature Characters with a Range of Disabilities

Editor (Woodbridge): The characters include those with Down Syndrome, limb differences, anxiety, vitiligo and a dog with a wheelchair:
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/02/24/new-lego-sets-feature-characters-with-a-range-of-disabilities/30256/

26) Roll Mobility, A New App That's A Yelp For Accessible Spaces, Launches At A Brewery That Sets The Standard

Trying to join her friends at a restaurant on a recent Friday required real effort from Allyson Mallory. First, she had to find a handicap-accessible parking space at a grocery store across the street. Then she had to maneuver her electric wheelchair across snow-covered sidewalks — or try anyway. Finding they had not been shoveled, she had to turn around, go back and find a better path. All that to get to a pizza joint designed to be wheelchair-friendly. Ordeals like that have led to the creation of a new app that offers accessibility reviews of local businesses open to the public. The app, called Roll Mobility, was designed by four people — three Coloradans and another expert based in the UK. Launching this month, it gives people in chairs information about the accessibility of different spaces before they go out:
https://www.cpr.org/2023/02/22/roll-mobility-app/

27) 5 Things I Wish Were Accessible — But Normally Aren't | Fashioneyesta AKA Emily Davis

These are some of the things that I wish were accessible as a visually impaired person that normally aren't:
https://fashioneyesta.com/5-things-i-wish-were-accessible-but-normally-arent/

28) How The Abacus, Though Low Tech, Became And Still Remains A Very Useful Tool For Those Who Are Blind Doing Math | Kevin Jones | Accessibility Insights

The abacus has had a rich history lasting over two thousand years. Ancient merchants needed a way to count things and make calculations. The Asian abaci are the most well known today, both Chinese and Japanese models still exist. The Japanese model has one row of beads with a separation bar and then four more rows of beads below. This model seems to resonate much more with Western minds than the Chinese model. The Chinese model has two rows above the separation bar and then 5 below. I still can't wrap my mind around those versions. The abacus can still be seen used to calculate prices in some Asian stores including one in Hong Kong as recent as 2013, it is still taught in a few Asian schools, and can also be a useful tool for blind students of any nationality studying math:
https://accessibility-insights.com/2023/02/20/how-the-abacus-though-low-tech-became-and-still-remains-a-very-useful-tool-for-those-who-are-blind-doing-math/

29) Accessibility Of Cochlear Implants For Older Adults

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have changed Medicare cochlear implantation candidacy requirements. These changes will allow for more coverage for individuals 65 and older to receive cochlear implants. Motivation for these changes was largely in response to a recent study that examined these requirements and their accessibility:
https://www.hearinglikeme.com/accessibility-of-cochlear-implants-for-older-adults/

30) Oi Frog! Fun Ideas To Extend The Literacy Opportunities | Paths To Literacy

Rhyming words are an engaging way for young children to enjoy the world of books and literacy! Use models of animals and objects to make it more meaningful to children with visual impairments:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/oi-frog-fun-ideas-extend-literacy-opportunities/

31) Statement: Major Decision on Libraries' Digital Rights A Step Closer on March 20, 2023

Judge John G. Koeltl of the Southern District of New York has set March 20, 2023 as the date for oral arguments in four major publishers' lawsuit against the Internet Archive's digital library. The following statement can be attributed to Lia Holland (they/she), Campaigns and Communications Director at Fight for the Future:
https://www.fightforthefuture.org/news/2023-02-23-statement-major-decision-on-libraries-digital-rights-a-step-closer-on-march-20

32) Medical Technology Strategy: Key Takeaways For The Assistive Technology Sector | Sarah Sarsby | AT Today

On February 3, 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published its first-ever medical technology strategy. Entitled 'Medical Technology Strategy', the medical technology (medtech) strategy details the steps that need to be taken to ensure patients can access safe, effective, and innovative technology through the NHS, which can help diagnose, treat, and deliver care more quickly, freeing up clinician time:
https://attoday.co.uk/medical-technology-strategy-key-takeaways-for-the-assistive-technology-sector/

33) Understanding Blindness, Being A Better Neighbor | Video | CBS Minnesota

Lisa Larges, outreach coordinator for DEED and an expert on blindness, joined CBS Minnesota on February 19, 2023 to talk about the subject and how we can be better neighbors to those who are visually impaired:
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/understanding-blindness-being-a-better-neighbor/

34) Make Your Own Puff Paint | Paths To Literacy

Make your own puff paint using these simple recipes and you can create raised lines and simple tactile graphics for children who are blind or visually impaired:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/make-your-own-puff-paint/

35) The Braille Clothing Brand Changing The Fashion Game | Newsweek

From models in reptilian masks (did you see the lime green lizard with a pierced eyebrow?!) to egg-accented bustiers, you truly see it all at New York Fashion Week. But as designer Alexa Jovanovic watched the 2023 show, she struggled to find the one thing she was looking for. "I'm always looking out to see how much disability inclusion is actually involved," Jovanovic tells Newsweek. "I was really disappointed in this year's fashion week from the disability angle:"
https://www.newsweek.com/braille-clothing-brand-changing-fashion-game-1782281

36) P&G ^TM Chooses D-Series for Tactile Labeling on Shampoo and Conditioner

Simple tasks can be a real challenge for those living with a visual impairment, like telling the difference between personal care products, such as bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Even for consumers with poor or reduced sight, it can be difficult to identify products while in the shower or bath — where sight aids, such as glasses, contact lenses, or magnifiers, are not typically used. P&G recognized this issue and set out to find a solution:
https://www.domino-printing.com/en-us/stories/case-study/proctor-and-gamble-chooses-d-series-for-tactile-labelling-on-shampoo-and-conditioner

37) Why Is It Called An Amazon "Kindle" eReader?

Amazon's Kindle devices have become synonymous with eReaders, and the name "Kindle" has become a household term. But why did Amazon choose the name Kindle for their eReader devices? Does it have anything to do with burning things?
https://www.howtogeek.com/870829/why-is-it-called-an-amazon-kindle-ereader/

38) Biped: The Venture Leader Mobile Providing Smart Navigation For The Blind And Visually Impaired

Biped is a smart navigation copilot for blind and visually impaired people. The smart harness is worn around the shoulders and uses self-driving technology to guide people with short sounds. It complements the use of a white cane or guide dog:
https://www.venturelab.swiss/biped-The-Venture-Leader-Mobile-providing-smart-navigation-for-the-blind-and-visually-impaired

39) Online OT-Recommended Range Launches With 550 Assistive Products | AT Today UK

Daily living aids provider "Complete Care Shop" has launched a new Occupational Therapist (OT) Recommended range that is designed to meet the "highest clinical standards". The new OT Recommended range consists of 550 products that claim to offer the best functionality, ease of use, safety, and value for money. OT Recommended products are identified on the Complete Care Shop website by a green OT Recommended badge. Assistive products that feature a green OT Recommended badge include mobility aids, bedroom equipment, bathing products, and aids to daily living. Rachel Hutchinson, OT and Clinical Director at Complete Care Shop, said: "We have over 60 fully qualified Occupational Therapists (OTs) that work in the business and we have drawn on their knowledge and experience to curate a range of products that aims to enable people to live more independently every day:"
https://attoday.co.uk/online-ot-recommended-range-launches-with-550-assistive-products/

40) 3-D Printing and Materials from ActiveAccessEdu | Paths To Literacy

ActiveAccessEdu evolved from a teacher's passion for adapting materials for her students using 3-D printing and customizable designs:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/3-d-printing-and-materials-from-activeaccessedu/

41) American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Receives Major Gift From the Marilyn & Francine Gruder Trust in Support of JVIB

On February 23, 2023 The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced a major bequest in excess of $2.2M made on behalf of Marilyn and Francine Gruder, which will support the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB). AFB's flagship publication of scholarly research to the field of blindness and low vision, in perpetuity:
https://www.afb.org/news-publications/press-room/press-release-archive/major-jvib-gift

42) Things We Wish Restaurants Knew About Serving Guests With Blindness | BrailleWorks

How to Reach Out in More Meaningful Ways. When we dine out, we all want the opportunity to browse the menu at our leisure whether in a group or dining alone. Many restaurants have included all of their guests by providing Braille and large print menus, in addition to their standard print menus. This allows most of the guests to have a similar dining experience and to be treated alike when ordering. However, there are a few other things that can be done to ensure all guests are provided with exceptional service; especially those who are visually impaired or blind. If you are in the restaurant service industry, we encourage you to read these tips and please share them with your colleagues:
https://brailleworks.com/7-things-serving-guests-blindness/?utm_content=236677898&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-18197430

43) Learning and Teaching the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts: A Step-by-Step Guide | Paths To Literacy

Welcome to Learning and Teaching the Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts: A Step-by-Step Guide written by Tina Herzberg, Susan Osterhaus, Sara Larkin, and L. Penny Rosenblum. The book is available in print and braille using the links below. Each of the 8 chapters contains:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/learning-and-teaching-the-nemeth-code/

44) For Kai Owens, Accessibility Isn't All About Technology. Accessibility Is About Companionship Too. | Forbes

Longtime readers of this column may recall an interview I did in November 2020 with Thomas Panek, president and chief executive of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. The non-profit organization, whose headquarters are in New York, specializes in pairing Blind and low vision folks with trained guide dogs. At the time, I reported on Panek's participation in Google's Project Guideline, which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to assist people with vision loss in navigating streets. The project's name is derived from the markings painted on roads, known as guidelines. Google's tech was put to the ultimate test when it helped Panek, an avid runner, run a 5K marathon through NYC's Central Park. Over two years later, Panek's company returns here. This time, for Kai Owens:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenaquino/2023/02/24/for-kai-owens-accessibility-isnt-all-about-technology-accessibility-is-about-companionship-too/?sh=51790c517f78

➜ 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.

February 27, 2023 to March 2, 2023 | Apply By January 23, 2023 | Accessible Customer-Centered Communications Workshop | NSITE & Baker Communications, Inc. In Partnership

NSITE, the first organization to provide a continuum of employment services for individuals who are blind or face vision loss, has partnered with one of the leading sales training providers, Baker Communications Inc. (BCI), to offer a virtual instructor-led delivery of their Customer-Centered Communications workshop. This highly engaging and participatory accessible workshop, delivered over four consecutive days (four hours per session), covers a comprehensive six-part system of organized customer communications and selling. After the program, participants will be able to build greater trust with customers, deliver specific customer outcomes effectively, and achieve world-class customer service and sales performance. All NSITE programs are adapted for the learning styles of blind and low-vision learners. Therefore, qualified applicants who are blind or have low vision receive enrollment preference in case classes fill up. Program runs February 27 to March 2, 2023. Apply by January 23, 2023:
https://bit.ly/NSITE-CCC

February 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

March 6, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH

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/

March 7, 2023 | iBUG Today 12-Week Mac Course Begins

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT on 3/8
We are pleased to announce that iBUG Today will be offering a 12-week Mac course beginning Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Sessions take place every Tuesday evening on Zoom from 7:00 to 8:15 PM Central Time. There is also a review session every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 Central time. The course requirements and topics are listed below. 1. Participate in all classes with no more than one absence. 2. Attend at least half of all study sessions. 3. Complete homework assignments, which include reading, Mac practice, and providing oral answers to some of the focus questions from each lesson. 4. Attend the monthly iBUG Mac-N-Talk conference call. Three are included in this course. 5. Must be able to follow classroom instruction consisting of lecture and live demonstrations. 6. All course sessions are conducted in a group format; one-on-one training will not be provided. 7. Basic knowledge of Windows, iOS, and/or other operating systems may be useful as a reference point but is not required. 8. The course will be most beneficial for students who have Macs newer than 2017 that are compatible with macOS 13 Ventura. All sessions will be conducted via Zoom remote conferencing, a free application available for both computer and phone that may be found at http://zoom.us and in the iOS and Android app stores. Lecture recordings will be made available to review class material between sessions. The recorded sessions may also be posted to the iBUG Today website and social media for use by interested individuals who are not otherwise able to take the course. Please do not sign up if you are uncomfortable being recorded. During the class, you will be part of an email list for the receiving of announcements and discussion of course material. If you are interested in enrolling, please complete the course application at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-bXX_38CWIS7sUY0nC_7IDAqUfAXKb9LG4jt4ihQd6lPT1A/viewform?usp=sf_link

March 7, 2023 | JAWS Inspect Hands-on Series: Five Screen Reader Accessibility Tests You Should Always Do

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
By Brian Elton, Practice Manager, Training, and Charlie Pike, Platform Success Lead. In this practical, hands-on session, we will show you five screen reader checks everyone should be doing on their websites and applications. Thanks to TPGi's screen reader testing tool, the tests require little knowledge of accessibility. JAWS Inspect makes screen reader compatibility testing easy regardless of your role in your organization. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-7-at-12pm-et-jaws-inspect-hands-on-series-five-screen-reader-accessibility-tests-you-should-always-do/

March 8, 2023 | Ability Summit | Microsoft

Ability Summit is a free digital event on March 8, 2023. Discover new accessible technology, learn from leaders with disabilities, and explore how accessibility empowers everyone within an organization, your community, and so much more. During the event, there will be opportunities to learn how everyone can imagine new technologies, leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Assistive Technology, and Inclusive Design to invent the future of inclusion; include people with disabilities and allies in a more inclusive workplace and society; and build technology to empower every person to achieve more:
https://abilitysummit.eventcore.com/home

March 8, 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed "Special Education Boss". The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they "received" their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

March 8, 2023 | Talking #Access with Filmmakers | LinkedIn | Nefertiti Matos Olivares

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 3/9
An exciting opportunity for #filmmakers and #AudioDescription users alike:
https://www.linkedin.com/events/talking-accesswithfilmmakers7032514229429501953/comments/

March 9, 2023 | Getting Onboard: Accessibility and Inclusion in Transportation | GoodMaps

8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT
From public transit to high-speed rail, to airports and city transportation hubs, enhancing the traveler experience for those with disabilities must include measures to improve accessibility and inclusivity — steps that can in fact improve the journey for all. Beyond necessary ADA compliance infrastructure, technology and innovation for modern transportation can not only improve the practical accessibility of stations and airports for the vision, hearing, or mobility impaired, but it can also make the path from entrance to destination more comfortable, stress free, convenient, and enjoyable for everyone. It's not just about providing an enhanced customer experience — it's about providing an inclusive one, too. In this informative webinar, you'll hear from experts in customer experience for transportation, including those with first-hand experience with Goodmaps accessible mapping and wayfinding technology. Goodmaps utilizes modern innovation including lidar, camera-based positioning (CPS), and geo-referenced images to provide secure, accessible, point-to-point indoor and outdoor wayfinding with unmatched accuracy:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3116764686974/WN_Uunzbq9KQBihPLdYBCLCKQ

March 9, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: Color Contrast | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Presenter: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. TPGi's Accessibility Resource Center (ARC Platform) empowers teams to solve common accessibility issues while growing their understanding of accessibility over time. The "Understand, Test, and Solve" webinar series addresses fundamental concepts in accessibility. The next topic of our webinar series will cover color contrast testing and the set of WCAG Success Criteria, which address the use of color in a website. Color contrast testing involves a blend of manual and automated tools. We'll evaluate these methods and specifically discuss ARC Toolkit, Color Contrast Analyser, and the browser's built-in Developer Tools. We'll review the basics of color contrast testing and address three color contrast issues using our three-step method: Understand, Test, and Solve. This session is 30 minutes long with 30 minutes dedicated to Q&A. Register for the webinar:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-9-at-12pm-et-understand-test-solve-color-contrast/

March 10, 2023 | ACB Currency Rally In Front Of The White House

10:30AM PT, 11:30AM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 6:30 PM GMT
Join the American Council of the Blind (ACB) at 1:30pm ET on March 10th — Harriet Tubman Day. We're coming together for a rally in front of the White House with one clear demand: we need accessible and inclusive currency now! RSVP for ACB's Currency Rally and join us in Washington, DC:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACBRally

March 11, 2023 | Using Garage Band App to Create a Song | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

March 13, 2023 through March 17, 2023 | 2023 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

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/

March 15, 2023 and March 16, 2023 | 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference

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/

March 17, 2023 | On My Terms: Working With Visual Assistance Apps | Older Individuals Who Are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC)

12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 8PM GMT
What could someone do if they had visual assistance whenever they needed it, not just when it was convenient for someone else? Banking, shopping, traveling, cooking, setting a thermostat, getting knowledgeable help with the computer — a whole range of aging-in-place tasks can be done with assistance from a smartphone app. Join Aira's Jenine Stanley and Be My Eyes' Hans Wiberg to learn more about visual interpreting and specialized help through their apps. Find out how visual assistance fits into the tools to access the world as someone who is blind or low vision:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcOytrTwrG9eXb-eE_kJSY1RM4_8amlEU

March 21, 2023 | Small Changes for Big Impact: Creating Accessible Word Documents | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Microsoft Word has features that help you create documents that are accessible to people with disabilities. By using these features, you can help readers receive your message clearly. If you don't, your message might not get through to your readers — with or without disabilities. In this session, we'll discuss: Using Word's built-in Accessibility Checker to help identify issues. Common accessibility issues and how to prevent or address them. Accessibility considerations that may benefit all users and not just users with disabilities. Word documents intended for conversion to PDF and more. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-21-at-12pm-et-small-changes-for-big-impact-creating-accessible-word-documents/

March 21, 2023 and March 22, 2023 | Multiple Perspectives 2023 | Americans With Disabilities Act Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion, & Disability Conference | Ohio State University

"It is time to move beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law; to shift our focus from redressing human and environmental problems through remedial design to preventing problems through holistic design." -Leslie Kanes Weisman. As a modern land grant university, an important part of Ohio State University's mission is outreach and engagement, serving the community through a variety of activities. During the tenth anniversary year of the Americans With Disabilities Act the Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion And Disability conference was created to help fulfill this mission. In short, the goal of the conference is to encourage the kind of change suggested by Leslie Kanes Weisman in the opening quote. It is hoped that the annual conference will serve as a catalyst for positive change and a springboard for collaborations with our partners in education, business, public, and social service. Each year a series of workshops will provide a forum for individuals and organizations to expand their knowledge and perspectives, and an opportunity to increase community resources through the synergy of collaboration. The workshops are designed to bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. To ensure broad participation from the university community, business, state and local government, educators, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and individuals with disabilities sponsors are sought each year to subsidize conference participants. Register:
https://ada.osu.edu/ada-conference

March 22, 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed "Special Education Boss". The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they "received" their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

March 28, 2023 | VPAT ^® 101: Introduction to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template

2PM PT, 3PM MT, 4PM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Presenter: Brian Elton, Practice Manager, Training. A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a great way to document your product's accessibility, but many companies are unaware of their existence and how to use them. Join Brian Elton, Practice Manager, Training from TPGi for answers to questions such as: What information is contained in a VPAT? Is a VPAT just for websites? Is every organization required to have one? How can a company secure a VPAT? Is it better to create it in-house or get a third party involved? TPGi's webinar will answer those questions and more, and explain how your organization can benefit from a VPAT. Register for the webinar:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-28-at-12pm-et-vpat-101-introduction-to-the-voluntary-product-accessibility-template/

March 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

April 5, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH

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/

April 8, 2023 | How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

April 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

May 3, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH

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/

May 9, 2023 through May 12, 2023 | John Slatin AccessU 2023 | Knowbility

Join us virtually or in Austin, TX. John Slatin AccessU is an annual conference where tech professionals, content creators, policymakers, and advocates come together for deep learning in accessible digital design:
https://knowbility.org/programs/john-slatin-accessu-2023

May 13, 2023 | Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

May 16, 2023 through May 18, 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | Nomensa

Nomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtua11y-web-accessibility-conference-2023-tickets-505953880677

May 18, 2023 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Help us celebrate the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments:
https://accessibility.day/

June 2, 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023

6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 2PM GMT
We would love for you to share your accessibility knowledge during our sixth annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023! As in former years, this virtual conference is FREE for all attendees. This year's ASC event will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 8:00-4:00 CST. As a conference participant you will be able to attend sessions and engage in valuable networking with like-minded professionals. We are soliciting presentations from all experience levels and backgrounds, so please visit the ASC Conference Home Page for more information and to submit a proposal. The session proposal deadline is Friday, February 17th, 2023. What is Accessibility Summer Camp (ASC)? The Accessibility Summer Camp is a FREE annual conference with the goal of connecting professionals and educators with best practices in accessibility and Universal Design. Over the past few years, the ASC conference has grown to become one of the most popular accessibility conferences in the country. Our mission is to provide accessibility professional development that empowers attendees to create high quality, accessible learning environments while removing barriers for all individuals who have a desire to learn:
https://www.accessibilityict.org/

May 23, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

June 7, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH

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/

June 27, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

July 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

August 22, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24

Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between:
https://inclusivedesign24.org/2023/

September 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

October 24, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

November 6, 2023 through November 10, 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)

Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado:
https://accessinghigherground.org/

November 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

➜ Directories

1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directory

https://www.accessinformationnews.com/email-newsletter-directory.html

➜ Sponsor Classified Ads

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

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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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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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Sponsor Since: November 29th 2022

Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐

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APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line:
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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.

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Download The App (Apple): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/menus4all/id1640547801?platform=iphone

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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

Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround

Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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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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.

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Sponsor Since: January 16th 2023

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About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info.

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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:
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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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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:
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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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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.

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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.

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Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)

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Could your business or organization use help with your digital marketing workflow? Tasks like website administration, article assembly and publication, graphic design, website updates, email newsletter blasts and social media scheduling? Aaron Di Blasi, Owner and Sr. Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. is seeking a new client partnership. Learn more at:
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Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio

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In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News as a not-for-profit project on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editorial Contributor to Access Information News.

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Publisher (2022-Present)
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Editorial Contributor #1: John Hanlin (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, John also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons.

John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

John Hanlin, Esq.

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Access Information News
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Editorial Contributor #2: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, Jenna also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and runs her own Digital Marketing Firm.

Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.

Jenna Lang, PMP

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
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Top Tech Tidbits
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Editorial Contributor #3: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6th 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, David is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.

In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.

He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.

David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.

David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.

As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.

Twitter: @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.

David Woodbridge

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
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Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
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National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
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Access Information News for Monday, February 20, 2023 - Volume 898

Access Information News for Monday, February 20, 2023 - Volume 898

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.

Subscribers: 10,646 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email.

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Join Industry Leaders And Begin Reaching Over 10,000 Access Professionals, Educators and Enthusiasts, All Over The World, Each Week. All While Supporting The Ongoing Distribution of This Publication For Those Very Same Readers. Only $100 USD Per Month. While Packages Last. This Issue Made Possible By Support From The Following Sponsors:

This issue made possible by Sponsorship support from Pneuma Solutions, WayAround, Menus4ALL, APH ConnectCenter, Access Ready, Inc. and Clusiv. Learn more about Sponsorship today at: https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsor.

Dear Access Information News Subscriber,

Submit your Access Information News item for free, with timing and placement determined by our editors, using this form: https://www.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.) No One Can Stay In The Quietest Room In The World For More Than An Hour (4.3% of all clicks.)
Silence is golden — unless you find yourself in the quietest room in the world. In 2015, Microsoft built what is now in the Guinness Book of World Records as the quietest place on the planet. Known as the anechoic chamber at the company's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, "ultra-sensitive tests" performed in 2015 gave an average background noise reading of -20.35 dBA (decibels A-weighted — a measurement of the sound pressure level:)
https://nypost.com/2023/02/02/inside-the-worlds-quietest-room-at-microsofts-headquarters/

B.) How Innovation Sets Me Backwards | Aubrie Lee (4.0% of all clicks.)
Tech that could be enabling me is impairing me instead:
https://immerse.news/how-innovation-sets-me-backwards-91b30e0b6b95

C.) John Fetterman Is Using Assistive Technology in the Senate (3.9% of all clicks.)
The 164-year-old Senate chamber was not designed for wires and screens. Senators aren't even allowed to use their phones when they're inside. But to help with freshman Senator John Fetterman's stroke recovery, the chamber just got a digital upgrade. As Fetterman learns how to do his new job while struggling with lingering auditory processing issues resulting from the stroke, he's relying on some extra tech. The new assistive technology installed in his workspaces requires some adjustment from colleagues in an institution known for its stagnancy. But in securing the devices that are helping him begin a new job during a very public recovery process, advocates say Fetterman is forging a path for people with disabilities and health challenges to make it in public office:
https://time.com/6251752/john-fetterman-stroke-recovery-assistive-technology/

D.) Cane And Able Fitness Is Making The Gym Less Intimidating For People With Visual Impairments (3.6% of all clicks.)
Plus, the most important exercises for people with visual impairments to add to their workout routine:
https://www.shape.com/cane-able-fitness-visual-impairment-tips-7095921

E.) ChatGPT Needs to Learn More on Screen Readers, Critical Factual Errors Are Present | The Idea Place | Kelly Ford (3.3% of all clicks.)
Last week a colleague from my days at Microsoft wrote an excellent analysis of the current functionality using ChatGPT and a basic question in HTML. I had been dabbling with questions from time to time around accessibility and ChatGPT myself but hadn't written anything formal up. Now I have:
https://theideaplace.net/chatgpt-needs-to-learn-more-on-screen-readers-critical-factual-errors-are-present/

2) Sponsorship Package Updates

Are you an access-based business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 10,000 access professionals each week? If so, 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 Advertisement dates up to one year in advance. If you've 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. Availability: There are currently 10 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. Advertising Benefits: Review a complete list of advertising benefits here:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-information.html#sponsorship-package-benefits

3) Access Information News Click-To-Vote Quick Poll #897 Results | Sponsored By: Access Ready, Inc. | 361 Votes

Quick Poll Question: With Title II of the "Americans With Disabilities Act" and the "Help America Vote Act" so clearly defining that the entire election process must be as accessible as possible to a wide range of people with disabilities, and with technology making access available, why do states and local jurisdictions resist expanding accessibility?

1st Place: E.) All of the above play a part in limiting the growth of accessible elections to some degree.
(149 Votes / 38% of all clicks.)

2nd Place: C.) Cost is often sighted as the reason not to expand access, even though building in accessibility from the outset does not significantly increase price.
(55 Votes / 14% of all clicks.)

3rd Place: D.) Indifference by election technology developers toward accessible election products beyond the act of voting are based on the fear of cost and lackluster support by disability leaders for accessible products.
(54 Votes / 14% of all clicks.)

4th Place: A.) There is widespread confusion related to the requirements both legal and technical that govern what must be accessible in the election system.
(52 Votes / 13% of all clicks.)

5th Place: B.) The commitment from the government to provide accessible elections is being undermined by poll workers in many cases who do not understand why access is necessary.
(51 Votes / 13% of all clicks.)

Quick Poll Results Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll897-results

Quick Poll FAQ Link: https://www.accessinformationnews.com/poll-results.html#quick-poll-faq

4) #On My Terms Means More Now than Ever Before | Aira | February 16th 2023

Putting greater choice and control in the hands of our Explorers. A year ago in March, we introduced Aira Everywhere and declared our commitment to choice. Our intention was to support you on whatever device was right for your task. With the introduction of an entirely new mobile app, we're strengthening that commitment, and reminding one another of our north star, #On My Terms. Today we are announcing availability of the new Aira mobile app, called Aira Explorer, in the Google Play Store. Testing continues on iOS and the new mobile app will follow in the Apple Store when we can ensure the best experience:
https://aira.io/new-mobile-app/

5) MrBeast's Blindness Video Puts Systemic Ableism on Display

At a fundamental level, MrBeast's video is inspiration porn, meant to portray abled people as the selfless heroes waging war against the diabolical villain known as disability. And it's ultimately not meant for the disabled person. It's for abled people to feel good about themselves and about disabled people striving to become more like them — more normal:
https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/10/mrbeasts-blindness-video-puts-systemic-ableism-on-display/

6) Voice Actor Says AI Is Being Used to Fuel a Nightmarish Harassment Campaign

Sure, there's been a lot of attention being paid to deep fakes of celebrities and major public figures. Still, with the advent of free or cheap AI-based voice synthesization software, anybody who has had their audio uploaded to the internet runs the risk of being deepfaked. Vice first reported that voice actors and other, ordinary folks are being targeted with online harassment and doxxing attacks using their own voice. Specifically, these attacks targeted people with YouTube channels, podcasts, or streams. Several of these doxxing attempts also hit voice actors, some of whom have been especially critical about AI-generated content in the past:
https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2023/02/voice-actor-says-ai-is-being-used-to-fuel-a-nightmarish-harassment-campaign/

7) Your Favorite Voice Actors Call Out AI Sites Copying Voices Without Consent

Voice actors like Jennifer Hale, Steve Blum, and SungWon Cho ask fans to support real actors, not AI:
https://kotaku.com/ai-voice-actors-steve-blum-elevenlabs-contracts-sell-1850108292

8) Audiobook Narrators Complain Apple May Have Used Them To Train AI Voices

Customers of Spotify's audiobook narration firm say that they were not adequately informed of a contract clause that they agreed to, that ultimately allowed Apple to use their voices in its AI training. Apple quietly released a range of audio Apple Books in early January 2023, which were narrated by voices entirely generated by Artificial Intelligence. Publishers and professional voice actors objected that this was removing a major source of income, but Apple claimed it was still committed to artists:
https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/02/14/audiobook-narrators-complain-apple-may-have-used-them-to-train-ai-voices

9) Rihanna's Super Bowl ASL Interpreter Opens Up About Her Viral Halftime Show Performance

Justina Miles just opened up about her Super Bowl 2023 playbook for the first time since her American Sign Language interpretation of Rihanna's halftime show on February 5th 2023 went mega viral. In a candid interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings on Friday, February 17th 2023, the performer shared details about how she prepped for game day and revealed what Ri said in a DM to her afterward:
https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rihannas-asl-interpreter-viral-super-bowl-halftime-show-interview-1235255847/

10) Setting Expectations For Asking ChatGPT Web Accessibility Questions

You may be familiar with ChatGPT. But if you're not, it's a very cool chat interface using artificial intelligence to provide human-like responses to the questions you ask it. It is, however, still rather new and depending on what you ask it... well... as the FAQ for ChatGPT explains:
https://www.scottohara.me/blog/2023/01/31/ai-a11y-maybe-no.html

11) How ChatGPT Works: The Model Behind The Bot

A brief introduction to the intuition and methodology behind the chat bot you can't stop hearing about:
https://towardsdatascience.com/how-chatgpt-works-the-models-behind-the-bot-1ce5fca96286

12) The AI Arms Race Is On. Are Regulators Ready?

The race among tech companies to roll out generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is raising concerns about how mistakes in technology and blind spots in regulation could hasten the spread of misinformation, elevate biases in results and increase the harvesting and use of Americans' personal data. So far tech giants Microsoft and Google are leading the race in releasing new AI tools to the public, but smaller companies and startups are expected to make progress in the field:
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/3856207-the-ai-arms-race-is-on-are-regulators-ready/

13) How To Boost Accessibility, According To The Washington Post's First Accessibility Engineer

Right now, though, most websites aren't accessible in one way or another. According to WebAIM, a nonprofit based out of Utah State University, 96.8% of home pages don't meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. This is why media giant The Washington Post brought on an engineer in January dedicated solely to accessibility. Holden Foreman, who joined The Post as an engineering intern in 2020 before taking on a full stack role, said that he hopes to focus on maintaining up-to-date tech and educating colleagues on accessibility practices. But even without a dedicated accessibility engineer on staff, there's plenty that developers and designers can do to improve access to their websites. Foreman noted that many have already started embracing accessibility tech practices like alternative text. Still, he said it's important to recognize that true accessibility is about much more than that — and that it looks different for everyone:
https://technical.ly/diversity-equity-inclusion/holden-foreman-washington-post-acceesibility-engineer/

14) Alt Text, Plain Language And More Listening: How To Address Accessibility In News

Holden Foreman is the first accessibility engineer at the Washington Post, a role which entails maintaining up-to-date accessibility standards across the Post's products, as well as researching new opportunities for accessibility, engaging with the paper's audience about this topic, and educating other staff members on accessibility issues. This is a support role rather than a journalism role, but Foreman will also be working with newsroom members as well as engineers, particularly in the educational aspect of the job. The fact that Foreman's job exists suggests the industry is starting to recognize that journalists should make sure they are not leaving sections of their audience behind. For example, new techniques in visual journalism could exclude blind and visually impaired people. But there are a variety of measures we can take to be as inclusive as possible, ranging from simple steps such as changing fonts, to adding alt text on images and combining audio and subtitles in video content. I spoke to Foreman recently to learn more about his new job. We discussed how he sees accessibility and how news publications can start to address these issues. Our conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity:
https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/news/alt-text-plain-language-and-more-listening-how-address-accessibility-news

15) A Catalyst for Innovation: (dis)Ability Design Studio Debuts

Adam Bleakney and Deana McDonagh, PhD, are the (dis)Ability Design Studio co-directors at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The studio serves as a place for collaboration on inclusive innovations. A hands-free "wheelchair of the future." A lightweight, comfortable, and collapsible personal aisle chair. Custom-made, 3D-printed wheelchair racing gloves. These are a few of the innovative designs developed by researchers for people with disabilities at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). To further develop creative projects such as these, a new lab centered on imagination and immersion is available on the UIUC campus. Dubbed the (dis)Ability Design Studio, the space empowers individuals who benefit from this unique thinking to become the driving voices behind these projects, giving them the capacity to design, engineer, research, and innovate, says Adam Bleakney, studio co-director, research affiliate, School of Art & Design lecturer, and head coach of the UIUC wheelchair track team. The studio stands out as a model of how research and innovation can intersect to leverage unique perspectives toward a shared goal, he says. It features soft lighting, pastel-colored art depicting nature, food and water bowls for service animals, a cuckoo clock that helps mark the passage of time for people who are visually impaired, and a conference table with wheelchairs and walkers with seats:
https://www.insightintodiversity.com/a-catalyst-for-innovation-disability-design-studio-debuts/

16) FBI Analyst With Blindness Can Sue Over Software Accessibility

An intelligence analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigation can pursue a lawsuit accusing the agency of failing to use computer software that's accessible to employees with blindness, the D.C. Circuit ruled February 17th 2023:
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/fbi-analyst-with-blindness-can-sue-over-software-accessibility

17) The History of Speech Synthesis And A Recording Of The First Computer Programmed To Sing | YouTube | Dennis Klatt

Fun fact, the narration was done by Kenneth Stevens, the person who invented HLSyn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy0EtGvfvMo

18) Remote VI Instruction: How To Make It Work | Perkins School For The Blind

One thing that the COVID school closures have shown us is that remote instruction can work for students with low vision or blindness. There are many individuals and agencies who have been providing virtual VI instruction for years prior to COVID and now, when schools are back in physical buildings, more educators and districts are open to remote instruction. There are a variety of reasons supporting remote VI instruction, including the challenges of recruiting a TSVI (especially in rural areas or in districts that do not have a full VI caseload) and the need for specialized instruction such as AT or higher level math:
https://www.perkins.org/remote-vi-instruction-how-to-make-it-work/

19) Saas Platform To Empower Job Seekers And Employers | Microsoft Accessibility Blog

A year ago we announced our latest round of AI for Accessibility grantees in the employment space; organizations using AI to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Among them was Zammo.AI, a no code conversational AI software platform aimed at making it easier for job seekers wanting to learn about the requirements of a potential job to assess their own interest and qualifications:
https://blogs.microsoft.com/accessibility/saas-platform-to-empower-job-seekers-and-employers/

20) How the Braille Challenge Contributed to My Success | Jessica Minneci

There is nothing like the sound of pounding keys on a Perkins Brailler or the buzz of excitement and nervous anxiety as you wait with your friends for one of your names to be read as the winner. There is nothing like standing together to promote a cause you believe in, and there is nothing like braille. Braille gives people who are blind or low vision the ability to read and write, the ability to succeed both academically and professionally, and a voice with which to share opinions and experiences. Every year, students celebrate their braille skills by competing in the Braille Challenge, the only academic competition of its kind in North America for students who are blind or low vision. For eight years, I was lucky enough to be a contestant. What is the Braille Challenge?
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/how-the-braille-challenge-contributed-to-my-success/

21) Disability Advocate Molly Burke Talks Accessible Products For The Blind Community

Anyone with a passing interest in technology has some knowledge of the advantages of smart home devices. For many, they allow us to talk to Alexa, Google, or Siri to easily toggle lights and perform basic residential tasks. For those in the blind-and-low-vision community, like popular beauty/style influencer Molly Burke, they're a lifeline to interaction in a touchscreen-obsessed world full of benefits and challenges. Burke has been a fixture in the disability community for several years, with millions of subscribers across social media platforms. Since becoming legally blind at the age of 14, the 29-year-old content creator has used her platform to highlight the advantages of accessible products:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/reviewed/2023/02/10/molly-burke-blind-community-influencer-talks-product-accessibility/11220951002/?utm_content=237903455&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-18197430

22) Purdue Ventures Invests $250,000 In Assistive Educational Technology Company

Tactile Engineering Inc. manufactures the Cadence tactile tablet, which allows readers to access up to eight lines of electronic Braille cells. It can be used as an e-reader, graphic calculator and image viewer. The company completed a $1.5 million round of funding, which included a $250,000 investment from Purdue Ventures:
https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2023/Q1/purdue-ventures-invests-250,000-in-assistive-educational-technology-company.html

23) Envision Enhances Accessibility Of Its AI-Enabled Smart Glasses For Visually Impaired People

Assistive technology specialist Envision has announced that it is further enhancing the accessibility of its smart glasses for blind and visually impaired individuals by introducing two new editions to serve the different needs of its users. Available now from Envision and its global distributor network, the upgrades offer the same hardware as the original smart glasses but provide a choice of feature sets at a range of price points:
https://thiis.co.uk/envision-enhances-accessibility-of-its-ai-enabled-smart-glasses-for-visually-impaired-people/

24) Autism Diagnosis Rates Tripled in Less Than Two Decades. What Does That Mean for Schools?

Researchers at Rutgers University recently published a study in the journal Pediatrics finding that autism diagnosis rates among 8-year-olds nearly tripled in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area from 2000 to 2016. A CDC study from 2021 had similar statistics nationwide — 1 in 44 children diagnosed with autism:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/02/02/new-study-indicates-percentage-children-autism-climbing/11156966002/

25) Accessible Parenting Tips for When You Have a Baby

It's practically a rite of passage for new parents to spend time researching the best baby gear, setting up the nursery, and wondering just how much life will change with the addition of their little one. If you have a physical disability, it's no different. You just might have to modify some of the standard baby equipment to work for you or use it in different ways than other parents:
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/accessible-parenting-tips?src=RSS_PUBLIC

26) A Mother's Reflections on Parenting a Child with a Visual Impairment

My name is LaQuesa Wright. I am a mother of three. Demetria Ober is my 22-year-old daughter who was born with a rare eye condition called congenital maculopathy. Unfortunately, we were unaware of her visual impairment until she was ten years old. As a child, Demetria was your everyday curious, playful, happy kid. There were no signs of a visual impairment. She was always a straight-A student; she played with her sister and all of the other kids and just did all of the average kid things. Now that we know she is visually impaired, as I look back, I do think there were signs. As a parent, I didn't want to believe that my child had any imperfections:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/a-mothers-reflections-on-parenting-a-child-with-a-visual-impairment/

27) Hadley Workshops | Guide Dog Series | Hadley

Explore common questions, concerns, pros and cons for getting a guide dog in this series of Workshops. Do you have a friend, relative, or client who doesn't use a computer? We are happy to send large print, digital talking book audio, or braille versions of our workshops in the mail:
https://hadley.edu/workshops/guide-dogs-series

28) Global Report On Health Equity For Persons With Disabilities | Analysis & Policy Observatory

This incredibly thorough report can be launched or downloaded as an accessible PDF. Please note that it is 312 pages long and 12MB in size:
https://apo.org.au/node/321028

29) Surge in Young People Declaring Disability in England and Wales

One in seven women in their 20s have been classed as disabled, after the census for England and Wales included mental health in its question about disability for the first time. The number of young women aged 10 to 19 declaring a disability almost doubled and among those aged 20 to 24 it almost tripled in England to 15%. The increase among young males was smaller but still significant:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/feb/08/surge-in-young-people-declaring-disability-in-england-and-wales

30) Building Graphics Literacy Skills of U.S. Braille Readers in Grades 2-5

Do you have a 2nd-5th grade braille reader who would benefit from building accuracy and efficiency with braille line plots, pictographs, and bar graphs? If you said "YES" to this question, you and your student are invited to take part in a research study during spring 2023:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/building-graphics-literacy-skills-of-u-s-braille-readers-in-grades-2-5/

31) Talk with Your Doctor About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

This guide helps people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have better, more informative conversations with their doctor about their condition. It includes questions for the eye doctor and a tracker that patients can use to understand how AMD affects their life:
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-campaigns-and-resources/outreach-materials/talk-your-doctor-about-amd

32) The Dark-Dining Restaurant That Employs 100% Visually-Impaired Staff

Dark dining — which involves going to a restaurant with lighting so dark that you can't see any of the food — has become a hot food trend, but for the staff at one dark dining restaurant, it's an everyday reality. Madrid's Dans le Noir (whose name is French for "in the dark") exclusively hires blind and partially sighted employees who know precisely what it's like to dark-dine:
https://www.thedailymeal.com/1196875/the-dark-dining-restaurant-that-employs-100-visually-impaired-staff/

33) Clarke Reynolds Creatively Uses Braille To Showcase His Work As An Artist Who Happens To Be Blind | YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py_AuNUwTKU

34) ASU Computer Scientists Work To Build A Better Tomorrow For Visually Impaired Students

A group of students earned a grant to create EquiBraille, a braille board for in-person classes:
https://www.statepress.com/article/2023/01/asu-students-create-equibraille-to-help-visually-impaired

35) Visually-Impaired Canadian Woman Sets Records On The World's Tallest Mountains

A Canadian climber is reaching remarkable heights and shattering records along the way. Jill Wheatley's goal is to summit 14 of the world's tallest mountains and she's nearly halfway there. But what's more significant is where she was forced to climb out of to get to the top. As Jayme Doll reports, Jill is achieving a vision after losing much of her own:
https://globalnews.ca/video/9482331/visually-impaired-canadian-woman-sets-records-on-the-worlds-tallest-mountains/

➜ 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.

February 20th 2023 | Project INSPIRE: Spring 2023 | Paths To Literacy | 6 Course Offering | Deadline To Register: February 17th 2023

Project INSPIRE will be offering six courses. This includes a new course, Nemeth Code Symbols Used in High School and Strategies for Supporting Math Learning. We are offering the opportunity for you to take ONE of the courses. You may choose from the following courses:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/project-inspire-spring-2023/

February 21st 2023 | Don't Hesitate to Communicate, Vispero's Own Blindness and Diversity Awareness Workshop | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Presenters: Amy Albin (she/her), HR Intern, Vispero. Amy Albin (she/her) has been Vispero's HR intern since September 2022. She will lead a unique workshop to spark open conversations about how sighted and blind/vision impaired people can interact comfortably together. You will learn tools that apply not just to sighted and blind/vision impaired people but also to anyone who is a member of a marginalized group. Whether you are sighted or blind/vision impaired, you will learn techniques to facilitate constructive communication with the diverse people in all areas of your life:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-february-21-at-12pm-et-dont-hesitate-to-communicate-visperos-own-blindness-and-diversity-awareness-workshop/

February 22nd 2023 | How to Teach Blind Football to Visually Impaired Female Footballers | Online Seminar | IBSA Blind Football Sports Committee

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT on 3/23
The IBSA Blind Football Sports Committee is proud to present the third online seminar of the year. This time the topic will be "How to Teach Blind Football to Visually Impaired Female Footballers," which will be held on February 22nd at 7pm (CET), with support provided by UEFA. It will be free of charge for all participants:
https://ibsasport.org/how-to-teach-blind-football-to-visually-impaired-female-footballers-online-seminar/

February 22nd 2023 | Outa Sight Solutions for Leveling Up Your Literacy | The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 3/23
Join this interactive webinar from the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. as we explore and demonstrate several accessible apps and resources to bring digital and printed information to your ears and fingertips. We will compare the recently released BookShare reader with other mainstream apps including Kindle and Apple Books, and explore a new look and feature set for some familiar favorites. For those who are newly blind or struggling with degenerative eye conditions like Macular Degeneration, we will briefly discuss strategies for figuring out which app or solution may be best for you. Come learn how to read it your way! After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please contact Tim Paulding at tpaulding@lhblind.org ✉ if you have any questions or need assistance registering for this event. Register in advance for this webinar at:
https://thelighthousefortheblindinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MVC0VwApSLaszwSmhPkbHw

February 22nd 2023 | RUBY Handheld Magnifiers: A Vision Solution for Every Situation (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Did you know there are five RUBY models to help with your low vision needs? RUBY handheld video magnifiers provide the help that many people with low vision need to read a text and see details. All RUBY models have a crisp, sharp image, high-contrast modes, and built-in LEDs. The streamlined design means RUBY can go with you anywhere, giving you easy access to photos, letters, prescriptions, packaging labels, and menus, even in a dark restaurant. With its broad range of adjustable, undistorted magnification, a RUBY video magnifier outperforms a drawerful of traditional magnifiers. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity with Joe McDaniel from Vispero to discuss the features and benefits of all the RUBY models and the assistance each can give in specific situations. 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 RUBY models. How to determine the right size for you. How adding speech capability can take you further. RUBY Handheld Magnifiers: A Vision Solution for Every Situation | Meeting ID: 858 1556 3463 | Passcode: 691785 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,85815563463#,,,,*691785# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85815563463?pwd=WENJdjFQcS9rdWtoMm1QeDJwRU9mZz09#success

February 22nd 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed “Special Education Boss”. The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they “received” their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

February 24th 2023 | Type At The Speed Of Mind With Lightkey AI Writing Assistant | NOAT

11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT
Lightkey is an innovative AI-powered writing assistant that is optimized for conditions such as dyslexia, dexterity and visual impairment. Lightkey gradually learns the user's writing style and offers inline text predictions and real-time spelling/grammar corrections. Lightkey works in over 80 languages including English, French, Spanish, Italian and many more. Don't miss out. Registration is now open. Visit the event page for more details and to save your space for this webinar:
https://sites.google.com/NOAT.ca/events/?pli=1

February 26th 2023 | How The Blind Can Do STEM (Louis Maher)

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT on 3/27
Zoom Conference. The Science and Engineering Division of the National Federation of the Blind and the National Association of Blind Students are presenting a joint Zoom conference on how blind college and graduate students, and blind professionals, are succeeding in courses and Careers to do with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Zoom conference link will be the standard NABS Zoom link shown at the bottom of this message. The call will occur at 8 PM EST through 9 PM EST on Sunday, February 26, 2023. Topics will be of interest for blind students in middle school, high school, college and graduate school and professionals. Parents of blind school-aged children and educators are also welcome. Currently, the scheduled speakers, topics, talk descriptions, and speaker introductions, are: Opening Remarks: Trisha Kulkarni, president National Association of Blind Students, and John Miller, president Science and Engineering Division (8 PM EST) Speaker: Ken Perry (8:15 PM EST). Title: Producing Hardware as A Blind Engineer:
https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/3406

February 27th 2023 to March 2nd 2023 | Apply By January 23rd 2023 | Accessible Customer-Centered Communications Workshop | NSITE & Baker Communications, Inc. In Partnership

NSITE, the first organization to provide a continuum of employment services for individuals who are blind or face vision loss, has partnered with one of the leading sales training providers, Baker Communications Inc. (BCI), to offer a virtual instructor-led delivery of their Customer-Centered Communications workshop. This highly engaging and participatory accessible workshop, delivered over four consecutive days (four hours per session), covers a comprehensive six-part system of organized customer communications and selling. After the program, participants will be able to build greater trust with customers, deliver specific customer outcomes effectively, and achieve world-class customer service and sales performance. All NSITE programs are adapted for the learning styles of blind and low-vision learners. Therefore, qualified applicants who are blind or have low vision receive enrollment preference in case classes fill up. Program runs February 27 to March 2, 2023. Apply by January 23rd 2023:
https://bit.ly/NSITE-CCC

February 28th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

March 6th 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH

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/

March 7th 2023 | iBUG Today 12-Week Mac Course Begins

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT on 3/8
We are pleased to announce that iBUG Today will be offering a 12-week Mac course beginning Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Sessions take place every Tuesday evening on Zoom from 7:00 to 8:15 PM Central Time. There is also a review session every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 Central time. The course requirements and topics are listed below. 1. Participate in all classes with no more than one absence. 2. Attend at least half of all study sessions. 3. Complete homework assignments, which include reading, Mac practice, and providing oral answers to some of the focus questions from each lesson. 4. Attend the monthly iBUG Mac-N-Talk conference call. Three are included in this course. 5. Must be able to follow classroom instruction consisting of lecture and live demonstrations. 6. All course sessions are conducted in a group format; one-on-one training will not be provided. 7. Basic knowledge of Windows, iOS, and/or other operating systems may be useful as a reference point but is not required. 8. The course will be most beneficial for students who have Macs newer than 2017 that are compatible with macOS 13 Ventura. All sessions will be conducted via Zoom remote conferencing, a free application available for both computer and phone that may be found at http://zoom.us and in the iOS and Android app stores. Lecture recordings will be made available to review class material between sessions. The recorded sessions may also be posted to the iBUG Today website and social media for use by interested individuals who are not otherwise able to take the course. Please do not sign up if you are uncomfortable being recorded. During the class, you will be part of an email list for the receiving of announcements and discussion of course material. If you are interested in enrolling, please complete the course application at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-bXX_38CWIS7sUY0nC_7IDAqUfAXKb9LG4jt4ihQd6lPT1A/viewform?usp=sf_link

March 8th 2023 | Ability Summit | Microsoft

Ability Summit is a free digital event on March 8, 2023. Discover new accessible technology, learn from leaders with disabilities, and explore how accessibility empowers everyone within an organization, your community, and so much more. During the event, there will be opportunities to learn how everyone can imagine new technologies, leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Assistive Technology, and Inclusive Design to invent the future of inclusion; include people with disabilities and allies in a more inclusive workplace and society; and build technology to empower every person to achieve more:
https://abilitysummit.eventcore.com/home

March 8th 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed “Special Education Boss”. The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they “received” their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

March 11th 2023 | Using Garage Band App to Create a Song | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

March 13th 2023 through March 17th 2023 | 2023 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

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/

March 15th 2023 and March 16th 2023 | 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference

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/

March 17th 2023 | On My Terms: Working With Visual Assistance Apps | Older Individuals Who Are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC)

12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 8PM GMT
What could someone do if they had visual assistance whenever they needed it, not just when it was convenient for someone else? Banking, shopping, traveling, cooking, setting a thermostat, getting knowledgeable help with the computer — a whole range of aging-in-place tasks can be done with assistance from a smartphone app. Join Aira's Jenine Stanley and Be My Eyes' Hans Wiberg to learn more about visual interpreting and specialized help through their apps. Find out how visual assistance fits into the tools to access the world as someone who is blind or low vision:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcOytrTwrG9eXb-eE_kJSY1RM4_8amlEU

March 21st 2023 | Small Changes for Big Impact: Creating Accessible Word Documents | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Microsoft Word has features that help you create documents that are accessible to people with disabilities. By using these features, you can help readers receive your message clearly. If you don't, your message might not get through to your readers — with or without disabilities. In this session, we'll discuss: Using Word's built-in Accessibility Checker to help identify issues. Common accessibility issues and how to prevent or address them. Accessibility considerations that may benefit all users and not just users with disabilities. Word documents intended for conversion to PDF and more. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-21-at-12pm-et-small-changes-for-big-impact-creating-accessible-word-documents/

March 21st 2023 and March 22nd 2023 | Multiple Perspectives 2023 | Americans With Disabilities Act Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion, & Disability Conference | Ohio State University

"It is time to move beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law; to shift our focus from redressing human and environmental problems through remedial design to preventing problems through holistic design." -Leslie Kanes Weisman. As a modern land grant university, an important part of Ohio State University's mission is outreach and engagement, serving the community through a variety of activities. During the tenth anniversary year of the Americans With Disabilities Act the Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion And Disability conference was created to help fulfill this mission. In short, the goal of the conference is to encourage the kind of change suggested by Leslie Kanes Weisman in the opening quote. It is hoped that the annual conference will serve as a catalyst for positive change and a springboard for collaborations with our partners in education, business, public, and social service. Each year a series of workshops will provide a forum for individuals and organizations to expand their knowledge and perspectives, and an opportunity to increase community resources through the synergy of collaboration. The workshops are designed to bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. To ensure broad participation from the university community, business, state and local government, educators, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and individuals with disabilities sponsors are sought each year to subsidize conference participants. Register:
https://ada.osu.edu/ada-conference

March 22nd 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed “Special Education Boss”. The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they “received” their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

March 28th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

April 5th 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH

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/

April 8th 2023 | How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

April 25th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

May 3rd 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH

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/

May 9th 2023 through May 12th 2023 | John Slatin AccessU 2023 | Knowbility

Join us virtually or in Austin, TX. John Slatin AccessU is an annual conference where tech professionals, content creators, policymakers, and advocates come together for deep learning in accessible digital design:
https://knowbility.org/programs/john-slatin-accessu-2023

May 13th 2023 | Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

May 16th 2023 through May 18th 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | Nomensa

Nomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtua11y-web-accessibility-conference-2023-tickets-505953880677

May 18th 2023 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Help us celebrate the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments:
https://accessibility.day/

June 2nd 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023

6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 2PM GMT
We would love for you to share your accessibility knowledge during our sixth annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023! As in former years, this virtual conference is FREE for all attendees. This year's ASC event will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 8:00-4:00 CST. As a conference participant you will be able to attend sessions and engage in valuable networking with like-minded professionals. We are soliciting presentations from all experience levels and backgrounds, so please visit the ASC Conference Home Page for more information and to submit a proposal. The session proposal deadline is Friday, February 17th, 2023. What is Accessibility Summer Camp (ASC)? The Accessibility Summer Camp is a FREE annual conference with the goal of connecting professionals and educators with best practices in accessibility and Universal Design. Over the past few years, the ASC conference has grown to become one of the most popular accessibility conferences in the country. Our mission is to provide accessibility professional development that empowers attendees to create high quality, accessible learning environments while removing barriers for all individuals who have a desire to learn:
https://www.accessibilityict.org/

May 23rd 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

June 7th 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH

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/

June 27th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

July 25th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

August 22nd 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

September 21st 2023 | Inclusive Design 24

Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between:
https://inclusivedesign24.org/2023/

September 26th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

October 24th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

November 6th 2023 through November 10th 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)

Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado:
https://accessinghigherground.org/

November 28th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

December 26th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

➜ Directories

1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directory

https://www.accessinformationnews.com/email-newsletter-directory.html

Access Information News Sponsor Classified Ads:

Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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

➜ Classified Advertisement: Try Talking Labels That Work With Your Smartphone For Just $9.99!

Get all the different types of WayTags so you can try the BEST accessible labeling system around. Use the coupon code TryTags to get a WayTag Sampler Pack for just $9.99. Plus, you get FREE shipping. Use the WayTags along with the free mobile app to label your things with a description and other important details, so you can spend less time figuring out what things are, and more time getting things done.
https://www.wayaround.com/shop/sampler-pack/?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

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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: Clusiv

Sponsor Since: January 16th 2023

Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐

About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info.

➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses

➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients

➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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.

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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.

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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:
https://accessready.org/

Sponsor Since: December 1st 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 Business or Organization Name Here

➜ Classified Advertisement: Your Weekly Classified Advertisement Title Here (128 characters or less including spaces.)

Your weekly Classified Advertisement here.
(512 characters or less including spaces.) 
 
 
 

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.

10 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  10  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.

Access Information News Supporters:

We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!

Access Information News Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or on an annual basis in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication.

One Time Donation: If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.

Annual Donation: If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.

Exposure: All Access Information News Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Access Information News website.

Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Access Information News possible.

Platinum Supporters:

Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.

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Access Information News Team:

Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)

➜ Classified Advertisement: Is Your Business or Organization Looking to Hire a Professional, Part-Time, Remote Digital Marketer? Aaron Di Blasi, PMP, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., is Seeking a New Client Partnership. Hire Direct And Pay No Agency Fee.

Could your business or organization use help with your digital marketing workflow? Tasks like website administration, article assembly and publication, graphic design, website updates, email newsletter blasts and social media scheduling? Aaron Di Blasi, Owner and Sr. Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. is seeking a new client partnership. Learn more at:
https://mvsltd.com/news/is-your-business-or-organization-looking-to-hire-a-professional-digital-marketer-aaron-di-blasi-pmp-mind-vault-solutions-ltd-is-seeking-a-new-client-partnership/

Volunteer Publisher Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)

In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News as a not-for-profit project on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editorial Contributor to Access Information News.

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor #1: John Hanlin (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, John also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons.

John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

John Hanlin, Esq.

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor #2: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, Jenna also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and runs her own Digital Marketing Firm.

Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.

Jenna Lang, PMP

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor #3: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6th 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, David is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.

In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.

He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.

David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.

David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.

As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.

Twitter: @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.

David Woodbridge

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/ 🌐

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Access Information News for Monday, February 13, 2023 - Volume 897

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.

Subscribers: 10,692 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email.

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Join Industry Leaders And Begin Reaching Over 10,000 Access Professionals, Educators and Enthusiasts, All Over The World, Each Week. All While Supporting The Ongoing Distribution of This Publication For Those Very Same Readers. Only $100 USD Per Month. While Packages Last. This Issue Made Possible By Support From The Following Sponsors:

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Dear Access Information News Subscriber,

Submit your Access Information News item for free, with timing and placement determined by our editors, using this form: https://www.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.) 3 AI-Powered Smart Glasses Giving Sight To The Blind And The Visually-Impaired (7.2% of all clicks.)
AI technology is changing how visually impaired people experience the world. As technology advances, the potential for assistive devices to improve the lives of those with visual impairments is becoming a reality. One area that has seen significant growth in recent years is the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled smart glasses. Integrated with AI technology, these smart glasses can analyze the environment and provide real-time audio cues to the wearer, such as describing the objects around them or reading out text:
https://www.jumpstartmag.com/3-ai-powered-smart-glasses-giving-sight-to-the-blind-and-the-visually-impaired/

B.) Cane And Able Fitness Is Making The Gym Less Intimidating For People With Visual Impairments (6.5% of all clicks.)
Plus, the most important exercises for people with visual impairments to add to their workout routine:
https://www.shape.com/cane-able-fitness-visual-impairment-tips-7095921

C.) Ten Things Hospitals Can Do to Be More Inclusive and Accessible | David Goldfield (5.9% of all clicks.)
During the past twelve months I have spent a lot of time visiting and supporting my wife in two different hospitals. I have become keenly aware of how these places often lack accessibility which would make the experience easier and more inclusive for both patients as well as their visitors. I have nothing but admiration and respect for the medical professionals who have done so much to assist and support my wife. The following list is in no way meant as a criticism of the doctors, nurses, surgeons, respiratory therapists and other specialists who have provided support to us. These people should be honored and respected as much as our military and its veterans. Indeed, some of the people I have met in the medical field are true warriors and war heroes and I am in awe of them and what they do. They see death on a regular basis. Many of them are called to save lives. Sometimes they do save those lives. Other times they are unable to do so. I cannot imagine the effect on them of this amazing and necessary work. That being said I've had some ideas of how hospitals could be so much more inclusive. These ideas would not require technology that we don't already have. Some would require a financial investment but they wouldn't require new technologies to be designed. While I don't have time right now to work on this I'd like to help engage in advocacy at a later and more convenient time to see if we can turn some of these ideas into reality:
https://davidgoldfield.wordpress.com/2023/01/29/ten-things-hospitals-can-do-to-be-more-inclusive-and-accessible/

D.) Misophonia: How 'Sound Rage' Destroys Relationships And Forces People To Move Home (4.3% of all clicks.)
Sent into apoplexy by whistling noses? Can't bear the sound of people eating? You could be one of the many people affected by this potentially debilitating condition:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jan/26/misophonia-how-sound-rage-destroys-relationships-and-forces-people-to-move-home

E.) Neural Imaging Reveals Secret Conversational Cues (4.1% of all clicks.)
Complex signals and subliminal signs underpin all human verbal communication — and a real-time translation is on the horizon:
https://www.wired.com/story/neuroscience-imaging-conversation/

2) Sponsorship Package Updates

Are you an access-based business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 10,000 access professionals each week? If so, 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 Advertisement dates up to one year in advance. If you've 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. Availability: There are currently 10 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. Advertising Benefits: Review a complete list of advertising benefits here:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-information.html#sponsorship-package-benefits

3) Access Information News Click-To-Vote Quick Poll #897 | Sponsored By: Access Ready, Inc.

Question: With Title II of the "Americans With Disabilities Act" and the "Help America Vote Act" so clearly defining that the entire election process must be as accessible as possible to a wide range of people with disabilities, and with technology making access available, why do states and local jurisdictions resist expanding accessibility?

A.) There is widespread confusion related to the requirements both legal and technical that govern what must be accessible in the election system.
Click-To-Vote A Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll897-a

B.) The commitment from the government to provide accessible elections is being undermined by poll workers in many cases who do not understand why access is necessary.
Click-To-Vote B Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll897-b

C.) Cost is often sighted as the reason not to expand access, even though building in accessibility from the outset does not significantly increase price.
Click-To-Vote C Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll897-c

D.) Indifference by election technology developers toward accessible election products beyond the act of voting are based on the fear of cost and lackluster support by disability leaders for accessible products.
Click-To-Vote D Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll897-d

E.) All of the above play a part in limiting the growth of accessible elections to some degree.
Click-To-Vote E Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll897-e

Poll Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll897

4) Introducing 1-833-USE-UBER, A New Way To Ride

Introducing a new way to ride with Uber: 1-833-USE-UBER. We understand that some people would prefer to talk to someone on the phone, so we created the option to call us to request your ride.1-833-USE-UBER is currently only available in Florida, California and Arizona, but we're hoping to expand the service nationwide soon. You can request your ride 7 days a week, from 4am — 10pm EST by phone. You can request a ride anytime via the mobile app or online at m.uber.com, available in over 50 cities:
https://www.uber.com/en-US/blog/1-833-use-uber/

5) Welcome To Wildebeest: The Fediverse On Cloudflare

Publisher: This is a truly incredible development that should make spinning up Mastodon instances much faster, much safer, and much more cost-effective in the long term. Cloudflare: The Fediverse has been a hot topic of discussion lately, with thousands, if not millions, of new users creating accounts on platforms like Mastodon to either move entirely to "the other side" or experiment and learn about this new social network. Today we're introducing Wildebeest, an open-source, easy-to-deploy ActivityPub and Mastodon-compatible server built entirely on top of Cloudflare's Supercloud. If you want to run your own spot in the Fediverse you can now do it entirely on Cloudflare:
https://blog.cloudflare.com/welcome-to-wildebeest-the-fediverse-on-cloudflare/

6) John Fetterman Is Using Assistive Technology in the Senate

The 164-year-old Senate chamber was not designed for wires and screens. Senators aren't even allowed to use their phones when they're inside. But to help with freshman Senator John Fetterman's stroke recovery, the chamber just got a digital upgrade. As Fetterman learns how to do his new job while struggling with lingering auditory processing issues resulting from the stroke, he's relying on some extra tech. The new assistive technology installed in his workspaces requires some adjustment from colleagues in an institution known for its stagnancy. But in securing the devices that are helping him begin a new job during a very public recovery process, advocates say Fetterman is forging a path for people with disabilities and health challenges to make it in public office:
https://time.com/6251752/john-fetterman-stroke-recovery-assistive-technology/

7) ChatGPT Needs to Learn More on Screen Readers, Critical Factual Errors Are Present | The Idea Place | Kelly Ford

Last week a colleague from my days at Microsoft wrote an excellent analysis of the current functionality using ChatGPT and a basic question in HTML. I had been dabbling with questions from time to time around accessibility and ChatGPT myself but hadn't written anything formal up. Now I have:
https://theideaplace.net/chatgpt-needs-to-learn-more-on-screen-readers-critical-factual-errors-are-present/

8) Last Week In The Fediverse, Episode 4 | The Fediverse Report

Welcome to another episode of Last Week in the Fediverse! The major theme of this week is news around technical infrastructure. Mastodon.social experiences a DDoS attack, Twitter shuts down free access to the API, Stanford is called on by the community to start their own Mastodon server, and new tools get released with some interesting implications on the capabilities of the Fediverse:
https://fediversereport.com/last-week-in-the-fediverse-ep-4

9) Let's Grow, Seed Library | Vision Australia

Editor (Woodbridge): This is an excellent program from Vision Australia for families with young blind or low vision children to get in to the joys of gardening in an inclusive manner. Vision Australia: Vision Australia Library's Let's Grow! Seed Library is a free subscription program for library members and their families. The program is a hands-on way for children to experience the delights of gardening, including the tactile experience of planting seeds, feeling plants grow and the smells and tastes of home-grown produce and flowers:
https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/library/seed-library

10) Make Your Super Bowl Watch Party Accessible With These 6 Inclusive Gathering Ideas

The Super Bowl is right around the corner, and that means friends and loved ones across the neighborhood and down the street will soon gather for the big game. For the important people in your social circle who may live with vision loss, mobility issues, hearing loss, or other health conditions, however, sometimes getting acclimated to unfamiliar surroundings in large groups can be a stressful experience. Perhaps worst of all, what happens if the right accessibility aids aren't in place for others to enjoy the action?
https://reviewed.usatoday.com/accessibility/features/inclusive-accessible-party-ideas-for-disabilities

11) Improve Human Connection in Video Conferences with NVIDIA Maxine Eye Contact | NVidia

Publisher: This is a truly amazing and somewhat game changing innovation for sighted video conferencing. NVIDIA: Video conferencing is at the heart of several streaming use cases such as vlogging, vtubing, webcasting, and even video streaming for remote work. To create an increased sense of presence and pick up on both verbal and non-verbal cues, video conferencing technology must enable users to see and hear clearly. Eye contact plays a key role in establishing social connections and in face-to-face conversations it signifies confidence, connection, and attention. However, continuously making eye contact is not feasible in video conferencing scenarios. It requires users continuously look directly at their cameras and not at their computer displays. This can be difficult if one is reading off a script or reviewing data on a computer screen. Maintaining eye contact is also sometimes challenging for various physiological reasons. Many children and adults struggle to make and maintain eye contact. To improve, augment, and enhance the user experience, we have developed NVIDIA Maxine Eye Contact. This feature uses AI to apply a filter to the user's webcam feed in real time and redirects their eye gaze toward the camera:
https://developer.nvidia.com/blog/improve-human-connection-in-video-conferences-with-nvidia-maxine-eye-contact/

12) The Best Universal TV Remotes For Seniors Or The Disabled Of 2023

When it comes to the best accessible design, the Xfinity Large Button Voice Remote is hard to beat. From its layout to its functionality, every part of this product demonstrates that it's a remote designed with accessibility in mind:
https://reviewed.usatoday.com/accessibility/best-right-now/best-universal-tv-remotes-seniors-disabled#xfinity-xra-large-button-voice-remote-review

13) How Innovation Sets Me Backwards | Aubrie Lee

Tech that could be enabling me is impairing me instead:
https://immerse.news/how-innovation-sets-me-backwards-91b30e0b6b95

14) Sam of "The Blind Life" Shares About His Access Technology YouTube Channel

Here's why I started a YouTube channel for the blind/ low vision with over 50,000 subscribers. In 2013, I was creating videos for a mobile technology channel and decided to sneak in a video about how to get larger font on your mobile device. I realized there were several comments from Visually Impaired People (VIPs) thanking me for the information. That got me wondering what other resources are available on YouTube for the blind and low vision community. I was shocked at how little content there was aimed at my community. I searched for my own eye disease, Stargardt disease, and found almost nothing. Based on the response from that first video and a couple more I made shortly after, I decided there was a need for a channel dedicated to those who are blind or low vision:
https://aphcareerconnect.org/blog/careerconnect-blog/sam-of-the-blind-life-shares-about-his-access-technology-youtube-channel/

15) Aira Update on the Prices of Add-on and Purchased Minutes | February 1st 2023

You may have noticed in your Aira app that the prices listed for Add-on/Purchased Minutes haven't changed and still reflect the 2022 pricing. It's not a mistake. We listened to your feedback about wanting offset pricing for these minutes. You can continue to buy Add-on/Purchased Minutes at 2022 prices through February 28, 2023. Beginning on March 1, 2023, Purchased Minutes will be sold at "offset" prices as follows:
https://aira.io/minutes/

16) Vision Australia Partners With Amazon Alexa To Help Older Aussies With Vision Disabilities

Editor (Woodbridge): This partnership between Amazon and Vision Australia was intended to give more people over the age of 65 more independence by using the Amazon Echo in their daily lives. The program was delivered over 8 sessions and included additional support, including setting up the device in participants homes. Vision Australia: Afternoons with Deborah Knight: How A New Technology Partnership Aims To Help Older Aussies:
https://omny.fm/shows/afternoons-with-deborah-knight/how-a-new-technology-partnership-aims-to-help-olde

17) Company Accessibility Support Resources Contact List | Rita's iDevice Advice for February 6, 2023

This list is by no means, inclusive. There are so many resources for persons with visual impairment. These are just a sample of helpful resources. With a welcomed emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, numerous companies now offer specialized support services for customers with vision loss. They are there to help you get the most out of their products and to ensure your devices are set up right, to accommodate your needs:
https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/3402

18) Companies Are Turning To AI For Hiring Which Could Lead To Discrimination

This is an informative article concerning how discrimination can happen when AI makes preset decisions on things like your resume or your body language/speech in a submitted video for a job:
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/31/1152652093/ai-artificial-intelligence-bot-hiring-eeoc-discrimination

19) Challenges And Frustrations I Experience Being Totally Blind, Dealing With Statuses Of Devices With LEDs

Because most devices are designed by sighted people, for other sighted people, lights are used to tell the person statuses like on/off etc. For those who can see, it's super easy, quick and efficient. For those who are totally blind, it's only frustrating at best:
https://accessibility-insights.com/2023/02/07/challenges-and-frustrations-i-experience-being-totally-blind-dealing-with-statuses-of-devices-with-leds/

20) How to Use Your Smart Phone to Counter Vision Loss | Wired

Editor (Woodbridge): An interesting mainstream article concerning how to best use your smart phone if you have varying degrees of vision loss. Wired: From Magnifier to Lookout, you can benefit from features on Android and Apple devices:
https://www.wired.com/story/smartphone-features-blind-vision-impairment/

21) Disability Advocate Molly Burke Talks Accessible Products For The Blind Community

Is Alexa the secret to making your home smart and accessible? Anyone with a passing interest in technology has some knowledge of the advantages of smart home devices. For many, they allow us to talk to Alexa, Google, or Siri to easily toggle lights and perform basic residential tasks. For those in the blind-and-low-vision community, like popular beauty/style influencer Molly Burke, they're a lifeline to interaction in a touchscreen-obsessed world full of benefits and challenges:
https://reviewed.usatoday.com/accessibility/features/molly-burke-blind-community-influencer-talks-product-accessibility

22) How to Create an Effective Tactile Graphic | Meryl Evans | Equal Entry

Lauren's first lesson was how to decide whether or not you should create a tactile graphic of an object. She shared the following scenarios in which creating a tactile graphic might be useful and provided examples:
https://equalentry.com/create-tactile-graphics/

23) No One Can Stay In The Quietest Room In The World For More Than An Hour

Silence is golden — unless you find yourself in the quietest room in the world. In 2015, Microsoft built what is now in the Guinness Book of World Records as the quietest place on the planet. Known as the anechoic chamber at the company's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, "ultra-sensitive tests" performed in 2015 gave an average background noise reading of -20.35 dBA (decibels A-weighted — a measurement of the sound pressure level:)
https://nypost.com/2023/02/02/inside-the-worlds-quietest-room-at-microsofts-headquarters/

24) How Sony's Project Leonardo Could Make Gaming More Accessible Than Ever

Project Leonardo could be the next milestone in accessible gaming, giving current and potential gamers the chance to play games without limits:
https://www.makeuseof.com/sony-project-leonardo-could-make-gaming-more-accessible/

25) Apple TV Owners can Accept Terms Without an iPhone or iPad

Editor (Woodbridge): Finally there is a support document from Apple to allow non iPhone or iPad users to agree to the terms and conditions via logging in to their iCloud account to give them access to their Apple TV. After all, you just want to buy a streaming box, why should you have to have a secondary device to allow you to logon?
https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/02/10/apple-tv-owners-can-accept-icloud-terms-without-an-iphone-or-ipad

26) This Blind Scientist Has Created An AI-Powered Suitcase For People Who Can't See

Chieko Asakawaa, a computer scientist and IBM researcher who lost her sight completely when she was 14 due to an accident, She exemplifies how visually impaired people may overcome their condition and achieve amazing things. But, as someone who has always battled with navigating strange and congested environments, Asakawa devised a method to assist the visually handicapped in getting around. She created an AI-powered suitcase for the blind. This innovative creation is aimed at providing independence and convenience to blind individuals, allowing them to travel more freely and comfortably. The AI-powered suitcase uses computer vision technology and deep learning algorithms to detect obstacles in the user's path and guide them safely around them. The suitcase can also recognize and announce street names, store locations, and other important landmarks, providing real-time information to the user through headphones or a built-in speaker. The device is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making it a valuable companion for blind travelers:
https://wonderfulengineering.com/this-blind-scientist-has-created-an-ai-powered-suitcase-for-people-who-cant-see/

27) 40% Of Online Shops Tricking Users With "Dark Patterns" | Malwarebytes

The European Commission has been looking at retail websites to see if they're misleading consumers with "dark patterns". Spoiler: Yes, they are. The Commission, along with the national consumer protection authorities of 23 EU member states, plus Norway and Iceland, have released the results of their screening of online shops. In a sweep of 399 sites the investigation discovered that 148 of them contained at least one of the three dark patterns they were checked for:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2023/01/european-commission-goes-after-dark-patterns-in-web-shops

28) Zwift Is "The Most Inaccessible App Out There" Claim Visually Impaired Cyclists — But When Will Zwift Fix It?

Despite the rapid progression of virtual cycling platforms in recent years, none of them currently offer tech such as audio cues in place of visual ones in all scenarios for cyclists with visual impairments. What is Zwift doing about it?
https://road.cc/content/feature/will-zwift-fix-inaccessibility-visually-impaired-299061

29) The Wonderful World of Wikki Stix | Paths To Literacy

Wikki Stix have been a long time favorite with occupational therapists (OTs) and teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs):
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/the-wonderful-world-of-wikki-stix/

30) Instacart Perks Cheat Sheet: Everything You Should Take Advantage of This Year

Publisher: I would like to add a tip of my own. I have been living with limited mobility since 2017. Since it's just my wife and I, one of the very first challenges that we had to overcome was how we were going to get groceries into the house now that I could no longer lift them. While my wife has the spirit of a bison she was given the stature of a hare. At just a little over 5 feet herself she too is unable to haul large groceries without a cart. Though she will try. Which concerned me. So we turned to Instacart. And quite honestly, we haven't looked back since. It is important to note that Instacart uses an algorithm to pair shoppers with orders, and, well, you get what you tip for, er, I mean pay for. It's true, better tips give you better shoppers. What does that mean? Well, the shoppers that we used to get when we first started using the service (a time when we did not tip at all) were almost always unable to find our address at all. And when they could find it they would complain that there were too many heavy items and that we needed to help them. Something that you are not, I repeat, not, required to do. We have our Instacart orders left on our patio. If this happens to you simply tell your shopper that they can return the order if they are unable to deliver it as you have requested. Instacart will give you a full refund. And their rating will dip which will often make them try harder to deliver your order as requested. Sad to say, sure, but it is the way the app works best. You can tip 5, 10, 15 or, 20 percent. Or a custom amount. We will never use the app again without tipping at least 10 percent, though we now tip 15 or 20 regularly, depending on the weight and number of items in the order. And the difference in service is like night and day. There exists a legion of pro Instacart Shoppers out there that take great pride in their Shopper rating. But if you want Instacart to pair them with your order you'll need to make sure that you have, how shall we say, ticked that invisible check box? Instacart: Shopping in person for food or other products has always been a chore, especially when you live with a disability. We only have 24 hours in a day, so many of us have turned to businesses to help us get the food we need easily. One service, the ever popular Instacart, is one of them. Using Instacart today gives you over 700 million grocery listings and 600,000 shoppers, so no matter where you are, you are able to get groceries delivered right to your door. That said, while some people use it casually, there are a ton of perks Instacart has that will make you likely to use it more regularly. Do you want to use Instacart more frequently or get started as a new user? We'll cover all there is to know about Instacart perks so you can get started on your Instacart journey. Want to know more about savings while you shop? Check out our tips on Best Buy Outlet, Amazon's Subscribe and Save and improving your Target shopping experience:
https://www.cnet.com/deals/instacart-perks-cheat-sheet-everything-you-should-take-advantage-of-this-year/#ftag=CAD590a51e

31) New Ways to Pay as you Go with Remote Incident Manager

All the hours you need, when you need them. You've probably been down this road at least once; you're part of what you thought would be a quick remote support session , you've got just a few more things to do, and then the clock runs out on your free session. What to do? Get some hours, that's what:
https://pneumasolutions.com/new-ways-to-pay-as-you-go-with-remote-incident-manager/

32) 6 Ways Technology Can Help You Manage Diabetes

Managing your diabetes is important to avoid the risks of some pretty gnarly side effects, from feeling run down and sluggish to much more serious conditions. The best approach to managing diabetes is a combination of diet, exercise, and medication. At the same time, various pieces of tech can help you monitor blood sugar, plan meals, and provide your body with insulin:
https://www.makeuseof.com/technology-manage-diabetes-ways-help/

33) Antwerp App Helps Blind And Visually Impaired People Cross The Street

Visually impaired and blind people in Antwerp can now use the OKO app to cross intersections with traffic lights. The app, from the Antwerp company AYES, 'reads,' using your smartphone's camera, whether the light is red or green, and thus lets you know when it is safe to cross:
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/364186/antwerp-app-helps-blind-and-visually-impaired-people-cross-the-street

34) Creating an Accessible Valentine's Day Post Box | Paths To Literacy

Make Valentine's Day accessible to children who are blind, deafblind, visually impaired or multiply disabled with accessible post boxes:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/creating-accessible-valentines-day-post-box/

35) Visually Impaired Redwood City Man Left Homebound For 9 Months When Scooter Repairs Stall

It was like the height of the pandemic all over again for a Redwood City, California man. The 82-year-old remained largely homebound for nine months while he hassled over the stalled repair of his only mode of transportation:
https://abc7news.com/amazon-scooter-repair-parts-transportation/12766877/

36) Overview of Assistive Technology for Families with a Child with Blindness or Low Vision | APH FamilyConnect

Technology is everywhere in today's society — from the computer, you are using to visit FamilyConnect to the debit card you used at the grocery store this morning to the remote you click to change channels on your television. Your child who is blind or has low vision will use technology in all facets of life. Sometimes it will be the everyday technology that all people use; sometimes it will be assistive technology, and sometimes the two will overlap:
https://familyconnect.org/assistive-technology/an-overview/

37) Preschool Valentines Book for Children with CVI | Paths To Literacy

This tactile book uses different textures on each red heart to create an accessible book for children with cortical/cerebral visual impairment:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/preschool-valentines-book-children-cvi/

38) 'Who Knows What I Could Be Missing!' Visually Impaired Love Island Fan Criticizes Decision Not To Include Audio Description This Series Despite Having Partially Sighted Contestant Ron Hall

A visually impaired Love Island fan has hit out at ITV's decision not to include an audio description for this winter series despite having a contestant with sight loss. Lynette Proctor, 34, who is a marketing officer for Guide Dogs, and uses a guide dog herself, says she misses much of what is happening on the show because she cannot see:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11720417/Visually-impaired-Love-Island-fan-criticises-lack-audio-description.html

39) Envision Partners with BRAVO VICTOR to Advance Research and Innovation to Help People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Envision, one of the nation's largest employers of and service providers for people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI), has announced a partnership with BRAVO VICTOR, an international research organization headquartered in London and Washington, D.C. BRAVO VICTOR's mission is to accelerate research and explore innovations to prevent, reduce or reverse visual impairment and related conditions and disabilities in order to help veterans and other people to live well with these impairments. The Envision Research Institute, a division of Envision, also believes that through applied research, removing functional barriers for people with blindness or low vision is possible:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/envision-partners-with-bravo-victor-to-advance-research-and-innovation-to-help-people-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired-301739925.html

40) Cincinnati Association For Blind And Visually Impaired Offers New Freight Broker Training Program

The collaborative training program makes it possible for those who are visually impaired to find employment and independence:
https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-association-for-blind-visually-impaired-program/42813939

41) A Return to the Vermont Slopes for Blind Skiers

For the first time in three years, the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) and Vermont Adaptive Sports teamed up to host the 14th USABA Winter Festival at Pico Mountain in Mendon, Vermont. Nineteen athletes with varying visual impairments came from across the country to participate in the post-pandemic return to fun on the snow:
https://www.usaba.org/a-return-to-the-vermont-slopes-for-blind-skiers/

42) Predictable Books | Paths To Literacy

Predictable books promote literacy for children with multiple disabilities, including students who are blind or visually impaired:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/predictable-books/

➜ 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.

February 14th 2023 | Exploring New Accessibility Frontiers with TPGi and the W3C

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Presenter: Matthew Atkinson, TPGi's Principal Accessibility Engineer, and W3C's Accessible Platform Architectures working group co-chair. Several of TPGi's accessibility experts work alongside many others from across industry and academia to further accessibility through the work of the W3C. There's a range of transformative and evolutionary work being done right now, thanks to a collaboration between different groups and organizations. Join Matthew Atkinson, co-chair of the W3C's Accessible Platform Architectures working group, for an overview of a few key strands of exploration and development. Topics to be covered include affording symbol users access to web content, ensuring the Web of Things is accessible to all, and making collaborative authoring accessible. Register:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-february-14-at-12pm-et-exploring-new-accessibility-frontiers-with-tpgi-and-the-w3c/

February 15th 2023 | How Do Accessibility Overlays Impact Assistive Technology? (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Accessibility Overlays from companies like accessiBe, UserWay, and others seem like a quick fix to help you achieve WCAG compliance. However, have you ever wondered how they impact assistive technology users? Join Michael Parker and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity as they demonstrate the impact of accessibility overlays on screen readers and other assistive technology users and explain why developing accessible websites is a much better approach than implementing accessibility overlays. Learning Outcomes: Learn the impact of accessibility overlays on screen reader users. Understand the difference between designing an accessible website and using an accessibility overlay. Learn how to disable accessibility overlays. | Meeting ID: 862 3015 4256 | Passcode: 271210 | One tap mobile: +16694449171,,86230154256#,,,,*271210# US Dial by your location. +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86230154256?pwd=dGpjKzJrcG80aU9LNVNMREFhakRrZz09#success

February 15th 2023 | Giving Up Your Car Keys Is Not The End Of Your Independence | NFB of Maryland Senior Call

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 2/16
Presented by National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Maryland Senior Division. Please join our conversation to explore the emotional decision to give up driving. Discover how to manage your life when you are no longer the one behind the wheel. When: February 15, 2023 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET. Where: NFB of Maryland Conference Call at (339) 209-4083 ☎. All are welcome! For more information about this event or the NFB of Maryland Senior Division please contact Marguerite Woods at (443) 271-1668 ☎ or mwoods719@gmail.com ✉.

February 20th 2023 | Project INSPIRE: Spring 2023 | Paths To Literacy | 6 Course Offering | Deadline To Register: February 17th 2023

Project INSPIRE will be offering six courses. This includes a new course, Nemeth Code Symbols Used in High School and Strategies for Supporting Math Learning. We are offering the opportunity for you to take ONE of the courses. You may choose from the following courses:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/project-inspire-spring-2023/

February 21st 2023 | Don't Hesitate to Communicate, Vispero's Own Blindness and Diversity Awareness Workshop | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Presenters: Amy Albin (she/her), HR Intern, Vispero. Amy Albin (she/her) has been Vispero's HR intern since September 2022. She will lead a unique workshop to spark open conversations about how sighted and blind/vision impaired people can interact comfortably together. You will learn tools that apply not just to sighted and blind/vision impaired people but also to anyone who is a member of a marginalized group. Whether you are sighted or blind/vision impaired, you will learn techniques to facilitate constructive communication with the diverse people in all areas of your life:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-february-21-at-12pm-et-dont-hesitate-to-communicate-visperos-own-blindness-and-diversity-awareness-workshop/

February 22nd 2023 | How to Teach Blind Football to Visually Impaired Female Footballers | Online Seminar | IBSA Blind Football Sports Committee

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT on 3/23
The IBSA Blind Football Sports Committee is proud to present the third online seminar of the year. This time the topic will be "How to Teach Blind Football to Visually Impaired Female Footballers," which will be held on February 22nd at 7pm (CET), with support provided by UEFA. It will be free of charge for all participants:
https://ibsasport.org/how-to-teach-blind-football-to-visually-impaired-female-footballers-online-seminar/

February 22nd 2023 | Outa Sight Solutions for Leveling Up Your Literacy | The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 3/23
Join this interactive webinar from the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. as we explore and demonstrate several accessible apps and resources to bring digital and printed information to your ears and fingertips. We will compare the recently released BookShare reader with other mainstream apps including Kindle and Apple Books, and explore a new look and feature set for some familiar favorites. For those who are newly blind or struggling with degenerative eye conditions like Macular Degeneration, we will briefly discuss strategies for figuring out which app or solution may be best for you. Come learn how to read it your way! After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please contact Tim Paulding at tpaulding@lhblind.org ✉ if you have any questions or need assistance registering for this event. Register in advance for this webinar at:
https://thelighthousefortheblindinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MVC0VwApSLaszwSmhPkbHw

February 22nd 2023 | RUBY Handheld Magnifiers: A Vision Solution for Every Situation (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Did you know there are five RUBY models to help with your low vision needs? RUBY handheld video magnifiers provide the help that many people with low vision need to read a text and see details. All RUBY models have a crisp, sharp image, high-contrast modes, and built-in LEDs. The streamlined design means RUBY can go with you anywhere, giving you easy access to photos, letters, prescriptions, packaging labels, and menus, even in a dark restaurant. With its broad range of adjustable, undistorted magnification, a RUBY video magnifier outperforms a drawerful of traditional magnifiers. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity with Joe McDaniel from Vispero to discuss the features and benefits of all the RUBY models and the assistance each can give in specific situations. 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 RUBY models. How to determine the right size for you. How adding speech capability can take you further. RUBY Handheld Magnifiers: A Vision Solution for Every Situation | Meeting ID: 858 1556 3463 | Passcode: 691785 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,85815563463#,,,,*691785# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85815563463?pwd=WENJdjFQcS9rdWtoMm1QeDJwRU9mZz09#success

February 22nd 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed “Special Education Boss”. The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they “received” their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

February 26th 2023 | How The Blind Can Do STEM (Louis Maher)

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT on 3/27
Zoom Conference. The Science and Engineering Division of the National Federation of the Blind and the National Association of Blind Students are presenting a joint Zoom conference on how blind college and graduate students, and blind professionals, are succeeding in courses and Careers to do with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Zoom conference link will be the standard NABS Zoom link shown at the bottom of this message. The call will occur at 8 PM EST through 9 PM EST on Sunday, February 26, 2023. Topics will be of interest for blind students in middle school, high school, college and graduate school and professionals. Parents of blind school-aged children and educators are also welcome. Currently, the scheduled speakers, topics, talk descriptions, and speaker introductions, are: Opening Remarks: Trisha Kulkarni, president National Association of Blind Students, and John Miller, president Science and Engineering Division (8 PM EST) Speaker: Ken Perry (8:15 PM EST). Title: Producing Hardware as A Blind Engineer:
https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/3406

February 27th 2023 to March 2nd 2023 | Apply By January 23rd 2023 | Accessible Customer-Centered Communications Workshop | NSITE & Baker Communications, Inc. In Partnership

NSITE, the first organization to provide a continuum of employment services for individuals who are blind or face vision loss, has partnered with one of the leading sales training providers, Baker Communications Inc. (BCI), to offer a virtual instructor-led delivery of their Customer-Centered Communications workshop. This highly engaging and participatory accessible workshop, delivered over four consecutive days (four hours per session), covers a comprehensive six-part system of organized customer communications and selling. After the program, participants will be able to build greater trust with customers, deliver specific customer outcomes effectively, and achieve world-class customer service and sales performance. All NSITE programs are adapted for the learning styles of blind and low-vision learners. Therefore, qualified applicants who are blind or have low vision receive enrollment preference in case classes fill up. Program runs February 27 to March 2, 2023. Apply by January 23rd 2023:
https://bit.ly/NSITE-CCC

February 28th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

March 6th 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH

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/

March 8th 2023 | Ability Summit | Microsoft

Ability Summit is a free digital event on March 8, 2023. Discover new accessible technology, learn from leaders with disabilities, and explore how accessibility empowers everyone within an organization, your community, and so much more. During the event, there will be opportunities to learn how everyone can imagine new technologies, leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Assistive Technology, and Inclusive Design to invent the future of inclusion; include people with disabilities and allies in a more inclusive workplace and society; and build technology to empower every person to achieve more:
https://abilitysummit.eventcore.com/home

March 8th 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed “Special Education Boss”. The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they “received” their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

March 11th 2023 | Using Garage Band App to Create a Song | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

March 13th 2023 through March 17th 2023 | 2023 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

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/

March 15th 2023 and March 16th 2023 | 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference

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/

March 21st 2023 | Small Changes for Big Impact: Creating Accessible Word Documents | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT
Microsoft Word has features that help you create documents that are accessible to people with disabilities. By using these features, you can help readers receive your message clearly. If you don't, your message might not get through to your readers — with or without disabilities. In this session, we'll discuss: Using Word's built-in Accessibility Checker to help identify issues. Common accessibility issues and how to prevent or address them. Accessibility considerations that may benefit all users and not just users with disabilities. Word documents intended for conversion to PDF and more. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-21-at-12pm-et-small-changes-for-big-impact-creating-accessible-word-documents/

March 21st 2023 and March 22nd 2023 | Multiple Perspectives 2023 | Americans With Disabilities Act Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion, & Disability Conference | Ohio State University

"It is time to move beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law; to shift our focus from redressing human and environmental problems through remedial design to preventing problems through holistic design." -Leslie Kanes Weisman. As a modern land grant university, an important part of Ohio State University's mission is outreach and engagement, serving the community through a variety of activities. During the tenth anniversary year of the Americans With Disabilities Act the Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion And Disability conference was created to help fulfill this mission. In short, the goal of the conference is to encourage the kind of change suggested by Leslie Kanes Weisman in the opening quote. It is hoped that the annual conference will serve as a catalyst for positive change and a springboard for collaborations with our partners in education, business, public, and social service. Each year a series of workshops will provide a forum for individuals and organizations to expand their knowledge and perspectives, and an opportunity to increase community resources through the synergy of collaboration. The workshops are designed to bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. To ensure broad participation from the university community, business, state and local government, educators, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and individuals with disabilities sponsors are sought each year to subsidize conference participants. Register:
https://ada.osu.edu/ada-conference

March 22nd 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26
This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed “Special Education Boss”. The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they “received” their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here:
https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/

March 28th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

April 5th 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH

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/

April 8th 2023 | How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

April 25th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

May 3rd 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH

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/

May 9th 2023 through May 12th 2023 | John Slatin AccessU 2023 | Knowbility

Join us virtually or in Austin, TX. John Slatin AccessU is an annual conference where tech professionals, content creators, policymakers, and advocates come together for deep learning in accessible digital design:
https://knowbility.org/programs/john-slatin-accessu-2023

May 13th 2023 | Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)

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 ✉

May 16th 2023 through May 18th 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | Nomensa

Nomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtua11y-web-accessibility-conference-2023-tickets-505953880677

May 18th 2023 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Help us celebrate the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments:
https://accessibility.day/

June 2nd 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023

6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 2PM GMT
We would love for you to share your accessibility knowledge during our sixth annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023! As in former years, this virtual conference is FREE for all attendees. This year's ASC event will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 8:00-4:00 CST. As a conference participant you will be able to attend sessions and engage in valuable networking with like-minded professionals. We are soliciting presentations from all experience levels and backgrounds, so please visit the ASC Conference Home Page for more information and to submit a proposal. The session proposal deadline is Friday, February 17th, 2023. What is Accessibility Summer Camp (ASC)? The Accessibility Summer Camp is a FREE annual conference with the goal of connecting professionals and educators with best practices in accessibility and Universal Design. Over the past few years, the ASC conference has grown to become one of the most popular accessibility conferences in the country. Our mission is to provide accessibility professional development that empowers attendees to create high quality, accessible learning environments while removing barriers for all individuals who have a desire to learn:
https://www.accessibilityict.org/

May 23rd 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

June 7th 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH

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/

June 27th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

July 25th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

August 22nd 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

September 21st 2023 | Inclusive Design 24

Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between:
https://inclusivedesign24.org/2023/

September 26th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

October 24th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

November 6th 2023 through November 10th 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)

Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado:
https://accessinghigherground.org/

November 28th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

December 26th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

➜ Directories

1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directory

https://www.accessinformationnews.com/email-newsletter-directory.html

Access Information News Sponsor Classified Ads:

Sponsor: Menus4ALL

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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

➜ Classified Advertisement: Try Talking Labels That Work With Your Smartphone For Just $9.99!

Get all the different types of WayTags so you can try the BEST accessible labeling system around. Use the coupon code TryTags to get a WayTag Sampler Pack for just $9.99. Plus, you get FREE shipping. Use the WayTags along with the free mobile app to label your things with a description and other important details, so you can spend less time figuring out what things are, and more time getting things done.
https://www.wayaround.com/shop/sampler-pack/?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

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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: Clusiv

Sponsor Since: January 16th 2023

Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐

About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info.

➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses

➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients

➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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.

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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.

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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:
https://accessready.org/

Sponsor Since: December 1st 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: APH ConnectCenter

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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.

Your Business or Organization Name Here

➜ Classified Advertisement: Your Weekly Classified Advertisement Title Here (128 characters or less including spaces.)

Your weekly Classified Advertisement here.
(512 characters or less including spaces.) 
 
 
 

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.

10 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  10  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.

Access Information News Supporters:

We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!

Access Information News Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or on an annual basis in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication.

One Time Donation: If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.

Annual Donation: If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.

Exposure: All Access Information News Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Access Information News website.

Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Access Information News possible.

Platinum Supporters:

Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.

1.) James Hulme
Platinum Supporter since December 5th 2022.

2.) Your name here.
Platinum Supporter since ...

Gold Supporters:

Become an Access Information News Gold Supporter today.

1.) Your name here.
Gold Supporter since ...

Silver Supporters:

Become an Access Information News Silver Supporter today.

1.) Your name here.
Silver Supporter since ...

Bronze Supporters:

Become an Access Information News Bronze Supporter today.

1.) Your name here.
Bronze Supporter since ...

Access Information News Team:

Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)

➜ Classified Advertisement: Is Your Business or Organization Looking to Hire a Professional, Part-Time, Remote Digital Marketer? Aaron Di Blasi, PMP, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., is Seeking a New Client Partnership. Hire Direct And Pay No Agency Fee.

Could your business or organization use help with your digital marketing workflow? Tasks like website administration, article assembly and publication, graphic design, website updates, email newsletter blasts and social media scheduling? Aaron Di Blasi, Owner and Sr. Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. is seeking a new client partnership. Learn more at:
https://mvsltd.com/news/is-your-business-or-organization-looking-to-hire-a-professional-digital-marketer-aaron-di-blasi-pmp-mind-vault-solutions-ltd-is-seeking-a-new-client-partnership/

Volunteer Publisher Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)

In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News as a not-for-profit project on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editorial Contributor to Access Information News.

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor #1: John Hanlin (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, John also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons.

John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

John Hanlin, Esq.

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor #2: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, Jenna also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and runs her own Digital Marketing Firm.

Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.

Jenna Lang, PMP

Editorial Contributor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Adaptive Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor #3: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6th 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, David is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.

In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.

He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.

David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.

David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.

As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.

Twitter: @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.

David Woodbridge

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/ 🌐

Email: editor@accessinformationnews.com ✉
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