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Access Information News for Monday, January 2, 2023 - Volume 891The Week's News in Access Information A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication Access Information News. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information. Subscribers: 11,389 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Have You Been Looking For A Way To Consistently Reach The Largest Audience Of Opt-In Access Professionals In The World Today? Please Consider Becoming A Sponsor For Just $100 USD Per Month. While Packages Last. This Issue Made Possible By Support From The Following Sponsors:
This issue made possible by Sponsorship support from Pneuma Solutions, WayAround, Menus4ALL, APH ConnectCenter, Access Ready, Inc., and The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Learn more about Sponsorship today at: https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsor. Dear Access Information News Subscriber,✍ Submit your access information news item for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-news or locate "News Item Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last WeekA.) How The Brain Responds To Blindness (12.3% of all clicks.) B.) Kellogg Rolls Out New Packaging for Blind and Visually Impaired (6.8% of all clicks.) C.) What A Deafblind Kitchen Is Like | Updated Link (5.3% of all clicks.) D.) Reader Review: Inaccessible Pin Pads That Require You To Use A Touch Screen | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan (5.3% of all clicks.) E.) AccessWorld December 2022 Issue (5.1% of all clicks.) 2) Sponsorship Package UpdatesAvailability: There are currently 10 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. Join Us: If you would like to support the ongoing distribution of Access Information News while reaching over 15,000 access professionals each week, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either quarterly or annually. Annual sponsors gain the additional benefit of being able to schedule their Featured Advertisements up to one year in advance. If you are an access information business or organization that has been looking for a way to consistently reach the largest audience of opt-in access professionals in the world today, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last. Benefits: Learn all about the benefits here: 3) Access Information News Welcomes The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. As 8th Founding Publication SponsorPlease join all of us here at Access Information News in welcoming aboard The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is now the 8th founding sponsor of the Access Information News publication. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to people who are blind in our community since 1918. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a successful manufacturing organization with over 60 years of experience in precision machining that produces an array of machined parts and plastic injection molding for various aerospace manufacturers, as well as a host of office products and hydration equipment sold to the Federal Government and the U.S. Military. They also own and operate stores on military bases along the West Coast. Learn more today at: 4) Access Ready Reporter to Merge With Access Information News On January 2, 2023. Everything You Need To Know.Publisher: This one-time re-run is for the informational benefit of all of our new readers this week. If you're wondering why you have received this email this press release should answer all of your questions. If you decide after reading this information that you no longer wish to receive this publication you will also find directions on how you can easily unsubscribe. But we sincerely hope you'll stick around. We've got some great things planned. Press Release: Access Ready, Inc. and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. announced on December 26th 2022 that Access Ready Reporter will merge with the new Access Information News publication on January 2, 2023: 5) Introductory Remote Ballet Classes For Blind And Low-Vision Adults Return In January 2023 | Deadline To Register: January 14th 2023This FREE class is suitable for people with no prior knowledge of ballet. This repeating series of eight classes introduces students to the most common ballet vocabulary that they would need to know in order to participate in Open Level Dark Room Ballet Class. The class introduces students to necessary anatomical concepts like turnout, torso stability, foot sensitivity and mobility, sightless balancing, and the use of a taped floor for orientation. Classes are taught by Krishna Washburn, a blind ballet dancer and dance teacher, and take place on 8 Saturdays online via the Zoom platform; there is also the option to call in via phone. The new cycle will begin on January 21, 2023. If you are a blind or visually impaired individual interested in learning ballet remotely, you must contact us by no later than January 14th, so you can complete the intake process to register for this class: 6) Free Currency Reader Program Available Nationally, Not Just To MichigandersPublisher: Reader Timothy Wynn wrote in to let us know that the free currency program that we ran in last week's issue has been available nationally since 2015, and not just to residents of Michigan. Thanks Timothy. Timothy Wynn: In partnership with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) is processing U.S. Currency Reader Program applications and shipping currency readers to individuals. Current NLS patrons may call 888-NLS-READ 📱️ and request assistance with the application from their network braille and talking book library. All U.S. citizens or legal residents who are blind or visually impaired are eligible to receive a free currency reader: 7) The Dark Risk of Large Language ModelsAI is better at fooling humans than ever — and the consequences will be serious: 8) Designs Addressing Disability: Products From 2022 That Promote Accessibility | STIRIn a world where improved focus on inclusivity and accessibility has begun to direct semantics, subvert stereotypes, and influence design languages, it is imperative to pivot visions with the intention of building a global station where people can experience diurnal as well as notable events, despite varied abilities. What's also important is to make these designs accessible to all economic groups. Basing their creations on similar intentions, contemporary designers and technologists come together to innovate a kinder and more inclusive world: 9) A Big Victory For Federal 508 Accessibility | Douglas George Towne | Chair and CEO | Access Ready, Inc.As you may have seen, the House passed the 2023 omnibus government funding bill, and President Biden signed it as soon as it hit his desk. The Disability community had some major wins: the bill has very positive language in the legislative text regarding federal accessibility issues, mandating that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) update guidance on information and communication technology accessibility under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation act of 1973 as amended within 100 days and that each agency evaluate and report on compliance with Section 508 within 225 days. It also mandates an annual report on Section 508 compliance with a comprehensive reporting on each agency's accessibility efforts. This is a pretty big victory, and aligns quite directly with the recommendations we at Access Ready made through the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Technology Task Force this year to both Congress and the Administration: 10) Five Years Of ADA Web And App Lawsuits — Key Observations And Trends | UsableNetUsableNet has now been tracking digital accessibility lawsuits for five years. When we first reported filings in 2018 cases had risen 181% from the previous year. We knew ADA claims had exploded but couldn't predict what might happen next: 11) How I Wrote My First Novel While Going Blind — And Kept It A Secret | Jon GingerichIt's my experience that people with disabilities are expertly attuned to the practice of fielding empowering affirmations from support groups, well-intentioned friends and strangers on the internet. The wearying aphorisms, the sympathy-card condolences, the feelgood bromides about overcoming adversity: 12) Amazon's Started To Deliver Orders By Drones In California And TexasThe retail giant already flew out some packages to customers in Northern California and a medium-sized Texan city in the run-up to Christmas 2022: 13) What Banks Can Do For People With Disability | Ekram KabirBanking needs are ubiquitous for us, and almost every grownup needs to go to a bank branch or some bank establishment. Banks have always counted the footfalls of their customers. However, somehow, especially in a country like ours, access of persons or customers with a disability to bank establishments has not been considered seriously. If we can facilitate access to this population segment, it would add value to the inclusive economy that we aspire for: 14) Attention Blind and Low Vision Artists — Join The APH InSights Art CommunityIf you are a blind or low vision artist consider joining the APH InSights Art community on Facebook. This community gives artists an opportunity to share their experiences, teach others, elevate creativity, and hear news about the APH InSights Art Contest: 15) Does Pokemon Go Discriminate Against The Blind And Visually Impaired?A North Bergen man with a visual impairment is suing game creator Niantic, Inc. over it: 16) How Visually Impaired People Ease Social AwkwardnessA study highlights the range of uncomfortable situations people living with blindness or visual impairment encounter due to interpersonal communication challenges: 17) Ophthalmic Edge Best Posts of 2022It's time to take a look back and call out our most popular posts for the year. Review our all-time favorites and pick up some new perspectives for adjusting with vision loss: 18) Monthly Tactile Calendar | Paths To LiteracyLearn how to create a monthly tactile calendar for children who are blind, visually impaired or deafblind: 19) Hadley Headlines For January 2023Since relaunching in July 2020, more than 45,000 people have signed up with Hadley, registering more than 100,000 workshop interactions. And their workshops have a 98% satisfaction rate. They reach all 50 states and more than 100 countries. And more people learn braille from Hadley than from any other organization worldwide: 20) Bell Faces Human Rights Complaint Over Alleged Inaccessibility For Blind CustomersBell Communications Inc. is facing a human rights complaint over allegations that it's failing to provide full service to its blind customers. The company's set-top boxes don't include the screen-reading technology that enables blind people to navigate through menus, use applications or discern what channel they're on, Toronto lawyer David Lepofsky alleges in submissions to the Canadian Human Rights Commission: 21) New Video Series Improves Access For Nevadans Who Are Blind Or Visually ImpairedIn collaboration with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, also known as DETR, and the Rehabilitation Division, BlindConnect released a video series, talking about etiquette and support when interacting with a person who is blind or has low vision. The series explains life skills such as walking with a cane, using a dog guide, signing documents and being independent in public. The goal is to provide the individuals themselves, their friends, family members, service providers, and medical persons real-life, hands-on ways that individuals who are visually impaired can be independent and their support system can provide appropriate help and support: 22) The Side Effects Of Losing Your Eye SightFor people above 18 years of age, blindness or other vision problems has been ranked among the top 10 disabilities, and has a strong impact on overall health and well-being (via the CDC). Vision problems can result in social isolation and family stress, and they can increase the risk of other health conditions and early death. If you or a loved one is facing loss of eye sight, you can work with your doctors and care providers to reduce the impact of vision loss on physical and mental health once you know what the possible effects are: 23) For Visually Impaired Art Fans, Philly Museum's Scent-Based Exhibit 'Leveled The Playing Field'Sissel Tolaas, an artist with a background in chemistry, says she spent 30 years collecting smell molecules: 24) Open Day Launched For Blind Golfers In The UKOne of the UK's leading golf centers has partnered with the governing body for blind golf to offer opportunities for those with sight loss: 25) Bess and Friends Braille Scratch and Sniff Books | Paths To LiteracyThese scratch and sniff books with uncontracted braille are designed to provide a multi-sensory experience for children who are blind or visually impaired: 26) The All-Inclusive AFL Blind Is Giving The Vision Impaired An Opportunity To Play The Game They LoveBridget Jolley has always loved watching AFL and has always wanted to play, but — up until four years ago — she had never had the opportunity. The 36-year-old from Melbourne has a condition called aniridia, which affects her vision. In August 2017, Bridget came across a post on social media calling for expressions of interest to develop an Aussie rules competition for people who are blind or vision impaired. "I've always been keen [to play Aussie rules], but I never really played, partly because of my vision, also partly because there weren't a lot of opportunities for girls," Bridget said: 27) Making Braille Magnets For Beginning Readers | Paths To LiteracyStep-by-step instructions to create your own braille magnets for beginning braille readers: 28) Bradford Exchange Class Action Claims Website Not Accessible To Visually Impaired, Blind VisitorsMykayla Fagnani filed a class action lawsuit against The Bradford Exchange Ltd. Fagnani claims Bradford Exchange failed 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: 29) How Tencent's Weixin Ecosystem Is Lowering Barriers To Work And Living For People With DisabilitiesTencent's Weixin is helping to close the digital divide with digital technology that aids people with visual and hearing impairment gain access to daily services and finding jobs. Here are some of the recent projects initiated by the platform in hands with different communities and people with physical disabilities: 30) Meet The UK's First Blind, Black, Female Barrister — Who Wants To Change People's Perceptions Of What Lawyers Look Like31) 13 Awesome Blind Piano Players (Best Blind Pianists) | Music GrottoBeing blind comes with a great number of challenges for people trying to go about their everyday life, but it's also a major obstacle when it comes to learning a skill. Music can be especially challenging, as there aren't a lot of braille resources out there to allow musicians to read music off of sheets. Despite the challenges and barriers to entry, there have been many virtuoso blind musicians in history, especially on the piano. In this article, we'll cover 13 awesome blind pianists who overcame their obstacles to become some of the best in their field: 32) Excite Reading TM By Learning Ally Has Won An Excellence In Equity Award For Best Early Childhood Education SolutionThe American Consortium for Equity in Education (ACE-Ed) has awarded Learning Ally an Excellence in Equity Award for Best Early Childhood Education Solution for its PreK-2 literacy program, Excite Reading: ➜ 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-event or locate "Webinar / Training Course Submission Form" within the main menu of the Access Information News website.1) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 4: Braille Around the World | APHJanuary 4th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's celebrate Louis Braille's Day and explore different braille codes around the world: 2) Braille Technology Throughout the Ages: A Special Event for World Braille Day | The Braillists FoundationJanuary 4th 2023 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | In addition to our collaboration with Sight and Sound Technology, we are pleased to present an evening panel discussion for World Braille Day focusing on braille technology: its past, present and future. We will be joined by historians, people working in the braille technology industry today and developers of the next generation of braille hardware and software. The event will take place on Wednesday 4 January at 7:00 PM, and you will need to register in advance. This is a separate registration link to both our regular Masterclasses and the event with Sight and Sound. Please email help@braillists.org 📧️ if you have difficulties completing the form: 3) Graphs & Charts in Document Remediation (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access IngenuityJanuary 4th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12AM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Join Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity to look at good and bad examples of bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, and maps in PDF remediation. Learning Outcomes: Review accessible designs of graphs and charts. Discuss solutions for common color contrast failures in graphs and charts. Discover best practices when creating alternative text for graphs and charts. Graphs & Charts in Document Remediation. Meeting ID: 856 5096 5771. Passcode: 363271. One tap mobile: +16699009128,,85650965771#,,,,*363271# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: 4) 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES)January 5th 2023 through January 8th 2023 | CES ® is the most influential tech event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) ®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. Register now: 5) Maryland Technology Assistance Program | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)January 7th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | MD-TAP can help Marylanders acquire, use and own valuable assistive technology products. Learn how you can benefit from their programs. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 📱️ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 📱️or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov 📧️ 6) Expand Your Blind Life with Sam SeaveyJanuary 11th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Join us for a presentation from Sam, host of the popular YouTube channel, The Blind Life, who will discuss his experience with hosting a YouTube channel and the challenges he's faced living with Stargardt Disease. Sam is the founder and creator of The Blind Life YouTube channel, with more than 46,000 subscribers and over 700 informative videos. He helps people world-wide living with vision loss, offering tips for managing daily tasks, reviewing assistive devices, and hosting informative interviews with key stakeholders in the visually impaired community. He collaborates with tech giants like Google, SONY and Amazon, has created content for MacularDegeneration.net and participates on Microsoft's Window's Accessibility Advisory Board. Join us for an opportunity to learn about Sam's journey living with Stargardt Disease and hosting a popular YouTube channel. Venue/Location: Event Type: Virtual. Organizer: Los Angeles Center, (323) 663-1111 📱️, la@brailleinstitute.org 📧️. Capacity: Unlimited spots available. Register for this event: 7) JAWS: Getting Started with Microsoft Teams for Work (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access IngenuityJanuary 11th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12AM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Recently, Microsoft Teams has gained popularity in many workplaces. As a result, we've received many requests for using Teams with JAWS. Join Ian Ramos and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to explore the Microsoft teams interface using the JAWS screen reader. Please note that this presentation is on the Microsoft Teams for work program, which you or your workplace must install. It 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, allowing those who do not know how to use Teams to attend. Learning Outcomes: Understand Microsoft Teams for work interface. Discover how to get a list of keyboard commands using Microsoft Teams and JAWS. Understand how to work with the settings and some ideal options when using Teams with a screen reader. Explore the difference between using Teams with and without JAWS scripts and how they may enhance experience depending on your needs. | Meeting ID: 813 9605 3526 | Passcode: 630132 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,81396053526#,,,,*630132# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: 8) Special Needs Trusts: Planning For Your FutureJanuary 18th 2023 | 3:30PM PT, 4:30PM MT, 5:30PM CT, 6:30PM ET, 11:30PM GMT | Join the Carroll Center for the Blind's Exclusive Trust Partner, PLAN of MA & RI, for an informational webinar to learn about Special Needs Trusts and how they can help you and your loved ones plan for your future. A Special Needs Trust allows money to be set aside for a person with a disability. The trust is intended to help preserve funds for the sole benefit of this person, enhance their quality of life, and protect their eligibility for public benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Speaker: Kathy Vitello, LSW, Director of Operations at PLAN of MA and RI. About the Speaker: Kathy Vitello is a Licensed Social Worker with more than 35 years of experience working with seniors, people who are physically challenged, and chronically ill. She has broad experience and insight — drawn from her work in hospitals, in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and psychiatric facilities, and in-home care and hospice settings. Kathy holds a degree in Mental Health from Northern Essex Community College; has a BA in Applied Mental Health from University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and earned certificates in Suicide Prevention in Older Adults and Mental Health and Aging from the Institute for Geriatric Social Work at Boston University. Kathy has also participated in a week-long training in Thanatology and is a member of the NPA Conference Planning Committee.
What You'll Learn: Information about the different types of Special Needs Trusts. Why a Special Needs Trust is beneficial to you. How to protect your assets without affecting your Social Security Disability Benefits. Unique features of PLAN as a Professional Trustee. Who Should Attend: Individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits. Parents, family members, and other caregivers of a person with a disability. Professionals. Individuals who think they could benefit from a Special Needs Trust: 9) How to Create Accessible Videos (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access IngenuityJanuary 18th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12AM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Do you create videos for YouTube or other platforms? This presentation will review the components of accessible videos and how to make them. Join Michael Parker from Access Ingenuity to learn about creating accessible videos, including captions, audio descriptions, and descriptive text transcripts. Learning Outcomes: Learn the main elements of an accessible video that complies with WCAG 2.1 Guidelines. Learn how to edit captions on YouTube. Learn how to design videos so that they meet audio description requirements. Learn the basics of creating descriptive text transcripts. | Meeting ID: 865 9834 4762 | Passcode: 774759 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,86598344762#,,,,*774759# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: 10) Smart Watches And Other Wearables | Tech It Out | HadleyJanuary 24th 2023 | 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT on 1/25 | Please join us on January 24, 2023, at 7 PM Central, when we'll be discussing smart watches and other wearables. If you'd like a text reminder for upcoming Tech It Out discussions, send a text message from your cell phone to the number 52545, and type "Tech" in the body of the message. In the meantime, we'd love to hear your questions and comments. Email us at techitout@hadley.edu 📧️ or give us a call at (800) 323-4238 📱️. You can also join the Tech It Out Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2692780374142403 to keep the conversation going and chat with fellow participants: 11) Easy Portable Reading — The omniReader (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access IngenuityJanuary 25th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12AM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | The omniReader ® is the definition of easy by allowing you to read printed text by pressing a single button. You can follow the magnified text in high-contrast colors on the built-in screen or listen as the omniReader reads the text out loud. You can also use the screen to instantly magnify objects and text and display them in high-contrast colors to see them more clearly. Thanks to its lightweight design, built-in handle, and long battery life, you can pick it up and use it wherever you want — at home, at the office, and even on the go. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity and Joseph McDaniel from Vispero as they explain this machine's critical assistive role to the visually impaired.
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 walkthrough of the omniReader. Understand the primary and secondary assistive benefits. How the omniReader can be an effective reading tool. Meeting ID: 881 2262 4972 | Passcode: 596298 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,88122624972#,,,,*596298# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: 12) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 5: School Aged Numeracy | APHFebruary 1st 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Using LEGO Braille Bricks to do math: let's discover some of the many uses of these little bricks to develop numerical and geometry skills, understand symmetry, and much more: 13) Maryland Accessible Telecommunications | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)February 11th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | Formerly Maryland Relay, this state resource can help clients acquire cell phones, TTY equipment, and other communication devices. The application process is easy and highly encouraged. Learn about all of the programs offered and how you can benefit. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 📱️ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 📱️ or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov 📧️ 14) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APHMarch 6th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's explore daily-living activities using LEGO Braille Bricks and share our best practices, experiences, tips: 15) Using Garage Band App to Create a Song | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)March 11th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | You have seen this app on your iDevice, and maybe you have even opened it once or twice. In this presentation, you will learn how to create a song from scratch and how to make modifications. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 📱️ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 📱️ or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov 📧️ 16) 2023 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology ConferenceMarch 13th 2023 through March 17th 2023 | Welcome. Whether you have been attending the conference for years or are planning to attend your first, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, also known as the CSUN Conference, is the ultimate community experience and the premier forum on technology for all persons with disabilities. For over 37 years, California State University, Northridge's Center on Disabilities has sponsored the conference, providing a platform for researchers, practitioners, educators, exhibitors and more from around the world, where they can share knowledge, innovations, and best practices to promote inclusion for all. Building on the momentum from the 2022 conference, exciting new plans are in the works to enhance the conference experience. We encourage you to join us in Anaheim, California in 2023, where attendees can attend Pre-Conference Workshops, the yearly Keynote Address, Featured Presentations, General Sessions, Sponsor Showcase Suites and the Exhibit Hall. We also continue developing new programming to build community and networking opportunities. Check back often or follow us on social media for the latest updates, details, and deadlines. For information on sponsor or exhibitor opportunities, please visit our Opportunities page or email us at conference@csun.edu 📧️. We can't wait until the CSUN Conference community is back together to learn, share and connect: 17) 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility ConferenceMarch 15th 2023 and March 16th 2023 | Deque Systems, the trusted leader in digital accessibility, has announced the third annual axe-con conference will return on March 15-16th, 2023. With the success of axe-con over the past two years, Deque will continue to host the conference as a free virtual event again next year. Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences: 18) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APHApril 5th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Let's discover together how to make music with these famous bricks! Come and share your creative ideas: 19) How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)April 8th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | This operating system has been around for a while, and people champion its security strengths and applications. Should you upgrade, and what is that process? All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 📱️ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 📱️ or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov 📧️ 20) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APHMay 3rd 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session: 21) Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)May 13th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | Whether you are traveling to another city, state or country, we will look at tools and resources that will help you get the most assistance for your venture. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 📱️ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 📱️ or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov 📧️ 22) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APHJune 7th 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great: ➜ Directories1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directoryhttps://www.accessinformationnews.com/email-newsletter-directory.html 2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired App Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-app-directory.html 3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-game-directory.html 4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html 5) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-podcast-directory.html Access Information News Sponsor Classified Ads:Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.➜ Access Ready Provides Access To The Best In The BusinessIf 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:
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. Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.➜ Access Ready Seeks Guidance On New Accessible TechnologiesWhat 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:
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. Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter➜ Prepare For Your Future Today With The All-New APH ConnectCenter's Job Seekers Toolkit!The APH ConnectCenter and NSITE have partnered to update the Job Seeker's Toolkit, an accessible, self-paced, free online training course. The Toolkit includes five sections covering self-awareness, career exploration tools, the preliminary employment process, the interview, and maintaining employment. We are bringing the Job Seeker's Toolkit to a larger audience and in a Learning Management System format for today's learners, at no cost. Visit APHCareerConnect.org to get started with the Job Seekers Toolkit today at:
Sponsor Since: November 29th 2022 Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐️ Email: connectcenter@aph.org 📧️ APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line: Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET Facebook (CareerConnect) | Facebook (FamilyConnect) | Facebook (VisionAware) | Twitter | YouTube About: The APH ConnectCenter offers curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives. Sponsor: Menus4ALL➜ A Revolution in Resolution — Menus for EveryoneNo 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:
Sponsor Since: November 20th 2022 Website: https://www.menus4all.com/ 🌐️ Email: stephanie@menus4all.com 📧️ About: 750,000 Accessible Restaurant Menus. On your iPhone ® in the palm of your hand.
Yes, that's not a typo. The Menus4ALL iPhone app offers 500,000 accessible menus in the United States and 250,000 accessible menus in Canada. Wherever you are and whenever you want The Menus4ALL iPhone app is the largest network of restaurant menus in one place and all of the menus are fully accessible. Perfect for when you are out running errands and want to know what restaurants are near your current location. Great for planning a night out with friends. Favorite menus that you want to look at later or when you know you are going back for that amazing dish. Download The App (Apple): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/menus4all/id1640547801?platform=iphone Sponsor: WayAround➜ Save 10% on WayAround 25 Packs Until December 15th!Use the coupon code Merry10 to get 10% off any 25-pack of WayTag NFC tags now through December 15th. Choose from many popular styles of WayTag NFC tags: stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips. Use the WayTags with the FREE mobile app to add a description and other important details, so you can spend less time figuring out what things are, and more time getting things done. Order by December 15 for guaranteed arrival by Christmas!
Sponsor Since: November 18th 2022 Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐️ General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️ About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence. All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®. Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence. Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8 Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions➜ Finally! Holding Businesses AccountableThose 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:
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: Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Sponsor Since: December 29th 2022 Website: https://lhblind.org/ 🌐️ Phone: (800) 914-7307 📱️ Fax: (206) 329-3397 ░ Contact Us: https://lhblind.org/contact-us/ About: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to people who are blind in our community since 1918. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a successful manufacturing organization with over 60 years of experience in precision machining. We produce an array of machined parts and plastic injection molding for various aerospace manufacturers, as well as a host of office products and hydration equipment sold to the Federal Government and the U.S. Military. We also own and operate stores on military bases along the West Coast. Our products and services include: • Manufacturing: We are a successful manufacturing organization committed to making jobs accessible to individuals who are blind. Our manufacturing operations center on making quality products for the Federal Government under the AbilityOne Program and producing parts for aerospace manufacturers. • Managed Services: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. offers a variety of services to our commercial, federal, and military customers. These include Contract Management Support (CMS) services for government contracting offices. • Base Supply Centers: We operate 12 AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) that offer easy customer access to Lighthouse products, direct feedback and communication with customers, and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind in geographic areas not served by larger nonprofit agencies. Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.➜ Access Ready Seeks Your Support at the Public Policy LevelMoving 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:
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. Your Name Here: Sponsor Package #9 of 18 Available For Purchase➜ Your Weekly Classified Advertisement Title Here (128 characters or less including spaces.)Your weekly Classified Advertisement here.
Sponsor Since: Today Website: https://accessinformationnews.com/ 🌐️ Phone: (855) 578-6660 📱️ Email: news@accessinformationnews.com 📧️ About: Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 15,000 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 the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 15,000 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.
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Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today. 1.) James Hulme 2.) Your name here. Gold Supporters:
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Become an Access Information News Bronze Supporter today. 1.) Your name here. Access Information News Subscription Information:ABOUT:Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 15,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here. Review the archive here. Access Information News is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Contributing Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang and David Woodbridge. Access Information News is a sponsor and reader supported publication. RELEASE SCHEDULE:Access Information News is released every Monday morning at 6:00 AM ET. SUBSCRIBE:Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Access Information Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link, which is: https://accessinformationnews.com/subscribe. You can also subscribe to receive the Access Information Newsletter on the Access Information News Website at: https://accessinformationnews.com. Either of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Access Information Newsletter. It's that easy. SPONSOR:If you would like to become 1 of only 18 Access Information News Sponsors whose annual support makes the distribution of Access Information News possible, we offer you the following benefits, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-information.html. SUPPORT:If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a small one time or annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we offer the following options, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://accessinformationnews.com/donate.html. WEBSITE:Visit the Access Information News website online at https://accessinformationnews.com. FACEBOOK:Are you on Facebook? Stop by and "Like" Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your Facebook News Feed: https://accessinformationnews.com/facebook. TWITTER:Are you on Twitter? Follow Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your Twitter News Feed: https://accessinformationnews.com/twitter. MASTODON:Are you on Mastodon? Follow Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your Mastodon News Feed by visiting https://mastodon.accessinformationnews.com/@news or searching for @news@mastodon.accessinformationnews.com on your server today. LINKEDIN:Are you on LinkedIn? Follow Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your LinkedIn News Feed: https://accessinformationnews.com/linkedin. YOUTUBE:Are you on YouTube? Follow Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your YouTube Video Feed: https://accessinformationnews.com/youtube. RSS:Do you prefer RSS? Follow Access Information News via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in access information using your choice of news aggregator: https://accessinformationnews.com/rss. QUESTIONS:If you have questions regarding any of the material published in Access Information News please feel free to reach out to our Publisher at publisher@accessinformationnews.com 📧️ or our Editors at editors@accessinformationnews.com 📧️ and we will attempt to provide you with answers as time and knowledge permit. ARCHIVEVisit the Access Information News Archive at: https://accessinformationnews.com/archive.html where you can grab back issues. CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS:Any information for future issues of Access Information News may be submitted online via our Access Information News Item Submission Form at: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-news or directed to our Editors at: editors@accessinformationnews.com 📧️. 
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