|
Access Information News for Monday, April 10, 2023 - Volume 905The 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: 10,436 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Join Industry Leaders And Begin Reaching Over 15,000 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:
Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By Support From: Pneuma Solutions, WayAround, Menus4ALL, APH ConnectCenter, Access Ready, Inc., Clusiv, NSITE.org and Total Tech Solutions, LLC. 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://accessinformationnews.com/submit-news.1) Top 5 Most Clicked Access Information News Articles From Last WeekA.) Your Speech May Reveal Early Signs of Alzheimer's | Wired: Subscription Required (7.7% of all clicks.) B.) In Tennessee A Dog Walks Itself Home After Visually Impaired Owner Killed In Hit-And-Run, Police Say (7.5% of all clicks.) C.) 'When Does This Milk Expire?': Chat GPT-4 Is Now Helping Blind People Navigate Everyday Tasks | Fast Company (6.8% of all clicks.) D.) Austin Jailer Breaks Elderly Deaf Woman's Arm After Misunderstanding at Airport (5.0% of all clicks.) E.) An Accessible Air Fryer for The Blind & DeafBlind | Inclusive Ability Initiative, LLC (4.5% of all clicks.) 2) Sponsorship Package UpdatesAre you an access-based business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 15,000 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: 3) Access Information News Welcomes New Sponsor: Total Tech Solutions, LLCPlease join us in offering a warm welcome to Total Tech Solutions, LLC, 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. Total Tech Solutions is your one-stop shop for all of your assistive technology needs. Their team of experts is here to provide you with products and services that can enhance your daily life, such as the I Can Connect, Blind Shell II Phones, and the new ARX Vision headset. Their founder, Shawn Keen, and his experienced staff, have over 100 years of combined experience in teaching assistive technology, and are committed to providing you with the best possible service, while ensuring that you receive the assistance you need to lead a more independent life. Learn more today at: 4) What Will AI Mean For The Popular App Be My Eyes? | NPRPublisher (Di Blasi): This article features the work of not one, but two former Top Tech Tidbits Sponsors, and we're all incredibly excited about what they're doing right now. 5) Kansas Business Interests Eager To Expand Statutory Shield Against 'Abusive' ADA LawsuitsLindsborg retail businessman Corey Peterson says he started receiving emails last year from New York law firms interested in representing him in a lawsuit brought by a sight-impaired person asserting the store's website violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Peterson, who has operated the family's Scandinavian gift store known as Hemslojd for more than a decade, said his initial reaction was to consider it a scam. He said the store's website had been overhauled in 2019 and the consultant who worked on the project didn't raise ADA issues. Then, he said, he was served documents related to a lawsuit on January 10, 2023: 6) During Disability Awareness Month, Senator Markey And Representative Porter Introduce Legislation To Prohibit Discrimination In Jury Service Based On Disability And Age | ed Markey | United States Senator For Massachusetts | March 30, 2023Publisher (Di Blasi): One of our founding sponsors, Douglas George Towne, CEO and Chair of Access Ready, Inc., has been quoted directly within this article. We continue to appreciate the good work done by all of the folks over at Access Ready, Inc. 7) The Internet Archive's Literary Civil War | Wired: Subscription RequiredThe beloved online athenaeum just lost a big court case. Librarians fear it'll make eBooks less accessible. So why are some writers cheering? 8) Can ChatGPT Make The World More Accessible? | Benjamin Roussey | Accessibility.comPublisher (Di Blasi): I think anyone reading this newsletter already knows the answer to this question. What readers want to know now is, how? So here are some ways that ChatGPT is doing so right now, along with some future predictions. 9) Will Future AI Systems be Legally Liable? | March 31, 2023 | Avi Loeb | Medium: Subscription RequiredPreliminary hints of new legal challenges concerning artificial intelligence (AI) are emerging from software malfunctions in accidents of self-driving cars and concerns about the violation of intellectual property rights for authors of texts on which ChatGPT was trained. I was inspired to consider the legal ramifications of AI in the immediate future after a WORLD.MINDS forum this morning in which these issues were raised in a conversation with the distinguished lawyer, John B. Quinn: 10) "They Felt A Blind Man Could Not Teach" — Visually Impaired Man Narrates How He Was Stereotyped | April 1, 2023 | TVC News | YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxqatgCZ8zk 11) Chat Accessibility: Pros and Cons | Kami Funk | Accessibility.comWith the advent of the Internet came a new method of communication between customers and companies: the chat feature. Whether with AI, human employees, or a combination, most sites and apps now have a chat feature to get started when contacting customer service. It's become common practice and is very accessible to some users, especially users who are Deaf or have hearing disabilities. The chat feature allows users to type out their requests instead of making a phone call, which can be difficult for people with hearing loss. It gives great service and is often highlighted on the home page rather than buried within the contact pages. So what are the pros and cons of the chat feature when it comes to accessibility? 12) Do You Struggle To Open Blister Packs? | Makers Making ChangePublisher (Di Blasi): Yes I do. So much so that there are certain medications that I simply would not be able to take if I did not have someone else to open them for me. I've always thought this was an absolutely incredulous limitation for certain medications. Until now. Just a note that it looks like you cannot buy this directly yet, sigh, you have to ask someone to 3D print one for you. Can you say, opportunity? 13) Chicago In Violation Of ADA, Denying Visually Impaired People Accessible Crosswalks: Federal Judge | ABC7 NewsOn March 31, 2023 a federal judge ruled that the City of Chicago is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to a lawsuit filed in 2021, the city allegedly failed to install pedestrian signals that are specially designed to aid the blind or visually impaired. A DOJ statement reiterates that the city only installed accessible crossing signals at "a minuscule portion of the whole." According to the assistant attorney general, the DOJ is committed to finding a remedy that addresses the discrimination against blind people in Chicago: 14) Dog Owners Invited To Get Involved In Guide Dogs TikTok ChallengeGuide Dogs Australia has launched its first ever TikTok challenge, to see if regular pet dogs can complete some of the basic skills guide dogs learn during their training. The purpose of this challenge is to raise awareness and educate people in a fun and engaging way about the specialist training program guide dogs undertake. The challenge will run in the lead-up to International Guide Dog Day (26 April) and will consist of five different tasks, plus a bonus playful task at the end. To take part in the challenge, all dog owners have to do is head to the Guide Dogs Australia TikTok (or Instagram) page and 'stitch' each challenge video with their own furry friend. The challenge has been designed to feature basic tasks that guide dogs-in-training are taught but is not an exhaustive list of everything they must learn to become a qualified guide dog: 15) 10 Habits To Create Accessible Content | Clint Covington | Microsoft Accessibility BlogNewsletters, presentations, online classes, meetings, workshops, and more forms of digital communication and information sharing have soared in use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to digital work has allowed business continuity during this difficult time while we share even more information electronically. One of our key learnings has been the importance of accessible digital materials. Over 70% of disabilities are invisible. You may not know if someone in your distribution list or team has a disability. When you build and share accessible content, you empower people with disabilities at home, work and school, especially virtual school. As a father of a kindergartener, I see firsthand the challenges remote learning introduces to families. For those with disabilities, both students and parents, there is an additional layer, as every piece of content needs to be accessible: 16) How Design is Governance | Amber Case | Medium: Subscription RequiredPublisher (Di Blasi): Standing just outside of accessibility in general, this article takes an incredibly compelling look at design, as governance, something that the access community has known to be true for a very, very long time. 17) 5 Things I Wish I Understood As A Disabled Youth | Andrew Pulrang | Forbes: Subscription RequiredThe recent death of American disability activist Judy Heumann and dedication of a memorial statue for Australian disabled comedian, advocate, and journalist Stella Young, have me thinking about the lifespans and unique learning experiences of people with disabilities, and what disabled adults would want to tell our younger selves if we could. Both Heumann and Young were disabled women, pioneers of disability rights and culture, and role models for disabled people around the world. Stella Young's death in 2014 was one of the first times in my life as a disabled person that I thought deeply about what I would say to my disabled teenage self. And Heumann's passing in March 2023 raised those questions for me again: 18) Establishing Metrics For Accessibility ROI | Karl GrovesThis post is a follow-up to my prior article titled "Understanding the cost of not being accessible". If you haven't read that one, then this one will make a lot less sense, so please check that one out first. At the conclusion of the previous post, it is logical to determine that we've now come full circle on the idea that the best way to avoid spending money on accessibility is to avoid accessibility problems in the first place. This is true but, as before, that's only an ideal-state situation where you have perfect processes, people, and tooling, and are working on a brand new product. In reality, nobody has when they first start their accessibility program or when their program is still immature: 19) CDC Issues Update On Recalled Eyedrops Causing Death, BlindnessThe CDC and FDA are recommending that clinicians and patients stop using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears products. The eyedrops have been linked to a multistate outbreak of an extensively drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The CDC has identified 68 patients in 16 states with Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Verona integron-mediated metallo-β-lactamase and Guiana extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (VIM-GES-CRPA). There have been reports of 3 patient deaths, 8 patients with vision loss, and 4 patients requiring enucleation: 20) Post, A Publisher-Focused Twitter Alternative, Launches To Public | TechCrunchPost, a Twitter alternative of sorts that's rethinking how publishers should engage with social media — and how they should monetize their readership — has opened its doors to the public. The startup, like others in this space, gained ground in the wake of Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter as many began to look for a new place to read and discuss the news or share their own thoughts with their followers. But Post doesn't want to be just another Twitter clone. Instead, its aim is to develop a platform where publishers can generate revenue from micropayments — that is, where users pay some small amount of money to read individual news items: 21) Ohio To Refund Some Disabled Veterans License Plate Fees After Army Vet Sues | The Columbus DispatchAbout 2,000 disabled veterans will get refunds for "erroneous" license plate charges, according to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles: 22) The ADA Needs An Update For The Digital Era, But Some States Are Ahead Of The CurveAs Congress weighs revising federal accessibility rules for digital services, a few states are already working on it: 23) Collaboration Tools Help And Hinder Workplace Accessibility | Katherine Finnell | TechTargetCloud-based collaboration tools have improved workplace accessibility for people with disabilities. But IT leaders must examine where collaboration tools still fall short: 24) The Social Model Of Disability | People With Disability AustraliaPeople with disability aren't the problem — we're the solution. There have been many models used to understand disability over time. Here at PWDA, we use the Social Model of Disability to inform how we work to advance and protect the rights, health and wellbeing of people with disability. According to the social model, 'disability' is socially constructed. The social model of disability contrasts with what is called the medical model of disability. According to the medical model, 'disability' is a health condition dealt with by medical professionals. People with disability are thought to be different to 'what is normal' or abnormal. 'Disability' is seen 'to be a problem of the individual. From the medical model, a person with disability is in need of being fixed or cured. From this point of view, disability is a tragedy and people with disability are to be pitied. The medical model of disability is all about what a person cannot do and cannot be: 25) Why I Advocate For Disability To Be Fun, Fly & Sexy — Just Like Me | Lauren "Lolo" SpencerModel, actress, author and disability advocate Lauren “Lolo” Spencer reflects on the personal triumphs — and challenges — of living, working, and dating with a disability and why she's always going to push for joyful depictions of Black women with disabilities: 26) Recording | Inclusive Innovations | The Future of Accessible Work | March 24, 2023 | YouTubePresentation by Karthik Kannan held at Inclusive Innovations 2023. An event about the future of accessible work, co-hosted with Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco: 27) Over 100,000 Audio Books Coming to TuneIn Premium | David Goldfield | Tech-VI ListSeveral years ago TuneIn Premium members were able to access a large selection of audio books and I subscribed to the service just for this benefit. When TuneIn announced that they would no longer be offering audio books starting January of 2018 I canceled my subscription. Today I received an email from TuneIn with the subject “Over 100,000 Audiobooks at Our Lowest Price Ever” The email announced that they would once again be offering audio books. From the email: 28) Updated EEOC Resource Explains ADA Requirements for Workers with Hearing | YouTubeAn updated resource document from the EEOC describes ADA requirements for individuals with hearing disabilities in the workplace: 29) California's Unruh Act and Accessibility | Nick Awad | Accessibility.com2022 saw a stark increase in digital accessibility lawsuits filed in the United States. As per our year-end report, the most litigious state in the nation was New York. The increase in lawsuits in the Empire State can be best attributed to a high concentration of law firms willing to take on ADA cases. In other words, since there are more lawyers, there will naturally be more lawsuits. Trailing right behind New York, was the state of California. Although California also has a high volume of firms, this alone doesn't paint the whole picture of its lawsuit increase. What has helped California lead ADA suits is local legislation — specifically, the Unruh Act. The Unruh act has, over the years, played a central role in several California civil rights cases, including those related to accessibility and the ADA. In this piece, we will provide an in-depth explanation of the Unruh Act — from its history to its logistics — and how it applies to ADA cases in California: 30) Hidden Between Bookshelves, Braille Tells A Story | The Daily PrincetonianBoldly declaring the name of every Princeton entryway in bumpy, domino-esque letters, braille goes largely unnoticed. These dots have no meaning to the untrained eye, or hand for that matter. For all we know, a classroom plaque in Frick Atrium written in braille could have stereochemical results or may simply state "Free tacos:" 31) Wisconsin's Disabled Voters Face Barriers Amid 'Massive Confusion' | The GuardianDisabled voters push for better protection voting absentee and with assistance after temporary ban that disenfranchised some: 32) Voters With Disabilities Often Overlooked In Voting Battles | AP NewsPatti Chang walked into her polling place in Chicago earlier this year, anxious about how poll workers would treat her, especially as a voter who is blind. Even though she was accompanied by her husband, she said she was ignored until a poll worker grabbed her cane and pulled her toward a voting booth. Like many voters with disabilities, Chang faces barriers at the polls most voters never even consider — missing ramps or door knobs, for example. The lack of help or empathy from some poll workers just adds to the burden for people with disabilities: 33) What Is Visual Independence And How Can You Help Provide That For Your Clients? | Braille WorksIt can be hard to know what you are required to provide. So, we are here to help. According to the ADA's Effective Communication Guide, anything in regular print must also be available in an accessible format. This includes but is not limited to billing statements, change notices, medical records, financial statements, insurance documents, mortgage statements, rental invoices, and more. Think of it this way, any documents you deem necessary in your daily independence are likely important for a person with a visual disability: 34) Dash: A Robot That Will Help Blind Children Chat With Sighted Friends | Eurasia ReviewA new accessibility-focused robot under development will allow children of mixed visual abilities to have a balanced conversation where everyone participates equally. Researchers at the Interactive Technologies Institute have recently released a study on using a robot to mediate group discussions between children with mixed-visual abilities. The team presented the study during the ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction held this March in Stockholm: 35) 3Play Media and Brightcove Partner on Video Accessibility | Rebecca Klein | 3PlayMediaThe partnership enables Brightcove customers to request video captioning and other services from within the Brightcove platform: 36) Many Parents Don't Talk To Their Kids About Disability 'In Fear Of Getting It Wrong.' Here's How To Start The Conversation | April 3, 2023 | Jamie Davis Smith | Yahoo!lifeThese conversations can also help demystify disability for naturally curious children: 37) Queensland Australia Researchers To Study Brain Activity Of Patients With Epilepsy — Hope To Detect Seizures With Smart WatchesIt is hoped a new Queensland study will help people living with epilepsy better anticipate seizures. Neurologists, biologists and engineers from Mater Research and the University of Queensland will examine whether purpose-built smart watches can help patients assess seizure risk by detecting stress signals: 38) A New Disabled South | Kehsi Iman Wilson | Ford FoundationDiagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a year old, I have lived with a disability my entire life. But that's not what compelled me to become an activist. What politicized me around disability was watching America's healthcare system fail my mother. She was diagnosed with cancer when I was a teenager. Not only could the progression of her illness have been prevented if not for a sexist and incompetent doctor, but she faced the deadly consequences of our broken system firsthand. She needed a life-saving treatment and took the proper steps to make it happen. And then her insurance denied her coverage because of a pre-existing condition: cancer. To hear the cancer she was attempting to treat was considered a pre-existing condition was outrageous. She ultimately was able to get the care she needed, and if it weren't for the Affordable Care Act, she would have died much sooner: 39) Non-Profit Organization Envision Helps Empower Athletes Who Are Visually Impaired | April 1, 2023 | CBS Pittsburgh | YouTubeEnvision helps blind athletes with all levels of sight impairment compete in sports: 40) Script Talk: Helping The Visually-Impaired Read PrescriptionsScript Talk can tell you your name, the prescription name, directions on how to take your medication, which doctor prescribed it, how many refills are left, warnings and side effects, and any piece of essential information relevant to your medication. Non-profit organization Aurora has a variety of support groups for for visually-impaired and blind individuals in Cayuga and Onondaga Counties, along with plans to restart a group soon in Oswego County. In addition to serving the visually-impaired and blind, these groups assist friends and family members who need help with being supportive, through a combination of speakers, educational and technical seminars, along with social events. 41) A Quick Guide To Reviewing A VPAT ACR | Karl GrovesI've put together this guide to reviewing a VPAT ACR for those who might be new to reviewing such documents to (help) determine a product's accessibility. This is not, however, a definitive guide, but is mostly a way to quickly determine if things are amiss with the ACR before taking the time to review the product's accessibility yourself: 42) NYC Schools Expand Partnership With Special Olympics To Improve Sports Accessibility | ABC7 NewsThe city public schools are expanding their partnership with the Special Olympics of New York to ensure access to sports for students with disabilities at all 75 school districts. This partnership will allow more than 1,700 students with disabilities to play sports like volleyball, track and field, and basketball during the school day. There will also be after-school sports leagues for high school and middle school students: 43) The CVI Book Nook | Paths To LiteracyThe CVI Book Nook, created by Amy Shepherd, is a free resource intended to be downloaded and used by parents, caregivers, and teachers working with students who have visual impairments and CVI: 44) Lancaster-Lebanon Teacher Running Boston Marathon Raises Money For The BlindA teacher at the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 is going the extra mile to help people who are blind and visually impaired. Jackie Morell works with students who are blind and visually impaired, teaching them braille and how to use assistive technology. She has also taught students how to run: 45) 'Dark Disabled Stories' Invites Audiences to an Experiment in Unapologetically Accessible Theater | The Hollywood ReporterThe series of vignettes — written by and starring Ryan J. Haddad, directed by Jordan Fein and co-starring Dickie Hearts and audio describer Alejandra Ospina — dares American theater to reach the widest audience: 46) Dear World | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna JodhanDear world. You are just so busy expanding, innovating, creating, and developing. All well and good but I personally want to see if you are listening. Chances are that you may be half listening to those of us who may be writing similar letters to you but if I do not share my thoughts then you will have the perfect excuse to tell me that I did not share with you. So here goes: 47) Accessibility Olympics' Aims To Demonstrate Mobility Challenges In WhitehorseAn event in downtown Whitehorse served as a chance to foster empathy with those who have mobility challenges and also a friendly audit of downtown businesses' accommodations for those who use crutches, wheelchairs and more. Organized by Compassion Yukon, a peer support network focused on assisting differently abled people in the territory, the "Accessibility Olympics" held on March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2023, offered those without mobility challenges in their day-to-day lives a chance to step into the shoes of those who rely on mobility aids: 48) Driverless Bus Service To Start In Scotland In 'World First'Full-size, self-driving bus services will begin in Scotland next month in what is believed to be a world first: 49) Maximus and IFB Solutions Partner on New Program to Hire Blind and Visually Impaired for Full-Time Contact Center WorkMaximus, a leading employer and provider of government services worldwide, and IFB Solutions, a non-profit organization that provides employment, training, and services for people who are blind or visually impaired, today announced the successful launch of a new joint program that integrates employees who are blind or visually impaired into the workforce. Seventy percent of working-age adults who are blind or visually impaired face sustained periods of unemployment throughout their lifetimes. This program will help address that challenge through an inclusive workplace that supports the needs and experiences of our sight-impaired colleagues: 50) Accessible QR Code From Zappar Makes Packaging Talk To The Blind | Charlie Fink | Forbes: Subscription RequiredZappar, the venerable UK studio that was one of the pioneers in mobile AR, announced the launch of Zapvision, an Accessible QR code solution, which helps blind and partially sighted people access information related to items on store shelves and cupboards at home. The company calls this enhancement to existing QR codes “Accessible QR,” a slight modification that makes codes readable from a greater distance when applied to packaging, over 1 meter away. “Accessible QR” then activates a device's accessibility functions like VoiceOver to announce product details. Accessible QR codes are now on packaging for Unilever brands Persil capsules and Ultimate Liquids in the UK: ➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and EventsSubmit your access information related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-event.April 11, 2023 | Ask Sharky: Customize Word Pronunciations Using The Jaws Dictionary Manager | Freedom Scientific9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 12, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: Structure | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 12, 2023 | TOPAZ Ultra — Portability and Magnification Power (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT April 12, 2023 | Earn it, Plan it, Keep it | Financial Literacy Course | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT April 13, 2023 | BARD: Open Access | Many Faces of BARD Program4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT April 18, 2023 | JAWS Inspect Testing for Developers and QA Teams | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 18, 2023 | Live Webinar | Accessible Design Systems: CarMax's Driving Force for Online Inclusion10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT April 19, 2023 | 2023 Helen Keller Achievement Awards | American Foundation for the BlindApril 19, 2023 | Creating Accessible Emails & Using Mailchimp (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT April 20, 2023 | Webinar: ADA Legal Update: What Your Restaurant Needs to Know About Digital Accessibility9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 20, 2023 | Book Talk: Digital Copyright | Internet Archive and Author / Professor Jessica Litman10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT April 20, 2023 | The CSUN Takeaway | Envision9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 21, 2023 | 3D-Printed, DIY Assistive Technology | NOAT11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT April 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day April 26, 2023 | WCAG 2.2 Overview (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT April 26, 2023 | How To Build A Positive Credit Score And History | LBPD Financial Literacy Course | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT April 27, 2023 | International Ally User Group7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT April 28, 2023 | Navigating Finances for Older Individuals With Vision Loss | OIB-TAC12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT May 3, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT May 9, 2023 through May 12, 2023 | John Slatin AccessU 2023 | KnowbilityJoin 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: 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 May 16, 2023 through May 18, 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | NomensaNomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference: 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: June 2, 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 20236AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 1PM GMT May 23, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day June 7, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT June 27, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day July 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day July 25, 2023 | U.S. Access Board Town Hall Meeting in Baltimore10:30PM PT, 11:30PM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 5:30PM GMT August 22, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24Inclusive 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: September 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day October 24, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day 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: November 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT ➜ Directories1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directoryhttps://accessinformationnews.com/email-newsletter-directory.html ➜ Sponsor Classified AdsSponsors may submit or update their Classified Advertisement at any time by submitting this short form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-sponsor-classified.Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
➜ Classified Advertisement: 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: Total Tech Solutions, LLC
➜ Classified Advertisement: Shop and Save! Get 10% Off Your Online Order Today!Hurry up and take advantage of our latest sales campaign! Get a whopping 10% discount on your purchases when you use the code "Joey" at checkout on our website. Sponsor Since: April 4, 2023 Website: https://blindtech.org/ 🌐️ About: TTS (Total Tech Solutions) is a startup technology company owned and operated in the Dallas Fort Worth area which specializes in offering services for the blind and visually impaired. While this is it's main focus, TTS also caters to the general public. Since its founding, TTS continues to make strides in demonstrating the countless ways blind and visually impaired individuals can contribute in all aspects of the workforce. This is one of the reasons why this company chooses to hire applicants who are visually impaired; to prove that there is a place in society for persons of any type of visual impairment, and to create a positive environment so one can thrive, live life to their fullest potential and to be a positive example to their communities and their families. Shop: BlindShell Classic | Shop: ARxWear | Shop: All Products | Services | Events | About | Contact Us Sponsor: NSITE.org
➜ Classified Advertisement: NSITE Connects Employers With Talented People Who Are Blind Or Low-Vision And Supports Talent To Gain EmploymentNSITE.org is the first non-profit organization, offering a continuum of services to connect employers with talented job seekers who are blind or low-vision and provides training, employment and career services to these job seekers. Using the NSITE Connect Job Board, which is designed exclusively for individuals who experience vision loss, employers can fill open positions with talent who are blind or have low vision. Job postings are also open to veterans. NSITE-U provides accessible on-demand and virtual instructor-led classes, programs and workshops to support career skills training and professional development for individuals who are blind or have low vision or are veterans. For more information about NSITE and all its services including a free Job Seekers Toolkit developed with APH, American Printing House for the Blind, visit us and use this form to reach NSITE's team for information about programs, classes and services, connect: 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. NSITE Connect: Linking employers with talented individuals who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans. Access the NSITE Connect Job Board here.About | Media | Employers | Job Seekers | Training Programs | Job Board | Contact Us Sponsor: Clusiv
➜ Classified Advertisement: Clusiv Is The World's First eLearning Platform Built For And By People Who Are Blind. Our Courses Are Designed To Equip People Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired For Employment In The Modern Workforce. Learn More At Clusiv.Io.Navigating the employment process can be challenging if you are blind or visually impaired. Technology is difficult to figure out, there is a lot of extra material to learn, and there isn't much quality training available. That's where Clusiv comes in. We help to provide the training you need to succeed in the modern workforce. Our courses teach assistive technology skills and how to apply those skills to many of the business software programs used in the modern workforce, such as email, Microsoft and Google apps, video conferencing, and more. We also teach soft skills such as resume and interview preparation, disclosures and accommodations, internet safety, and financial literacy. Lastly, our training can teach specific career skills, such as becoming an accessibility analyst. Plus, our courses are self-paced. To learn more, visit https://clusiv.io/ and fill out a form with your information. We work with state vocational rehabilitation agencies to provide access to our course content. 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 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. Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.
➜ Classified Advertisement: 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.
➜ Classified Advertisement: 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
➜ 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: 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
➜ Classified Advertisement: 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
➜ 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. 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 Your Business or Organization Name Here➜ Classified Advertisement: Your Weekly Classified Advertisement Title Here (256 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. 9 of 18 Sponsorship Packages Currently AvailableAccess 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 9 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!
Why: Access Information News Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication. Benefits: 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. 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. 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 2.) Donna Jodhan 3.) Your name here. Gold Supporters:
Become an Access Information News Gold Supporter today. 1.) Your name here. Silver Supporters:
Become an Access Information News Silver Supporter today. 1.) Your name here. Bronze Supporters:
Become an Access Information News Bronze Supporter today. 1.) Your name here. ➜ Access Information News TeamPublisher: 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 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) Publisher (2020-Present) Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present) 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) Editorial Contributor (2020-Present) Board of Trustees (2006 - Present) 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 advocacy foundation. 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) Editorial Contributor (2020-Present) Project Management Professional (2022 - Present) 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 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) Editorial Contributor (2023-Present) National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present) Email: editor@accessinformationnews.com 📧️ ➜ Subscription InformationABOUT: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. X (FORMERLY TWITTER):Are you on X? Follow Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your X News Feed: https://accessinformationnews.com/x. 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 📧️. 
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
