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Access Information News. The Week's News in Access Information. Symbol: Revolving Blue Globe. Six square boxes of the same size stacked two over four show people with different abilities using access information to improve their life. In the background, forty-eight square boxes of the same size stacked in six rows of eight. Inside each box is a photo of a person with a disability using access information to improve their life.

Access Information News for Monday, April 17, 2023 - Volume 906

The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com/

A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
https://mvsltd.com/

Access Information News. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information.

Subscribers: 10,433 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email.

This Week's Featured Advertisement: NSITE Connects Employers With Talented People Who Are Blind Or Low-Vision And Supports Talent To Gain Employment

NSITE Logo uses black letters, N-S-I-T-E A Vision for Talent. The E is 3 horizontal lines for three customers: blind/low-vision community, corporations & NPAs, & the math sign for =. Three blue curved lines represent 3 audiences, moving forward & up.

NSITE.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:
https://nsite.org/contact/


Dear Access Information News Subscriber,

Submit your Access Information News Item for free, with timing and placement determined by our editors, here: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-news. Submit a Sponsored News Article, with timing and placement determined by you, here: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-sponsored-news.


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

A.) Can ChatGPT Make The World More Accessible? | Benjamin Roussey | Accessibility.com (6.7% of all clicks.)
Publisher (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.
Benjamin Roussey: While some people worry that the mass adoption of ChatGPT might take away jobs or make it easier for people to cheat and plagiarize, it has generated a great deal of hope and excitement across the world. It's possible that ChatGPT can further level the playing field for people with disabilities and help them overcome barriers they face in their daily lives, like many other technological innovations in the past:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/can-chatgpt-make-the-world-more-accessible

B.) What Will AI Mean For The Popular App Be My Eyes? | NPR (5.8% of all clicks.)
Publisher (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.
NPR: Brian Fischler is blind. He can tell whether it's light or dark outside, but that's about it. "I grew up sighted like everybody, and I was diagnosed at 13 with retinitis pigmentosa," Fischler says. "And for me, the lights went out about 2009." Fischler, a New York-based standup comedian and podcaster, has used the app Be My Eyes since it first came out eight years ago. It relies on sighted volunteers to do tasks like describe holiday cards sent in the mail, or tell you whether that can in your cupboard is coconut milk or chicken soup:
https://www.npr.org/2023/04/03/1167683206/why-be-my-eyes-is-a-very-popular-app-for-the-blind-or-visually-impaired

C.) 10 Habits To Create Accessible Content | Clint Covington | Microsoft Accessibility Blog (5.0% of all clicks.)
Newsletters, 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:
https://blogs.microsoft.com/accessibility/10-habits-to-create-accessible-content/

D.) "They Felt A Blind Man Could Not Teach" — Visually Impaired Man Narrates How He Was Stereotyped | April 1, 2023 | TVC News | YouTube (5.0% of all clicks.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxqatgCZ8zk

E.) 'When Does This Milk Expire?': Chat GPT-4 Is Now Helping Blind People Navigate Everyday Tasks | Fast Company (4.4% of all clicks.)
Lucy Edwards, 27, is legally blind. She lives an independent life in Birmingham, England, with her two guide dogs and her sighted fiancé. But when he's not around, there are things she needs help with — often "rudimentary questions" to assist her with everyday tasks. It could be something as mundane as distinguishing between two cans of beans, so that she doesn't end up putting baked beans in her chili for dinner:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90872674/when-does-this-milk-expire-chat-gpt-4-is-now-helping-blind-people-navigate-everyday-tasks

2) Sponsorship Package Updates

Are you an access-based business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 25,000 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 9 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. Advertising Benefits: Review a complete list of advertising benefits here:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-packages.html#sponsorship-package-benefits

3) Access Information News Announces New Micro Advertising Service. Sponsored News Articles Now Available. Everything You Need To Know

Key Points: Anyone can now run a Sponsored News Article in any issue of AIN for just $50 USD. Sponsors can now run a Sponsored News Article in any issue of AIN for just $25 USD. Sponsored News Articles will work just like Sponsored Tidbits. Full announcement here:
https://accessinformationnews.com/11.html

4) Access Information News Click-To-Vote Quick Poll #906 | Sponsored By: NSITE

Question: With companies across the country juggling the DEI space for hires and equitable training. Which training below would you be more interested in as BVI regarding an opportunity for advancement or new career opportunity?

A.) Customer Service Training
Click-To-Vote A Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll906-a

B.) Supply Chain/ Vending Operations (BEP Program)
Click-To-Vote B Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll906-b

C.) Recruiting/Sourcing Training
Click-To-Vote C Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll906-c

D.) IT (Information Technology) Desktop support, Cybersecurity, Networking
Click-To-Vote D Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll906-d

E.) Project Management/Data Analysis
Click-To-Vote E Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll906-e

Poll Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll906

5) When You Have Low Vision and Are the Conference Presenter: What Works for Me | Paths To Technology

Whether presenting in person or virtually, K12 students, college students, and employed adults with low vision need a wealth of skills to be effective presenters. Dr. L Penny Rosenblum offers her tips on designing and delivering effective presentations:
https://www.perkins.org/resource/when-you-have-low-vision-and-are-the-conference-presenter-what-works-for-me/

6) American Council of the Blind Applauds ScripTalk Talking Label Pilot at Wegmans

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is pleased to share the announcement of the ScripTalk Talking Prescription Label pilot program at Wegmans Food Markets. Wegmans is offering the ScripTalk system that allows blind or low vision patients the ability to audibly hear important prescription label information, ensuring their medication independence and safety. The chain will offer the service across five of its New York locations:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-council-of-the-blind-applauds-scriptalk-talking-label-pilot-at-wegmans-301793686.html

7) Chasing Rainbows: This Is What It Looks Like To Be Colorblind | Andy Baio | The Verge

Apparently, the very idea of colorblindness is hard to visualize. Take a shot at looking through my eyes:
https://www.theverge.com/23650428/colorblindness-design-ui-accessibility-wordle

8) Braille Institute Los Angeles Multi-Year Initiative To Unveil A Reimagined Library For Those Blind And Visually Impaired

After multiple years of planning, Braille Institute Los Angeles is set to unveil its reimagined library for those who are blind or visually impaired at an Open House event on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Free and open to the public, guests can explore the new space that includes an L.A. cityscape sensory wall and mural, a recording room, a lightbright and tech hub. Lunch will be served plus a reading from Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson. To register, visit https://brailleinstitute.org/library-workshops/rsvp by April 19, 2023:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/braille-institute-los-angeles-multi-year-initiative-to-unveil-a-reimagined-library-for-those-blind-and-visually-impaired-301795900.html

9) ELEHEAR Launches Alpha AI

Alpha AI includes VoClear Technology and remote fitting services. ELEHEAR has launched Alpha AI, the newest hearing device in the company's portfolio that can be fitted remotely. According to Elehear leaders, the device is AI-powered and incorporates VoClear technology, and also includes Bluetooth capabilities:
https://hearingreview.com/hearing-products/elehear-launches-alpha-ai

10) City Of Chicago Held in Violation of Americans with Disabilities Act | United States Department of Justice | April 5, 2023

A federal judge in Chicago held the City of Chicago liable for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by failing to provide accessible pedestrian signals at signalized intersections throughout the city to those who are blind or have low vision:
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/city-chicago-held-violation-americans-disabilities-act

11) Federal Judge Rules That Chicago's Failure To Install APS Is Discrimination Against The Blind | Streets Blog Chicago | April 13, 2023

Last week, U.S. District judge Elaine Bucklo ruled that the city of Chicago's failure to install accessible pedestrian signals (APS) at a significant number of intersections constitutes discrimination against people with visual impairments under federal disability laws. As such, the Chicago Department of Transportation will be required to install APS, push-button devices that include tactile and auditory information to help blind and visually impaired pedestrians safely cross the street, whenever an intersection is built or modernized. Read Bucklo's memorandum here. CDOT has only installed a handful of accessible pedestrian signals:
https://chi.streetsblog.org/2023/04/13/federal-judge-ruled-that-chicagos-failure-to-install-aps-is-discrimination-against-the-blind/

12) Will You Shop Blind? Introducing The April 1st Through April 30th 2023 Shop Blind Challenge | Two Blind Brothers

Publisher (Di Blasi): Since 100% of the profits from this initiative are donated to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, we have made the decision to include it here.
Two Blind Brothers: Welcome to the April 1st through April 30th Shop Blind Challenge! It's simple. Would you buy something that you can't see? We promise you'll get something you'll love. If you don't think it's perfect, you can return it, no questions asked. Trust us! 100% of the profits are donated to Foundation Fighting Blindness to help find a cure for blindness. After April 30th, all of these items disappear:
https://twoblindbrothers.com/

13) Are You Ableist? Take This Test To Find Out | The Washington Post: Subscription Required

Publisher (Di Blasi): Here at Access Information News and Top Tech Tidbits we encourage people to counteract ableist beliefs and behaviors by learning more about disabled people and their experiences. To do our part in this ongoing educational effort we try to provide readers with as many examples of these kinds of experiences as possible, each week, so that they can hone their understanding of the what ableism truly is and what it means to the access community as a whole. This test is an incredibly mind-opening tool for assessing, if you will, you current level of bias where disabled persons are concerned. There are 7 different questions and the article rates your performance at the end.
The Washington Post: Can you recognize when you're being ableist? Even well-meaning people can exhibit unconscious bias against people with disabilities. Ableism is rooted in the assumption that non-disabled people are the ideal. The Washington Post consulted 25 disabled activists and scholars, including representatives from several national disability organizations, to create a quiz that can help someone learn more about ableist thinking. Read each example and think about how you would typically react to the situation. Then read how people in the disability community feel about the same scenarios:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/interactive/2023/ableist-thinking-disability-bias-quiz/

14) Bookshare's Membership Fee Increase (For Non-Student Individual Members)

Starting in May 2023, Bookshare will raise its membership fee for non-student Individual Members. This will be our first fee increase in our history of over two decades and is an action we take with great consideration:
https://blog.bookshare.org/2023/04/bookshares-membership-fee-increase-for-non-student-individual-members/

15) FAQs about Bookshare's Updated Fee

https://www.bookshare.org/cms/help-center/faqs-about-bookshares-updated-fee

16) How to Use the PlayStation Store's Accessibility Tags to Filter Games Worth Buying | MakeUseOf

Ensure that your next video game matches your accessibility needs with the PlayStation Store's useful Accessibility Tags:
https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-use-playstation-store-accessibility-tags/

17) U.S. Attorney Announces Agreement With The City University Of New York To Remedy The Exclusion Of A Student With Visual Impairments | United States Department of Justice

CUNY has also agreed to implement system-wide reforms to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced a voluntary compliance agreement under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) with the City University of New York ("CUNY") pursuant to which CUNY will provide individual relief to a student with visual impairments who was excluded from full participation in their academic courses and implement system-wide policies to ensure future compliance with the ADA across CUNY's 25 colleges in the five boroughs of New York City, which collectively serve 243,000 students:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/us-attorney-announces-agreement-city-university-new-york-remedy-exclusion-student

18) Get Your VPAT In A Hurry | Karl Groves

Publisher (Di Blasi): In this article Karl explains why rushing a VPAT is never a good idea.
Karl Groves: I get several emails per month from Government Contractors looking for help writing a VPAT document. Chances are this is the result of good SEO on my blog post Why a Third Party Should Prepare Your VPAT. Unfortunately a lot of these contacts follow this pattern:
https://karlgroves.com/get-your-vpat-gpat-in-a-hurry/

19) Using Smart Speakers While Temporarily Blind | Julio Ojeda-Zapata

Computer screens of all sizes have been a constant in our lives for decades. But what if you suddenly couldn't use any of them? How would you maintain a semblance of your connected lifestyle? Could you make do with just sound? I faced this dilemma in August 2022 after I lost control of my bicycle in downtown St. Paul, went flying, and slammed my helmeted head onto the asphalt with a sickening crunch. I suffered a nasty concussion. Soon afterward, my world began to go dark:
https://tidbits.com/2023/04/10/using-smart-speakers-while-temporarily-blind/

20) 'Forced To Live In My Disability' | DC Native Calls Out Hilton After Getting Stuck In Hotel Elevator | April 14, 2023 | WUSA9 News

Mario Bonds is totally blind. He is speaking out after he was stuck in a hotel elevator because of its digital touchscreen with no Braille:
https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/mario-bonds-viral-elevator-tik-tok-video/65-fb965639-e13e-4fd2-bf21-9b73e2bed98b

21) Dad Creates Bespoke 3D-Printed Toys for Kids with Disabilities

Nick Hardman is a single dad and 3D printing hobbyist who loves a good project. In 2020, he made PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic and soon found himself transitioning to a new endeavor. "I'm Nick, and this is the 3D Toy Shop Teddy Hospital,” he says in a viral TikTok video. "We make toys that don't exist — like little pacemakers and little tracheostomies so children who are going through the hardest time can have a friend like them:"
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/custom-toys-for-kids-disabilities-tiktok

22) 4 Key Strategies for Accessible Deployment | Accessibility.com

The accessibility of a webpage or web-based product is a marker of a successful deployment strategy. It means that the widest potential client base can use the product. This includes those 26% of Americans with some form of disability. Organizations should do all they can to ensure the product is accessible by the time it reaches the deployment stage. Deployment is important because it is when the reality of user experience tempers the accessibility of a product. Accessibility is not just a company's responsibility in the drawing room stages. Once the product is deployed to the real world, the company still has to ensure its accessibility efforts are sustained. In this piece, we will detail four key strategies that a business can use to make sure that the deployment stage of its products and platforms is accessible:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/4-key-strategies-for-accessible-deployment

23) Accessible Air Fryer for Blind & DeafBlind | Daniel Hawkins | Inclusive Ability Initiative, LLC

One of the first steps to becoming independent is learning how to cook for yourself. During the pandemic I learned how to slow cook and smoke meat. I had so much fun with it and enjoyed eating my creations and sharing with family and friends, I decided to look into other avenues of meal creations. One thing I love is homemade hand cut French fries. I do have a $25 deep frier I have been using for years. But like everyone who uses these, it can get messy, and you have to replace the cooking oil. I never did enjoy replacing the oil and the mess to clean up. So, I started researching on what some have told me to use an air fryer to cook French fries. I found out it is healthier and does not use much oil. Very easy to use and clean up. As you have guessed, I invested in an air fryer. I did my research as a Blind person and read comments of others on the accessibility of air fryers. You can buy an analog fryer that just has two knobs, one for the temperature and the other one is the timer. But I wanted the best of the best! So, I found the:
https://iabilityi.com/adaptivetechnology/accessible-air-fryer-for-blind-deafblind/

24) Google Announces The End Of Multiple Nest Products. What You Need To Know | ZDNet

On April 7, 2023 Google announced via a blog post that it will end support for some of its home products including Nest Secure, Dropcam and Works. If you own one here is what that means for you:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-announces-the-end-of-multiple-nest-products-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

25) Recording: Mapping the Disability Tech Market with Perkins School for the Blind | Sandy K. Lacey | YouTube

Story: https://equalentry.com/mapping-the-disability-tech-market-perkins-school/
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSlgOZrHFiY

26) PA Shortage Leaves Disabled People 'Stuck At Home' | BBC Wales

Disabled people are being shut out of society because of a lack of personal assistants, it has been claimed:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-65254308

27) 5 Best eBook Subscription Services of 2023 | Good eReader

If you're an avid reader or a book lover, an eBook subscription is extremely worthwhile for you. Just like Netflix, which gives you access to 1000+ movies and TV series, an eBook subscription service lets you access 1000s or even millions of eBooks. Fortunately, there are countless eBook subscription services to choose from. But how do you select the service that will satisfy your reading needs? In this post, we're going to review the five best eBooks subscription services that are worth checking out. Let's take a look:
https://goodereader.com/blog/e-book-news/5-best-ebook-subscription-services-2023

28) Let's See The Victory: Blinded Ukrainian Soldier Wants To Bring Artificial Vision To Ukraine | Video

A Ukrainian sapper lost both of his eyes when an antipersonnel mine exploded during a mission in the Donbas region. After four months in the hospital and extensive rehab, Vladyslav Yeshchenko co-founded Let's See The Victory, a charity project that wants to bring an experimental technology to Ukraine that could help him and other blind soldiers see again:
https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-blind-soldier-technology-vision-/32359113.html

29) The Importance Of Sport For Children With Disabilities — And The Lengths Their Parents Go To Access It | The Conversation

Access to physical activity and sport is not equal. Children and young people with disabilities are less likely to engage in physical activity and sport, as there are significant barriers to their participation. Parents are often vital in helping their children become involved in sport. In our research, we spoke to 11 parents of children and young people aged between 12 and 25 who were competing in at UK or international level in parasport. We wanted to understand their experience supporting their children's sport participation and parasport pathways. Their children were competitive in a range of parasports, including wheelchair tennis, athletics and swimming:
https://theconversation.com/the-importance-of-sport-for-children-with-disabilities-and-the-lengths-their-parents-go-to-access-it-201825

30) FDA Issues Warning that Abbott's FreeStyle Libre Readers May Overheat

A number of Libre users reported that their reader's lithium-ion battery swelled, overheated, sparked, and in rare cases, caught fire. In response, Abbott has issued a warning. If you use FreeStyle Libre, here are steps you can take to stay safe:
https://diatribe.org/abbott-recalls-freestyle-libre-readers-due-risk-extreme-heat-and-fire?omhide=true

31) Why Blind Students Struggle To Get Braille Textbooks On Time | Civil Beat

Legislators are considering a bill that would force public schools to provide timely instructional material:
https://www.civilbeat.org/2023/02/why-blind-students-struggle-to-get-braille-textbooks-on-time/

32) In First, CDC Issues Data On Teens With Autism | Disability Scoop: Subscription Required

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting for the first time on its efforts to expand tracking of children with autism to include teens on the spectrum. The federal agency has long studied autism among 8-year-olds in various locations across the nation. The surveillance data is relied on to provide an estimate of the number of children believed to have the developmental disability. More recently, the CDC started collecting data on 4-year-olds as well:
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/04/13/in-first-cdc-issues-data-on-teens-with-autism/30328/

33) 5 Essential Strategies to Implement as You Grow Your Business | BrailleWorks

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal accessibility laws can be costly when overlooked and are essential to business growth and a boost in revenue. Overlooking accessibility needs not only excludes a large portion of both the United States and global populations, it can also bring about expensive and time-consuming litigation that could have easily been avoided. Let's explore 5 essential accessibility components that every company needs to address in order to boost their revenue:
https://brailleworks.com/essential-strategies-to-grow-your-business/

34) Digitally Accessible Math Worksheets | Paths To Literacy

Many math worksheets are not accessible to people who use screen readers. In this blog you'll find math worksheets that can be used by people who use screen readers, people who use keyboards only, as well as those who want braille output:
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resource/digitally-accessible-math-worksheets/

35) How Bookshop.org Survives — and Thrives — in Amazon's World | Wired: Subscription Required

Andy Hunter's ecommerce platform was a pandemic hit. Now he's on a mission to prove that small businesses can scale up without selling out:
https://www.wired.com/story/books-bookshop-org-thrives-amazon-world/

36) Who WCAG Applies To | Kami Funk | Accessibility.com

Different countries have different requirements, and in the United States, the lines aren't completely clear. WCAG is considered the "gold standard" of accessibility rules, but it is neither a law nor universally legally required in the United States. Though the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) does define digital accessibility requirements, it doesn't specify how they must be achieved:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/who-wcag-applies-to

37) What Happened To You? — New Kid's Book Challenges Intrusive Questions On Disability | Forbes: Subscription Required

Released across the United States this week, What Happened To You? by James Catchpole featuring illustrations by Karen George is a children's book that seeks to explore personal questions from others that can make people with disabilities feel awkward and excluded. Aimed at kids aged between four and eight, the book published by New York-based Little, Brown and Company tells the story of Joe — a young boy with a limb difference who is playing a game of pirates in the playground:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2023/04/11/what-happened-to-you--new-kids-book-challenges-intrusive-questions-on-disability/

38) Are Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Just as Good? Here's What to Know | CNET

A pair of hearing aids that you can pick up at the store may be a new concept, but a new study suggests you may fit yourself for one just as well as the professionals:
https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/are-over-the-counter-hearing-aids-just-as-good-heres-what-to-know/

39) Sight Unseen: An Exhibition That Challenges Perception And Reality | Isaiah Joseph | The Tower

Kean's Human Rights Institute introduces a remarkable exhibit showcasing the photographic works of blind artists from all around the world. The exhibition's theme of blindness and photography is a fascinating and innovative idea. The idea of artists who are visually impaired creating photographs opens up a whole new perspective on the relationship between the photographer and the image:
http://kutower.com/2023/04/10/sight-unseen-an-exhibition-that-challenges-perception-and-reality/

40) A Spectacular Vision: The BlindCan Film Festival

When presented with the notion that a blind person can make a film, many people would think it is impossible. Ben Fox, the founder of the BlindCAN Film Festival, is showing the Tallahassee Community and the world that blindness isn't a hindrance to living a full life or using the art of cinema to tell stories:
https://www.fsunews.com/story/entertainment/movies/2023/04/09/a-spectacular-vision-the-blindcan-film-festival/70096668007/

41) Alberta Teen With Limited Vision Among All-Star Canadians Heading To International Archery Competition | CTV News Edmonton

An Alberta teenager will join some of the country's best archers at an international competition in South Africa this summer — but it's not just her skills on the range that are making an impression:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/lifestyle/alberta-teen-with-limited-vision-among-all-star-canadians-heading-to-international-archery-competition-1.6348034

42) MTA Tests New Wide Turnstiles At Stations To Increase Accessibility | Video | CBS News

The MTA wants to know what riders think of wider subway turnstiles:
https://t.co/kerYA3CRAA

44) These Evocative A.I. Images Were Conceived in the Memory of the Visually Impaired | Video

In partnership with the Valentin Hauy Association, named for the founder of the first school for the blind (which educated Louis Braille), French optician group Optic 2000 has created "As Far As the Eye Can See." The work was conceived by Australie.GAD and consists of A.I. images created from the vivid memories of visually impaired people. Each subject sat with photographer Marc Da Cunha Lopes and described a memory. Lopes then engaged A.I. software to tailor the resulting images for as much fidelity to the experience as possible:
https://musebycl.io/data-creativity/these-evocative-ai-images-were-conceived-memory-visually-impaired

45) 'It's Not A Checklist, It's A Mindset' — Accessibility And Inclusion Is At The Centre Of This Australian Music Community

Dave Dowling was putting on one of his semi-regular backyard DIY gigs on the north side of Melbourne when he first met Harley Young, a local musician with a big idea and a lot of enthusiasm. "He just came around to my house and launched straight into it," Dowling says. "'I've been thinking about this for a while. And I'd like your involvement'." That idea was for Off The List Records, a record label and event organizing collective focused on empowering artists and music lovers with a disability. "I was so into the idea," Dowling says. "I was like, 'Yeah, I would like to be a part of that'. "It is really thoughtful to think about starting a label that empowers disabled punters and musicians within the Australian music landscape:"
https://www.abc.net.au/doublej/music-reads/features/music-accessibility-off-the-list-between-mirrors/102214916

46) Marina del Pilar Administration Implements Free Birth Certificate Program In Braille

Delivery of birth certificates in the braille system has begun in Baja, California:
https://www.sandiegored.com/en/news/238286/Marina-del-Pilar-administration-implements-free-birth-certificate-program-in-braille

47) Comcast, Sinclair, & Pearl TV Are Adding Enhanced Audio Accessibility to ATSC 3.0 NEXTGEN TV

Comcast NBCUniversal, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and the Pearl Network Consortia have announced a major coalition to demonstrate enhanced audio accessibility to ATSC 3.0 NEXTGEN TV. With these new features over the air TV will become more inclusive to everyone. Now OTA TV will offer an audio description audio track over the air:
https://cordcuttersnews.com/comcast-sinclair-pearl-tv-are-adding-enhanced-audio-accessibility-to-atsc-3-0-nextgen-tv/

48) 3 Tips For Helping People With Disabilities | Forbes: Subscription Required

"Helping the disabled," both the phrase and the concept, can come across as obviously positive — but at the same time surprisingly uncomfortable. It is the textbook version of a "Good Deed" — kind, uncomplicated, and seemingly apolitical, itself a potential relief in these politically polarized times. Yet, for actual disabled people, "helping the disabled," like its predecessor "helping the handicapped" has awkward associations. Done right, and with the right mindset, help from other people can liberate and empower disabled people, and bolster their dignity. But the urge to help can just as easily lead to condescension, miscommunication, and even physical danger:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2023/03/27/3-tips-for-helping-people-with-disabilities/

49) Documentary Film 'Friday Night Blind' Explores The World Of Three Vision-Impaired Bowlers

About 13 years ago, Milwaukee resident Scott Krahn, a veteran advertising art director, decided to sign up to be a Big Brother. Little did he know how much that choice would change his life. A film that in a roundabout way grew out of that experience, the short documentary Friday Night Blind, would end up winning a Wisconsin Film Festival Golden Badger Award for Krahn and his co-director, Robb Fischer. It will screen as part of the "Real People/Real Places" program on April 14 and 15:
https://isthmus.com/arts/movies/friday-night-blind-vision-impaired-bowlers/

50) How Accessible Is Our Future? | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan

Donna is concerned about the accessibility of our future. So many barriers to overcome and so many others beyond our control:
https://sterlingcreations.ca/blog/how-accessible-is-our-future-2

51) Austin Airport Launches New Program, Provides Other Services For Non-Visible Disability Travelers

AUS is the fourth airport in Texas to help create an easier experience of going through terminals for those with hidden disabilities:
https://www.kvue.com/article/travel/sunflower-accessbility-project-airport/269-3df1df62-59aa-4dc0-aef3-c922682be6de

52) Punchline Joins Gloucestershire's Audio News Map | April 14, 2023 | WIVB4 Buffalo

For those who are blind or partially sighted, keeping up with the latest news presents distinct challenges, but a network of volunteers who work hard on converting print to audio across Gloucestershire is bridging the gap to ensure nobody misses out on the stories behind the latest headlines:
https://www.punchline-gloucester.com/articles/aanews/punchline-news-joins-a-gloucestershire-talking-newspaper-content

53) NFTA Expanding Service To Help Visually Impaired | April 16, 2023 | WIVB4 Buffalo

The Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA) is expanding a free program to help the visually impaired:
https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/buffalo/nfta-expanding-service-to-help-visually-impaired/


➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events

Submit your access information related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-event.


April 18, 2023 | JAWS Inspect Testing for Developers and QA Teams | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenter: Charlie Pike, Platform Success Lead. Learn how developers and QA teams can utilize JAWS Inspect to deliver fast and effective accessibility and AT compatibility testing. Check complex controls and even automate testing across user flows:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-april-18-at-12pm-et-jaws-inspect-testing-for-developers-and-qa-teams/

April 18, 2023 | Live Webinar | Accessible Design Systems: CarMax's Driving Force for Online Inclusion

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
How does CarMax, the largest used car retailer in the U.S., ensure that its digital accessibility program keeps pace with its rapid innovation? An accessible design system. By adopting a company-wide framework for accessible design, CarMax simplified the creation of inclusive digital experiences, accelerating time-to-market and reducing technical debt:
https://www.levelaccess.com/earesources/webinar-accessible-design-systems-carmaxs-driving-force-for-online-inclusion/

April 19, 2023 | Lights, Camera, Audio Descriptions! | The Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc.

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
Join The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. for an explosive and interactive webinar on accessibility and inclusion in TV, film and entertainment. We'll go behind the scenes with Joe Strechay, blind Producer, consultant and entertainment accessibility expert for Netflix and Apple TV+ to explore a little history on audio descriptions for the blind and visually impaired, the current state of accessibility in the entertainment industry, the variety of content available in 2023, and how to enable audio descriptions on apps like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime. You'll leave this webinar with the tools and knowledge you need to consume your content of choice in an inclusive and accessible way, cutting the guesswork out of your entertainment experience. Sign up now to reserve your spot at this blockbuster webinar! Register in advance for this webinar using the link below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please contact Tim Paulding at tpaulding@lhblind.org 📧️ if you have any questions or need assistance registering for this event:
https://thelighthousefortheblindinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KvbXcENCQY-4YXufrNRu7A

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

http://bit.ly/3YsScrX

April 19, 2023 | Creating Accessible Emails & Using Mailchimp (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Explore how to create emails that have accessibility at the forefront. Join Rachel Reeves for a demonstration of tips and tricks on Mailchimp, a free or paid platform that allows you to send emails to your contacts. Learning Outcomes: Explore common accessibility barriers in emails, including signatures, images, and color contrast. Learn tools in Outlook that can make your emails more accessible. Review MailChimp Marketing platform. | Meeting ID: 811 0083 5555 | Passcode: 479822 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,81100835555#,,,,*479822# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81100835555?pwd=ZG9TMXgrV1VhenlDTDJhS2Jta01NQT09#success

April 20, 2023 | Webinar: ADA Legal Update: What Your Restaurant Needs to Know About Digital Accessibility

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenters: Seyfarth Shaw's Minh N. Vu, Partner, Ashley S. Jenkins, Associate, and Vispero's Matt Ater, VP of Business Development. Over the past decade, restaurants have embraced websites, mobile apps, self-service kiosks, PDF menus, and online reservations services to deliver their goods and services to customers. These technologies have their advantages but also expose restaurants to litigation exposure when they are not independently usable by customers who are blind or have mobility disabilities. Join Seyfarth Shaw's Minh N. Vu, Partner, Ashley S. Jenkins, Associate, and Vispero's Matt Ater VP Business Development, as they provide an update on ADA Title III lawsuit trends relating to the use of technology by public accommodations and what restaurants need to do to comply with the ADA. They will discuss how restaurants can proactively protect themselves and provide accessible technology. Attendees will learn: ADA lawsuit trends and theories. Accessibility barriers relating to: Websites, Self-service kiosks, QR code menus, Online reservations, Mobile apps, Risk mitigation strategies. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-april-20-at-12pm-et-ada-legal-update-what-your-restaurant-needs-to-know-about-digital-accessibility/

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

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

April 20, 2023 | The CSUN Takeaway | Envision

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Envision's April webinar includes the key takeaways from this year's CSUN, an update from our product team, and first-hand reactions to the new ChatGPT-powered 'Ask Envision' feature coming soon to the Envision Glasses. Register using this link and hear what's new and happening at Envision:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7316802470099/WN_bYYKKREkT--Q5VnnX9n1ZQ#/registration

April 21, 2023 | 3D-Printed, DIY Assistive Technology | NOAT

11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT
Learning Outcomes: I'd like to raise the awareness among assistive technology professionals and therapists about the availability and cost effectiveness of DIY (especially 3D-printed) solutions. I'd also like to raise the awareness of the quality, ease of use, and cost effectiveness of modern 3D printers. I'll also talk about one of the most fruitful opportunities for customized and personalized AT - 3D-printed keyguards. Ken Hackbarth is the president of Volksswitch.org — an organization devoted to the democratization of assistive technology by leveraging the power and promise of 3D printing. Prior to his current position he worked for almost three decades as a systems architect for AT&T Bell Laboratories and its subsequent divestitures. He has a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Arizona and a Master of Education in Special Education, with a concentration in assistive technology, from Bowling Green State University:
https://sites.google.com/noat.ca/events/2023/3dprinted-diy-assistive-technology-21-apr-2023

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

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

April 26, 2023 | WCAG 2.2 Overview (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Join Michael Parker to learn what's changing with WCAG 2.2 and how it impacts the accessibility of your digital content. Learning Outcomes: Overview of WCAG 2.2. When will WCAG 2.2 be released. How to test for the new criteria. Meeting ID: 845 2998 9518 | Passcode: 002926 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,84529989518#,,,,*002926# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84529989518?pwd=YXlSd1oxd2l4dEVDY0o3a01VTENEdz09#success

April 26, 2023 | How To Build A Positive Credit Score And History | LBPD Financial Literacy Course | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT
Today, strong credit is important for accessing a mortgage loan, personal loans, renting an apartment, and more. This workshop will teach you the main factors that make up a credit score, the costs associated with having a loan, and various strategies on how to build a positive credit history with the right credit products for you:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-build-a-positive-credit-score-and-history-cash-campaign-tickets-574723532557

April 27, 2023 | International Ally User Group

7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
Digital Accessibility presents a range of challenges to those of us working in Higher Education, but we are not alone! In the April 27, 2023 meeting of the International Ally User Group we will learn from the experiences of colleagues working in this area in our first panel discussion. As the "International" Ally User Group, it's important to consider the global perspective. We are lucky to be joined by panelists from six countries that span across eight time zones. The roundtable will cover four themes: Alternative formats and students. Encouraging staff to create accessible content. Institutional policy and challenges. Celebrating success. After one or two starting questions for each theme we will open to the audience to ask their questions and to share their own answers. Our panelists are from around the world and their institutions are at various levels of accessibility maturity. Sharon Austin, Academic Technology Accessibility Specialist, University of Tampa, Terry Greene, Senior eLearning Designer, Trent University, Canada, James Northridge, "Inclusive UCC" Project Manager, University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, Dr Tharindu Liyanagunawardena, Digital Accessibility Officer, University of Reading, UK, Esin Caglayan, Ph.D., Director of Teaching and Learning Center, Izmir University of Economics, Turkey, Sarah Whittaker, Senior Manager Teaching with Technology, working in United Arab Emirates. Join our first panel discussion for an inspiring global perspective around how we can rise to the challenges and opportunities of digital accessibility. Find sign-up and joining details on the Ally Community site:
https://usergroup.ally.ac/content/perma?id=58015

April 28, 2023 | Navigating Finances for Older Individuals With Vision Loss | OIB-TAC

12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT
Join us for a webinar with Penny Forward on how older blind individuals can continue to manage their finances with vision loss. Our experienced panel, including Chris Peterson, Liz Bottner, and MOe Carpenter, will guide you through small changes your clients can make to adapt to their changing vision, low-tech solutions that are still effective, and high-tech solutions that can make managing their finances easier than ever before. We'll discuss how self-advocacy is critical to maintaining your clients' independence. Plus, learn about Penny Forward, a nonprofit organization that offers accessible financial education and counseling for individuals with vision loss. Don't let vision loss hold your clients back from managing their finances with confidence. Join us for this informative and empowering presentation:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcOytrTwrG9eXb-eE_kJSY1RM4_8amlEU

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

8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT
Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/

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

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

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

7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
Whether you are traveling to another city, state or country, we will look at tools and resources that will help you get the most assistance for your venture. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 📱️ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 📱️ or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov 📧️

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

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

May 17, 2023 | Nonvisual Tips for Successful Travel | NFB of Maryland Senior Call

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
Please come join our conversation to explore the nuts and bolts of traveling as a blind person. Learn how to manage different modes of transportation and how to orient yourself in unfamiliar environments. We will share tips for individuals with various levels of changing vision. Where: NFB of Maryland Conference Call: (339) 209-4083 📱️ All are welcome! For more information about this event or the NFB of Maryland Senior Division please contact: Marguerite Woods at (443) 271-1668 📱️ / mwoods719@gmail.com 📧️.

May 18, 2023 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day

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

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

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

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

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

July1, 2023 through July 6, 2023 | NFB 2023 National Convention in Houston, Texas

The National Federation of the Blind is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Each year we come together for important discussions, decisions, and information sharing. As an attendee, take advantage of the opportunity to: Network with thousands of blind role models. Connect with leaders in the field of blindness. Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics. Learn about the latest in technology and innovation. And more! The convention is open to all. Important note: Our constitution states that only members of the Federation have the right to participate in decision-making when it comes to organizational policy. If you are not already a member, please connect with your state affiliate at:
https://nfb.org/about-us/state-affiliates

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

8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT
LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/

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

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

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

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

July 25, 2023 | U.S. Access Board Town Hall Meeting in Baltimore

10:30PM PT, 11:30PM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 5:30PM GMT
The U.S. Access Board will hold a public town hall meeting at the national headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland. Presidentially appointed Access Board members and representatives from other federal member agencies will be present to hear from the local community about the state of accessibility in Baltimore and the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area. Following the town hall meeting, there will be a reception and networking opportunity from 3:30 — 4:30 (ET), sponsored by the Maryland Department of Disabilities. The town hall meeting and reception are open to all members of the public. Please register for in-person attendance by July 1, 2023. To register, send an email to events@access-board.gov 📧️ with your name and organization. The Access Board invites in-person oral comments on accessibility. Registrants who wish to make in-person oral comments must indicate their request to speak when emailing events@access-board.gov. Public commenters will be allotted two minutes to make their comments

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

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

September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


➜ Directories


1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directory

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


Sponsors may submit or update their Classified Advertisement at any time by submitting this short form: https://accessinformationnews.com/submit-sponsor-classified.


Sponsor: WayAround


WayAround logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Try Talking Labels That Work With Your Smartphone For Just $9.99!

Get all the different types of WayTags so you can try the BEST accessible labeling system around. Use the coupon code TryTags to get a WayTag Sampler Pack for just $9.99. Plus, you get FREE shipping. Use the WayTags along with the free mobile app to label your things with a description and other important details, so you can spend less time figuring out what things are, and more time getting things done.
https://www.wayaround.com/shop/sampler-pack/?utm_source=AssistiveTech&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AccessInfoNewsSponsorAd

Sponsor Since: November 18th 2022 Calendar icon.

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


Pneuma Solutions logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Finally! Holding Businesses Accountable

Those who need accessibility accommodations aren't strangers to jumping in with self-advocacy to achieve it. But, what about the rest of us? When explaining the benefits of a reasonable accommodation to one's place of work or school. This is where our self-advocacy kits come in. Pneuma has written up customizable email templates you can modify according to your situation. We cover a variety of different advocacy scenarios. Simply choose your scenario, answer a few simple questions, adapt the language, address it to the right person, and submit it! Self-advocacy has never been easier:
https://pneumasolutions.com/finally-holding-businesses-accountable/

Sponsor Since: November 7th 2022 Calendar icon.

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


Total Tech Solutions, LLC logo.

Sponsor Since: April 4, 2023 Calendar icon.

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


NSITE.org logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: NSITE Connects Employers With Talented People Who Are Blind Or Low-Vision And Supports Talent To Gain Employment

NSITE.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:
https://nsite.org/

Sponsor Since: March 6th 2023 Calendar icon.

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


Clusiv logo.

➜ 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 Calendar icon.

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.


Access Ready, Inc. logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Access Ready Seeks Your Support at the Public Policy Level

Moving the public policy needle is both difficult and costly. Access Ready has one of the most experienced teams in the business who have shown results. We have fostered Congressional language on accessible websites, elections, healthcare, communications, and other areas touched by information and communications technologies. These efforts are costly and we need your help to continue. Become an Access Ready supporter and create an accessible future for people with disabilities:
https://accessready.org/

Sponsor Since: December 19th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️

About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.

The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.

To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.

To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.

To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.

To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:

Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.


Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.


Access Ready, Inc. logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Access Ready Provides Access To The Best In The Business

If you need assistance with a new accessible website, document remediation or disability consulting of other kinds, Access Ready can help. We seek out the best in the business and bring them to you already vetted as to quality, professionalism and ability. By going through AccessReady.org to one of our qualified providers, you're not only getting the best, but supporting our advocacy and technological development efforts as well:
https://accessready.org/

Sponsor Since: December 13th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️

About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.

The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.

To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.

To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.

To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.

To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:

Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.


Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.


Access Ready, Inc. logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Access Ready Seeks Guidance On New Accessible Technologies

What Technologies do you see in the market that are not accessible, but should be? What accessible technologies can you imagine that can make the lives of people with all kinds of disabilities better? We will advocate with developers to make existing technologies accessible on your behalf. We will advocate with developers to build new accessible technologies on your behalf. Give us your guidance and support. Your guidance charts our path toward what is most important. Your support funds our efforts on your behalf:
https://accessready.org/

Sponsor Since: December 1st 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️

About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.

The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.

To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.

To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.

To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.

To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:

Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.


Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter


APH ConnectCenter logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Prepare For Your Future Today With The All-New APH ConnectCenter's Job Seekers Toolkit!

The APH ConnectCenter and NSITE have partnered to update the Job Seeker's Toolkit, an accessible, self-paced, free online training course. The Toolkit includes five sections covering self-awareness, career exploration tools, the preliminary employment process, the interview, and maintaining employment. We are bringing the Job Seeker's Toolkit to a larger audience and in a Learning Management System format for today's learners, at no cost. Visit APHCareerConnect.org to get started with the Job Seekers Toolkit today at:
https://aphcareerconnect.org/lesson-plans-for-teachers-and-professionals/the-job-seekers-toolkit/

Sponsor Since: November 29th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐️

Email: connectcenter@aph.org 📧️

APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line:
(800) 232-5463 📱️

Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET

Facebook (CareerConnect) | Facebook (FamilyConnect) | Facebook (VisionAware) | Twitter | YouTube

About: The APH ConnectCenter offers curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives.



Menus4ALL logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: A Revolution in Resolution — Menus for Everyone

No matter when, where or who, the Menus4ALL iPhone app gives you the info you need quickly. No more multiple Google searches to research menus before going out. Info is organized to give you quick access to what you are looking for — the menu! Optimized to give you the best viewing experience. No more struggling to see small print, or looking at a menu in a dimly lit restaurant. Do you use magnification, large print, VoiceOver, a braille display or Voice Control? Enjoy 750,000 fully accessible menus. Download the app today at:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/menus4all/id1640547801?platform=iphone

Sponsor Since: November 20th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.menus4all.com/ 🌐️

Email: stephanie@menus4all.com 📧️

About: 750,000 Accessible Restaurant Menus. On your iPhone ® in the palm of your hand.

App Restaurant Menu, Search and Waiter Alert Screens.

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


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.
(1000 characters or less including spaces.)

Your logo here.

Sponsor Since: Today Calendar icon.

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 25,000 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.



Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 25,000 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 24 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!

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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:


Ornate Platinum Medallion.

Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.

1.) James Hulme
Platinum Supporter Since: December 5, 2022

2.) Donna Jodhan
Platinum Supporter Since: March 24, 2023

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


Gold Supporters:


Ornate Gold Medallion.

Become an Access Information News Gold Supporter today.

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Ornate Silver Medallion.

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Ornate Bronze Medallion.

Become an Access Information News Bronze Supporter today.

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➜ Access Information News Team


Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)


Photo of Aaron Di Blasi.

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)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐️

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

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


Editorial Contributor #1: John Hanlin (Volunteer)


Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Boulder, Colorado

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

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

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

John Hanlin, Esq.

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

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

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


Editorial Contributor #2: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)


Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

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

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, Jenna also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and runs her own 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)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐️

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

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


Editorial Contributor #3: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)


Photo of David Woodbridge.

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6th 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Woodbridge

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

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

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

Email: editor@accessinformationnews.com 📧️
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A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://toptechtidbits.com


➜ Subscription Information


ABOUT:

Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 25,000 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.

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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.

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If you would like to become 1 of only 24 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-packages.html.

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CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS:

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Five stylized access logos, a long cane user, hearing aid user, full braille cell, fingers signing interpreter, and enlarged print.

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A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication

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