Access Information News for Monday, April 24, 2023 - Volume 907The 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: 10,432 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Why Don't Americans With Disabilities Vote In Higher Numbers?If we did then we would choose our local, state and national leaders based on the size of the disability community as the largest minority in America. Is it apathy about the entire political process? Only voting will change things. Is it a failure of the voter to understand how elections can affect disability rights and programs? If so this is an indictment of our education system. Is it the failure of candidates and the media to address disability issues at the same level of fervor as other minority concerns? If so this can be resolved by getting engaged and demanding answers and coverage. Is it a misunderstanding of disability issues by the voter? Disability issues are personal to voters with disabilities, so many may not know the issues that affect others with disabilities. Yes it is most likely all of the above to some degree. This can only be overcome by strategic engagement at all levels. Learn more today: https://accessready.org/. 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 WeekA.) Accessible Air Fryer for Blind & DeafBlind | Daniel Hawkins | Inclusive Ability Initiative, LLC (7.8% of all clicks.) B.) Will You Shop Blind? Introducing The April 1st Through April 30th 2023 Shop Blind Challenge | Two Blind Brothers (5.4% of all clicks.) C.) Are You Ableist? Take This Test To Find Out | The Washington Post: Subscription Required (4.2% of all clicks.) D.) Bookshare's Membership Fee Increase (For Non-Student Individual Members) (3.5% of all clicks.) E.) 'Forced To Live In My Disability' | DC Native Calls Out Hilton After Getting Stuck In Hotel Elevator | April 14, 2023 | WUSA9 News (3.4% of all clicks.) 2) Sponsorship Package UpdatesAre you an access-based business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 29,000 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: 3) Sponsored News Articles Now AvailableUse Sponsored News Articles to reach the access community when you need to. Whether you are a current Sponsor or not. Drive traffic to your access product and service announcements, events, updates or fundraisers using this incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-use advertisement tool. Learn more today at: 5) Follow Access Information News On Your Preferred ChannelIn addition to receiving Access Information News via email every Monday morning at 6:00 AM ET you can also pick up the newsletter and its trending articles on any of the following channels: 6) Access Information News Joins MastodonI am incredibly excited to report that Access Information News is now on Mastodon. Follow us by visiting https://mastodon.accessinformationnews.com/@news or searching for @news@mastodon.accessinformationnews.com on your server today. Access Information News joined the Fediverse via its own Mastodon server on April 20, 2023, primarily as the result of a push led by Jonathan Mosen to convince as many blind information providers as possible to create a presence on the social network. Access Information News now joins Top Tech Tidbits, which also joined Mastodon on April 17, 2023. Full press release here: 7) Access Information News Click-To-Vote Quick Poll #906 Results | Sponsored By: NSITE | 208 VotesQuestion: 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? #1 | D.) IT (Information Technology) Desktop support, Cybersecurity, Networking #2 | A.) Customer Service Training #3 | E.) Project Management/Data Analysis #4 | C.) Recruiting/Sourcing Training #5 | B.) Supply Chain/ Vending Operations (BEP Program) Poll Results Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll906-results 8) Access Information News Click-To-Vote Quick Poll #907 | Sponsored By: Access Ready, Inc.Question: Why don't Americans with disabilities vote in higher numbers? A.) Apathy about the entire political process? B.) A failure of the voter to understand how elections can effect disability rights and programs? C.) The failure of candidates and the media to address disability issues at the same level of fervor as other minority concerns? D.) A misunderstanding of disability issues by the voter? E.) All of the above to some degree? Poll Link: https://bit.ly/ain-poll907 9) Can Artificial Intelligence Make PDFs Accessible? | AllyantPublisher (Di Blasi): While cutting-edge remediators like Allyant have transitioned beyond machine learning into deep learning, which uses artificial neural networks to learn tagging rules, AI alone still cannot currently produce truly accessible and compliant documents. For reasons explained in this article. But I believe it's clear that it's only a matter of time. 10) New Accessibility Guidelines Available | The Washington Post: Subscription RequiredOn April 17, 2023, The Washington Post announced that their accessibility guidelines would be made available as part of its open-source design system. Launched last year, this system made fundamental code that powers The Post and its features publicly available for the first time. These guidelines can be used by anyone, including those outside of The Post. They include an accessibility checklist, testing strategies and considerations to make when creating online content: 11) Expanding The Reach Of Accessible Books | Ioana Tanase | Microsoft Accessibility Blog | April 19, 2023Millions of people with disabilities face what is known as a "book famine", preventing them from reading books in a format that meets their accessibility needs. Furthermore, there is a global divide in people's access to technology. While 75 percent of people in developed countries own a smartphone, only 25 percent of people in the top 10 low- and middle-income do, and people with disabilities often earn less than those without disabilities. The number of accessible digital books is growing. However, they are often in formats that cannot be accessed on basic phones, MP3 players or less powerful refreshable braille displays, let alone account for a lack of internet connectivity or electricity: 12) Law Professor Makes Digital Copyright Book Open for AllAfter spending years researching the history of U.S. copyright law, Jessica Litman says she wants to make it easy for others to find her work. Digital Copyright is available to read now.
The law professor''s book, Digital Copyright, first published in 2001 by Prometheus Books, is available free online (read now). After it went out of print in 2015, University of Michigan Press agreed to publish an open access edition of the book. Litman updated all the footnotes (some of which were broken links to web pages only available through preservation on Internet Archive) and made the updated book available under a CC-BY-ND license in 2017: 13) Pair Left Stranded In Vancouver Due To Lack Of Wheelchair-Accessible Cabs | Global News CanadaLeaving a venue after a concert ends tends to be hectic, no matter where you are. However, the ride home can be a lot more stressful for someone who uses a wheelchair. This happened to two West Kelowna, B.C., residents who were left stranded after they were told no accessible taxis were available. When Hannah Desrochers and Kyle Hindley went to a concert in Vancouver at the end of March they were able to get a wheelchair accessible ride to the show. However, when the performance ended it was a different story: 14) 'Disabled Children Need To Know It Is An Option': Co-Creating The Future Of Dance | The GuardianFrontlinedance works in communities to remove barriers for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions — and there's no distinction between teacher and learner: 15) Selma Blair Lands British Vogue May 2023 Cover: 'Dynamic, Daring, Disabled'British Vogue's May issue features a host of cover stars with disabilities: 16) Barriers to Digital Inclusion | American Foundation for the BlindIn 2023, there is a website or app for just about any task, and these digital platforms offer convenience, cost savings, and efficiency. Yet, digital platforms have not been designed for everyone. Researchers at AFB conducted the Barriers to Digital Inclusion Survey (BDIS) to learn about the prevalence and impacts of digital inclusion barriers faced by individuals who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind. Conducted in late 2022, the survey captures the barriers faced by 398 research participants. These findings reveal the consequences of inaccessibility both for the individuals who face the barriers and the companies and organizations whose programs, services, and products contain barriers. At the end of the report, we offer recommendations for policymakers, business leaders, and computing educators to create greater digital inclusion and ensure that businesses are reaching all of their customers effectively. Read the report online: 17) The State of Global Digital Accessibility: Current Challenges and Opportunities | Cam Waller | Accessibility.comDigital accessibility — the extent to which all individuals can access digital content and technology — is paramount in today's world. Digital content and interfaces help enable people with disabilities to access information, services, and other resources. And as the world becomes more connected, accessibility becomes even more significant in a global context. So what are the current challenges and opportunities associated with global digital accessibility, and what best practices and success stories can be gleaned from them? 18) How Voice Assistants Improve Digital Accessibility | Accessibility.comVoice assistants have several benefits that can improve digital accessibility for people with disabilities. Here are a few examples: 19) Overcoming Common Myths and Misconceptions About Digital Accessibility | Linda Sanabria | Accessibility.comDigital accessibility is designing and developing digital content, such as websites and mobile apps, to make them usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. However, many myths and misconceptions about digital accessibility can prevent organizations and individuals from prioritizing it. Read on to uncover some of the most prevalent myths about digital accessibility and why these myths are all false: 20) Don't Plug Your Phone Into A Free Charging Station, Warns FBI | Malwarebytes LabsIn a recent tweet, the FBI office in Denver warned consumers against using free public charging stations, stating that criminals have managed to hijack public chargers with the objective of infecting devices with malware or other software that can give hackers access to your phone, tablet or computer. "Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead:" 21) Gettysburg National Military Park Gets An Accessibility Upgrade With The Addition Of Braille And Tactile TablesThe tables, which visitors are encouraged to touch and feel, feature braille and raised lettering and allow visitors to better understand the landscape of the battle: 22) Creating A Culture Of Accessibility In Your Organization | Cindee Calton | Accessibility.comCommitting an organization to meet the digital accessibility needs of people with disabilities might require a shift in the organization's culture. Employees throughout the organization must follow accessibility practices, but shifting an organization's culture can be difficult. This article discusses three strategies for creating an accessibility culture in your organization: 23) Spreading Positivity Beyond Borders: You Are Beautiful Braille StickersPositivity has always been at the axis of You Are Beautiful — from stickers, to apparel, to public art — and now they have expanded that message beyond the sighted world by creating their first-ever Braille stickers to help us identify with one another, bring the community together and ensure everyone is seen and heard: 24) Rare Beauty's Products Have Sparked A Critical Conversation About The Beauty Industry's Lack Of Inclusivity"Disability only exists because of the barriers that society puts forward for us, so when we educate, when we share our lived experience and take time to learn how other people's bodies move, then we can be in this together:" 25) Touch Screens Are Causing Serious Accessibility Issues For Blind And Visually Impaired PeopleTouch screen card machines are making blind and visually impaired people's lives more difficult, with some people having to disclose their bank card's pin number to staff in shops and restaurants: 26) Call Center Staffed By The Visually Impaired Providing Crucial Help To OhioansFrom answering the COVID hotline to assisting voters, Cleveland Sight Center employees serve thousands while finding real career opportunities: 27) How Can Fashion Week Be More Accessible? | Brooke Frischer | FashionistaFor me, attending New York Fashion Week is a lifelong dream realized: being immersed in stunning artistry, sitting in the same rooms as A-Listers and seeing icons at every turn... It's an extremely privileged experience, and it's one I'm so grateful to be a part of. But as luxurious and thrilling as the runways and presentations can be, there's one thing I couldn't help but notice throughout the week: all the stairs. As someone who deals with chronic pain, climbing up several flights of stairs at a time can be, quite frankly, debilitating. Oftentimes, I wouldn't know that I would need to climb a staircase (or multiple) until I was at the venue; and it wasn't uncommon to be told there wasn't an elevator for myself and other guests with disabilities — visible or not — to use: 28) The Best Kindles to Take Your Library Anywhere | Wired: Subscription RequiredHere's how Amazon's ebook readers stack up — and which one might be right for you: 29) Trial Concludes In Chicago Cubs Disability Access SuitA Cubs fan with muscular dystrophy claims Wrigley Field does not have enough wheelchair-accessible seating: 30) Accessibility For All Is Not A Nice To Have — It Is A Must | Forbes: Subscription RequiredIt is fair to say that there have been many horror stories regarding travel, and an abundance of evidence suggests that people with disabilities are not considered a key customer demographic. Martin Heng, Lonely Planet's Editorial Manager and Accessible Travel Manager, recently worked on a report highlighting the 10 most accessible destinations. The report showcased the destinations that provide accessibility for all when visiting their city and featured key insights. However, work still needs to be done when navigating how to get there. Are the modes of transportation available accessible? Are the booking processes, websites, and apps accessible? In the unfortunately likely event that they are not, is there further support available? 31) Accessible Utility Statements: What's Involved | BrailleWorksYour customers have spoken and you're ready to listen. You and your organization understand the importance of giving your customers utility statements they can read on their own. Maintaining independence is important to your customers and providing them with quality, accessible statements is important to you. Now it's time to decide how you're going to get accessible statements to your customers. It's often a new process for companies and can seem overwhelming. Not to worry; the process is easier than you think. We're here to help you learn the steps to take and questions to ask so you can find the best document accessibility partner for your company. 32) As A Disabled Person, Every Day I Find Myself Masking And Code Switching | Samantha Renke | Actor, Presenter And Disability Rights CampaignerWe all want to feel like we belong. To be accepted and loved by others. To feel 'normal'. It's human nature, and we instinctively gravitate towards those who we feel safe around. Those we can see ourselves in. So, what happens if you are 'different' and you don't fit into society's parameters of so-called 'normal'? 33) Recreation and Leisure — It's Not Just Fun And Games! | APH FamilyConnectDo you want to help your child explore various recreational and leisure activities but aren't sure where to start? Check out these ideas for several different age groups: 34) Crying in the Dark | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna JodhanDonna continues to feel that above all; Canadians with disabilities continue to cry in the dark when it comes to high profile Canadian Government departments knowingly and recklessly ignoring their rights and needs. Their actions re the rolling out of the Arrive Can app is just one blatant example: 35) Understanding the Financial Rewards of Accessibility | Nick Awad | Accessibility.comTime and time again, we've explained the importance of prioritizing accessibility in day-to-day business operations. It should go without saying that there is a moral imperative to do so. People have the right to participate in society regardless of their ability level. However, some businesses may not fully appreciate how good accessibility is for business. In this piece, we will go over why investing in accessibility is a smart financial move: 36) Editor Of British Vogue Turned Down Ads On 'Inclusivity' Grounds | The GuardianEdward Enninful tells BBC he rejected major fashion brands as he promotes May issue featuring disabled cover stars: 37) 'Completely Excluded': FIFA Under Fire Over Accessibility Ticketing Allocations | Carla Jaeger | The Sydney Morning HeraldYoung children have been allocated seating away from their parents, and people with disability given inaccessible seats away from their companions as further problems from the FIFA Women's World Cup ticketing system emerge: 38) Postsecondary Programs For Students With Disabilities Begin Accreditation Process | Disability Scoop: Subscription RequiredWith hundreds of postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities available nationwide, a newly formed accrediting agency is set to help families determine which ones are of the highest quality. The number of programs at colleges and universities aimed at this population has ballooned to more than 300 in recent years, but they vary significantly in structure, length, how integrated they are in the campus and much more. As a result, families have had little way to assess different offerings despite program costs that can rival traditional college tuition. That is set to change with the launch of an accrediting agency specifically focused on post-secondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities: 39) Visually Impaired Man Denied Access To Business Because Of Service Dog | Video | WITN | Greenville, NC | April 20, 2023➜ 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 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 | Tips for Organizing Your Outlook Inbox with JAWS | Freedom Scientific9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM 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 April 28, 2023 | Getting More Contrast Out of Life: Applying Contrast to Everyday Routines | APH ConnectCenter11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT May 3, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT May 18, 2023 | 12th Annual 2023 Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)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: 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 April 16, 2023 | Why is Web Accessibility Important? | Amy Albin | Vispero Learning and Development Coordinator9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT May 16, 2023 through May 18, 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | NomensaNomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference: May 17, 2023 | Nonvisual Tips for Successful Travel | NFB of Maryland Senior Call4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT May 17, 2023 | The Business of Accessibility — Expert Panel | TPGi8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT 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 July1, 2023 through July 6, 2023 | NFB 2023 National Convention in Houston, TexasThe 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: 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: 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. 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It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence. All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®. Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence. Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8 Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions➜ Classified Advertisement: Finally! Holding Businesses 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, LLCSponsor 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. 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 29,000 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 29,000 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!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 29,000 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 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. 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 📧️. |
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