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Access Information News for Monday, June 5, 2023 - Volume 913The 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: 10,375 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 25 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Join Industry Leaders And Begin Reaching Over 25,000 Access Professionals, Educators and Enthusiasts, All Over The World, Each Week. All While Supporting The Ongoing Distribution of This Publication For Those Very Same Readers. Only $100 USD Per Month. While Packages Last. This Issue Made Possible By Support From The Following Sponsors:
Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By Support From: Pneuma Solutions, WayAround, Menus4ALL, APH ConnectCenter, Access Ready, Inc., Clusiv, NSITE.org, Total Tech Solutions, LLC, Hartgen Consultancy, Carrie on Accessibility and Living Blindfully. Learn more about Sponsorship today at: https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsor.Dear Access Information News Subscriber,Submit your Access Information News Item for free, with timing and placement determined by our editors, 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.) 5 Products And Features That Are Making The Digital World More Accessible | Google BlogHere are 5 product and feature updates built by and for people with disabilities:: B.) Audible Plus Vs. Premium PlusWith a US market share of 63.4% (as of 2022), Amazon Audiobook is quite popular among users. It allows users to access several podcasts, audiobooks, and classics. As for their subscription plans, earlier, you needed to pay $14.95 monthly as a subscription fee and receive one credit. For two credits, you needed to pay a bit more. However, now there are two different subscription plans available: Audible Plus and Premium Plus. What's the difference between the two? Let's find out: C.) Meet Blind Social Media Influencer Lucy Edwards | Motto: "Blind, Not Broken" | VogueSocial media sensation Lucy Edwards pens a personal essay for British Vogue on the power of her blindness: D.) Five Screen Reader Accessibility Tests Your QA Team Should Do | TPGiIf your company is working on improving the accessibility of the website for people with disabilities, ensuring your content is accessible to screen reader users will be one of the focuses. As you and your team are busy making changes to your website, software and other digital assets to ensure they're accessible, you will likely have a lot of questions. This post aims to demystify the accessibility screen reader compatibility testing process and show you how screen reader testing can reveal your successes and where your site still contains accessibility barriers: E.) AccessWorld Spring 2023 IssueUpdates Include: Editor's Page: Welcome To The First Issue Of The Relaunched And Expanded AccessWorld! | Moderating Google Groups: A Screen Reader And Browser Comparison | Employment Journeys, Darren Burton, Access Industry Veteran | A Novice's Guide to VPATs | Interest In and Adoption of Novel AT: Findings from NRTC's AT in the Workplace Study: 2) Low Cost / High Yield Access Advertising AvailableAre you an access-based person, 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 the incredibly low cost of just $100 a month, paid either quarterly or annually. Annual Sponsors receive 5 Featured Advertisements for the year, as opposed to 4, and gain the additional benefit of being able to schedule their Featured Advertisements 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, at a nearly negligible advertising cost, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last. Availability: There are currently 5 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages remaining. Advertising Benefits: Review a complete list of advertising benefits here: 3) Premium Subscriber UpdatesNext Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 2nd issue of the 60 Most Clicked Access News Articles for April, May and June of 2023 on Monday, July 3, 2023. Back Issues: There is currently 1 back issue available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. All available back issues will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchasing your subscription. Please Join Us: If you would like to support the ongoing weekly distribution of free and unbiased access news while receiving a perfectly formatted and searchable Word Document with each of the 60 Most Clicked Access News Articles of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month: 4) 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. Current Weekly Subscriber Count: Over 10K. 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) CheckPlease Wants To Streamline The Restaurant-Going Process For Customers And Merchants | Technical.lyMike Bernicker's app allows customers to order and pay for their meal over their phone, reducing the work of waitstaff and streamlining the dining process: 7) 25 Smartphone Accessibility Settings You Need to Know About | Reader's DigestThese accessibility settings will change the way you use your phone, whether you have a disability or simply want to make your life easier: 8) Top Three Summer Activities for Blind or Visually Impaired Children and Youth"Since 1953, Wayfinder Family Services has been a trailblazer in inclusive and accessible activities for blind or visually impaired youth," says Wayfinder's Visual Impairment & Developmental Disabilities Services Vice President Allison Burdett. Burdett recommends the following free activities for children, youth or adults who are blind or visually impaired: 9) In Partnership With Blind Low Vision New Zealand, Vision Australia Is Pleased To Launch Our Vision Store Shop Website For New Zealand CustomersWe are proud to launch our partnership with Blind Low Vision NZ to bring you the latest in technology so you can live the life you choose. Contact Blind Low Vision NZ for information about assessments, funding or any other queries: 10) Elon Musk's Neuralink 'Brain Chips' Cleared For 1st In-Human Trials | Live ScienceBrain implants developed by Elon Musk's company Neuralink have been approved for human testing. The safety of the devices previously came under scrutiny following reports of "botched surgeries" in animal test subjects: 11) The iLet Bionic Pancreas and 'Diabetes Without Numbers' | Diabetes DailyThere's a new closed-loop insulin pump system available in the United States, one that is so simple to operate that its manufacturer is calling it a "bionic pancreas." It's the iLet, from Beta Bionics: 12) Real People, Real Stories Episode 4, 2023: Kristy Viers | June 1, 2023 | Anthony Priore | TPGiMark Miller, host, and Cori Perlander, co-host, speak with Kristy Viers about her YouTube channel and commitment to raising awareness about accessible technology: 13) Two US Government Agencies Address Online Accessibility in Higher Education: Are Regulations Next?On May 19, 2023, two United States federal agencies issued what is known as a “Dear Colleague” letter about the importance of digital accessibility in higher education. A Dear Colleague letter is a tool that government agencies use to convey policy, resources, and commitment on various issues. The higher education digital accessibility letter was jointly published by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): 14) Apple's 'The Greatest' Continues To Win Big For Creatives And Disability Communities | Forbes: Subscription RequiredAs someone who became disabled later in life, I've come to understand that I can be proud of being disabled while acknowledging the complex challenges that come with it. Not everyone understands this subtle distinction — least of all in the world of creative advertising — but Apple's powerful short film, "The Greatest," is different. The 2-minute long spot, which has now been out just over six months, has racked up almost 20 million views on YouTube and been recognized as one of the top campaigns of 2022 by AdAge and Adweek, alike. But it's not stopping there: 15) House Passes Expansion Of Autism, Disability ServicesOn May 30, 2023 a bipartisan bill to expand resources and support services for residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities won unanimous passage in the House of Representatives on a 148-0 vote: 16) $240,000.00 Jury Verdict in Blind Students' Accessibility Lawsuit against Community CollegeThis is an article about a lawsuit in the United States. The case was brought by two blind community college students and the National Federation of the Blind. The Los Angeles Community College District's math and other courses were not accessible to blind students who used screen readers. On May 26 2023 the two students were awarded more than $240,000.00 by a jury because of the District's discrimination. The students, with the help of the NFB and their lawyers, had already won in two courts before this jury trial. The Community College District threatened to go to the US Supreme Court. Disability community advocacy convinced the District to abandon its attempt to go to the highest court in the country: 17) Special Education Clash: How One Student's Supreme Court Case Could Make Schools More Accountable | USA TodayMiguel Perez, who is deaf, seemed to be a model student. But months before graduation his parents learned the truth. Now they're fighting to give disabled students more power to sue when things go wrong: 18) FCC Has a Plan to Make Emergency Alerts Even BetterThe Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has yet again extended the initiation date of its new rule for emergency alert broadcasting. The new rule will require all broadcasting of visual emergency communications to be accompanied by an audio stream. This will enable blind or otherwise visually impaired viewers to hear important details during an emergency when previously this wasn't a feature on non-news broadcasting: 19) Letter: Make America's Currency Accessible And InclusiveWhen you close your eyes, would you be able to tell the difference between the different denominations of paper currency? Could you tell a five dollar bill from a 20 dollar bill or a 100 dollar bill? The answer is that you wouldn't. That is how it is for the over one million blind and visually impaired people in this country. Have you ever handed someone what you thought was a five dollar bill and was really a 20 dollar bill, only to have them remain silent? The answer, if you are sighted, is probably not: 20) Companies Are Drastically Underestimating How Many of Their Employees Have Disabilities | Boston Consulting GroupMost companies report that their workforce includes relatively few employees with disabilities: just 4% to 7% on average.[1] But in a major survey by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) of nearly 28,000 employees in 16 countries (across all regions and various industries) some 25% of people said they have a disability or health condition that limits a major life activity: 21) Ontario Launches Free Job Training To Help People With Disabilities Find Meaningful WorkThe Ontario government has announced it is investing $6.5 million towards five projects that will help thousands of people with disabilities find jobs. On Monday May 29, 2023 the province said these projects will support 3,770 people with disabilities and connect them with jobs in their communities. These careers include a variety of sectors, such as health care, information technology, retail and hospitality: 22) Adelaide Airport Passenger Using Mobility Scooter Says She Was Treated Without 'Empathy Or Compassion'A woman living with a physical disability says she was made to feel like an "inanimate object" after being pulled aside at Adelaide Airport for a search: 23) 7 Products That Make Beauty More Accessible | New BeautyIn today's world, it is crucial to recognize the importance of products that cater to the needs of every individual. Among the millions of Americans who possess a classified disability, approximately 61 million face unique challenges related to mobility. When it comes to beauty, function is essential to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has access to high-quality and inclusive options. Here, the best adaptive and accessible solutions designed to meet the beauty and grooming needs of many who are underserved: 24) Adaptive Beauty — Designing For Disability In 2023 | ElleFrom robot manicures to a virtual make-up assistant in your pocket, Lottie Jackson explores how the beauty industry is designing game-changing gadgets and experiences for consumers with disabilities: 25) Conducting Mobile Accessibility Research with Screen-Reader Users | Nielsen Norman GroupUse word of mouth to recruit research participants who rely on screen readers. Conduct the study in person to help participants feel comfortable, and plan to record the screen-reader output: 26) NFTA Utilizing New Guiding Voice Service For Visually ImpairedThose who utilize a new service that helps the visually impaired maintain the freedom to move about the community would like to see it continue growing: 27) 5 Signs You Need to Be Tested for Hearing Loss | CNetHearing loss is more common than you might think. Here, we look at what to expect from hearing loss tests and at some signs you'd probably benefit from one: 28) Making AI Delivery Robots Disability-Friendly And 'Cautious Pedestrians' | BBC NewsThe company behind AI robots which deliver shopping to your door has said it "constantly" talks to disabled people to ensure safety. The knee-high machines from Starship Technologies can carry three bags across town. They use the same pavements as pedestrians and a new panel advises on collision avoidance. Now in Wakefield, the team say "lived experience" and knowledge of disability is at the heart of its operation: 29) 5 Clear Steps to Combating Ableism in the Workplace | Inc AustraliaEmpowering employees with disabilities and eliminating ableism at work starts with having the right data. Despite efforts to increase awareness and advocacy for disability rights, ableism in the workplace continues to be a prevalent issue in 2023. According to the CDC, 26% of adults in the U.S. have some type of disability. Ableism results in barriers to employee engagement, such as inaccessible job applications and interviews, limited accommodations, and negative attitudes and stigmas surrounding disability: 30) CBC / Radio — Canada Launches New National Accessibility Plan To Better Serve And Represent Canadians With DisabilitiesCBC/Radio-Canada has launched its 2023-2025 National Accessibility Plan. This new three-year plan, Breaking Barriers, provides a framework for the national public broadcaster to better serve people with disabilities, better represent them in its content, and become the accessible public broadcaster that all Canadians deserve: 31) Aira Names Everette Bacon Vice President of Blindness InitiativesAira, the leading global provider of Visual Interpreter Services, is proud to announce and welcome Everrette Bacon to the leadership team. We asked Everette about his background, advocating on behalf of blind people and the new position and he shared the following: 32) Ex-PC Launches Clothing Line For Disabled Children After Suffering Injury | BBC News UKA woman who suffered a life-changing head injury while on duty as a police officer has launched an adaptive clothing line for disabled children. Helen Hignett-Clawson from Middlewich, Cheshire, was forced to retire in 2016 due to seizures, paralysis and blackouts. She has since launched Adaptive Clothing UK to make it easier for disabled children to get dressed: 33) Mum Of Visually Impaired Twins Designs VR Simulator To Show Life Through Their EyesThe unique system will be showcased in the United States at a major international conference in July: 34) No Room At The Inn — Your Round Table Is Missing Someone Very Important | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna JodhanDonna urges Canadian Federal departments to please examine your round tables of engagement and to fix something very glaring! You're missing some important players! 35) Visually Impaired Visitors Invited To Feel Paintings, Using 3D GuideA church famed for its medieval wall-paintings has produced a tactile guide that allows anyone with impaired sight to "feel" the artworks: 36) Love Island Stars Record Self-Descriptions For First Time To Help Visually Impaired Fans Get To Know New CastFor the first time in Love Island history, the new islanders have recorded self-descriptions to help blind and partially sighted fans get to know them better: ➜ 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.June 7th, 2023 | Nothing Inspires People Like Cash! | Total Tech Solutions4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT June 7, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT June 7, 2023 | Case Study: Accessible Shopify Website (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT June 13, 2023 | Ramping Up Your Accessibility Testing: A Beginner's Guide | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT June 14, 2023 | Meet the New RUBY 10 (Assistive Technology Webinar — ACVREP CE Approved) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT June 21, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: ARIA9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT June 21, 2023 | Canva: Is Accessible Content Possible? (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT June 27, 2023 | Blind, Equity, Inclusion Free Webinar | NSITE11:30AM PT, 12:30PM MT, 1:30PM CT, 2:30PM ET, 6:30PM GMT June 27, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day June 28, 2023 | JAWS: Tables in Word & HTML (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT July 1, 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: 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: NSITE.org
➜ Classified Advertisement: NSITE Connects Employers With Talented People Who Are Blind Or Low-Vision And Supports Talent To Gain EmploymentNSITE.org is the first non-profit organization, offering a continuum of services to connect employers with talented job seekers who are blind or low-vision and provides training, employment and career services to these job seekers. Using the NSITE Connect Job Board, which is designed exclusively for individuals who experience vision loss, employers can fill open positions with talent who are blind or have low vision. Job postings are also open to veterans. NSITE-U provides accessible on-demand and virtual instructor-led classes, programs and workshops to support career skills training and professional development for individuals who are blind or have low vision or are veterans. For more information about NSITE and all its services including a free Job Seekers Toolkit developed with APH, American Printing House for the Blind, visit us and use this form to reach NSITE's team for information about programs, classes and services, connect: Sponsor Since: March 6th 2023 Website: https://nsite.org/ 🌐️ About: NSITE provides a continuum of employment services that connect employers with talented, dedicated people who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans to meet their workforce needs. As you move through the hiring process, NSITE is with you every step of the way to ensure that finding the right employee-employer match is as smooth and seamless as possible. NSITE works with employers to identify potential candidates who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans. From there, NSITE assists with accessibility needs, onboarding, and training, then prepares both parties for job placement. Our work does not end there; it continues with ongoing support to accommodate changes in accessible technology and employer requirements. NSITE Connect: Linking employers with talented individuals who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans. Access the NSITE Connect Job Board here.About | Media | Employers | Job Seekers | Training Programs | Job Board | Contact Us Sponsor: Clusiv
➜ Classified Advertisement: Clusiv Is The World's First eLearning Platform Built For And By People Who Are Blind. Our Courses Are Designed To Equip People Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired For Employment In The Modern Workforce. Learn More At Clusiv.Io.Navigating the employment process can be challenging if you are blind or visually impaired. Technology is difficult to figure out, there is a lot of extra material to learn, and there isn't much quality training available. That's where Clusiv comes in. We help to provide the training you need to succeed in the modern workforce. Our courses teach assistive technology skills and how to apply those skills to many of the business software programs used in the modern workforce, such as email, Microsoft and Google apps, video conferencing, and more. We also teach soft skills such as resume and interview preparation, disclosures and accommodations, internet safety, and financial literacy. Lastly, our training can teach specific career skills, such as becoming an accessibility analyst. Plus, our courses are self-paced. To learn more, visit https://clusiv.io/ and fill out a form with your information. We work with state vocational rehabilitation agencies to provide access to our course content. Sponsor Since: January 16th 2023 Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐️ About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info. ➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses ➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients ➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.
➜ Classified Advertisement: Access Ready Seeks Your Support at the Public Policy LevelMoving the public policy needle is both difficult and costly. Access Ready has one of the most experienced teams in the business who have shown results. We have fostered Congressional language on accessible websites, elections, healthcare, communications, and other areas touched by information and communications technologies. These efforts are costly and we need your help to continue. Become an Access Ready supporter and create an accessible future for people with disabilities: Sponsor Since: December 19th 2022 Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️ Email: info@accessready.org 📧️ Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️ About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications. The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability. To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible. To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas. To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society. To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters: Freedom of expression, speech, and worship. Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.
➜ Classified Advertisement: Access Ready Provides Access To The Best In The BusinessIf you need assistance with a new accessible website, document remediation or disability consulting of other kinds, Access Ready can help. We seek out the best in the business and bring them to you already vetted as to quality, professionalism and ability. By going through AccessReady.org to one of our qualified providers, you're not only getting the best, but supporting our advocacy and technological development efforts as well: Sponsor Since: December 13th 2022 Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️ Email: info@accessready.org 📧️ Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️ About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications. The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability. To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible. To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas. To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society. To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters: Freedom of expression, speech, and worship. Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.
➜ Classified Advertisement: Access Ready Seeks Guidance On New Accessible TechnologiesWhat Technologies do you see in the market that are not accessible, but should be? What accessible technologies can you imagine that can make the lives of people with all kinds of disabilities better? We will advocate with developers to make existing technologies accessible on your behalf. We will advocate with developers to build new accessible technologies on your behalf. Give us your guidance and support. Your guidance charts our path toward what is most important. Your support funds our efforts on your behalf: Sponsor Since: December 1st 2022 Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️ Email: info@accessready.org 📧️ Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️ About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications. The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability. To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible. To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas. To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society. To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters: Freedom of expression, speech, and worship. Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter
➜ Classified Advertisement: Prepare For Your Future Today With The All-New APH ConnectCenter's Job Seekers Toolkit!The APH ConnectCenter and NSITE have partnered to update the Job Seeker's Toolkit, an accessible, self-paced, free online training course. The Toolkit includes five sections covering self-awareness, career exploration tools, the preliminary employment process, the interview, and maintaining employment. We are bringing the Job Seeker's Toolkit to a larger audience and in a Learning Management System format for today's learners, at no cost. Visit APHCareerConnect.org to get started with the Job Seekers Toolkit today at: Sponsor Since: November 29th 2022 Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐️ Email: connectcenter@aph.org 📧️ APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line: Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET Facebook (CareerConnect) | Facebook (FamilyConnect) | Facebook (VisionAware) | Twitter | YouTube About: The APH ConnectCenter offers curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives. Sponsor: Menus4ALL
➜ Classified Advertisement: A Revolution in Resolution — Menus for EveryoneNo matter when, where or who, the Menus4ALL iPhone app gives you the info you need quickly. No more multiple Google searches to research menus before going out. Info is organized to give you quick access to what you are looking for — the menu! Optimized to give you the best viewing experience. No more struggling to see small print, or looking at a menu in a dimly lit restaurant. Do you use magnification, large print, VoiceOver, a braille display or Voice Control? Enjoy 750,000 fully accessible menus. Download the app today at: Sponsor Since: November 20th 2022 Website: https://www.menus4all.com/ 🌐️ Email: stephanie@menus4all.com 📧️ About: 750,000 Accessible Restaurant Menus. On your iPhone ® in the palm of your hand.
Yes, that's not a typo. The Menus4ALL iPhone app offers 500,000 accessible menus in the United States and 250,000 accessible menus in Canada. Wherever you are and whenever you want The Menus4ALL iPhone app is the largest network of restaurant menus in one place and all of the menus are fully accessible. Perfect for when you are out running errands and want to know what restaurants are near your current location. Great for planning a night out with friends. Favorite menus that you want to look at later or when you know you are going back for that amazing dish. Download The App (Apple): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/menus4all/id1640547801?platform=iphone Sponsor: WayAround
➜ Classified Advertisement: HURRY — Stock Up on WayTags Before Prices Increase on June 1!WayAround is the best way to label things if you're blind or have low vision. You just need the free mobile app and some WayTags ® to label items in the kitchen, garden, closet, office & more. Prices on WayTags will increase on June 1, so stock up today on your favorite tags. Sponsor Since: November 18th 2022 Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐️ General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️ About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence. All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®. Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence. Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8 Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
➜ Classified Advertisement: Remote Incident Manager for Mac: Cruising Right Along!The development of Remote Incident Manager for Mac has hit several milestones in the past couple weeks. We've introduced the ability to control a Mac fully unattended, the implementation of seamless file transfers on Mac targets, and the ability to gracefully assist a Mac through a reboot process! For those of you who have yet to experience the world's first cross-platform fully accessible remote support package, get in on the action at: https://pneumasolutions.com/remote-incident-manager-for-mac-public-beta/! Giving and receiving help has never been easier or more accessible, particularly for our Mac crowd. Prepare for a seamless experience that will forever change the way you receive and/or provide remote support and training. And if something isn't working quite right, please don't hesitate to give us feedback at: https://pneumasolutions.com/contact/! Remote Incident Manager: For the first time ever, remote help for the Mac is just a keyword away. 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: Living Blindfully
➜ Classified Advertisement: Be Informed First. Join Living Blindfully PlusWhether it's a product demo, a hot topic or an in-depth interview, the Living Blindfully podcast is a must-hear to find out what's on the mind of the blind community. Ensure you're among the first to be in the know. Join Living Blindfully Plus to receive episodes three days before they're public. Pay what you can afford or what you think it's worth. Set it and forget it with a recurring subscription which you can cancel any time, or just pay for a single month, the choice is yours. And when you subscribe to Living Blindfully Plus, you're supporting an important resource for the blind community where the global conversation continues every week. Join today and enjoy your Plus benefits immediately. Sponsor Since: May 29, 2023 Website: https://www.livingblindfully.com/ 🌐️ About: Living Blindfully is the podcast devoted to helping you live your best life with blindness or low vision. Sight is a highly dominant sense. If you have it, naturally you'll use it for a lot of things. But if you don't have it, or you don't have as much sight as you used to, it's still possible to live a rich, full life. This podcast is all about how it's done. We discuss tips and tricks, but we frankly discuss the barriers too, ranging from attitudinal barriers to accessibility barriers and more. You'll hear plenty about technology on Living Blindfully, because when blind people have the skills to use it and when the tech is behaving itself, it's key to functional and economic independence. Whether it's a tech question from our community, a handy tip about getting the most from your screen reader, a demonstration of a cool new app for your smartphone, or discussion about a serious accessibility issue that is causing problems, you'll learn about it on Living Blindfully. We geek out sometimes, but we always make a point of bringing people along for the ride and making sense of it all. But technology is simply a tool to help us live blindfully, so our podcast discusses much more. The topics on each episode vary a lot, but it's not uncommon to hear discussion about travel, cooking, relationships, self-care, sleep, history and even politics. After all, blind people have as diverse a mix of interests and opinions as anyone else. While we welcome sighted allies and family members who have an interest in what blind people are thinking and talking about, Living Blindfully is unapologetically for blind people, by blind people. There are other great places to go to learn about how blind people do what we do. But there are few places that proudly cater to the blind community. So, if you're not blind but you're interested in an unfiltered discussion about what's occupying the blind community, you've come to the right place and you're very welcome. Jonathan Mosen is the host and facilitator of Living Blindfully, and often conducts interviews and produces product demonstrations. But you'll also hear from our engaged community of listeners who share their thoughts in writing and in audio. You're very welcome to contribute on anything you hear during the show, or something new that's on your mind. Sponsor: Carrie on Accessibility
Sponsor Since: May 29, 2023 Website: https://carrieonaccessibility.com/ 🌐️ Email: email@carrieonaccessibility.com 📧️ About: Carrie's mission with Carrie on Accessibility (CoA) is to promote accessibility and to empower those, like herself, who are blind and visually impaired. Through her YouTube channel and other social media platforms, she shares videos exploring accessibility and assistive technology, along with other resources and encouragement that can benefit the community. Carrie on Accessibility emphasizes accessibility, which is the path forward to equal access for those with disabilities. Designing with accessibility in mind is incredibly important. WCAG compliance is necessary and right, but compliance does not always equal accessibility. End user testing is the ultimate test. Through Carrie on Accessibility's Accessibility Review, businesses can evaluate the real world usability and functionality of their products and services. Whether you're a content creator, small business owner, startup, organization, or corporation, Carrie on Accessibility can help you push beyond the limits to provide and promote accessibility. Sponsor: Hartgen Consultancy
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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 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. 5 of 18 Sponsorship Packages Currently AvailableAccess 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 5 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:
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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 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. SUBSCRIBE:Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Access Information Newsletter? 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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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