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

Access Information News for Monday, July 3, 2023 - Volume 917

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

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


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

A.) 10 Daily Habits to Keep Your Eyes in Top Shape | CNet

Don't take your eyes for granted. These daily habits will improve your eyesight and eye health in the long run:
https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/10-daily-habits-to-keep-your-eyes-in-top-shape/

B.) AI Advancements In Ophthalmology: What's New In 2023 So Far | Modern Retina Ophthalmology

This year has already seen new advancements in technology that have the power to change the way that ophthalmologists image, diagnose, and monitor patients and their conditions. The rapid pace of news can make it difficult to keep with the ever-evolving industry. As new tools and treatments come to market, it can be important to take stock of how these products and solutions have moved through development and testing:
https://www.modernretina.com/view/ai-advancements-in-ophthalmology-what-s-new-in-2023-so-far

C.) Guide Dog Etiquette: Don't Distract Guide Dogs | Beyond Vision | YouTube

Learn the dos and don'ts while walking past a guide dog team:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4wpQaykKs

D.) The Pandemic Perpetrators — Who Are They? | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan

They are never going to go away and now we need to work on ways to curtail their activities:
https://sterlingcreations.com/blog/the-pandemic-perpetrators-who-are-they

E.) First-Ever Adaptive Mountain Bike Trail Network in Vermont Open Accessibility for All Users

There's nothing better than that ribbon of dirt surrounded by nature on a mountain bike. Sailing through the trees, maneuvering over rocks, launching off jumps. And in Vermont, they've been working to widen the ribbon so that more people can get in on the action. Vermont is opening its first fully adaptive mountain bike trail system — The Driving Range — on 256 acres of private land in Bolton. The project has been a collaboration between Richmond Mountain Trails (RMT), the Kelly Brush Foundation, Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA), a variety of local businesses, and community volunteers:
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a44199658/adaptive-mountain-bike-trails-vermont/

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6) NLS (National Library Service For The Blind and Print Disabled Library of Congress) Launches Listserv for Patrons

Want to learn how to make the most of the services NLS provides? The NLS Patron Engagement Section now hosts an announce-only listserv that will include information and updates about NLS programs, services, and products that might be of interest to patrons. New posts will be added to the list a few times a week. If you are interested in signing up for this listserv, please send your name and email address to the Patron Engagement Section at nlspes@loc.gov 📧️. You will be able to unsubscribe yourself from the list at any time.

7) New USPS Policies For Package Pickup

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has instituted new policies for pickup of packages such as braille and digital books due to staff shortages, turnover, and seasonal workers. USPS requests that patrons use the online form at https://tools.usps.com/schedule-pickup-steps.htm External to schedule pickup of library materials. If you do not have computer or Internet access, you may call USPS at 800-ASK-USPS 📱️ (800) 275-8777 📱️ or reach out to your network library for assistance.

8) Aira To Extend Its Legacy Subscription Plans For Another Year

Aira will be extending the previously planned December 2023 deadline on consumer subscriptions by one additional year:
https://aira.io/the-aira-connection-summer-2023/

9) Voice Cards, Video Calls: 5 Innovations In Accessibility And Banking | American Banker

Banks are finding creative ways to make their "offline" services — from branches to debit cards to contact centers — more accessible to people with disabilities:
https://www.americanbanker.com/list/voice-cards-video-calls-5-innovations-in-accessibility-and-banking

10) The Best Online Hearing Tests of 2023 | CNET

Measure your hearing health from the comfort of your home with these top hearing tests:
https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/best-online-hearing-tests/#ftag=CAD590a51e

11) How Reddit's Announced Changes Affects Blind Users

Reddit has announced changes that will restrict the use of third-party apps. More than 8,000 subreddit communities shut down in protest, including r/Blind. Moderators for the community, which was created for users who are blind, say the change will drastically reduce accessibility. Co-host Ben Brock Johnson speaks with two moderators of r/Blind — Sam Proulx and Noah Carver — about their concerns:
https://www.wbur.org/endlessthread/2023/06/28/reddit-api-blind

12) iPad Busts Teachers Abusing Special Needs Kids At UK School | Apple Insider

A pupil at a UK special education needs school recorded a whole day's audio on an iPad, and what was discovered has led to firings and apologies:
https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/06/26/ipad-busts-teachers-abusing-special-needs-kids-at-uk-school?utm_medium=rss

13) The Future Is Disabled | MIT Technology Review: Subscription Required

We need to take steps toward a more inclusive future — one that we all can inhabit:
https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/06/28/1074350/future-is-disabled/

14) Braille Institute Names Winners of the 2023 Braille Challenge | June 26, 2023

51 Visually Impaired Children From U.S. and Canada Invited To Compete in the Only Academic Competition of Its Kind. Braille Institute proudly announced the winners of the 2023 Braille Challenge this past Saturday at the Finals Award Ceremony held at the University of Southern California campus:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/braille-institute-names-winners-of-the-2023-braille-challenge-301862696.html

15) Aira Names Geoffrey Peddle Chief Technology Officer

Aira, the leading global provider of Visual Interpreter Services (VIS), is proud to announce and welcome Geoffrey Peddle to the leadership team. We asked Geoffrey about his background, deep experience in Artificial Intelligence and passion for building high performing tech teams solving hard problems:
https://aira.io/aira-names-geoffrey-peddle-chief-technology-officer/

16) An Interactive, Virtual, Visual Braille Writing Grid Designed To Help Teachers And Artists Create Braille Images. Because Dots Can Only Be Placed In Standard Braille Cells, The Resulting Design Will Be Genuine Braille Art.

This unique, interactive brailler grid is a useful tool for artists and teachers who want to use braille characters to create pictures. Dots can only be plotted in standard braille cells, but each dot can be colored which often makes designing pictures a little easier. Although the site is in German (English coming soon), the tool can be used without knowing German:
https://www.brailleart.org/de/brailleraster.html

17) New Accessibility Help Guide Available For Washington Post Website

On June 27, 2023 The Washington Post announced that an accessibility help guide is available on The Post's website, explaining various accessibility settings for consuming Post content on the site and mobile app. Living within The Post's online Help Center, the guide was created to help ensure a user-friendly experience for all readers, including readers with disabilities. The guide is the next step in publicizing The Post's accessibility efforts, which already include guidelines in The Post's open-source design system:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/pr/2023/06/27/new-accessibility-help-guide-available-washington-post-website/

18) These Apps Empower Visually Impaired Users With Virtual Labels And Image Exploration | Cool Blind Tech

Visually impaired individuals can now leverage the power of two apps, developed by a team at the University of Michigan, to enhance their everyday experiences using iPhones. These apps, VizLens and ImageExplorer, provide valuable features such as virtual labels for control panels and the ability to explore images through touch and audio feedback:
https://coolblindtech.com/these-apps-empower-visually-impaired-users-with-virtual-labels-and-image-exploration/

19) Reddit Controversy Continues, With Disabled Moderators Criticizing Latest News | 9to5Mac

There's no sign of any letup in the Reddit controversy. After the company threatened protesting moderators, it's now facing kickback from moderators with disabilities:
https://9to5mac.com/2023/06/26/reddit-controversy-accessibility/

20) Muscular Dystrophy Patients Get First Gene Therapy | June 22, 2023 | NPR

In an eagerly anticipated decision, the Food and Drug Administration Thursday approved the first gene therapy for muscular dystrophy. "Today's approval addresses an urgent unmet medical need and is an important advancement in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a devastating condition with limited treatment options, that leads to a progressive deterioration of an individual's health over time," said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in a statement:
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/06/22/1183576268/muscular-dystrophy-patients-get-first-gene-therapy

21) How Estée Lauder Builds Technology To Foster Inclusivity

There's "a huge group of people that deserve more from the beauty industry and from technology," CIO Michael Smith said:
https://www.ciodive.com/news/Estee-Lauder-Companies-CIO-technology-accessibility-inclusivity/653281/

22) Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $40 Billion to Connect Everyone in America to Affordable, Reliable, High-Speed Internet | The White House

High-speed internet is no longer a luxury — it is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school, access health care, and to stay connected with family and friends. Yet, more than 8.5 million households and small businesses are in areas where there is no high-speed internet infrastructure, and millions more struggle with limited or unreliable internet options. Just like Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Rural Electrification Act brought electricity to nearly every home and farm in America, President Biden and Vice President Harris are delivering on their historic commitment to connect everyone in America to reliable, affordable high-speed internet by the end of the decade:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/06/26/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-over-40-billion-to-connect-everyone-in-america-to-affordable-reliable-high-speed-internet/

23) The Role Of Speech Input Software In Accessibility | Accessibility.com

As a cornerstone of modern accessibility, speech input software opens doors for people with motor limitations, learning disabilities, or those who find hands-free computing more convenient. It offers them a seamless alternative to connect and engage with the digital realm. In this post, we will explore the variety of speech recognition technology available in the market today and how you can use it to promote a more user-friendly digital environment for everyone:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/the-role-of-speech-input-software-in-accessibility

24) How Do I Check If My Website Is WCAG Compliant (And Does It Need To Be)? | Allyant

One of the most common questions we get from organizations interested in digital accessibility is simply, "Is my website compliant?" While this may seem like a simple question, there are many additional layers to peel back on when determining the short or long answer. This article will break down these layers and outline some ways to determine the answer. Additionally, we will cover some ancillary topics, such as the relevance and potential impact of your website being WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliant:
https://allyant.com/how-do-i-check-if-my-website-is-wcag-compliant-does-it-need-to-compliant/

25) AudioEye Shares Results Of AI And Accessibility Study, Says It 'Illustrates Tremendous Potential' For Responsible Use | June 29, 2023 | Forbes: Subscription Required

Arizona-based web accessibility company AudioEye this week issued a press release in which they announced findings related to how generative AI can impact the disability community. The study examined the “effectiveness and impact of generative AI on identifying, fixing, and communicating accessibility issues that typically require expert review:”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenaquino/2023/06/29/audioeye-shares-results-of-ai-and-accessibility-study-says-it-illustrates-tremendous-potential-for-responsible-use/?sh=2f3567d81898

26) Applause Global Accessibility Survey Shows Disconnect Between Making Accessibility a Priority and Achieving Conformance to WCAG 2.1 Standards

Applause, the world leader in testing and digital quality, announced on May 11, 2023 the results of its annual Accessibility and Inclusive Design Survey. The recently completed survey of more than 1,300 software testers, product engineers, legal professionals, software developers, QA and UX professionals across the globe, examines how companies prioritize accessibility when developing their digital experiences and how respondents rate their knowledge level regarding accessibility:
https://www.applause.com/applause-survey-accessibility-and-wcag

27) Accessible Audiobooks in a Post-CD World | American Libraries

Apps can provide service to low-vision patrons, but librarians need to prepare:
https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/accessible-digital-libraries-audiobook-apps/

28) Is AM Radio Dying? Not Any Time Soon... | Radio World

The author is senior vice president of broadcast radio and digital audio for Xperi. He was a founder of iBiquity Digital Corp., developer of HD Radio:
https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/guest-commentaries/is-am-radio-dying-not-any-time-soon

29) Wayfair Class Action Alleges Website Not Accessible To Blind, Visually Impaired Users

Who: Plaintiff Seana Cromitie has filed a class action lawsuit against Wayfair LLC. Why: The Wayfair website is allegedly not compatible with screen-reading software, preventing visually-impaired individuals from being able to independently navigate the site and make purchases. Where: The Wayfair class action lawsuit was filed in New York federal court"
https://topclassactions.com/disability-class-action-lawsuit/wayfair-class-action-alleges-website-not-accessible-to-blind-visually-impaired-users/

30) Top Tips from a Web Accessibility Evaluator at WebAIM

I've been evaluating websites for accessibility with WebAIM for nearly two years. Evaluating a website can be a daunting task, as there are many components to evaluate: images, color, page structure, and more. Other important aspects to test include keyboard navigation, reflow, and screen reader compatibility. So, where should you begin? Here are a few things I've learned so far in my time as WebAIM's lead web accessibility evaluator:
https://webaim.org/blog/top-evaluation-tips/

31) How GM Is Moving Its Autos Into An Accessible And Inclusive Future

The cruise control function has been around since the late 1950s, allowing drivers to keep a constant speed. Today, this often-standard feature is not just for rolling along while resting your right foot; drivers have learned over time that maintaining speed saves gas, too, and it smooths out the start-and-stop motion of average highway driving:
https://www.popsci.com/technology/gm-auto-design-for-inclusivity/

32) Inclusive Design over Incidental Accessibility: Why Your Existing Remote Desktop Solution May Not Be Serving You as Well as You Think | Pneuma Solutions

It is easy for a visually impaired support technician or recipient to determine that Remote Incident Manager clearly surpasses any industry-standard offering. We even have a Self Advocacy Kit written from the point of view of a visually impaired support person. But we've all done comparison shopping at one time or another for anything from home/office renovation to a new phone upgrade, and that involves none other than making your own point-by-point comparison of each item derived from various spec sheets, online reviews, etc. This can be quite difficult for anyone who has not had direct experience with the product being looked into:
https://pneumasolutions.com/inclusive-design-over-incidental-accessibility-why-your-existing-remote-desktop-solution-may-not-be-serving-you-as-well-as-you-think/

33) Financial inclusion: UBA Launches Braille Account Opening Form For Visually Impaired

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has launched a Braille account opening form to include those with visually impaired disabilities in the banking system:
https://www.thecable.ng/financial-inclusion-uba-launches-braille-account-opening-form-for-visually-impaired

34) The Truth About Traveling While Disabled

When it comes to accessibility, travel has a long way to go:
https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/traveling-while-disabled

35) Australian Story Produced An Episode Where Half The Interviewees Were Blind. This Is What We Learnt

One producer, one camera operator and two blind men rushing through Auckland Airport. There was a short window between our flight from Auckland to Samoa and we had to pretty much run to make the tight turnaround. Airports can be overwhelming for the most seasoned travelers. Add in blindness and it's a whole different story. Plus, we were filming the mad dash for an upcoming Australian Story. I had underestimated what would be required:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/backstory/2023-06-20/australian-story-blind-leading-blind-mick-curran-jamie-teh/102459988

36) Making Your Professional Events More Inclusive and Accessible | Jennifer Ringler | PR News

As a teen and young adult, I was extremely self-conscious about my disability. I felt like I was different, and everyone knew it — like, despite my best efforts to "pass" as able-bodied, I had a neon sign above my head that everyone but me could see that said, "BLIND GIRL." I spent the first 30 years of my life wishing that sign would go away and I could just be “like everybody else:”
https://www.prnewsonline.com/accessible-inclusive-professional-events/

37) Making Coding Education More Accessible for Blind and Visually Impaired Youth | Georgia Tech

A research team led by Brian Magerko is working to solve this problem by adapting EarSketch for blind and visually impaired youth:
https://news.gatech.edu/news/2023/06/21/making-coding-education-more-accessible-blind-and-visually-impaired-youth

38) The Assumption Syndrome — A Real Barrier Preventing Real Progress | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan

Donna truly believes that as long as companies continue to assume rather than engage they will continue to stay out of touch:
https://sterlingcreations.com/blog/the-assumption-syndrome-a-real-barrier-preventing-real-progress

39) Why An ADA-Compliant Website Saves Dollars And Makes Sense | June 28, 2023 | Technical.ly

Kimberly Klayman of law firm Ballard Spahr explains the legal, moral and financial benefits of website accessibility:
https://technical.ly/startups/ballard-spahr-website-ada-compliant/

40) Caption This: Why Subtitling Is Big Business Amid the Content Boom

Gen Z's affinity for watching content with captions on and the increasingly global nature of streaming are creating a massive market for transcribers — even as AI looms to take their jobs:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/subtitling-big-business-content-boom-1235519270/


➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events

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


July 1, 2023 through July 6, 2023 | NFB 2023 National Convention in Houston, Texas

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

July 8, 2023 | Games for Windows Computers | TUG

7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
On Saturday, July 8, the Technology User Group (TUG) will showcase games for Windows computers. Many of you may be familiar with the RS Games and Quentin C Playroom platforms, but there are other options, too. In this session, we will profile both free and paid games. We will also provide resources to help you stay informed about new game releases and websites. You do not have to RSVP for this event. The presentation will begin at 10 AM and last about 60 minutes. Call in Number: (319) 527-4994 📱️ | Webcast:
https://join.freeconferencecall.com/mdlbpd

July 12, 2023 | Conquer Accessibility Challenges During Software Design & Development | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenters: David Sloan, Practice Manager, UX, and Roxana Fischer, Product Manager, Blind and Low Vision Software. This presentation will provide insights into software development practices that focus on accessibility and usability. It will emphasize the significance of involving users in the earliest design and development stages to meet their needs. Also it will specifically delve into the challenges of developing screen reader and screen magnifier software; these tools offer users a different perspective on UI, which requires special considerations during development. The four key areas covered in this session include: Testing with real users. Using inclusive tools. Hiring users with disabilities. Gathering field feedback. Attendees will gain an understanding of how we design and develop our internal Assistive Technology:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-july-12-at-12pm-et-conquer-accessibility-challenges-during-software-design-development/

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

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

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

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

July 25, 2023 | Accessible Consumer Products and Services for Europe: Countdown to EAA 2025 | TPGi

7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
Presenter: Mitchell Evan, Senior Accessibility Engineer. In June 2025, Europe will begin enforcing new digital accessibility regulations for consumer products and services. In this webinar, you'll learn how you can meet your customers' diverse needs while fulfilling the requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA):
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-july-25-at-10pm-et-accessible-consumer-products-and-services-for-europe-countdown-to-eaa-2025/

July 27, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: Responsive Design | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenter: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. TPGi's Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) platform empowers teams to solve common accessibility issues while growing their understanding over time. The monthly “Understand, Test, and Solve” webinar series covers fundamental concepts in accessibility. Attendees learn how to address the set of WCAG Success Criteria for each concept. Over the course of this series, teams achieve full WCAG coverage in their testing. So far, we've covered: Keyboard and Focus. Color Contrast. Page Structure and Navigation. Semantics. ARIA. The final webinar in this series covers responsive design — a design approach to make websites and apps responsive to user preferences and device capabilities. This webinar explains how accessibility guidelines are more about supporting people with low-vision and color-blindness to apply their own formatting to a site and less about supporting mobile devices. Each attendee gains a clear understanding of what issues in responsive design constitute a WCAG failure. The objective is to clear up confusion about page magnification, text magnification, and pinch-to-zoom. This session is 30 minutes. Stay after the call for our 30-minute Q&A:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-july-27-at-12pm-et-understand-test-solve-responsive-design/

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

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

September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


➜ Directories


1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directory

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


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


Sponsor: Carrie on Accessibility


Carrie on Accessibility. Accessibility Explored. Shows technology to the right with accessibility features enabled.

Sponsor Since: May 29, 2023 Calendar icon.

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


Left: Hartgen Consultancy logo. A pointed oval contains the words 'Hartgen Consultancy' written in a stylized script on a dark background. Right: The hands of a blind technician use a braille notetaker to troubleshoot a PC. QWERTY keyboard and braille notetaker visible.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Be Productive and Enjoy Working With Leasey!

Leasey is your ultimate tool for productivity and fun. Directly from within JAWS for Windows, create text macros, shortcuts to folders and web pages, store notes under different categories and access them from any application. Listen to over 80,000 radio stations. Quickly access over 80 news sources, seven-day hour-by-hour weather forecast, RSS feeds, podcasts, recipes, holiday dates, YouTube videos, Amazon and eBay. Do you have an ElBraille? There's no need to remember key sequences. Just type the Windows shortcut you want or create an abbreviation. Want enhanced access to apps such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Spotify and VLC Media Player? No problem. Use utilities such as mapping folders to drive letters or the special Leasey Start Menu, completely configurable. Hundreds of pages of documentation and audio tutorials through the LeaseyBites Podcast, available from major podcast directories. Leasey: a power house of tools for your JAWS screen-reader! | Follow us on Mastodon! | Learn more at:
https://www.leaseycentral.com

Sponsor Since: May 29, 2023 Calendar icon.

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

About: Hartgen Consultancy was established with a mission to provide accessible training and usable software tools to individuals with vision loss and to the deaf Blind community. Product offerings have and continue to significantly contribute to the employability and productivity of these communities. Our vision of inclusiveness and accessibility; a vision that informs every training module, all adaptive products, and excellent customer service, embodies the commitment to the core values of the company.

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Sponsor: Total Tech Solutions, LLC


Total Tech Solutions, LLC logo.

Sponsor Since: April 4, 2023 Calendar icon.

Website: https://blindtech.org/ 🌐️

About: TTS (Total Tech Solutions) is a startup technology company owned and operated in the Dallas Fort Worth area which specializes in offering services for the blind and visually impaired. While this is it's main focus, TTS also caters to the general public. Since its founding, TTS continues to make strides in demonstrating the countless ways blind and visually impaired individuals can contribute in all aspects of the workforce. This is one of the reasons why this company chooses to hire applicants who are visually impaired; to prove that there is a place in society for persons of any type of visual impairment, and to create a positive environment so one can thrive, live life to their fullest potential and to be a positive example to their communities and their families.

Shop: BlindShell Classic | Shop: ARxWear | Shop: All Products | Services | Events | About | Contact Us


Sponsor: NSITE.org


NSITE.org logo.

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

NSITE.org is the first non-profit organization, offering a continuum of services to connect employers with talented job seekers who are blind or low-vision and provides training, employment and career services to these job seekers. Using the NSITE Connect Job Board, which is designed exclusively for individuals who experience vision loss, employers can fill open positions with talent who are blind or have low vision. Job postings are also open to veterans. NSITE-U provides accessible on-demand and virtual instructor-led classes, programs and workshops to support career skills training and professional development for individuals who are blind or have low vision or are veterans. For more information about NSITE and all its services including a free Job Seekers Toolkit developed with APH, American Printing House for the Blind, visit us and use this form to reach NSITE's team for information about programs, classes and services, connect:
https://nsite.org/

Sponsor Since: March 6th 2023 Calendar icon.

Website: https://nsite.org/ 🌐️

About: NSITE provides a continuum of employment services that connect employers with talented, dedicated people who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans to meet their workforce needs. As you move through the hiring process, NSITE is with you every step of the way to ensure that finding the right employee-employer match is as smooth and seamless as possible.

NSITE works with employers to identify potential candidates who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans. From there, NSITE assists with accessibility needs, onboarding, and training, then prepares both parties for job placement. Our work does not end there; it continues with ongoing support to accommodate changes in accessible technology and employer requirements.

NSITE Connect: Linking employers with talented individuals who are blind, low-vision, and/or veterans. Access the NSITE Connect Job Board here.

About | Media | Employers | Job Seekers | Training Programs | Job Board | Contact Us


Sponsor: Clusiv


Clusiv logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Clusiv Is The World's First eLearning Platform Built For And By People Who Are Blind. Our Courses Are Designed To Equip People Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired For Employment In The Modern Workforce. Learn More At Clusiv.Io.

Navigating the employment process can be challenging if you are blind or visually impaired. Technology is difficult to figure out, there is a lot of extra material to learn, and there isn't much quality training available.

That's where Clusiv comes in. We help to provide the training you need to succeed in the modern workforce. Our courses teach assistive technology skills and how to apply those skills to many of the business software programs used in the modern workforce, such as email, Microsoft and Google apps, video conferencing, and more. We also teach soft skills such as resume and interview preparation, disclosures and accommodations, internet safety, and financial literacy. Lastly, our training can teach specific career skills, such as becoming an accessibility analyst. Plus, our courses are self-paced.

To learn more, visit https://clusiv.io/ and fill out a form with your information. We work with state vocational rehabilitation agencies to provide access to our course content.

Sponsor Since: January 16th 2023 Calendar icon.

Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐️

About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info.

Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients

Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates


Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.


Access Ready, Inc. logo.

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

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

Sponsor Since: December 19th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.


Access Ready, Inc. logo.

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

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

Sponsor Since: December 13th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.


Access Ready, Inc. logo.

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

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

Sponsor Since: December 1st 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter


APH ConnectCenter logo.

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

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

Sponsor Since: November 29th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐️

Email: connectcenter@aph.org 📧️

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

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

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

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



Menus4ALL logo.

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

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

Sponsor Since: November 20th 2022 Calendar icon.

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

Email: stephanie@menus4all.com 📧️

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

App Restaurant Menu, Search and Waiter Alert Screens.

Yes, that's not a typo. The Menus4ALL iPhone app offers 500,000 accessible menus in the United States and 250,000 accessible menus in Canada.

Wherever you are and whenever you want The Menus4ALL iPhone app is the largest network of restaurant menus in one place and all of the menus are fully accessible.

Perfect for when you are out running errands and want to know what restaurants are near your current location. Great for planning a night out with friends. Favorite menus that you want to look at later or when you know you are going back for that amazing dish.

Download The App (Apple): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/menus4all/id1640547801?platform=iphone


Sponsor: WayAround


WayAround logo.

➜ 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.
https://www.wayaround.com/shop/?utm_source=AssistiveTech&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AccessInfoNewsSponsorAd

Sponsor Since: November 18th 2022 Calendar icon.

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

General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️

Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️

Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️

About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence.

All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®.

Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence.

Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8

Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround


Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions


Pneuma Solutions logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Last Day To Enter RIM It To Win It! Comment On Our Blog, Enter To Win!

With the recent addition of cross-platform support to our Remote Incident Manager, the world's first truly accessible remote desktop support package is going through some exciting times. To celebrate, we gave you - the users - the opportunity to let us know just how excited you are about RIM! For the past two weeks, we have received many amazing stories of how RIM has changed the way you give or receive technical support! We would like to sincerely thank all of you who have submitted. All entrants have been placed in the running for some outstanding prizes, including day passes and hours as well as a year of our Community Support package for the low low price of $0.00 (a $150 value!). And the best part? There's still time for you to submit! We will be accepting submissions until midnight tonight, so let us know how RIM has impacted you! We will have some exciting news for all entrants, so be sure to stay tuned!
https://pneumasolutions.com/rim-it-to-win-it/

Sponsor Since: November 7th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐️

Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education.

Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️

Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️

About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive?

Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs.


Sponsor: Living Blindfully


Left: Jonathan Mosen talking into a microphone with a Braille display and studio mixer in front of him. Right: The Living Blindfully logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Be Informed First. Join Living Blindfully Plus

Whether 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.
https://LivingBlindfully.com/plus

Sponsor Since: May 29, 2023 Calendar icon.

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.


Your Business or Organization Name Here


➜ Classified Advertisement: Your Weekly Classified Advertisement Title Here (256 characters or less including spaces.)

Your weekly Classified Advertisement here.
(1000 characters or less including spaces.)

Your logo here.

Sponsor Since: Today Calendar icon.

Website: https://accessinformationnews.com/ 🌐️

Phone: (855) 578-6660 📱️

Email: news@accessinformationnews.com 📧️

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



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 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:

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Why: Access Information News Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication.

Benefits: All Access Information News Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Access Information News website.

One Time Donation: If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.

Annual Donation: If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.

Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Access Information News possible.


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➜ Access Information News Team


Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)


Photo of Aaron Di Blasi.

Volunteer Publisher Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)

In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editorial Contributor to Access Information News.

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

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

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

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


Editorial Contributor #1: John Hanlin (Volunteer)


Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Boulder, Colorado

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

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

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

John Hanlin, Esq.

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

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

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


Editorial Contributor #2: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)


Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

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

In addition to serving as an Editorial Contributor to Access Information News, Jenna also serves as an Editorial Contributor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and runs her own advocacy foundation.

Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.

Jenna Lang, PMP

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

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

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


Editorial Contributor #3: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)


Photo of David Woodbridge.

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6th 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Woodbridge

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

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

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

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