Home: Access Information News News: Access Information News Subscribe: Access Information News Donate: Access Information News Sponsor: Access Information News Facebook: Access Information News X (Formerly Twitter): Access Information News Mastodon: Access Information News LinkedIn: Access Information News YouTube: Access Information News RSS: Access Information News Back to Top

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, September 11, 2023 - Volume 927

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

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

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

Subscribers: 10,302 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 26 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email.

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Join Industry Leaders And Begin Reaching Over 29,000 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:

Pneuma Solutions logo. WayAround logo. APH ConnectCenter logo. Access Ready, Inc. logo. Access Ready, Inc. logo. Access Ready, Inc. logo.
Clusiv logo. Total Tech Solutions, LLC logo. Eyes on Success logo. The logo is a black square with rounded corners and has the letters EOS in silver across the top with 4 silver lines fanning out downwards from the bottom of the O. Since the initials of the show's name (Eyes On Success) spell the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn (EOS), the logo was designed to give the impression of a sunrise which in turn provides a positive uplifting feeling in keeping with the theme of the show. We are grateful to our daughter Allison for the graphic design work. Sponsor: Empish J. Thomas, Freelance Writer, Disability Blogger and Accessibility Consultant. Advertising Package available. Advertising Package available.
Advertising Package available. Advertising Package available. Advertising Package available. Advertising Package available. Advertising Package available. Advertising Package available.

Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By Support From: Pneuma Solutions, WayAround, APH ConnectCenter, Access Ready, Inc., Total Tech Solutions, LLC, Eyes on Success and Empish J. Thomas. 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 Week

A.) Sight Loss Tip: How Do You Read to Kids When Blind? | Tim Dixon

Reading to your kids is one of the parenting pleasures parents take for granted. So, how do you read to kids when you are blind?
https://www.timdixon.net/blog/2023/08/sight-loss-tip-how-do-you-read-to-kids-when-blind/

B.) A Lightweight Wearable Device Helps Users Navigate With A Tap On The Wrist | Science Daily

Scientists have developed a fabric-based wearable device that 'taps' a user's wrist with pressurized air, silently helping them navigate to their destination. The study demonstrated that users correctly interpreted which direction the device was telling them to go an average of 87% of the time. Since the wearable embeds most of its control system within the fabric itself, using air instead of electronics, it can be built lighter and more compact than existing designs:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230829130037.htm

C.) DoorDash Adds An AI-Powered Voice Ordering Phone Service

DoorDash is branching out from app-only ordering by adding an artificial intelligence voice that will take your order:
https://cordcuttersnews.com/doordash-adds-an-ai-powered-voice-ordering-phone-service/

D.) What's Up With Smart Glasses? | Ophthalmic Edge

By now we expected smart glasses to be all the rage. They'd be on lots of faces, in the same way smartphones are in (just about) every hand. Actually, they were predicted to replace the smartphone, providing the wearer with voice access to information and apps. And, of course, they'd be accessible to visually impaired or blind users, because smartphones are. It would be wonderfully inclusive and normalizing, glasses that made information accessible, whether you could see the screen or not:
https://ophthalmicedge.org/patient/whats-up-with-smart-glasses/

E.) Can Reading E-Books Get You in Trouble? Protect Yourself From Digital Threats | Good eReader

Reading is one of life's greatest gifts & pleasures. It lets you experience the lives of countless others or elevate your own by accumulating knowledge. Better yet, the digital age allows us access to millions of books without having to lug any of them around. E-books might be convenient, but are they safe? In this article, we explore how E-books themselves or acquiring them can affect your devices. We also offer practical tips on handling E-books safely & responsibly:
https://goodereader.com/blog/e-book-news/can-reading-e-books-get-you-in-trouble-protect-yourself-from-digital-threats

2) Sponsorship Packages Currently Available

Are you an access-based person, business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 29,000 access information subscribers each week? If so, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either monthly, quarterly or annually. Annual Paying Sponsors receive 5 Featured Advertisements for the year, rather than 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 information subscribers in the world today, at a nearly negligible price point, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last. Availability: There are currently 8 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages available:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-packages.html#purchase

3) Premium Subscriber Updates

Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 3rd Issue of the 60 Most Clicked Access News Articles for July, August and September of 2023 on Monday, October 2, 2023. Back Issues: There are currently 2 back issues 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:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/premium-subscribers.html

4) Sponsored News Articles Now Available

Use 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:
https://www.accessinformationnews.com/sponsored-news-articles.html

5) Follow Access Information News On Your Preferred Channel

In 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:
Email: https://accessinformationnews.com/subscribe
Facebook: https://accessinformationnews.com/facebook
LinkedIn: https://accessinformationnews.com/linkedin
Mastodon: https://accessinformationnews.com/mastodon
RSS: https://accessinformationnews.com/rss
X (Formerly Twitter): https://accessinformationnews.com/x
YouTube: https://accessinformationnews.com/youtube

6) The Secret 'Language' Only Blind People Can Understand — And It's Not Braille | Emily McPherson | 9News AU

Publisher (Di Blasi): Quick disclaimer regarding this article's title. There is no actual secret language involved. The language in question is always the speaker's native language. It is just sped up to a point that non-trained ears can no longer understand it. I am sighted and have been practicing speed reading via both sight and sound for more than 10 years now. The very best that I can do with sound at this point is about 500-600 words per minute. With 500 being relatively comfortable for me and 600 requiring my undivided attention. Now, contrast that with blind friends that can effortlessly understand words at a rate of 800 to 900 per minute. While it may not be a secret language, it's still a very real super power if you ask me.
9News AU: "What language is that speaking?" It's a question Brisbane software engineer Jamie Teh often fields from people who happen to hear the strange sounds coming out of his computer. "Sometimes I'll get things like, 'What's that noise?' Or, 'Is that water?' It's actually pretty funny to see some of the reactions," Teh said. To the ordinary ear, the sounds are usually an unintelligible form of gobbledygook. Most people are shocked when they're told it's actually English - just sped up to approximately 4-6 times the average speed of human speech. Can you catch any words? Listen to the audio below to hear the first page of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, read at 900 words per minute, and test your skills:
https://www.9news.com.au/national/the-secret-language-only-blind-people-can-understand--and-its-not-braille/667eca67-a032-497e-a8fe-2bfd0d57e1c7

7) Accessible Content Basics For Social Media And Pr Pros | PR Daily

Reach more people and ensure inclusivity with these tips from Alexa Heinrich:
https://www.prdaily.com/accessible-content-basics-for-social-media-and-pr-pros/

8) Audiobook or Reading? Science Shows There Is No Difference To Your Brain | Good eReader

Life can be busy and finding the time to sit and read isn't easy — but that doesn't mean you have to go without. Now a day's many of us enjoy our stories in a variety of different ways; books, eBooks, audiobooks or on our cell phones. A great option is to pop in the ear buds, pop on an audiobook, and carry on cooking dinner, exercising, or puttering around the house. However, it raises the question whether or not a listener is getting the same experience as a reader when it comes to engaging with a novel?
https://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/audio-book-or-reading-science-shows-there-is-no-difference-to-your-brain

9) Bringing Braille Fun Home: LEGO® Braille Bricks on Sale for the First Time | Darren Dizon

When I was young, I loved playing with Legos, but in a fun and unique way! NOW, there are LEGO® Braille Bricks which have changed the way we teach sighted people about Braille. Come along for the ride, and explore the potential of Lego Bricks:
https://visionaccessibility.com/blog/bringing-braille-fun-home-lego-braille-bricks-on-sale-for-the-fi

10) Amazon Has Ended Its Periodicals Program, And Independent Publishers Are Panicking | The Verge

Since Kindle Periodicals was dropped, many pubs are scrambling to find a way to stay alive:
https://www.theverge.com/23861370/amazon-kindle-periodicals-unlimited-ended

11) A Post From Jonathan Mosen To The ACB Conversation Discussion List: Why Mastodon Is So Important, And Exercising My Right of Reply | Tech-VI List

10 months ago, Twitter's entire accessibility team was fired by its new owner, Elon Musk. Shortly after, the third-party apps on which many blind people rely were no longer permitted to access the platform. The accessibility team weren't the only ones to go. Twitter's safety team has been decimated. It is now a much more unsafe place for disabled people, and the publication of profoundly objectionable and illegal material has increased without subsequent remedial action:
https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/4982

12) Legal Update: August 2023 | Converge Accessibility

There has been a real slowdown in my Lexis feed this month. Are the courts are issuing fewer opinions? Does Lexis have fewer people collecting and entering opinions? Are both factors at work because it's summer and even the nerdiest attorneys would rather be outside enjoying the day with a cool drink instead of working indoors?
https://convergeaccessibility.com/2023/09/05/legal-update-august-2023/

13) American Streets May Soon Get Their First Accessible Design Standards from the Feds

The ADA has been the law for 33 years. Why has it taken this long to write strong guidelines to implement it on U.S. streets?
https://usa.streetsblog.org/2023/09/06/american-streets-may-soon-get-their-first-accessible-design-standards-from-the-feds

14) Fable's Digital Accessibility Solutions | Accessibility.com

In today's digital age, the importance of inclusivity and accessibility cannot be overstated. As the online landscape continues to evolve, businesses face the challenge of making their products and services accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. This is where Fable, an innovative online platform based in Toronto, steps in:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/fables-digital-accessibility-solutions

15) Web Accessibility for People with Hearing Disabilities | Allyant

Website accessibility ensures everyone — including people with disabilities — can read, understand, navigate, and interact with a website. You may be familiar with how accessible websites accommodate people with visual impairments by allowing them to easily use a screen reader to read the web page's content aloud to them. People with hearing impairments also need accommodations to experience a website the way that was intended:
https://allyant.com/web-accessibility-for-people-with-hearing-disabilities/

16) An Introduction To Accessibility Advocacy: An Interview With Steve Sawczyn, Digital Accessibility Lead at HealthPartners | Steve Kelley | APH

Steve Sawczyn, Digital Accessibility Lead at HealthPartners, is no stranger to accessibility. Steve played a critical role in helping retail giant Target make its way to web accessibility after a lawsuit brought their attention to the inaccessibility of their website. And before that, in a grassroots effort in his home state of Maine, Sawczyn was at the forefront of negotiating with Apple on restoring a workable screen reader to their Mac computer before they were distributed throughout Maine schools as the computer of choice. In addition to Target and Apple, Steve's resume also includes Deque, and United Healthcare, before his recent leadership role at HealthPartners:
https://www.afb.org/aw/24/6/18363

17) Innovative Technology Empowers Blind and Partially Sighted Shoppers with Audible Product Information | Cool Blind Tech

Europe is home to an estimated 30 million blind and partially sighted individuals, with approximately one in 30 Europeans experiencing some form of sight loss, primarily linked to aging. As the population ages, these numbers are expected to increase. Some promising solutions are emerging:
https://coolblindtech.com/innovative-technology-empowers-blind-and-partially-sighted-shoppers-with-audible-product-information/

18) Standard Ebooks

Standard Ebooks is a volunteer-driven effort to produce a collection of high quality, carefully formatted, accessible, open source, and free public domain ebooks that meet or exceed the quality of commercially produced ebooks. The text and cover art in our ebooks is already believed to be in the U.S. public domain, and Standard Ebooks dedicates its own work to the public domain, thus releasing the entirety of each ebook file into the public domain. All the ebooks we produce are distributed free of cost and free of U.S. copyright restrictions. Standard Ebooks is organized as a “low-profit L.L.C.,” or “L3C,” a kind of legal entity that blends the charitable focus of a traditional not-for-profit with the ease of organization and maintenance of a regular LLC:
https://standardebooks.org/

19) The Gift of Time | Justin Gardner | APH

Early in 1943, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) started a program to help soldiers blinded in World War II. Often the first item a hospitalized GI requested, braille watches were presented to each blinded serviceman referred to AFB by the military or the Veterans Administration (VA). Once a referral was received, the veteran's name, rank, and serial number were engraved on the back of a pocket or wristwatch, and it was sent to the veteran as quickly as possible. By December of 1945, 1,048 braille watches had been delivered. Five watches were even sent to American soldiers in German POW camps by the YMCA:
https://www.aph.org/the-gift-of-time/

20) Equivalent Experience Can Cut Both Ways | Eric Bailey

I've been taking screen reader lessons. I found someone who is kind enough to offer their time and expertise (and grace in answering the occasional ignorant question) in exchange for payment. The goal here is to uncover assumptions I carry with me when using assistive technology, in order to make my work better. It is my hope that this can translate to experiences that people who use assistive technology consider intuitive and pleasurable to use:
https://ericwbailey.website/published/equivalent-experience-can-cut-both-ways/

21) Walmart's Commitment to Accessibility Empowers People with Disabilities | Cool Blind Tech

Walmart is making a new push to better serve people with disabilities with a slew of adaptive products ranging from clothing to technology. Walmart recently introduced an adaptive channel on its website with a curated collection of items all created to be accessible. The selection includes adaptive utensils and tableware, assistive devices, sensory-friendly toys, backpacks designed to work with wheelchairs, hearing aids, adaptive clothing and much more:
https://coolblindtech.com/walmarts-commitment-to-accessibility-empowers-people-with-disabilities/

22) By The Numbers — Companies Still Not Considering The Real Consumer Markets | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan

My final thought? Somehow, we need to change the attitudes here! This is not healthy and extremely callous and inhumane! Profits are not the only thing that should matter! Just my two cents for today:
https://sterlingcreations.com/blog/by-the-numbers-companies-still-not-considering-the-real-consumer-markets


➜ 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.


September 12, 2023 | Ask Sharky: Get the Most Out of Message Center | Freedom Scientific

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Learn the ins and outs of the new Message Center in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion, including how to access and navigate messages, plus specify message settings. Zoom conferencing platform and Clubhouse. Join via Zoom or download the Clubhouse app from iOS App Store or Google Play to participate on your mobile device:
https://zoom.us/j/7278038000?_x_zm_rtaid=JLrcZJLfR0CGeSOmS9Dn3g.1605555524846.894574b70d1d4051defcc9cb567d21aa&_x_zm_rhtaid=935#success

September 12, 2023 | Case Study: Creating Accessible Cultural Experiences | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Museums, art galleries, and cultural spaces increasingly rely on digital technologies to engage visitors with their collections. It is vital that such experiences are accessible to people with disabilities. This presentation describes how accessibility was integrated into the design and development of a free mobile app featuring digital guides to cultural institutions around the world. TPGi partnered with Bloomberg Connects to improve accessibility features of the app, which now provides the means for people with disabilities to engage with cultural institutions and experience their content in an accessible and inclusive way. The presentation will cover the way key accessibility barriers were identified and addressed, reflect on how the results of usability testing with people with disabilities helped verify the quality of the app's user experience, and consider future developments:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-september-12-at-12pm-et-case-study-creating-accessible-cultural-experiences/

September 13, 2023 | Celebration of The 10th Anniversary of the Signing of the Marrakesh Treaty | National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Friends — NLS is pleased to announce that on Wednesday, September 13, from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT, the Library of Congress will hold a virtual event to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled. We invite you to register for the event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event. NLS is excited to join its colleagues at the US Copyright Office in celebrating the Marrakesh Treaty and its successful implementation here in the United States. NLS marked a milestone this summer with patrons' 100,000th download of audio and braille materials acquired under the treaty. Since 2020, when the treaty was fully implemented in the US, NLS has added more than 5,700 works in more than 25 languages — including English — from treaty members. NLS has also uploaded more than 197,000 items to the Accessible Books Consortium Global Book Service, making them digitally available to other Marrakesh Treaty members. We hope you will tune in — and please share the information and link with all your friends and supporters of Marrakesh!
https://www.copyright.gov/events/marrakesh-treaty-tenth-anniversary/

September 13, 2023 | Connect 12's New Dictionary Powered By Oxford Languages HumanWare

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
In collaboration with Oxford Languages, a part of Oxford University Press, this partner webinar will focus on leveraging the all-new Dictionary app to enhance reading comprehension support for your students. Be sure to participate in the interactive Q&A session at the end:
https://humanware.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2Pf2AFa7QsCBvnaR1D3QBQ#/registration

September 13, 2023 | RUBY Handheld Magnifiers: The Portable Vision Solution (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Did you know there are five RUBY models to help with your low vision needs? RUBY handheld video magnifiers provide the help that many people with low vision need to read text and see details. All RUBY models have a crisp, sharp image, high-contrast modes, and built-in LEDs. The streamlined design means RUBY can go with you anywhere, giving you easy access to photos, letters, prescriptions, packaging labels, and menus, even in a dark restaurant. With its broad range of adjustable, undistorted magnification, a RUBY video magnifier outperforms a drawerful of traditional magnifiers. There is even a model that is capable of full-page OCR. With a button, you can scan pages and have them read aloud. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity and Joe McDaniel from Vispero to discuss the features and benefits of all the RUBY models and the assistance each can give in specific situations. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. Teachers of the visually impaired (TVI) can earn ACVREP continuing education credit by attending this approved presentation. Learning Outcomes & Zoom Webinar Information. Features of all RUBY models. How to determine the right size for you. How adding speech capability can take you further:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82276472195?pwd=bWVaMVVtaWRQZnJkck1vNlJDRVBFZz09&mc_cid=ce73907c70&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

September 14, 2023 | TOPAZ OCR: Empowering Independence and Maximizing Productivity | Vispero

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Vispero Presenters: Bill Kilroy and Shelly Klure. Summary: The TOPAZ desktop video magnifiers have been a Freedom Scientific key product for more than a decade. Join us for a step-by-step webinar to find out how the TOPAZ OCR can help you or your clients become more independent and productive across a variety of everyday activities. Don't miss out on this educational hour as we demonstrate live and answer your questions in real-time! Objectives: Scan full page documents and have them read aloud. Magnify text on mail, food packaging, and more. Fill out forms and manage personal finances. ACVREP credits will be available for those who attend the live webinar. Register for this webinar on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0sL9TTsBQieLk2q4k5XQyw

September 14, 2023 | The Many Faces of BARD: Using Your Braille Display to Read Braille BARD Books on Your iPhone

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
The topic for the September 14, 2023, Many Faces of BARD program will be Using Your Braille Display to Read Braille BARD Books on Your iPhone. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. This program will be recorded. For this session, Judy Dixon will demonstrate how to access BARD braille books located on your iPhone and read them with your braille display. Note that information in this session will apply to any braille display including the NLS Braille eReaders. After the demonstration, Judy and the rest of the NLS staff will take questions about the demonstration or anything else relating to BARD. Remember that the meeting is recorded. Do not speak if you do not wish to be on the recording. If you wish to speak, you may request to do so by raising your hand. On a PC, press Alt Y to toggle raising and lowering your hand; on a Mac, press Option Y; and if dialing in via telephone, press Star 9. To mute or unmute yourself on a PC, press Alt A; on a Mac, press Command-Shift A; and on a telephone, press Star 6. If you choose to dial in to the call, use the telephone numbers provided below. The Zoom.gov ID will not work with standard Zoom.us. The session can be joined by going to:
https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1609390773?pwd=bWtTcmhyNlplcm9ndnRrd0xOZFFRQT09

September 14, 2023 | Using Your Braille Display to Read Braille BARD Books on Your iPhone | The Braillists Foundation

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
The topic for the September 14, 2023, Many Faces of BARD program will be Using Your Braille Display to Read Braille BARD Books on Your iPhone. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. This program will be recorded. For this session, Judy Dixon will demonstrate how to access BARD braille books located on your iPhone and read them with your braille display. Note that information in this session will apply to any braille display including the NLS Braille eReader. After the demonstration, Judy and the rest of the NLS staff will take questions about the demonstration or anything else relating to BARD:
https://www.braillists.org/uncategorised/using-your-braille-display-to-read-braille-bard-books-on-your-iphone-thursday-14-september-at-700-pm-eastern/

September 19, 2023 | The Accessible Forms Checklist | TPGi

9:30AM PT, 10:30AM MT, 11:30AM CT, 12:30PM ET, 4:30PM GMT
Forms are one of the most important features in websites. They are a critical method of communication between people and companies. Yet far too often this communication is difficult or impossible due to poor accessibility. Accessible forms are easy to understand, complete, and submit. Instructions, cues, and requirements must be clearly identified to users. It must be simple to recover from errors. In this session, you will learn how to find accessibility errors in forms by using our high-level checklist. Our goal is to help build your knowledge around the WCAG success criteria related to forms. We will cover many topics, including: Using labels and groups to identify elements. Exposing the required and invalid attributes. Having clear errors and instructions. Robust, accessible names for controls:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-september-19-at-1230pm-et-the-accessible-forms-checklist/

September 20, 2023 | Back To School With The Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc. | Accessible Apps For Education And Beyond

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
Join The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. for an interactive webinar on assistive technology in and out of the classroom. We'll explore the Google Suite of products to show how these essential home and classroom tools have been designed with accessibility in mind. We'll also dive into the Voice Dream apps for scanning and reading at home or in the classroom. Whether you're a student seeking academic excellence, a parent supporting your child's educational path, an educator committed to inclusive classrooms, or a passionate advocate for accessibility, you won't want to miss this interactive and informative session. Register now to reserve your spot:
https://thelighthousefortheblindinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vuWNLKBNRQSa__nY27vHzA

September 20, 2023 | Creating Accessible PDF Fillable Forms (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Did you know that creating fillable PDF forms is crucial in meeting WCAG compliance? If you have a website form that is not a fillable PDF and requires a user to print it out to submit, users of assistive technology will face an accessibility barrier. In this webinar, we explore the different types of forms available in Acrobat, discuss best practices in formatting with accessibility in mind, and review the tag structure for fillable forms in PDF remediation to make them accessible for users. Join Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity for the basics of form creation in Acrobat Pro. Learning Outcomes & Zoom Webinar Information. Briefly review the best way to format MS Word documents when converted to PDF Fillable Forms. Discuss best practices for setting up form fields in your document. Showcase the form types available in Acrobat Pro and the settings needed for accessibility. Demonstrate how to tag form fields to make them accessible in your PDF:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88577101449?pwd=dkdkb2JBVE4xM05vbVR5MHYxazRDUT09&mc_cid=ce73907c70&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

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

September 26, 2023 | Web Accessibility - DOJ Listening Session: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Title II Website/App Accessibility

12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT
An opportunity to learn more about proposed web accessibility regulations and how to comment on them. The Great Lakes ADA Center is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a "Listening Session" with representatives from the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice regarding their Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding the Accessibility of Web Information and Services for State and Local Government (Title II entities). DOJ issued the NPRM on July 25th with public comments due no later than October 3, 2023. Individuals have a variety of options for submitting comments including electronically and in writing. This session provides individuals an opportunity to give verbal comments to DOJ via the Listening Session format. Registration deadline is 9/25/2023 or until maximum registration is reached. Individuals must establish an account on our website in order to register. Method: Via Zoom. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities" (NPRM) on July 25, 2023. This NPRM proposes a specific technical standard that state and local governments would have to follow to meet their existing obligations under Title II of the ADA for web and mobile app accessibility. The NPRM asks the public for comments about this proposal. To this end, the Great Lakes ADA Center in collaboration with the ADA National Network are hosting a "Listening Session" with representatives from the Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice regarding the proposed rule Individuals are invited to join this session and share your thoughts in support or against any or all of these proposed regulations. This is not a Q&A session. The Department of Justice will not discuss or be able to respond to any questions during this session. The intent is for DOJ to hear from interested persons and entities. This session will not be recorded and there are no continuing education recognition credits available for this session. Participants are encouraged to review the NPRM in advance of the session as well as the Fact Sheet on the NPRM prepared by DOJ in order to be prepared to comment. This session will have Real-Time Captioning and Sign Language Interpreters Available. Contact (877) 232-1990 📱️ or email webinars@adaconferences.org 📧️ with questions. Register at:
https://www.accessibilityonline.org/ada-tech/session/?id=111080

September 27, 2023 | Basic Internet Browsing with JAWS (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Are you apprehensive about surfing the internet with JAWS, or do you want to understand the basics of web browsing with JAWS? Join Marisa Church and Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity as we discuss some basic terminology, demonstrate great techniques, and explore helpful tools to lay the foundation for effectively navigating web pages. Learning Outcomes & Zoom Webinar Information. Explain the layout of a browser window with basic terms. Present basic navigating commands. Activate some JAWS tools to enhance the browsing experience:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88231843911?pwd=SnRYU0ZnUks0WlVzdWx4azAwdmw0dz09&mc_cid=ce73907c70&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

September 27, 2023 | How to Write an Accessibility Statement | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
We'll cover the various purposes for and key information to include in a website accessibility statement. Plus, we'll evaluate real-world examples of accessibility statements. Each attendee gains a template format to publish their own website accessibility statement. This webinar evaluates real-world examples of accessibility statements and answers frequently asked questions such as: Who at an organization should write an accessibility statement? Should the statement be written by an attorney? Should the statement explicitly acknowledge the parts of the website or application which do not conform to accessibility guidelines? Should the statement offer phone support or alternative options if a user finds the website to be inaccessible? The objective is for each attendee to come away with a clear approach for their own organization, whether it's a small business or a global brand. Join us for a lively discussion of website accessibility statements:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-september-27-at-12pm-et-how-to-write-an-accessibility-statement/

September 29, 2023 | Blindness and Mental Health Webinar | Accessible Pharmacy

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Please join us as we discuss mental health in the blind and low vision community. Expert presenters will discuss: Psychology and therapy for the blind community. Medications and genomic testing. Peer and community support resources. 988 Mental Health Hotline information:
https://accessiblepharmacy.com/blindness-and-mental-health-webinar/

October 4, 2023 | FEMA Nationwide EAS Test

11:20AM PT, 12:20PM MT, 1:20PM CT, 2:20PM ET, 6:20PM GMT
FEMA, in coordination with the FCC, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at 2:20pm ET on Wednesday, October 4. The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test:
https://news.radio-online.com/cgi-bin/rol.exe/headline_id=b17534

October 13, 2023 | Blindness and Clinical Trials Webinar | Accessible Pharmacy

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Please join us as we discuss clinical trials for the blind and low vision community with these expert presenters: Ben Shaberman, VP Science Communications Foundation Fighting Blindness. Marin Allen, former Deputy Director of Communications, National Institute of Health. Maggie Cashion, Clinical Research Manager, Prism Vision Group:
https://accessiblepharmacy.com/blindness-and-clinical-trials-webinar/

October 24, 2023 | Creating a Sustainable Digital Accessibility Business Plan | Accessibility.com

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Every business needs a digital accessibility plan. Learn how to craft one for your business, no matter the size, that is sustainable as your business grows:
https://www.accessibility.com/event/2023/creating-a-sustainable-digital-accessibility-business-plan

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 1, 2023 and December 2, 2023 | Blind Health Expo 2023 | Exhibitor and Attendee Registration Now Open

The Blind Health Expo is the largest virtual event of healthcare information, products, services, and medication for individuals in the blind, low vision, and disability communities. Exhibitors can: Register for free. Interact with thousands of attendees. Showcase their products and services:
https://accessiblepharmacy.com/blind-health-expo-2023/

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: 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.


Sponsor: WayAround


WayAround logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Have You Tried The Best Way to Label Things if You're Blind or Have Low Vision?

WayAround is a smartphone-based labeling app that works with your preferred accessibility settings. You just need the free mobile app and some WayTags ® to label items in the kitchen, garden, closet, office & more. If you want to label something that's inside, outside, wet, dry, hot, or cold, there's a WayTag that will attach securely. WayTags come as stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips. Each of the different styles of WayTags work exactly the same. Simply choose the WayTag that's best for what you want to label.

➜ Label your kitchen, clothing, or medication.
➜ Tag specialty items and tools for hobbies.
➜ Organize lots of information about one thing on a single WayTag.
➜ Scan each WayTag 100,000 times or more.

Keep adding more WayTags! Use any style of tag, in any order. There's no limit to the number of WayTags you can use. So you can rely on one system to label all your things. Try our Starter Pack to experience ALL of the different types of WayTags!
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: Summer Shows For Us = Summer Savings for Everyone! 25% Off Anything In Our Store With Code "Show2023", Good Until July 31!

With Pneuma Solutions back in action at summer conventions, it is time once again for some unbeatable deals! And you're going to love this one... 25% off anything! That's right, anything! With the only exception being Sero due to its separate purchase process, anything available for purchase in our store via Stripe is 25% off for the month of July! RIM Personal for your machine at home? $74.25! Need to scale up? No problem, your 25% will be applied to the new price! Missed out on the Community Support discount? Never fear, you can still slash $37.25 off the $149 price, making the price $111.75! Scribe scans, credits and subscriptions are also covered. And the best part? You don't even have to pick which item to use it on! Purchase as many items as you need, and use this code on all of them! From now until July 31, you can spend 25% less and receive 100% of Pneuma's best in accessible remote desktop and document remediation! Use code show2023 for 25% off anything in our store til 07/31!
https://pneumasolutions.com/summer-shows-for-us-summer-savings-for-everyone/

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: Empish J. Thomas


Empish J. Thomas logo.

Sponsor Since: August 21, 2023 Calendar icon.

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

About: Hello. I'm so glad you're here. I'm Empish, a freelance writer and blogger specializing in vision loss and disability. I have a deep passion for the disability community and enjoy using my writing skills to bring awareness. Ever since I was a small child I have always been intrigued by the written word. Checking out children's books at my local library to reading the newspaper out loud to my parents, words have always moved and compelled me. Now, fast forward to my adult life. I had a journalism degree with a promising career. But six months after graduation I developed severe headaches and sensitivity to light prompting me to go see an eye doctor for the first time in my life. I was diagnosed with Uveitis in its most aggressive form and within a few years I was totally blind.

Despite this diagnosis my love for the written word did not diminish. I had noticed the negative and sometimes incorrect portrayal of the disabled in the news media. I wanted to be proactive in changing that image. Language is powerful and that people with disabilities must tell their own story.

This is why I love the Nigerian proverb “Don't let the lion tell the giraffe's story,” because it speaks to my career as a journalist and disability advocate. As we know, the lion is the king of the jungle and rules the animal kingdom. His voice is heard the strongest and the loudest the majority of the time.

But there are also other animals too. Ones like the giraffe that have a voice and a story to tell. Their voices are just as important. Just as powerful. Just as valuable. As you review and read my work my goal is to give the giraffe that voice.

Topics That Spark Joy

As a freelance writer and blogger, I use this site to talk about my life as a disabled person. Like Marie Kondo, you will find blog posts on the things that spark joy. I love reading audiobooks and watching audio described movies. I also love talking about accessibility and how it impacts my life. I include my daily routine. You know those mundane things we all do like grocery shopping, exercising, paying bills, voting and anything else I find interesting.

Let Me Write For You

Now that you know a little about me, are you looking for a freelance writer? One who can write a captivating story. ONE WITH excellent writing and organizational skills. One who understands the importance of deadlines. Let's chat. Shoot me an email from my Contact Page and let's discuss how I can meet your writing needs.


Sponsor: Eyes on Success


Eyes on Success logo. The logo is a black square with rounded corners and has the letters EOS in silver across the top with 4 silver lines fanning out downwards from the bottom of the O. Since the initials of the show's name (Eyes On Success) spell the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn (EOS), the logo was designed to give the impression of a sunrise which in turn provides a positive uplifting feeling in keeping with the theme of the show. We are grateful to our daughter Allison for the graphic design work.

Sponsor Since: August 21, 2023 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/ 🌐️

About: This half-hour weekly podcast and radio program discusses products, services and daily living tips for people with vision loss. It is available through radio reading services across North America, via several internet streaming services, and to everyone else as a podcast. To date, the show has been downloaded in all 50 states in the US and over 100 other countries on all the inhabited continents. Eyes On Success is hosted and produced by Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey.

Each episode is basically a success story. Some are human stories of visually impaired people's accomplishments in academics, employment, sports or pastimes. Others are descriptions of adaptive aids that enable visually impaired people to achieve things. These include screen readers, magnifiers, navigation aids, and others. In all cases, the focus is on success.

Eyes On Success has been airing weekly since January 2011. Prior to January 2013 the name of the show was ViewPoints. Other than the name, nothing has changed.

Listening To Eyes On Success

You can listen to Eyes On Success on your smart home device by saying “play the Eyes On Success podcast”, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, YouTube or your local radio reading service. Listeners can also follow the show on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter).

Connecting with Eyes On Success

Email: To contact us with questions, comments or suggestions for future shows send an e-mail to hosts@EyesOnSuccess.net 📧️.

Weekly Announcements: If you would like to receive weekly announcements of upcoming episodes, you can join our low traffic "announcements only" list by sending an e-mail to: EyesOnSuccess+subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️.

Email Forum: If you would like to connect with other listeners and share your thoughts about what you've heard on the show, you can join our listener email forum by sending an email to: EOS_Discuss+Subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️


Sponsor: Total Tech Solutions, LLC


Total Tech Solutions, LLC logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: The Whispers of Wonderment: Tech and Life Unraveled at 'WeSpeak'

Ever wondered how tech changes our day-to-day? Or maybe you're the type who loves exploring new stuff and ideas. If that's you, then the 'WeSpeak' podcast is just your thing! We chat about the big questions in life, the ones that make us all take a moment to think Our latest guest thought it was all about tech talk. But when it ended, he felt like he'd discovered something new. That's the kind of chat we love. It's your turn now! Join us at:
http://www.wespeak.live

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


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 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled 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  8  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.

Payment Options: When available you can secure one of these packages for just $100.00 USD per month, $300 USD per quarter or $1,200.00 USD per year.

Payment Option Benefits: Monthly Sponsors receive Zero (0) Featured Advertisements. Quarterly Sponsors receive One (1) Featured Advertisement per quarter. Annual Sponsors receive Five (5) Featured Advertisements per year. All other benefits remain the same.


➜ Access Information News Supporters:

We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!

Spacer image. QR Code. Donate a one-time amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News Publication.
Spacer image.

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

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

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

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

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


Platinum Supporters:


Ornate Platinum Medallion.

Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.

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

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

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


Gold Supporters:


Ornate Gold Medallion.

Become an Access Information News Gold Supporter today.

1.) Your name here.
Gold Supporter since ...


Silver Supporters:


Ornate Silver Medallion.

Become an Access Information News Silver Supporter today.

1.) Your name here.
Silver Supporter since ...


Bronze Supporters:


Ornate Bronze Medallion.

Become an Access Information News Bronze Supporter today.

1.) Your name here.
Bronze Supporter since ...

One Time Supporters:

One Time Supporters donate an amount of their choosing — one time to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News Publication.

Become an Access Information News One Time Supporter today.

1.) Amanda Lee
One Time Supporter on July 31, 2023

2.) Your name here.
One Time Supporter on ...


➜ 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.

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

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

David Woodbridge

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

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

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

Email: editor@accessinformationnews.com 📧️
Subscribe: https://accessinformationnews.com/subscribe
Facebook: https://accessinformationnews.com/facebook
X (Formerly Twitter): https://accessinformationnews.com/x
LinkedIn: https://accessinformationnews.com/linkedin
RSS Feed: https://accessinformationnews.com/rss
Donate: https://accessinformationnews.com/donate
Sponsorship Packages: https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsor
Archive Search: https://accessinformationnews.com/search
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://toptechtidbits.com


➜ Subscription Information


ABOUT:

Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 29,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here. Review the archive here. Access Information News is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Contributing Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang and David Woodbridge. Access Information News is a sponsor and reader supported publication.

RELEASE SCHEDULE:

Access Information News is released every Monday morning at 6:00 AM ET.

SUBSCRIBE:

Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Access Information Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link, which is: https://accessinformationnews.com/subscribe. You can also subscribe to receive the Access Information Newsletter on the Access Information News Website at: https://accessinformationnews.com. Either of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Access Information Newsletter. It's that easy.

SPONSOR:

If you would like to become 1 of only 24 Access Information News Sponsors whose annual support makes the distribution of Access Information News possible, we offer you the following benefits, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-packages.html.

SUPPORT:

If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a small one time or annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we offer the following options, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://accessinformationnews.com/donate.html.

WEBSITE:

Visit the Access Information News website online at https://accessinformationnews.com.

FACEBOOK:

Are you on Facebook? Stop by and "Like" Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your Facebook News Feed: https://accessinformationnews.com/facebook.

X (FORMERLY TWITTER):

Are you on X? Follow Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your X News Feed: https://accessinformationnews.com/x.

MASTODON:

Are you on Mastodon? Follow Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your Mastodon News Feed by visiting https://mastodon.accessinformationnews.com/@news or searching for @news@mastodon.accessinformationnews.com on your server today.

LINKEDIN:

Are you on LinkedIn? Follow Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your LinkedIn News Feed: https://accessinformationnews.com/linkedin.

YOUTUBE:

Are you on YouTube? Follow Access Information News to begin receiving current news and trends in access information as part of your YouTube Video Feed: https://accessinformationnews.com/youtube.

RSS:

Do you prefer RSS? Follow Access Information News via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in access information using your choice of news aggregator: https://accessinformationnews.com/rss.

QUESTIONS:

If you have questions regarding any of the material published in Access Information News please feel free to reach out to our Publisher at publisher@accessinformationnews.com 📧️ or our Editors at editors@accessinformationnews.com 📧️ and we will attempt to provide you with answers as time and knowledge permit.

ARCHIVE

Visit 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 📧️.


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

Information provided by:
Access Information News
https://accessinformationnews.com/  🌐

A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication

1284 SOM Center Road, PMB 194
Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124
  Google Maps icon.
(855) 578-6660 📱️