Access Information News for Monday, October 9, 2023 - Volume 931

The Week's News in Access Information
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Dear Access Information News Subscriber,

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

A.) Discussion And Ideas, How To Tell Companies Like Envision To G.T.F.O. Here With Their Predatory Pricing Models | Andy Lane | AppleVis

Yesterday was a genuinely shocking day for me with EnVision's announcement of their open contract priced at $150 per month, $9k every 5 years, $18k every 10 years with no ownership or promise of hardware refreshes:
https://www.applevis.com/forum/accessibility-advocacy/discussion-ideas-how-tell-companies-envision-gtfo-here-their-predatory

B.) United Airlines Destroys the Life of Another Disabled Person | Allie Funk | Medium: Subscription Required

Despite increasing scrutiny of their treatment of disabled passengers, airlines have continued their behavior undeterred. While the industry as a whole is complicit in this issue, two airlines seem to stand above the rest in the worst way possible: Air Canada and United Airlines. My last airline story was about Air Canada, so I guess it's United's turn:
https://medium.com/counterarts/united-airlines-destroys-the-life-of-another-disabled-person-669363ed0939

C.) Hi Digital Courses — Unlock Your Digital Potential with NCBI Labs

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards digital empowerment? NCBI Labs is thrilled to announce our FREE Digital Literacy Courses, designed to equip people with essential digital skills! In an increasingly digital world, everyone deserves the tools to be digitally independent:
https://www.ncbi.ie/hi-digital-course-unlock-your-digital-potential-with-ncbi-labs/

D.) Updates To The Disability Information and Accessibility Line (DIAL)

The Disability Information and Accessibility Line (DIAL) has a new website and has expanded its services. While it began as a resource for finding help for people with disabilities looking for COVID vaccinations, the range of services has greatly expanded. Let's consider this a great 2-1-1 for locating help for the disability, especially the blindness, community:
https://boldlyblind.blog/2023/09/26/updates-to-dial/

E.) United States Residents: Order Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests for Blind or Low Vision People | USPS

As of September 25, 2023, you can place another order for one set of #12 free at-home tests with enhanced accessibility for blind or low vision people, while supplies last. Here's what you need to know about your order:
https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible

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6) Open Letter To HIMS And Cerence Regarding Adding ETI-Eloquence To The HIMS Sense Player | Jay Pellis

This open letter is to ask HIMS (the manufacturer of the Sense Player and Sense Player OCR) and Cerence (The owner of the Vocalizer and ETI-Eloquence TTS engines) to license and add ETI-Eloquence to the Sense Player and Sense Player OCR:
https://bit.ly/SensePlayerLetter

7) Medicare Open Enrollment & Visual Disabilities: How To Get The Format You Need | BrailleWorks

It's just about time for Medicare's open enrollment period, and we know you're doing your research. The problem is that all of the print materials you've received aren't in an accessible format, and they're often difficult to read. Luckily, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers this material in a format you can read. You just have to request it:
https://brailleworks.com/medicare-open-enrollment-visual-disabilities/

8) My Love Affair With Sous Vide Cooking: A Blind Cook's Perspective, Featuring The Smart-Enabled Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide Cooker | Pneuma Solutions

With the introduction of the Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide Cooker, my Sous Vide cooking expedition has taken a thrilling turn. Its Autopilot feature, accessed through the Joule App, provides guided recipes and removes the guesswork from cooking. Turbo technology allows me to prepare certain dishes in half the time of traditional sous vide cooking, while Primetime gives me the flexibility to serve my meals when I'm ready. Unboxing this device as a blind person presented no difficulties. Pairing the Cooker with the Breville Joule app was also a seamless process. While the initial setup was straightforward, I encountered a few stumbling blocks when navigating the app, particularly while searching for recipes and setting the unit. Rest assured, I am eager to discuss these accessibility issues with technical support. Nonetheless, these minor hitches wouldn't deter me from recommending this wonderful gadget:
https://pneumasolutions.com/my-love-affair-with-sous-vide-cooking-a-blind-cooks-perspective/

9) Tinnitus And Hearing Loss: What's The Connection? | Healthy Hearing

Up to 15 percent of adults experience tinnitus, which causes ringing in the ears. The sound may seem to come from inside your head, or from a distance, in one ear or both. It may be steady or pulsating, but only you can hear it:
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53029-Tinnitus-and-hearing-loss

10) WCAG 2.2 is Finally Here | Ricky Onsman | TPGi

On 5 October 2023, the The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) made the following announcement: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is a W3C Recommendation. The Accessibility Guidelines Working Group (AG WG) published Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 as a W3C Recommendation. WCAG and supporting documents explain how to make content more accessible to people with disabilities. For an introduction to WCAG, see the WCAG 2 Overview. WCAG 2.2 adds 9 requirements (called success criteria) since WCAG 2.1. These success criteria improve accessibility for people with visual, physical, and cognitive disabilities. For example, they expand guidance for touch input. To learn more about WCAG 2.2, see What's New in WCAG 2.2:
https://www.tpgi.com/wcag-2-2-is-finally-here/

11) National Telecommuting Institute Sued by EEOC for Disability Discrimination | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Federal agency charges staffing firm refused to refer blind and low-vision applicants and denied disability accommodations:
https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/national-telecommuting-institute-sued-eeoc-disability-discrimination

12) Opinion: Why Are Android vs. iOS Debates Often Counterproductive? | Accessible Android

What does it take to transform a calm Android group into a highly active one? Share an article about a failed switch to Android from a reputable iOS website within the group:
https://accessibleandroid.com/opinion-why-are-android-vs-ios-debates-often-counterproductive/

13) Susie Dent Launches Dictionary To Explain Digital Jargon Including Smishing And Hyperlink | AbilityNet

Does your Grandma or Grandpa know what a 'Browser' is? Is Spam something that's more likely to be found in a supermarket than received online? A survey of 2,000 older people found that 38% of respondents said they experienced feelings of frustration when unable to understand digital terms:
https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/susie-dent-launches-dictionary-explain-digital-jargon-including-smishing-and-hyperlink

14) Reddit Is Revamping Search And Improving Support For Screen Readers | Engadget

The app is adding a dedicated media tab to make it easier to browse photos, videos and GIFs:
https://www.engadget.com/reddit-is-revamping-search-and-improving-support-for-screen-readers-143054804.html

15) Discogs' Vibrant Vinyl Community Is Shattering | The Verge

A home for music diehards has been fractured by increased fees that are pushing sellers and shoppers to other platforms:
https://www.theverge.com/23899461/discogs-sellers-vinyl-cds-community-fees

16) Uber Will Return Your Packages To UPS, FedEx, Or USPS Now — How It Works | ZDNet

Got a package that needed to be returned weeks ago? Call an Uber to do it for you:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/got-a-package-that-needed-to-be-returned-weeks-ago-call-an-uber-to-do-it-for-you/#ftag=RSSbaffb68

17) FEMA iPhone Alert: What Is It And How To Turn It Off

Here's what you need to know about the October 2023 WEA test:
https://www.macworld.com/article/2091294/fema-wireless-emergency-alert-test-faq.html

18) Emerging Tech — A Review Of The Orcam Read | Maureen Lanigan | NCBI

The OrCam Read is a hand-held, rechargeable, portable text-scanning device, designed to assist with the reading of printed text for people with low vision. The OrCam Read uses AI (artificial intelligence) software to scan and read printed text, such as newspaper articles, magazine content, and books; it may also be used to scan and read digital content on a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, including online material and emails. The device has an in-built speaker and a 3.5mm audio jack connection for earphones; it also supports Bluetooth connectivity for wireless earphones/headsets or external speakers:
https://www.ncbi.ie/emerging-tech-a-review-of-the-orcam-read/

19) Testing The OrCam Read | AD | My Blurred World

This post is a paid for partnership with Optelec who have kindly loaned me the OrCam Read in return for an honest review:
https://myblurredworld.com/2023/07/17/testing-the-orcam-read-ad/

20) Be My AI in the Clouds | The Idea Place

Although it has been close to 40 years now, there was a time when I had enough vision to see the sky and the color and shape of clouds. I've been intrigued by trying Be My AI on pictures of the sky because I guess I still have memory of the different colors and shapes clouds can take. Here is the result of one such exploration. Assuming the descriptions are accurate, the level of detail you can get is fascinating:
https://theideaplace.net/

21) US Supreme Court Acheson Hotel Case May Impact Web Accessibility Lawsuits | Law Office of Lainey Feingold

This is an article about a lawsuit in the United States. The case will be heard in the U.S Supreme Court on October 4, 2023. It is about whether a civil rights tester can file a lawsuit. Testing has been an important part of civil rights enforcement in this country for decades. It is an important tool for the Americans with Disabilities Act. This lawsuit is about a hotel's failure to post information on its website about accessible rooms, which is required by the ADA. This case is not about web accessibility but the court's opinion may impact web access cases. The opinion is not expected until 2024:
https://www.lflegal.com/2023/10/acheson-tester-standing-case/

22) Blind and Low Vision Gift Guide 2023 | Tim Dixon

Finding gifts is hard, it is even harder when buying for blind and low vision friends and family. The Blind and Low Vision Gift Guide is here to help with some inspiration:
https://www.timdixon.net/blog/2023/10/blind-and-low-vision-gift-guide-2023/

23) Spotify Gives Premium Subscribers Access to 150,000 Audiobooks | October 3, 2023

Spotify is making an even bigger push into audiobooks, making its library of 150,000 titles available to its premium subscribers. Each account, or the plan holder of a family account, will get 15 hours of listening per month. The feature first launches in the U.K. and Australia tomorrow, with U.S. getting access later this year:
https://cordcuttersnews.com/spotify-gives-premium-subscribers-access-to-150000-audiobooks/

24) Who Are The Usurpers? It's Time To Speak Up | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan

My final thoughts? If we do not speak up and speak out this madness will only continue. It is not acceptable and it is downright insulting and condescending. Just my two cents for today:
https://sterlingcreations.com/blog/who-are-the-usurpers-its-time-to-speak-up

25) Comcast NBCUniversal Named 2023 Leading Disability Employer

Comcast NBCUniversal has been named a 2023 Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization on Disability. Now in its ninth year, the NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal spotlights the businesses that promote employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and prioritize diversity, equity, and accessibility in the workplace. Recipients are announced annually during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a month-long campaign to raise awareness about the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that value the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities:
https://corporate.comcast.com/stories/comcast-nbcuniversal-named-2023-leading-disability-employer

26) How AT&T 5G Helps Deaf Athletes and Sports Communications

Digital in-helmet display offers deaf and hard of hearing athletes and coaches a new, visual way of communicating powered by 5G technology:
https://about.att.com/story/2023/5g-helmet.html

➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events

October 10, 2023 | Modernizing the Patient Experience with Self Check-in

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Self-Service kiosks are becoming more ubiquitous in healthcare with the intentions of improving the patient check-in experience. Providing patients with disabilities full access to self-check-in kiosks increases adoption rates and elevates the overall efficiency of your facilities. Join KIOSK and TPGi to learn about the importance of digital accessibility and considerations to facilitate ADA compliance in your self-check-in kiosks. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-october-10-at-12pm-et-modernizing-the-patient-experience-with-self-check-in/

October 10, 2023 | Ask Sharky: Five Benefits Of The New Split Braille Feature In JAWS | Freedom Scientific

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
We'll provide an overview of the new Split Braille feature in JAWS 2024, plus discuss how you can benefit from its powerful functionality. Zoom conferencing platform:
https://zoom.us/j/7278038000?_x_zm_rtaid=JLrcZJLfR0CGeSOmS9Dn3g.1605555524846.894574b70d1d4051defcc9cb567d21aa&_x_zm_rhtaid=935#success

October 10, 2023 through October 12, 2023 | M-Enabling Summit | Washington, D.C.

From October 10th through 12th, disability advocates, corporations, government agencies, and accessibility executives will gather at the 11th M-Enabling Summit, the leading all-inclusive conference dedicated to fostering innovations, solutions, and strategies for digital inclusion. The 2023 M-Enabling Summit will examine how AI drives innovation and automation, scaling up digital accessibility in unprecedented ways. Your conference registration includes admission to two full days of M-Enabling Summit sessions, luncheons, exhibit floor, coffee breaks, keynote presentations, networking events, professional meetups, and opening night cocktail reception. A three-day pass includes two-day all-access conference pass, plus a third day of Expert Forum or Workshop presented by IAAP held on October 12th:
https://m-enabling.com/conference-registration-2023/

October 11, 2023 | Five Screen Reader Accessibility Tests You Should Always Do | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenter: Charlie Pike, Platform Success Lead. In this practical, hands-on session, we will show you five screen reader checks everyone should be doing on their websites and applications. Thanks to TPGi's screen reader testing tool, the tests require little knowledge of accessibility. JAWS Inspect makes screen reader compatibility testing easy regardless of your role in your organization. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-october-11-at-12pm-et-five-screen-reader-accessibility-tests-you-should-always-do/

October 11, 2023 | Envision Glasses: New Features and Advancements (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
The Envision Glasses are quickly becoming an essential tool for the visually impaired. Lightweight glasses with a camera and direct speaker, Envision Glasses speak out text and environmental information, recognize faces, light, and colors, and let you share that information. Envision Glasses is unobtrusive and intuitive, excelling in text recognition, including handwriting in over 60 languages. This session will focus on some new features available now, which harness the power of GPT-4 by OpenAI, one of the most advanced language models in the world, to understand and answer natural language questions. This new feature brings next-level access by giving users nearly unlimited control over how they interact with scanned text. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity on a virtual tour of this technology. We will also have a team member from Envision join us to add valuable insights and maybe even some “insider” information on what's in store for this technology. Learning Outcome: General overview of the glasses. In-depth discussion and demonstration of the new “Ask Envision” feature and others. How these glasses impact users at work, school, and home. Discussion on what features to look forward to in the coming months:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85092976442?pwd=cVk2L09GQzl3UWpLZ3R1dUhHQ2M3dz09&mc_cid=c2cb69a0b0&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

October 11, 2023 | UI/UX Design for Accessibility | Inclusion and Accessibility Labs

6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 1PM GMT
Presented by Adela Buliman, this course provides an accessibility expert's insight into how digital platforms should be designed and how to avoid common accessibility pitfalls. User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) teams spend a lot of time getting that experience just right for the application or website they are designing; now with an understanding of end user needs, they can provide that desired experience to all:
https://ialabs.ie/calendar/

October 11, 2023 | Tech Time: iPhone Basics

1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM GMT
For those who don't know, Tech Time happens once a month and is put on by the Conklin Davis Center. The focus is the use of smart phones, but other topics are also covered. This month, we will go back to the basics of the iPhone. We will discuss the Contacts, Calendar and Clock apps. If time permits, we will also talk about some settings in the Settings app. Meeting ID: 857 3480 8270 | Passcode: 963553 | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85734808270?pwd=dUZYSFNQVGdZWmFkdkxlWWJ2REFUZz09

October 11, 2023 | BVA VetTech: Optimize Your Windows 11 Experience with ZoomText and Fusion | Freedom Scientific

11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT
This webinar will introduce you to the basics of ZoomText and Fusion. Learn how to use ZoomText to magnify and enhance screen content, and for those who need full speech, how to use Fusion for everyday tasks. This session is offered by the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) and open to everyone. Join via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85625909913?pwd=OGM0U3JTOWFmZllaQXcyZ0JmK2RxZz09#success

October 12, 2023 | NLS BARD Support: Topic for October's Many Faces of BARD Program

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
The topic for the October 12, 2023, Many Faces of BARD program will be the BARD 2.0 website, An Introduction and Demonstration. The program will begin at 7PM Eastern time and last for one hour. This program will be recorded. After the demonstration, NLS staff will take questions about the demonstration or anything else relating to BARD. If the Federal Government has not passed its budget for the next fiscal year and is closed on October 12, 2023, this event will not take place. If, however the federal government has passed its budget and is open, the session will take place. 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. One tap mobile: US: +16692545252,,1606793893# or +16469641167,,1606793893# | Meeting ID: 160 679 3893 | Passcode: 059249 | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1606793893?pwd=clRnNWhwUHZIb3lhWnVRTWNONmxUZz09

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 14, 2023 | TUG Meeting: AppleVis

7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
On Saturday, October 14, the Technology User Group (TUG) is pleased to welcome Thomas Domville (AnonyMouse) from AppleVis to our gathering. He will be highlighting the many changes coming to your iPhone with the release of iOS 17. He will talk about the new accessibility skills and some popular app redesigns. The AppleVis website and podcast will also be featured. 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

October 18, 2023 | Web Accessibility Overview (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Websites are now a hub of important information — from work to school. School websites include information on academic programs, class schedules, counseling, school calendars, activities, and much more. Users may utilize business websites for online transactions, banking, and socializing. All websites need to be fully accessible to users of assistive technology. Join Michael Parker from Access Ingenuity for an overview of website accessibility and obstacles when assistive technology users encounter improperly structured websites. Learning Outcomes: Learn the importance of website accessibility. Learn the basic steps to create an accessible website. Learn the basic steps in testing websites using manual and automated tools. Understand the importance of testing websites with assistive technology, such as screen readers:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81286884623?pwd=VHdSWVh2QlBYbVJCNHVBMnNzbURnQT09&mc_cid=c2cb69a0b0&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

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

11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM 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

October 24, 2023 | Building an Early Tactile Foundation for Graphics Understanding | APH

12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT
This webinar is part 1 of Tactile Graphics Literacy for Students with Visual Impairments: 4 Part Series. Join this webinar to discover how instruction in concept and tactile skills contributes to the development of braille and graphics literacy skills for students with visual impairments:
https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oUns1zn7RMSSFrTI6iPpPA#/registration

October 25, 2023 | Accessibility Key Performance Indicators | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenter: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. All accessibility programs must have defensible data points to convey the program's performance and justify an organization committing resources to the program. This webinar covers why organizations must have accessibility metrics and goes a step further, to demonstrate how organizations can generate and report these metrics. Attendees learn to develop benchmarks that are consistent with the scale and maturity of their accessibility program. We'll delve into accessibility metrics such as: Overall accessibility knowledge as an organization i.e. consumption of training materials. Comparison of shift-left approach to accessibility compared with audit-fix-audit-fix lifecycle. Indicators of code quality over time. Legal and reputational risk management. Completion of third-party certifications. We discuss the business case for accessibility and how to understand and frame the topic of return on investment. This webinar takes an honest look at oft-repeated, pro-accessibility arguments about site usage by people with disabilities and the relationship between accessibility and SEO. Accessibility is an opportunity to make an impact on an organization. Learn how to use TPGi's Accessibility Resource Center to describe this impact:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-october-25-at-12pm-et-accessibility-key-performance-indicators/

October 25, 2023 | Menus v. Ribbons with JAWS (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Want to know how to navigate menus and ribbons with JAWS? Join Marisa Church and Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity to review the differences between menus and ribbons by activating in separate programs and presenting hotkeys. Learning Outcomes: Discuss the difference between menus and ribbons. Explore programs with menus or ribbons. Demonstrate commands for navigating menus and ribbons:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84433535781?pwd=SkJ4QjF4cng5aXBjbnpNdEJwZEE5UT09&mc_cid=c2cb69a0b0&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

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 14, 2023 through November 17, 2023 | The Design+ Accessibility Summit By CreativePro

Join us at the 3rd annual Design + Accessibility Summit, the essential HOW-TO event for design professionals who need to master accessibility, coming to a device near you November 14-17, 2023. It's no secret that accessibility is a hot topic. In fact, ensuring your documents are accessible is not just a good idea: it's the law. Whether you're extending your company's DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) focus, expanding your market to include the estimated 25% of the population who have disabilities, or safeguarding your company against legal risks, it's important to make accessibility a business priority. Creative professionals must learn how to design documents that are accessible for people with vision and hearing impairments, mobility challenges, cognitive, and other disabilities. And those who ramp up their knowledge and expertise in accessibility will find themselves in high demand supporting their business' efforts; while those who don't will risk falling behind. At The Design + Accessibility Summit, you will learn practical techniques for building accessible documents with InDesign, Acrobat, PowerPoint, and other tools widely used by creative professionals:
https://creativepro.com/design-accessibility-summit/

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

11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM 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 6, 2023 and December 7, 2023 | Sight Tech Global — Shaping New Technologies to Create a More Accessible World for People with Blindness and Visual Impairments

Sight Tech Global is the first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers on how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility:
https://sighttechglobal.com/?mc_cid=0f086fc102&mc_eid=eb245f25da

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

11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM 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

April 8, 2024 and April 9, 2023 | 24th Annual Multiple Perspective On Access, Inclusion & Disability Conference | The Ohio State University — Columbus, Ohio

To be on the mailing list for the conference, send email to:
ADA-OSU@osu.edu 📧️

➜ Directories

1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directory

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

➜ Sponsor Classified Ads

Sponsor: Empish J. Thomas

Sponsor Since: August 21, 2023

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

Sponsor Since: August 21, 2023

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

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

Sponsor Since: April 4, 2023

Website: https://blindtech.org/ 🌐️

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

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

Sponsor: Clusiv

Sponsor Since: January 16th 2023

Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐️

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

➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses

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

➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

Sponsor Since: December 19th 2022

Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

Sponsor Since: December 13th 2022

Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.

Sponsor Since: December 1st 2022

Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter

Sponsor Since: November 29th 2022

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

Sponsor Since: November 18th 2022

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

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

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

Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions

Sponsor Since: November 7th 2022

Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐️

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

Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️

Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️

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

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

Sponsor: National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI)

Sponsor Since: September 18th 2023

Website: https://www.ncbi.ie/ 🌐️

Phone: 1800 911 250 📱️

Make A Referral: https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-you/make-a-referral/

We are happy to take referrals from anyone who is having significant challenges with their vision that cannot be improved with conventional correction glasses or medical treatment. Our online referral process provides a quick and easy way for you to request services, either for yourself, a family member, or a patient. We contact all new referrals to conduct an assessment.

Donate: https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/ ❤

Your support is Vital, for over 90 years, people like you have helped NCBI make Ireland a better place for those who are blind or vision impaired.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ncbilabs 📹

We regularly deliver Technology Podcasts on topics that support you. Show content ranges from chats and debates about the latest Inclusive Tech, Meet the Team interviews, interviews with developers about their latest innovations, Tech Tips, and Seeing it Your Way interviews where we speak to NCBI Service Users about how Technology has enabled them by breaking down barriers and leveling playing fields.

Online Store: https://www.ncbi.ie/shop-with-us/online-store/ 🛒

Shop Low Vision Aids. Our dedicated store supplies a range of household items, magnification aids, daily living aids, and technology devices all designed to assist you to live more independently. Check out our extensive range of low-vision aids, devices, and gadgets all designed to assist you in daily tasks.

NCBI Retail: https://www.ncbi.ie/shop-with-us/retail-stores/shop-locations/ 🛒

Visit our 130+ NCBI stores located across the country and shop for an extensive range of pre-loved quality clothing, accessories, and furniture. NCBI is proud to play a part in promoting environmentally friendly practices through reusing and recycling. We've got something for everyone, you can transform your home and wardrobe for less while helping to fund our vital work around Ireland with people living with sight loss.

About: NCBI's mission is to enable people who are blind and vision impaired to overcome the barriers that impede their independence and participation in society.

Inspired by the determination to overcome any obstacle, NCBI transforms the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired to deliver tangible change to today's needs. We offer timely information and support, relevant technology and innovative programs to sustain those with a vision impairment in education, in the workplace, and in wider society.

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland, the country's leading sight loss charity serving the approximate 55,000 people who are blind or vision impaired to live confidently and independently.

Our suite of programs provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation and opening pathways to education, employment, and full participation in community and public life. It means raising awareness to ensure children and adults with a significant sight loss have the same opportunities, rights, and choices as anyone else in society.

NCBI works every day across the country with people of all ages, from young babies through to older members of our community. We provide services to approximately 7,000 people each year.

Often when a person learns that they or a loved one — a parent, child or partner — is losing their sight, they have a lot of questions and fears. They are faced with a new version of their life — one that initially seems limited and scary. NCBI empowers those living with sight loss in several meaningful ways to enable them to continue living independent and fulfilling lives. NCBI has a crucial role to play in creating a world without barriers for people with sight loss. We want to support, educate and change how people see sight loss in this country.

Social: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube | Instagram

Sponsor: Hadley

Sponsor Since: September 18th 2023

Website: https://hadleyhelps.org/ 🌐️

Email: info@hadleyhelps.org 📧️

Phone: (800) 323-4238 📱️

Get Started: https://hadleyhelps.org/learn 🎓

What would you like to learn today?

Donate: https://hadleyhelps.org/donate/support-hadley ❤

A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hadley relies on contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund its programs.

About: The mission of Hadley is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive — at home, at work, and in their communities.

Founded in 1920 by William Hadley, an educator who lost his eyesight later in life, Hadley offers practical help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families and professionals supporting them. With Hadley, you can discover new ways to do things that have become more difficult due to vision loss and connect with a network of peers who "get it." And you don't need to come to Hadley. Hadley's help comes to you; online, on the phone or through the mail.

Since relaunching in July 2020, more than 70,000 people have signed up with Hadley, registering more than 200,000 workshop interactions. And our workshops have 98% satisfaction ratings. We reach all 50 states and more than 100 countries. And more people learn braille from Hadley than from any other organization worldwide.

Hadley is a proud partner of the National Eye Institute and the National Eye Health Education Program.

Hadley's help conveniently meets learners where they are. Free of wait lists. Free of office visits. Free of charge.

Social: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube

Your Business or Organization Name Here

Sponsor Since: Today

Website: https://accessinformationnews.com/ 🌐️

Phone: (855) 578-6660 📱️

Email: news@accessinformationnews.com 📧️

About: Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 15,000 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.

Sponsorship Packages Currently Available

Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 15,000 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 18 Sponsorship Packages which are used to support the ongoing distribution of the publication.

➜ Availability: There are currently  6  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!

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

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

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

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

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

Platinum Supporters:

Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.

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

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Platinum Supporter Since: March 24, 2023

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One Time Supporter on July 31, 2023

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➜ Access Information News Team

Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)

Volunteer Publisher Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio

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

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

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

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

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

Publisher (2022-Present)
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)

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 📧️
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ABOUT:

Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 15,000 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.

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