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

Access Information News for Monday, December 11, 2023 - Volume 940

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

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

A) 10 Different Gift Ideas for Blind People: How to Choose the Perfect Gift for Christmas? | Hable

We've curated a list of 10 unique and creative gift ideas that will leave your loved ones speechless:
https://www.iamhable.com/tips-and-tricks/10-different-gift-ideas-for-blind-people-how-to-choose-the-perfect-gift-for-christmas

B) Screen Reader Comparison: JAWS vs. VoiceOver vs. NVDA vs. TalkBack | Inclusion & Accessibility Labs

There are a wide range of screen readers on the market with different features and ways they render digital content. We've compared the top screen readers to help you decide which software is best for you or someone you know:
https://ialabs.ie/screen-reader-comparison/

C) Not All Screen Reader Users Are Blind | TemperTemper.net

There's a common misconception that everyone who uses screen reader software is blind. That's mostly the case, but not always. According to the most recent WebAIM Screen Reader User Survey (from 2021), 79.5% of screen reader users are blind. The remaining 20.5% who are not blind may have low or impaired vision, but some may have perfect vision. Let me explain:
https://www.tempertemper.net/blog/not-all-screen-reader-users-are-blind

D) Free Braille Calendars Available | National Library Service (NLS) For The Blind And Print Disabled Library of Congress

NLS now offers a free braille calendar in both wall-sized and pocket-sized formats for patrons. Please reach out to your cooperating network library if you would like to subscribe to receive a calendar annually.
https://www.loc.gov/nls/

E) Could A Blind Person Get A Job As A Graphic Designer Using AI? | David Redmond | Vision Ireland

Unfortunately, some jobs are simply visual by design. I can't really write anything outside of my signature, never mind drawing anything or becoming a graphic designer. But could that be about to change? It might seem a stupid question, but could a blind person get a job as a graphic designer with AI? What would this mean for blind people? And what does it mean for the graphic design profession as a whole? It's time to try to become a visually impaired graphic designer:
https://vi.ie/could-a-blind-person-get-a-job-as-a-graphic-designer-using-ai/

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7) Celebrating The Role Of Tech On International Day Of Persons With Disabilities | DoubleTapOnAir.com

As we recognize the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities here at Double Tap, it's a good time to reflect on how technology not only transforms the lives of those with us with visual impairments but also serves as a catalyst for change for all disabled people:
https://doubletaponair.com/celebrating-the-role-of-tech-on-international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities/

8) Holiday Shopping with a Screen Reader: My Black Friday Experience | Michael Taylor | Usable.net

Every year, it seems like Black Friday deals begin earlier and earlier and extend further into the week after Thanksgiving. Though Black Friday was a few days ago, one of my favorite online electronics retailers is still making the discounts available. I am shopping for a new portable wireless speaker to replace one that has not worked properly for some time. I already know the model I want, which happens to be heavily discounted for Black Friday. In the remainder of this post, I will narrate my journey through the purchase process, discussing both positive and negative aspects of the accessibility experience. As always, I will be speaking from the perspective of a screen reader user:
https://blog.usablenet.com/holiday-shopping-with-a-screen-reader-my-black-friday-experience

9) BBC License Fee: Minister 'Concerned' Planned Rise Is 'Very High' Amid Reports It Could Be Scrapped

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer says any increase in the licence fee — currently £ 59 per year — must be "appropriate" as people continue to struggle with the rising cost of living:
https://news.sky.com/story/bbc-licence-fee-minister-concerned-planned-rise-is-very-high-amid-reports-it-could-be-scrapped-13022496

10) Be My Eyes CEO Mike Buckley Talks OpenAI Boardroom Saga, 'Life-Changing' Tech, More | Steven Aquino | Forbes: Subscription Required

During the soap opera-level drama surrounding OpenAI and Sam Altman in recent weeks, I was following along with vested interest not merely for the insanity of it all, but because it felt the company's fate hung in the balance. As a lifelong disabled person who views ascendant technologies with skeptical eyes regarding accessibility, I wondered whether Altman's exit from OpenAI might ultimately spell doom for the software being built internally. In an effort to allay my fears and satiate my curiosity, I called up Be My Eyes chief executive officer Mike Buckley early last week to pick his brain about OpenAI's boardroom drama and the ripple effects it has on the disability community:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenaquino/2023/12/04/be-my-eyes-ceo-mike-buckley-talks-openai-boardroom-saga-life-changing-tech-more/?sh=347f717e6cd2

11) Exploring Visual Narratives: A Comparative Analysis of Descriptive Techniques for the Blind

Ultimately, the best way to choose between these descriptions is to think about what you want to get out of the image. If you want a quick overview of the image, then the Alt Text is a good choice. If you want more detail and specificity, then the Be My Eyes description is a better choice. And if you want to experience the image in a more immersive and emotional way, then the ChatGPT description is the way to go. I used ChatGPT to generate an image using the following prompt: "A serene and beautiful garden scene, with a variety of flowers in full bloom, butterflies fluttering around, and a small pond with clear water and fish. The sun is setting in the background, casting a warm, golden light over the scene. In the centre, there's a comfortable-looking garden bench, inviting relaxation and reflection." I then asked the same instance of ChatGPT to 'generate alt text' in the same session. Next, I asked Be My Eyes on my iPhone to describe the image and finally I asked ChatGPT to 'describe the image to me' using my Custom Instructions — this is why it calls me Lotti, talks about my personality and calls me baby (it is affectionate) but I am not sure why it refers to itself in the 1st person... I'm not sure it does that all the time. I then asked it to compare the three descriptions and this is what it said:
https://charli.info/2023/12/08/exploring-visual-narratives.html

12) Opinion: Why the Arrival of Seeing AI to Android is an Exciting Development | Kareen Kiwan | Accessible Android

It's not uncommon for blind Android users to witness visually impaired apps primarily or exclusively launching on iOS, with new features consistently arriving on iOS before Android. Among these was Microsoft's Seeing AI, originally exclusive to iOS users. However, after years, the app has finally made its debut on Android. While some may have deemed its arrival belated and without much to offer in terms of competition, Seeing AI managed to establish itself as one of the compelling Android apps catering to the visually impaired from its very first day on the platform:
https://accessibleandroid.com/opinion-why-the-arrival-of-seeing-ai-to-android-is-an-exciting-development/

13) America Promises Equality for Disabled Students. It's Failing. | MotherJones.com

In the United States, approximately one in six children are identified with a developmental disability, yet the education system consistently falls short in providing them with an equitable education. Despite the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guaranteeing a free and appropriate public education for disabled students, more than one-third fail to graduate high school. The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights is inundated with over 2,500 unresolved complaints from parents of disabled children. A key challenge is the Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is often difficult for parents to secure for their children. Additionally, teachers grapple with limited resources and unclear federal guidelines, while investigations reveal misuse of funds and discriminatory practices, especially against Black boys. This comprehensive review includes stories highlighting various aspects of the issue: unfulfilled government funding promises, innovative learning techniques for autistic students, challenges faced by bilingual families in New York City, efforts to address teacher shortages in Hawaii, and the disproportionate labeling of Black boys as disabled in Colorado. The term "special education" is increasingly scrutinized by advocates and students, who find it pejorative, reflecting the ongoing evolution in the conversation around disability rights in education. The journey towards inclusive education has seen progress, but significant barriers and challenges persist:
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/12/america-promises-equality-for-disabled-students-its-failing/

14) How Can I Use Technology To Support An Elderly Person From Afar? | AbilityNet.org UK

Juggling the demands of daily life can often leave us with limited time to connect with loved ones who live far away, or some disabled people who might have additional support needs. Fortunately, smart technology offers innovative solutions to bridge the distance, offer hands-free support and stay connected with vulnerable friends or relatives, such as elderly parents or partners who you care for, without being overbearing:
https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/how-can-i-use-technology-support-elderly-person-afar

15) Shifting Power To People With Disability In Co-Designed Research | TandFOnline.com

This paper explores tensions navigated by researchers and project leaders when involving people with disability as experts in co-design and in the core team. Part of an evaluation aiming to improve paid employment of people with intellectual disability is used to consider this work. Assemblage analysis of the data assisted in identifying a range of material and social conditions, flows, and factors that de- and re-territorialise power in the co-design process. The expertise of people with disability informed research design. Structural conditions of funding and institutional support were foundational to the co-design. These included accessible practices, core roles for people with disability and resolving ableist conditions. Power shifts were easily undermined by institutionalised norms that disrespected the co-design contributions. When people in decision-making positions and allies recognised the value of codesigning research, it was key to centring valuable knowledge in articulating key issues, methodology, and analysis:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687599.2023.2279932

16) APH Behind the Scenes: Production Improvements

APH's production team is responsible for making innovative products for our customers. Wayne Price, Vice President of Production and Logistics; Andrew Mouton, Director of Technical and Manufacturing Research; and Jo Holt, Operations Engineering Planning Manager, discussed how the team is working to streamline manufacturing processes:
https://www.aph.org/aph-behind-the-scenes-production-improvements/

17) Innovative Fraud Whistleblower Suit In Website Case Produces Multimillion-Dollar Damages Settlement And Remediation Plan | Tim Elder

Judge Evelio Grillo of the Alameda County (CA) Superior Court gave final approval to a settlement valued at more than $2 million. In addition to securing a remediation remedy, the payment places this settlement in the ranks of the largest resolutions of web access litigation in the United States:

18) Legal Update: November 2023 | Converge Accessibility

As we all know, web accessibility cases are almost always filed in one of three venues: New York, Florida, and California. This has always puzzled me because the law appears most favorable for plaintiffs in the First Circuit (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island) and the Seventh Circuit (Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin) because these circuits allow lawsuits against online-only companies because they do not follow the unworkable nexus requirement used in other circuits:
https://convergeaccessibility.com/2023/12/04/legal-update-november-2023/

19) Legal Update: Accessibility Overlay Edition | Law Office of Lainey Feingold

November brought bad news for open ethical conversation about the harms and limitations of one-line-of-code quick fix accessibility overlays. As reported above, in 2021 the French overlay company FACIL'iti took legal action against French accessibility firm Koena, a seven person shop led by Armony Altinier. In late November 2023 Koena received the judgment in the lawsuit filed against it by FACIl'iti. Shockingly this small, woman-owned accessibility company that has been active in the global public conversation about overlays was ordered to pay a total of 26,256 euros to FACIL'iti. (About $28,000.00 dollars in the United States.)
https://www.lflegal.com/2021/11/overlay-legal-update/#article-updates

20) Student Developing Way For The Blind To Play Ping Pong Using Sound | University of Sydney

At the University of Sydney, an Engineering Honours student, Phoebe Peng, is pioneering technology enabling people with low vision and blindness to play ping pong through sound. This innovative approach employs object tracking cameras and speakers to create a three-dimensional audio feedback, effectively forming an acoustic "image". In collaboration with ARIA Research, the technology uses event cameras that track changes in images over time, ideal for monitoring small objects like ping pong balls. These images are converted into sound using a specialized algorithm, communicated back to the player via loudspeakers. This method aims to allow players to acoustically track the ball and movements. Peng's motivation stems from making table tennis more accessible for those with visual impairments and exploring the potential of event cameras. While promising, further experimentation is required to refine the system for actual play, particularly considering the challenges in human sound perception. This project has been a collaborative effort involving the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, Blind Citizens Australia, World Access for the Blind Australia, and the Australian Federal Government:
https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2023/12/07/student-developing-way-for-the-blind-to--play-ping-pong-using-so.html

21) Researchers Develop Under-The-Skin Implant To Treat Type 1 Diabetes | Engadget.com

Scientists have developed a new implantable device that has the potential to change the way Type 1 diabetics receive insulin. The thread-like implant, or SHEATH (Subcutaneous Host-Enabled Alginate THread), is installed in a two-step process that ultimately leads to the deployment of “islet devices,” which are derived from the cells that produce insulin in our bodies naturally:
https://www.engadget.com/researchers-develop-under-the-skin-implant-to-treat-type-1-diabetes-191005726.html

22) Disabled People Do Not Like Hamburgers! | Access By Design UK

Did you know that disabled people do not like hamburgers? Here is why... Hamburgers are generally not good for your health and yet many of us love them. It is the same with websites. Hamburger menus are almost always inaccessible for disabled people and yet most web designers love them. You generally see them when you are looking at the version website on a mobile but I have reviewed many websites that have them on the desktop version as well. It consists of 3 lines in a box with rounded corners. When you select it with your mouse, it opens up, so you can see all the pages and choose what you want. The problem is that disabled people using assistive technology such as screen readers or voice recognition usually find one of two things:
https://accessbydesign.uk/disabled-people-do-not-like-hamburgers/

23) When Eye-Reading Just Isn't Working | Jessica Pryde | BookRiot.com

There have been times in the past few years (and probably my entire reading life) in which reading with my eyes has just been impossible. While I've always been physically able to see, either on my own or with the help of glasses, I would skip over words or let my mind wander, making it so I couldn't move forward with reading a book in text. Nothing would work — switching from print to digital, using Open Dyslexic in all of my e-readers, not even switching to a graphic novel to reset like I've done historically. It took me — someone learned in instructional design — a little longer than it should have to realize that as an aural learner, sometimes reading with my ears would be the best way for me:
https://bookriot.com/when-eye-reading-just-isnt-working/

24) My Career In Accessibility | Raghavendra Peri | AbilityNet.org

Raghavendra Peri who is the founder behind the influential Accessibility Blog DigitalA11Y.com and non-profit accessibility organisation HelloA11y, joined us for November's IAAP Network and Learn event where he shared his accessiblity career insights:
https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/my-career-accessibility-raghavendra-peri

25) When Customer Reps Ruin The Images Of Their Companies | Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan

If companies really wish to save and protect their images then they need to give their customer reps crash courses in phone manners and professionalism. Just my two cents for today:
https://sterlingcreations.com/blog/when-customer-reps-ruin-the-images-of-their-companies-time-to-call-them-out

26) Audio Transcription — It's More Than Reading!

Have you ever wondered what goes into producing an audio version of a text document? It's more complicated than you might think! There are a few things to think about before one of our audio transcribers even begins to record the document:
https://a2i.co.uk/blog/audio-transcription-its-more-than-reading/

27) The Best Ebook Subscription Services for Every Kind of Reader | Wired: Subscription Required

You can read countless ebooks, listen to audiobooks, and browse comics with one of these WIRED-tested digital reading subscriptions:
https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-ebook-subscription-services/

28) Amazon Launches Unlimited Grocery Delivery for $10 a Month. Is It Worth It? | CNET

Amazon announced on December 7, 2023 that it will test an unlimited grocery delivery subscription for Prime members, the latest in a series of shakeups to the mega-retailer's grocery arm. The pilot program allows for unlimited deliveries from Whole Foods (which is owned by Amazon) and Amazon Fresh on orders of more than $35. It also includes speedy 30-minute pickup on orders of any size. The test offering will roll out initially in Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California and Columbus, Ohio to gauge the viability of and interest in Amazon's subscription add-on:
https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/amazon-launches-unlimited-grocery-delivery-for-10-a-month/#ftag=CAD590a51e

29) DoorDash Finally Starts Delivering Live Activities And Dynamic Island Order Tracking | 9to5Mac

Over a year after the Dynamic Island and Live Activities first launched alongside the iPhone 14 last year, DoorDash is joining the fun. The popular food delivery service is now slowly rolling out support for tracking orders via the Dynamic Island and Live Activities:
https://9to5mac.com/2023/12/04/doordash-live-activities-and-dynamic-island-order-tracking/

30) DoorDash Can Pick Up And Return Your Packages For Free. Here's How | ZDNet.com

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, online shopping is an easy way to get through your gift shopping list without leaving the house. If anything you ordered doesn't meet your expectations, instead of leaving the house to make the return, you can ask DoorDash to do it for you. DoorDash offers a Package Pickup service that lets a DoorDasher pick up one to five packages from your doorstep and drop them off at a FedEx, UPS, or USPS location for you:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/doordash-can-pick-up-and-return-your-packages-for-free-heres-how/


➜ 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.


December 12, 2023 | Access Academy Part 4: The Monarch: Tactile Access to Digital Learning | APH

1:30PM PT, 2:30PM MT, 3:30PM CT, 4:30PM ET, 8:30PM GMT
This webinar is part four of the Tactile Graphics Literacy for Students with Visual Impairments: 4 Part Series. Join this webinar to learn about the skills and background knowledge a student requires to benefit from the use of a multi-line, graphics-capable, refreshable braille display like the Monarch.
https://www.aph.org/events/the-monarch-tactile-access-to-digital-learning/

December 12, 2023 | How to Perform Accessibility Testing (Part 2)

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenter: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. Does your organization (need to) perform manual accessibility testing on tens of applications? In this webinar, attendees learn how enterprise-level organizations dramatically reduce the level of effort and accessibility expertise required to perform manual audits. There are four fundamental steps to creating a world-class, enterprise-level internal accessibility team. Break down each of the WCAG Success Criteria into a set of smaller, easily repeatable tests. Automate as much of the work as possible, and clearly distinguish what requires manual testing. Develop solution templates to save testing teams from having to reinvent the wheel. Have the ability to generate multiple findings reports — suited for the different audiences involved in delivering an online experience. With these clear steps, teams, even those new to accessibility testing, can accurately and effectively carry out full-scale, full WCAG coverage audits. For large organizations, the challenge here is doing each of these steps requires significant investment. Until now. Learn how the Accessibility Resource Center brings your accessibility testing team to a world-class level and start performing manual accessibility audits faster:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-december-12-at-12pm-et-how-to-perform-accessibility-testing-part-2/

December 12, 2023 | Ask Sharky: Five Ways To Use JAWS Dictionary Manager | Freedom Scientific

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
The JAWS Dictionary Manager enables you to create pronunciation rules for words a synthesizer may not pronounce correctly. Learn how to go to the Dictionary Manager and create rules for word pronunciations, abbreviations, and phrases, plus play a sound instead of speaking a particular word, and more. Register for this event, which will take place on the Zoom Conferencing platform:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jtvZfGKHTj6q_QTrI7DvnA

December 13, 2023 | Learn About The Hable One | A. T. Guys

11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT
The Hable One is AT Guys' newest product that allows you to remotely control your smart phone with an easy to use interface. Use the Hable one as if you were using braille screen input in screen away mode. No need for a table to quickly enter text and control your phone. You can even wake your phone up with it still in your pocket! Discover the Hable One in AT Guys' upcoming free webinar, highlighting its simplified text entry, app navigation, and call management. Reserve your spot here:
https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=24

December 13, 2023 | Internet Browsing with JAWS (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Are you interested in gaining a further understanding of web surfing with JAWS? Let's explore methods and strategies to enhance your browsing experience. We covered web browsing basics in a previous webinar. Now, we'll dive deeper. Join Ian Ramos and Marisa Church from Access Ingenuity to discuss webpage structure and how this can help the JAWS user better understand how to navigate by headings, forms, buttons, and regions to get the job done quickly. Learning Outcomes & Zoom Webinar Information: Discuss different elements of a webpage. Use Windows commands to navigate a webpage. Demonstrate the JAWS find command. Explore forms:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81286375149?pwd=ZkwzZm4wbVdxTUlGLzQxYWtHVzZiZz09&mc_cid=e69ad01a13&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

December 13, 2023 | Tech Time: Learn About Be My Eyes And Be My AI

1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM GMT
Tech Time is a monthly technology conference put on once a month by the Conklin Davis Center. The focus is smart phones, but other topics are discussed. The topic for this month is the Be My Eyes app. We will do an overview of the Be My Eyes app and demonstrate the new Be My AI feature. You can participate using the following information: Meeting ID: 857 3480 8270 | Passcode: 963553 | Join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85734808270?pwd=dUZYSFNQVGdZWmFkdkxlWWJ2REFUZz09

December 14, 2023 | Hadley Learning And Exploring Workshop | Florida Outreach Center for The Blind

10:30AM PT, 11:30AM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 5:30PM GMT
Please join the florida outreach center for the blind for our next workshop. We are proud to have Marc Arneson director of community at Hadley. 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, or through the mail. Hadley offers a wide variety of self-taught classes and podcasts on a variety of subjects from braille, technology, daily living skills, and much more. A door prize will be given out to one lucky winner at the conclusion of the presentation, but you must be present to win! This event will be held over Zoom. If you have any questions please call The Florida Outreach Center for The Blind at: (561) 642-0005 📱️ or email us at: info_focb@bellsouth.net 📧️. Meeting ID: 835 8160 5488 | Passcode: 182630 | One tap mobile: +13126266799,,83581605488# | Dial directly: +1 312 626 6799 | Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83581605488?pwd=UWYvTVZ2Q2RRejhJamVJREF4Rlltdz09

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

February 20, 2023 through February 22, 2023 | Axe-Con 2024 | Deque Systems

Why attend axe-con? Building accessible digital experiences requires a team effort, across design, development, management, testing, accessibility experts, and of course, legal. Axe-con is the first of its kind, dedicating topics to each of these key players. This is not an assistive technology convention. Talks at axe-con will include case studies from enterprise companies leading in large-scale accessibility efforts, as well as best practices and updates from technology leaders around the world. Attendance of axe-con sessions can also be used towards continuing education (CE) towards IAAP certification. Topics of focus will include accessibility in development, accessibility in design, organizational success with accessibility, and a wildcard track. If you'd like to learn more about previous sessions and speakers, you can view last year's schedule here. Join us to learn how to build, test, monitor, and maintain digital accessibility:
https://www.deque.com/axe-con/register/

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

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


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: Save 10% On All Waytags @ Wayaround.Com With Coupon Code "joy10" Through December 20, 2023

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! There's no limit to the number of WayTags you can use. So you can rely on one system to label all your things.

Save 10% on any order of WayTags at WayAround.com. Enter "joy10" at checkout. WayLink Scanner is not eligible. Ends 12/20/2023.

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: December Gift of Accessibility: Scribe For Meetings Completely Free For All Until January 2nd, 2024!

Celebrate the Holidays with Inclusive Meetings! This holiday season, Pneuma Solutions is thrilled to announce a special gift for everyone: Scribe for Meetings is available for free throughout December! In the spirit of the holidays, we are dedicated to making meetings more inclusive and accessible, especially for those with visual impairments. Scribe for Meetings is an innovative cloud-based solution designed to make online meetings and webinars accessible to blind and low-vision participants. By integrating seamlessly with popular meeting platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, it ensures that all participants can engage fully in the online experience. Our December Offer: Unprecedented Accessibility for Everyone! In an effort to spread holiday cheer and inclusivity, Scribe for Meetings is completely free for the entire month of December. This offer is open to businesses, organizations, and individuals, aiming to make every online meeting an inclusive and joyful experience.
https://scribeformeetings.com

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: Barrier Free Canada


Left: Barrier Free Canada Logo. Image of a light blue maple leaf with a white diagonal section of the leaf missing, giving the appearance of a circle with a line through it that bans what is on the inside. This maple leaf is intended to ban inaccessibility. To the right of the light blue maple leaf are the words, 'Barrier Free Canada' and 'Sans Barrieres Canada'. Right: A proud businesswoman in a wheelchair smiles into the camera while sitting in front of her team during a seminar. Empowerment through accessibility and inclusion concept.

➜ Classified Advertisement: The Crime Crusher Series Christmas Set #2: Episode 6: Santa's Super Christmas Dream By Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan

For this year, Santa has told his wife that he is going to do his bit to bring peace to the world. Or as he puts it, he is going to give it his best try. Santa enlists his family to help him out and together they find people to assist with this mission. They all work together to create some very interesting ways to do this. Find out how Santa goes about the business of bringing peace to certain parts of the world! His super Christmas soldiers help out and dangerous missions are rewarded with success! Subscribe for free and write to me at donnajodhan@gmail.com 📧️:
https://youtu.be/-ZfcOvEUyLE

Sponsor Since: November 10, 2023 Calendar icon.

Website: https://barrierfreecanada.org/ 🌐️

About: Barrier-Free Canada/Canada Sans Barrieres (BFC/CSB) advocates for the Canadian Parliament to enact a strong and effective Canadians with Disabilities Act (CDA) to achieve a barrier-free Canada for all persons with disabilities.

To this end, BFC/CSB is seeking endorsements from national disability organizations to build a non-partisan community coalition. BFC/CSB would also like to identify point persons from these organizations to act as key contacts.

The steering committee of BFC/CSB has drafted a set of principles concerning a CDA that are drawn from the principles that underpin the provincial disability legislation in Ontario and Manitoba. A CDA is not meant to replace provincial disability legislation. It will complement such legislation and benefit Canadians living in provinces with and without provincial disability legislation. At this point in time, CNIB, March of Dimes Canada, Canadian Hearing Society and MS Society of Canada have endorsed the BFC/CSB principles and confirmed their support for the movement to enact a CDA. There is no individual or organizational charge for membership in BFC/CSB.

Please contact Donna Jodhan, Founder of Barrier-Free Canada, at info@barrierfreecanada.org 📧️ with any questions or to express your organization's support and identify a key contact.

Social: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | Mastodon (Search For: @news@mastodon.barrierfreecanada.org).


Sponsor: Vision Ireland


Vision Ireland logo next to an image of one person giving advise to another.

Sponsor Since: September 18th 2023 Calendar icon.

Website: https://vi.ie/ 🌐️

Phone: 1800 911 250 📱️

Make A Referral: https://vi.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://vi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/

Your support is Vital, for over 90 years, people like you have helped Vision Ireland 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 Vision Ireland Service Users about how Technology has enabled them by breaking down barriers and leveling playing fields.

Online Store: https://vi.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.

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

Visit our 130+ Vision Ireland stores located across the country and shop for an extensive range of pre-loved quality clothing, accessories, and furniture. Vision Ireland 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: Formerly National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), Vision Ireland'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, Vision Ireland 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.

Vision Ireland 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. Vision Ireland empowers those living with sight loss in several meaningful ways to enable them to continue living independent and fulfilling lives. Vision Ireland 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


A beautiful photograph of Hadley offices.

➜ Classified Advertisement: New NVDA Workshops at Hadley

Learn the basics of NVDA. From getting started with the program to customizing the speech to learning helpful shortcuts, Hadley's workshops have you covered.
https://hadley.edu/workshops/nvda-screen-reader-series

Sponsor Since: September 18th 2023 Calendar icon.

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


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: Be My AI Fun

I apologize for poking fun at Be My AI, but I couldn't resist having a little bit of fun. Join us at:
https://tinyurl.com/WeSpeakLive

Sponsor Since: April 4, 2023 Calendar icon.

Website: https://blindtech.org/ 🌐️

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

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


Sponsor: 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


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 25,000 access professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Access Information refers to informational topics that directly affect the lives of people with disabilities. Access Information includes any and all information related to bettering the lives of people who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled. Access Information News is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication.



Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 25,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week.

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  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.


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

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

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


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➜ Access Information News Team


Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)


Photo of Aaron Di Blasi.

Volunteer Publisher Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio

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

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

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

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

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

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

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

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


Editorial Contributor #1: John Hanlin (Volunteer)


Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Boulder, Colorado

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

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

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

John Hanlin, Esq.

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

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

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


Editorial Contributor #2: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)


Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: November 7th 2022

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

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

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

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

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

Jenna Lang, PMP

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

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

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


Editorial Contributor #3: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)


Photo of David Woodbridge.

Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6th 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/ 🌐️

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ABOUT:

Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 25,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here. Review the archive here. Access Information News is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Contributing Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang and David Woodbridge. Access Information News is a sponsor and reader supported publication.

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