|
Access Information News for Monday, January 29, 2024 - Volume 947
The Week's News in Access Information
📰 🧑🦯 🦯 🦮 🧏 🦱 ♿ 🧑🦽 🧑🦼 🦾 🦿
Access Information News. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information.
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
Subscribers: 12,987 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 31 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email.
Last year, in addition to lawyers filing complaints and legal actions, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has continued to take a few of its own direct enforcement moves against website accessibility violators.
So then, after a long-awaited action, the DOJ put through a Notice of Proposed Rule Making, signaling that all websites must be accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
So what's next when the proposed rule becomes enforceable?
Does anyone actually think violators will suddenly have a change of heart? Or the DOJ will have the funding it needs for sweeping enforcement?
Not unless we give violators financial incentive through a change in the R and D tax credit.
Talk to Access Ready today. We have a strategy.
Dear Access Information News Subscriber,
1) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week
Hint: It is something that you always have on hand.
Hearing loss doesn't just happen because of exposure to loud noises — several other sources can have an impact. Here's what to know.
The era of one-size-fits-all artificial intelligence is giving way to a more personalized approach with the advent of customizable Generative Pre-trained Transformers, or GPTs. OpenAI's recent announcement of GPTs ushers in a transformative shift in how we interact with AI, allowing individuals and organizations to tailor ChatGPT to their specific needs. Whether it's learning new skills, enhancing productivity at work, or enriching personal leisure time, these GPTs promise to be a game-changer. This article explores how these specialized GPTs are not just augmenting our daily tasks but are reshaping them in unprecedented ways. From creative pursuits to practical applications, join me in discovering how these 15 GPTs are setting the stage for a future where AI is not just a tool, but a personalized companion in our journey of growth and exploration.
Experiencing ringing in your ears, hearing our own pulse or temporarily lose your hearing? Here's what it may be and when to see a doctor.
When Gina lost her sight, she continued to have non-optic visual experiences. Now, as she pursues her PhD, she's partnered with neuroscientist Jesse Breedlove on the VIBES project to study under-explored sensory experiences in folks who are blind.
Are you an access-based person, business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 15,000 access subscribers each week? If so, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either monthly, quarterly or annually. If you've been looking for a way to consistently reach the largest audience of opt-in access buyers in the world today, at a nearly negligible price point, please consider becoming an Access Information News Sponsor while packages last.
Availability: There are currently 6 of 18 Access Information News Sponsorship Packages available.
Sponsorship Package Benefits | Secure My Package
Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 5th issue of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles for January, February and March of 2024 on Monday, April 1, 2024. Back Issues: There are currently 4 back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. All available back issues will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchasing your subscription. Please Join Us: If you would like to receive a perfectly formatted and searchable Word Document with each of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month.
Use Sponsored News Items to reach the access community when you need to. Whether you are a current Sponsor or not. Drive traffic to your access product and service announcements, events, updates or fundraisers using this incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-use advertisement tool. Learn more today.
In addition to receiving Access Information News via email every Monday morning at 6:00 AM ET you can also pick up the newsletter and its trending articles on any of the following channels:
Email | Facebook | LinkedIn | Mastodon | RSS Feed | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube
This article will outline, step-by-step, how you can get free website traffic reporting on any link to your domain (AKA domain name, website or web address) that has been published by Access Information News since January 22, 2024, when we launched this feature.
Be sure to shop the weekly Access Information News Classified Ads section located at the very bottom of every Access Information News weekly newsletter. Here you will find sales, deals, promotions and discounts on a wide variety of access technology products and services offered by Access Information News Sponsors.
Publisher (Di Blasi): To Helen Fernety and the Menus4ALL Team: I am writing to you today as the Publisher of Access Information News. It was with a sense of deep respect and appreciation that we learned about the discontinuation of the Menus4ALL app. Your dedication to providing accessible restaurant menus has been a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in our community. Your app, Menus4ALL, has been a remarkable tool that has contributed significantly to the independence and enjoyment of many individuals, particularly on special occasions. Your effort to make over a million US and thousands of Canadian restaurant menus accessible was not just a service, but a commitment to inclusivity and joy. As a former sponsor of our weekly newsletter, your support was invaluable. It enabled us to reach and empower a wider audience, sharing the importance of accessibility in everyday life. Your contribution to the access community has been profound, and for that, we are all immensely grateful. While the news of the app's discontinuation is saddening, we understand the challenges you faced and respect the tough decision you had to make. Your recommendation of alternative services like Aira and Be My AI demonstrates your continued commitment to the community's needs, a gesture that is highly commendable. We wish you and your team the very best in your future endeavors. The impact you have made will not be forgotten, and we remain hopeful that your pioneering spirit will inspire others in the field of accessibility. Thank you once again for your invaluable contribution and for being a part of our journey.
Helen Fernety, CEO: Dear Menus4ALL Customers And Supporters: It is with heavy hearts that Stephanie and I announce the discontinuation of the iPhone Menus4ALL app effective February 28, 2024. Over the past year, we have been proud to offer over 1,000,000 US and 80,000 Canadian accessible restaurant menus to our customers. We believe that our app has not only increased independence but also added joy to special occasions, such as dates, holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays at restaurants. Unfortunately, due to low sales, we can no longer provide this service. However, we remain hopeful that someone else will create a similar app to support the accessibility needs of our customers. As an alternative, we recommend using Aira and Be My AI to fulfill your accessible restaurant menu needs. If you have an annual subscription, please feel free to cancel. If you have a monthly subscription, Apple will not bill you any further. As we are a vendor of Apple, everything must be handled through your App Store account. To learn more visit our website. Thank you for supporting this groundbreaking product.
Unilever has partnered with Be My Eyes to expand their use of AI technology to add powerful new tools to the cooking experience of their products for shoppers who are blind or have low vision. The new partnership builds on the addition of on-pack Accessible QR (AQR), developed by computer vision specialists Zappar, to Unilever's Persil and Colman's products in the UK last year and is part of Unilever's global connected pack strategy, which includes using new digital experiences and technology to evolve and differentiate the way shoppers interact with and use Unilever's products.
The Technology Modernization Fund is keeping busy with agency investments tied to OMB's digital-first public experience guidance.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) commends Senators Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Mike Braun of Indiana for their introduction of the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (S. 3621) in the United States Senate. This legislation will ensure that medical devices are designed and manufactured with nonvisual accessibility features, enabling blind and low-vision individuals to use and access these critical devices safely and independently.
Eighteen months from the time when the European Accessibility Act will unfold its effects on the digital content and book supply chain, the APACE project has begun. The network, coordinated by Fondazione LIA, aims to improve the reading opportunities — and thus the social inclusion — of more than 100 million people with visual impairments in Europe.
Sometimes it's fun to think of technology that could enable blind people in years to come. Self-driving cars once seemed like science fiction, but now they are slowly starting to become reality.
The braille metamorphosis has begun! More than 40 teachers from across the U.S. are gathering in Orlando, FL prior to the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference for two days of training on the Monarch. In collaboration with our partners, HumanWare and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), an idea conceived years ago is finally a reality as teachers ready themselves to put a revolutionary educational tool at the fingertips of their blind and low vision students.
Lehigh University researcher Vinod Namboodiri leads team developing an app offering responsive maps and turn-by-turn directions to make indoor environments more accessible for people with visual impairments, mobility limitations, and other challenges.
FACIL'iti is a French accessibility overlay company. The company sued two accessibility leaders who participated in a conversation about accessibility overlays alleging defamation. On the side of the defendants, many describe this as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP).
This is an article about a panel scheduled for an accessibility conference. Lainey was upset by this panel. Right before she published this article explaining why, she was glad to learn that the organizers decided to withdraw the panel. She is still posting this article because she hopes the same mistakes will not be made again. Lainey believes this panel was not ethical. It did not include a diversity of opinions about web access overlays which is software that can create barriers for disabled people. There were seven panelists and they were all men. Most did not identify as disabled in conference materials and most if not all were white. One panelist was from a company that is suing accessibility professionals in France.
This article from Access by Design delves into the various challenges screen readers face, highlighting the importance of web accessibility. It addresses issues like lack of semantic structure, inaccessible multimedia content, complex interactive elements, and inconsistent navigation mechanisms. The piece emphasizes the necessity for web developers and designers to understand these challenges and adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) to create inclusive and accessible online experiences for visually impaired individuals.
Audible Sight, Inc. has announced the launch of its software-as-a-service that helps visually impaired people to "see" their video content by seamlessly inserting audible descriptions into the video. At the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) annual conference that opened today in Orlando, Audible Sight TM demonstrated how, within minutes, their AI analyzes the visual content of any video. It then generates simple text descriptions that are then verbalized using a synthetic voice. These editable descriptions get added to the original video effortlessly, and users get their accessible version within minutes. Until now, adding audio descriptions to video has been slow, expensive, and labor-intensive.
Here Even Grounds details a unique touch tour at the Cincinnati Art Museum, tailored for visually impaired visitors. Organized by Sara Birkofer, the tour offers a multisensory experience, allowing participants to physically interact with art pieces like Anthony van Dyck's "Man in Armor" and a Dale Chihuly glass piece. It emphasizes educational aspects, explaining visual concepts often inaccessible to blind individuals. This inclusive initiative demonstrates innovative, cost-effective methods to make art accessible to all.
Disability campaigners say new lines of accessible underwear available on the High Street are "really important". Primark is the latest to announce plans to offer more affordable accessible items in its almost 200 UK shops. The chain is the latest to develop a new lingerie line in collaboration with disabled people which includes bras and pants with magnetic closures. Eliza Rain, a content creator, says adaptive underwear helps people with disabilities feel more confident. "There have been times where I've had a couple of wardrobe issues and then I end up just getting frustrated with what I'm wearing," the 26-year-old from London tells BBC Newsbeat.
The article from Hearing Review discusses how cochlear implant recipients can enhance their music experience. It addresses the technical limitations of implants and outlines methods like using specific instruments and tailored rehabilitation plans. The piece is informative for both recipients and healthcare providers, highlighting the role of technology and guidance in improving music appreciation for those with cochlear implants.
Explore the innovative world of digital accessibility with Vision Australia's newly launched platform. Offering a comprehensive range of courses, including a free introductory course and specialized training in writing alt-text and creating accessible documents, this platform is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their digital inclusivity skills. Accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device, Vision Australia's Digital Access Training is designed to meet diverse learning needs while promoting an inclusive digital environment.
To help your website become more compliant with accessibility guidelines (and less likely to receive a lawsuit), we've compiled a list of the top five most common web accessibility mistakes and how you can fix them.
As we advance further into the era of autonomous vehicles, the conversation around their safety, practicality, and overall user experience continues to evolve. In a recent interview on Double Tap, Gregg Hayes shared his firsthand account of using a driverless Uber in Phoenix, Arizona, as a blind passenger.
It is with great excitement and a sense of accomplishment that I reflect on my journey at Aira since joining the leadership team on May 30, 2023. Over the past year, in my role as the Vice President of Blindness Initiatives, I've had the privilege of engaging deeply with our community. This includes spending significant time with many Aira Explorers, Visual Interpreters, Access Partners, and community organizations. Transitioning from a longtime user of the service to an insider, after two decades in government, has been an enlightening and transformative experience.
Scott Krahn and Robb Fischer's short film follows a trio of friends who take part in a bowling league for people who are visually impaired.
My final thoughts? We need to give this much more thought as so many people are being affected. From employees to customers and the part timers who depend on these types of jobs to make a decent living. Just my two cents for today.
Making the transition to university is not always easy for students with a declared disability. They face pressure to choose the right course, adapt to an increasing expectation of independence, and socially integrate and thrive as university students.
This article guides employers on how to make their workplace more accessible. By taking the right steps, employers can create a work environment that includes everyone, which improves productivity and makes employees happier.
With the new year upon us, many people are beginning to implement their 2024 resolutions. For many, health will be the priority this year, whether making better eating choices, catching up on missed doctor appointments, or purchasing a gym membership. I must schedule a few doctor visits that I kept delaying because of the holiday season. In this post, I will narrate my way through the scheduling process for one particular provider, describing both positive and negative accessibility points. As usual, I will be exclusively covering screen reader accessibility.
➜ Featured Events
2PM PT, 3PM MT, 4PM CT, 5PM ET, 10PM GMT
There's a chill in the air, a new Congress on the Hill, and hundreds of blind people traveling to D.C. It's time for the National Federation of the Blind 2024 Washington Seminar! This year's Washington Seminar officially gets underway on Monday, January 29 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time with the Great Gathering-In — our annual opening session. Federation members from all across the country will discuss our legislative priorities for the year. Please join us. Review the fact sheets for the each of the three issues and the full 2024 Washington Seminar Agenda with Zoom details here. One tap mobile: +13017158592,,98156556455#.
1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 9PM GMT
2024 marks the 200th anniversary of braille. To celebrate, Vispero is holding a special event to commemorate the major milestones that make up the history of braille. Join them and some very special guests as they discuss how braille is used at home, in school, and in the workplace. They will also share stories and ideas that illustrate the crucial role braille continues to play in all facets of our daily lives.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Did you know there are five RUBY models to help with your low vision needs? RUBY handheld video magnifiers provide the help that many people with low vision need to read text and see details. All RUBY models have a crisp, sharp image, high-contrast modes, and built-in LEDs. The streamlined design means RUBY can go with you anywhere, giving you easy access to photos, letters, prescriptions, packaging labels, and menus, even in a dark restaurant. With its broad range of adjustable, undistorted magnification, a RUBY video magnifier outperforms a drawerful of traditional magnifiers. There is even a model that is capable of full-page OCR. With a button, you can scan pages and have them read aloud. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity and Joe McDaniel from Vispero to discuss the features and benefits of all the RUBY models and the assistance each can give in specific situations. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. Teachers of the visually impaired (TVI) can earn ACVREP continuing education credit by attending this approved presentation. Learning Outcomes & Zoom Webinar Information: Features of all RUBY models. How to determine the right size for you. How adding speech capability can take you further.
11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT
Join Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan from Vispero along with Andrew Flatres and Peter Tucic from HumanWare, for a webinar that will delve into the all-new split braille feature offered in JAWS 2024. Participants will learn how this enhancement offers the ability for a braille display user to view and control content on two screens simultaneously, significantly increasing productivity through multi-tasking. Ranging from analyzing font attributes alongside text in Microsoft Word documents to simultaneously viewing PowerPoint slide content and speaker notes, split braille can vastly improve workflows in any setting. Time will also be allotted for participant questions.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Workshop series hosted by Pandas, NumFOCUS, and Iota. Weekly from Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 1PM - 3PM EST. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seats may be limited. Recordings will be provided to all registrants. Workshops will be hosted on Zoom. A Windows desktop or laptop is required. The NVDA screen reader will be used during the workshops. This five-workshop series will teach the fundamentals of data analysis and sonification using nonvisual tools and technologies. The workshops are designed for those who are blind, low vision, or who otherwise have difficulty accessing visual tools for data science. The workshops will cover some basics of the Python programming language, an introduction to the Pandas data science library, working interactively to explore data, preparing a data set for sonification, and using sonification to represent data. The workshop series will use the NVDA screen reader on Windows, and will be taught by blind / low vision practitioners. No prior experience with Python or data science is needed, but some familiarity with Windows and NVDA will be helpful.
7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
The Technology User Group (TUG) at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled would like to introduce you to artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is being used for the blind community. On Saturday, February 10th at 10 AM, you will be shown numerous apps and web sites that use AI and learn about the remarkable benefits available through this medium. Who Should Attend This Event: Those individuals with a smart phone or computer. Anyone who would like to receive detailed information regarding mail, brochures, fliers or other material. People who wish to receive details about their surroundings or purchased products. People curious about AI and its future effect on society. The meeting will begin at 10 AM and last about 60 minutes. Meeting ID: 656 203 7293 | Call in: +1 (301) 715-8592 📱️ | Meeting ID: 656 203 7293#
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Workshop series hosted by Pandas, NumFOCUS, and Iota. Weekly from Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 1PM - 3PM EST. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seats may be limited. Recordings will be provided to all registrants. Workshops will be hosted on Zoom. A Windows desktop or laptop is required. The NVDA screen reader will be used during the workshops. This five-workshop series will teach the fundamentals of data analysis and sonification using nonvisual tools and technologies. The workshops are designed for those who are blind, low vision, or who otherwise have difficulty accessing visual tools for data science. The workshops will cover some basics of the Python programming language, an introduction to the Pandas data science library, working interactively to explore data, preparing a data set for sonification, and using sonification to represent data. The workshop series will use the NVDA screen reader on Windows, and will be taught by blind / low vision practitioners. No prior experience with Python or data science is needed, but some familiarity with Windows and NVDA will be helpful.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Workshop series hosted by Pandas, NumFOCUS, and Iota. Weekly from Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 1PM - 3PM EST. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seats may be limited. Recordings will be provided to all registrants. Workshops will be hosted on Zoom. A Windows desktop or laptop is required. The NVDA screen reader will be used during the workshops. This five-workshop series will teach the fundamentals of data analysis and sonification using nonvisual tools and technologies. The workshops are designed for those who are blind, low vision, or who otherwise have difficulty accessing visual tools for data science. The workshops will cover some basics of the Python programming language, an introduction to the Pandas data science library, working interactively to explore data, preparing a data set for sonification, and using sonification to represent data. The workshop series will use the NVDA screen reader on Windows, and will be taught by blind / low vision practitioners. No prior experience with Python or data science is needed, but some familiarity with Windows and NVDA will be helpful.
11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT
Have you ever wanted to learn how to write scripts for the well-known screen-reader JAWS for Windows? Do you work with an application which is only partly accessible and you would like to do more so as to improve the experience? Have you tried scripting yourself but you do not find working through help topics or the Scripting Manual particularly easy? If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, then why not learn scripting in our training course.
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.
11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT
Bring your questions, tips and tricks and talk with other Voiceover users! This workshop will take place online.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Workshop series hosted by Pandas, NumFOCUS, and Iota. Weekly from Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 1PM - 3PM EST. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seats may be limited. Recordings will be provided to all registrants. Workshops will be hosted on Zoom. A Windows desktop or laptop is required. The NVDA screen reader will be used during the workshops. This five-workshop series will teach the fundamentals of data analysis and sonification using nonvisual tools and technologies. The workshops are designed for those who are blind, low vision, or who otherwise have difficulty accessing visual tools for data science. The workshops will cover some basics of the Python programming language, an introduction to the Pandas data science library, working interactively to explore data, preparing a data set for sonification, and using sonification to represent data. The workshop series will use the NVDA screen reader on Windows, and will be taught by blind / low vision practitioners. No prior experience with Python or data science is needed, but some familiarity with Windows and NVDA will be helpful.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Workshop series hosted by Pandas, NumFOCUS, and Iota. Weekly from Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 1PM - 3PM EST. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seats may be limited. Recordings will be provided to all registrants. Workshops will be hosted on Zoom. A Windows desktop or laptop is required. The NVDA screen reader will be used during the workshops. This five-workshop series will teach the fundamentals of data analysis and sonification using nonvisual tools and technologies. The workshops are designed for those who are blind, low vision, or who otherwise have difficulty accessing visual tools for data science. The workshops will cover some basics of the Python programming language, an introduction to the Pandas data science library, working interactively to explore data, preparing a data set for sonification, and using sonification to represent data. The workshop series will use the NVDA screen reader on Windows, and will be taught by blind / low vision practitioners. No prior experience with Python or data science is needed, but some familiarity with Windows and NVDA will be helpful.
Ability Summit is a one-day, free digital event experience on March 7, 2024. It celebrates people with disabilities, allies, and accessibility leaders who will provide learning opportunities at the event. Are you interested in how you and your organization can imagine and build a more inclusive culture while including voices across the disability spectrum? Register to learn about leading accessible technology, discover real-life stories of empathy and vulnerability, get exclusive access to thought leadership discussions on how accessibility empowers everyone in your organization, and so much more.
Whether you have been attending the conference for years or are planning to attend your first, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, also known as the CSUN Conference, is the ultimate community experience and the premier forum on technology for all persons with disabilities. For over 38 years, California State University, Northridge's Center on Disabilities has sponsored the conference, providing a platform for researchers, practitioners, educators, exhibitors and more from around the world, to engage with each other and share knowledge, innovations and best practices to promote inclusion for all.
11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT
Bring your questions, tips and tricks and talk with other Voiceover users! This workshop will take place online.
To be on the mailing list for the conference, send email to: ADA-OSU@osu.edu 📧️
6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 2PM GMT
Power Up is an annual conference held by Missouri Assistive Technology providing individuals an opportunity to learn more about assistive technology for home, school, work, and at play. Sessions range from funding assistive technology, to requesting & supplying accommodations, how to use the technology more effectively, maintaining independence, accessible gaming, AAC, accessibility amongst various platforms, making low tech solutions in A.T., and more. No conference is complete without meeting a few new folks so network with the vendors, peers, and experts in their field. Power Up is April 8-9, 2024 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, MO.
Our best-in-class live journalism, exclusive content, and trusted insights from leading industry experts — now in London. Join us for the inaugural EmTech Digital Europe in April 2024.
Now in its 12th year on the iconic MIT Campus, EmTech Digital is where we gather to determine what the future of AI looks like for business and what it means for society. Join us.
➜ Directories
➜ Sponsor Classified Ads
We're excited to announce that Scribe for Meetings is now available at no cost for public webinars worldwide, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. In today's digitally-driven world, seminars and conferences are increasingly virtual, and Pneuma Solutions is committed to ensuring that everyone has equal access to these vital resources. In today's digital landscape, ensuring inclusivity in online meetings and webinars is not just a courtesy, but a necessity. Various forms of accommodation, such as closed captioning, ASL, etc. play crucial roles in achieving this goal. Enter Scribe for Meetings: An innovative tool that transforms visual content into accessible formats. Scribe for Meetings converts PowerPoint presentations and other visual aids into formats that are readable by screen readers including those with Braille displays, making the content accessible in real-time. And now, it's completely free for all public-facing webinars, big and small!
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.
Now you can choose how you would like to be heard! Submit an article, write a blog, or express yourself through our facebook group BFC Advocating for Change! Through you and with you!
Sponsor Since: November 10, 2023
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 Since: September 18th 2023
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
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.
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
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
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 📧️
I apologize for poking fun at Be My AI, but I couldn't resist having a little bit of fun. Join us.
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
Navigating the employment process can be challenging if you are blind or visually impaired. Technology is difficult to figure out, there is a lot of extra material to learn, and there isn't much quality training available.
That's where Clusiv comes in. We help to provide the training you need to succeed in the modern workforce. Our courses teach assistive technology skills and how to apply those skills to many of the business software programs used in the modern workforce, such as email, Microsoft and Google apps, video conferencing, and more. We also teach soft skills such as resume and interview preparation, disclosures and accommodations, internet safety, and financial literacy. Lastly, our training can teach specific career skills, such as becoming an accessibility analyst. Plus, our courses are self-paced.
To learn more, visit https://clusiv.io/ and fill out a form with your information. We work with state vocational rehabilitation agencies to provide access to our course content.
Sponsor Since: January 16th 2023
Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐️
About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info.
➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses
➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients
➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Purchase a 25-pack of any style of WayTag and get a free Sampler Pack so you can try all seven different WayTags. Enter the coupon code SAMPLE at checkout and the Sampler Pack will automatically be added to your cart. This is a $14.99 value! Limit one Sample pack per order.
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.
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&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1
Sponsor Since: Today
Website: https://accessinformationnews.com/dearsponsor 🌐️
Phone: (855) 578-6660 📱️
Email: news@accessinformationnews.com 📧️
About: Founded in 2022, 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 most recent issues here.
➜ 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.
In addition, all Access Information News Supporters automatically become Premium Subscribers as well, and therefore enjoy all of the benefits that a Premium Subscription has to offer.
One Time Donation: If you would like to become a 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 a 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.
Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.
1.) James Hulme
Platinum Supporter Since: December 5, 2022
2.) Donna Jodhan
Platinum Supporter Since: March 24, 2023
3.) Your name here.
Platinum Supporter since ...
Become an Access Information News Gold Supporter today.
1.) Your name here.
Gold Supporter since ...
Become an Access Information News Silver Supporter today.
1.) Your name here.
Silver Supporter since ...
Become an Access Information News Bronze Supporter today.
1.) Your name here.
Bronze Supporter since ...
One Time Supporters donate an amount of their choosing — one time to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News Publication.
Become an Access Information News One Time Supporter today.
1.) Sharyn Sobel
One Time Supporter on November 28, 2023
2.) Amanda Lee
One Time Supporter on July 31, 2023
3.) Your name here.
One Time Supporter on ...
➜ Access Information News News Team
Distribution Since: 2022
As of November 7, 2022 the distribution of Access Information News is made possible by our Sponsors, our Supporters and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., a leading international provider of professionally outsourced marketing administration and consultation services.
Any time the Access Information News Publication carries less than its Sponsor limit, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.
Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Learn more today at: https://accessinformationnews.com/dearsponsor.
Volunteer Publisher Since: November 7, 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 Editor to Access Information News.
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Certified:
Digital Marketing Associate
Meta Certified (2022 - Present)
Social Marketing Professional
Hootsuite Certified (2020 - Present)
Email Marketing Professional
Constant Contact Certified (2019 - Present)
Specializing in:
Digital Strategy and Content Marketing
Social Media Advertising
Online Fundraising
ADA, WCAG and Section 508 Compliance
Volunteer Editor Since: November 7, 2022
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News, John also serves as an Editor 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
Editorial Contributor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Volunteer Editor Since: November 7, 2022
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News, Jenna also serves as an Editor 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
Editorial Contributor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6, 2023
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News, David also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication and 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 and Top Tech Tidbits, 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
Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
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.
|
