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Access Information News for Monday, May 13, 2024 - Volume 962
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: 16,617 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 30 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email.
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Dear Access Information News Subscriber,
1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week
This document was originally created by me, Veronica Lewis, as part of the course requirements for EDAT 649 (Assistive Technology Assessment) at George Mason University. It is intended to provide an overview of accessibility features that would be used for readers that are "visual learners" that primarily read standard or large print text, who may also have secondary auditory strengths or access preferences. Considerations for braille or tactile access are not included in this document.
Wheelchair user Kat Watkins has said a doctor assumed she was not having sex because of her disability.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued a final rule to advance equity and bolster protections for people with disabilities. The final rule, Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities, updates, modernizes, clarifies, and strengthens the implementing regulation for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance.
Spotify is a popular audio streaming service with over 574 million users. You can stream anything on Spotify, from music to audiobooks to podcasts on various topics. The site has been around since 2006 and is consistently on the list of customers' preferred audio streaming services, alongside Apple Music and Pandora. With Spotify's popularity and growth, it's important to consider its accessibility. What accessibility features does Spotify offer? How accessible is the site and app overall? Is there anything they can do to improve? Let's look at Spotify and attempt to answer these questions.
For a blind technology user like myself, digital accessibility is paramount in online banking. Once I can manage my finances online, I can enjoy all the rest the Internet offers. Having control over my money is huge for my independence.
May 13, 2024
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Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 6th issue of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles for April, May and June of 2024 on Monday, July 1, 2024. Back Issues: There are currently 5 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.
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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.
Publisher (Di Blasi): This year Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. has donated one Annual Sponsorship Package with Top Tech Tidbits ($1200 USD) and one Annual Sponsorship Package with Access Information News ($1200 USD) to the Seeing Eye's 2024 95th Anniversary Gala and Online Auction. Win a free year of weekly access-specific website traffic, permanent SEO benefits and global brand recognition. If you are a pillar of the access community we encourage you to donate what you can. Let's work together to make this year's event special. The Seeing Eye, Inc. is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization: Federal ID: 22-1539721. For additional information or to donate item(s) please contact call +1 (973) 525-1088 📱️ or email auction@seeingeye.org 📧️.
SeeingEye.org: Dear Friends: Donations are now being accepted for The Seeing Eye's 2024 95th Anniversary Gala and Online Auction! Proceeds from this annual event go directly toward fulfilling our mission to nurture the partnership between specially trained Seeing Eye ® dogs and people with vision loss. The online auction is made possible by generous individuals and businesses who donate items for bidding. Not only will you be supporting our mission, but you will also be showcasing your products and services to thousands of our supporters! The online bidding runs from May 30 through June 11, 2024, and when the auction is live it will be hosted at https://seeingeye.org/auction. Each item listing will include a detailed description, photographs, your company's logo, and a direct link to your webpage. Auction items range from jewelry, gift cards, dog toys, sports tickets, vacation stays and more! For additional information or to donate item(s), please contact us at +1 (973) 525-1088 📱️ or auction@seeingeye.org 📧️.
May 11, 2024
Publisher (Di Blasi): This is an absolutely exemplary resource for anyone who wishes to understand how to properly, respectfully interact with someone with a disability.
Perkins.org: Language is constantly evolving. Here is a short guide to how disability language and terms are evolving and why.
May 10, 2024
RightHear is excited to announce that Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack's newest location in Asheville is now fully accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired, thanks to the implementation of the RightHear Accessibility system. At RightHear, the mission is to create inclusive environments, and partnering with Rocky's aligns perfectly with that goal. With the RightHear system in place, visitors to Rocky's can now navigate the restaurant effortlessly using their smartphones, receiving real-time audio instructions in up to 26 languages. Richard Cundiff, owner of Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack, shares the RightHear commitment to inclusivity: "With RightHear, we're ensuring that everyone, regardless of their level of vision, can enjoy our Nashville style Hot Chicken and Southern Soul Food at our newest location."
A group of researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, University of Freiburg and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience have created an exceptionally small implant, with electrodes the size of a single neuron that can also remain intact in the body over time — a unique combination that holds promise for future vision implants for the blind.
The FDA said there were 224 injuries related to the app crash as of April 15. No deaths have been reported.
RightHear, an accessibility technology leader, has partnered with The Lighthouse of Houston to introduce its innovative navigational app in Texas, enhancing independence for the visually impaired. This marks the first implementation of RightHear's system in the state, promising significant improvements in accessibility and user autonomy at The Lighthouse facilities.
My final thoughts? With Twitter continuing to experience rough seas and with accessibility being left behind! Is Mastodon the answer to these woes? Just my two cents for today!
May 9, 2024
Jacqueline Saa has a genetic condition that leaves her unable to stand and walk on her own or hold a job. Every weekday for four years, Saa, 43, has relied on a home health aide to help her cook, bathe and dress, go to the doctor, pick up medications and accomplish other daily tasks. She received coverage through Florida's Medicaid program until it abruptly stopped at the end of March, she said.
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) released this week its latest study in a series examining the digital inclusion of people with disabilities on websites and mobile applications. The study continues to affirm that major accessibility barriers still exist online, resulting in significant time spent and lost revenue opportunities.
May 8, 2024
Opal Sandy was treated shortly before her first birthday — and six months on, can hear sounds as soft as a whisper and is starting to talk, saying words such as "Mama", "Dada" and "uh-oh". Given as an infusion into the ear, the therapy replaces faulty DNA causing her type of inherited deafness. Opal is part of a trial recruiting patients in the UK, US and Spain.
Technology has allowed activist Jordyn Zimmerman, a nonspeaking autistic woman, to find her voice. Zimmerman's early life was spent communicating through body language and pictures. She bounced between numerous school systems in Ohio. It wasn't until the age of 18 — when she began using Proloquo2Go, an augmentative and alternative communication app — that her true self was finally revealed.
A legally blind man and his service dog were threatened with arrest when they tried to go into a Seattle restaurant.
Some technology advancements have left customers with disabilities behind. Here's how operators should reconsider accessibility today.
May 7, 2024
Microsoft and OpenAI have announced a $2 million fund to combat the growing risks of AI and deepfakes being used to "deceive the voters and undermine democracy."
An Antrim man accused of faking a disability to receive Veterans Affairs benefits has been sentenced to 18 months in prison Monday.
Readers respond to a piece by Adrian Chiles about his experience with blind and partially sighted walkers.
This qualitative study explores the experiences of visually impaired music entrepreneurs in navigating the post-COVID multimodal creative economy. Through in-depth interviews with Matthew Weihmuller, a prominent visually impaired saxophonist and educator, the study uncovers the unique challenges, advantages, strategies, and resources utilized by visually impaired entrepreneurs in sustaining their music businesses. Findings reveal the pivotal role of accessibility technology, innovative adaptation strategies, and collaborative networks in overcoming barriers and achieving sustainability in the music industry. Implications for educators, colleagues, and the broader music community underscore the importance of fostering inclusivity, representation, and collaboration to support the success of visually impaired entrepreneurs in the music entrepreneurship landscape.
Is a cure for blindness on the horizon? In a pioneering study published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, an international research team has demonstrated the potential of highly flexible, polymer-based brain implants for restoring vision over extended periods. These innovative devices could pave the way for more effective and durable visual prosthetics in the future.
Researchers developed a novel vision implant, featuring electrodes as small as a single neuron. This advanced technology, designed to interface directly with the visual cortex, could significantly enhance the visual perception in individuals who are blind. By utilizing a unique mix of non-corrosive materials, the implant remains stable and functional within the body over extended periods. The study marks a significant step toward more detailed and sustainable vision restoration.
With fewer than one in three cars outfitted for people with disabilities despite landmark 2013 deal, Manhattan federal judge demands speedy plan to boost numbers.
Who hasn't picked up groceries and dinner at the same time from the store? Now you'll be able to do the same thing from home on Instacart, thanks to its Uber Eats partnership.
This is part two of a two-part series on election accessibility. In part one, we covered the ways people with disabilities access election information in the media. Now, we're examining the accessibility of the voting process, including the barriers that many people with disabilities encounter that make it difficult or impossible to vote.
RightHear proudly hosted their first-ever webinar titled “Together We Build,” and it was nothing short of a resounding success! We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, posed thought-provoking questions, and contributed to the enriching dialogue centered around creating a more accessible future for all. You can review a video recording of the webinar from this article.
The black leather sofa in the corner of Dr Ellen Wiebe's office looks out of place in a doctor's surgery. But this is no ordinary clinic. Canadian clinician Dr Wiebe is showing Liz Carr, a comedian, actress and disability rights campaigner, where people sit when they come to end their lives with the help of a doctor.
May 6, 2024
A breakthrough in gene therapy offers hope for visually impaired kids.
For her entire life, college student Olivia Cook had only a small degree of central vision. It was as if she was watching the world through a straw hole, and in dimly lit places, she could not make out people's faces, only their silhouettes. But after receiving an experimental gene-editing treatment to one of her eyes, she now can see things she never saw before. Cook was born with an inherited retinal disorder that causes blindness, a rare type of eye disorder historically called Leber congenital amaurosis or LCA. A few years ago, she decided to participate in a clinical trial that involved using the gene-editing tool CRISPR to correct the form of inherited blindness that she has.
Recently I came across a creative video description service for blind and visually impaired people. The description is text based, and meant to be used by listening to short segments of the video and reading the descriptions. This way it can have more context than an audio described video, while it is fully accessible for deaf blind users. One can request any YouTube videos to be described up to 15 minutes. This service is free of charge. I asked Zsigmond Peter, the director of the Videó a Vakoknak Alapítvány, in English Video for the Blind Foundation to describe the project for my readers.
Older
Drivers could be fined up to $3,300 if they refuse to allow an assistance animal in a rideshare or taxi.
A disabled woman who was prevented from buying enough tickets for her daughters to join her at Taylor Swift's Cardiff concert has received an apology from Ticketmaster.
When you walk into the bathroom at the Critter Barn, you should notice how space's size and the width of the sidewalks. But the less obvious details at the attraction are what earned it Silver Certification from the Universal Design Commission, the first farm in the world to have the designation.
Voting is one of our nation's most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. Yet for too long, many people with disabilities have been excluded from this core aspect of citizenship. People with intellectual or mental health disabilities have been prevented from voting because of prejudicial assumptions about their capabilities. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids, such as walkers, have been unable to enter the polling place to cast their ballot because there was no ramp. People who are blind or have low vision could not cast their vote because the ballot was completely inaccessible to them.
The Justice Department announced today that it has updated www.justice.gov/voting, a one-stop resource providing voting and elections information for voters as well as state and local elections officials.
➜ Featured Events
7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
AccessU trains web professionals across all roles on practical skills to ensure your online products and services are accessible to everyone - regardless of disability. Since 2002, AccessU workshops, classes, and keynote talks have launched accessibility careers of hundreds who have gone on to leadership roles in digital inclusion. Classes are offered across eight focused tracks including testing, design, development, usability and more. Earn IAAP continuing education credits, learn new skills, meet established professionals, and join the next generation of leaders. We'll wrap up with a GAAD celebration on May 16th. Accessibility is a team sport and you can contribute. Engage, Empower, Excel is our theme in 2024. AccessU is a fully hybrid event and we hope to see you in Austin on online.
Help us celebrate the 13th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments.
9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Are you new to using Microsoft OneNote with JAWS? Need a way to create notes and keep up with important information? Join us on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at noon ET for a live webinar, "An Introduction to OneNote with JAWS." We'll provide an overview of the OneNote interface, plus show you how to organize, manage, and share notes to improve collaboration and productivity.
3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT
On Global Accessibility Awareness Day Aira's blind and low vision staff will take you through our new Access AI feature. Learn about the many ways to get image descriptions and information that can be verified by one of our professional visual interpreters. You can share images and descriptions, ask questions before sending an image and more. Join us, Thursday, May 16 at 6:00pm EDT on Zoom, Via Facebook or our YouTube channel.
Direct Zoom Link | Facebook Event Page | YouTube Livestream
12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT
Have you heard the buzz about over the counter (OTC) hearing aids? With a growing number of older adults experiencing hearing loss in addition to vision loss, are these types of aids viable options? Join Carol Hamer and Scott Davert from Helen Keller as we discuss appropriateness, accessibility, and information to help those working with individuals who are blind or have low vision understand the pros and cons of OTC hearing aids for this population.
9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has once again become a hot topic due to the permeation of AI-powered language models such as ChatGPT in the public discourse and professional services. But what can it do to enhance web accessibility? More importantly, what harm can it do to it? Is it the prophesied end-all accessibility solution that will put us all out of work? Can a developer who knows nothing about accessibility still create accessible web content using AI? This presentation explores the dual role that Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) plays when it comes to web accessibility. On the one hand, it can be a powerful aid for people with disabilities, enabling dynamic content adaptation, offering voice navigation, and providing automated descriptions for inaccessible images and videos. On the other hand, removing the human aspect from accessible web-design tasks can easily lead to harder-to-discover accessibility obstacles. Our talk highlights the potential influences of AI/ML on web content for its developers, accessibility professionals, and people with disabilities. Through practical examples, we'll illustrate the good, the bad, and the ugly that AI has to offer web accessibility as we attempt to answer the question: Is there room for AI in A11Y?
In its 12th year at MIT, EmTech Digital focuses on the future of AI in business and society. Join this notable conference in May 2024.
Proceeds from this annual event go directly toward fulfilling our mission to nurture the partnership between specially trained Seeing Eye ® dogs and people with vision loss. The online auction is made possible by generous individuals and businesses who donate items for bidding. Not only will you be supporting our mission, but you will also be showcasing your products and services to thousands of our supporters! The online bidding runs from May 30, 2024 through June 11, 2024, and when the auction is live it will be hosted at https://seeingeye.org/auction. Each item listing will include a detailed description, photographs, your company's logo, and a direct link to your webpage. Auction items range from jewelry, gift cards, dog toys, sports tickets, vacation stays and more! For additional information or to donate item(s), please contact us at (973) 525-1088 📱️ or auction@seeingeye.org 📧️. Item donations should be received no later than April 12, 2024 and should be addressed to: The Seeing Eye Auction Team, 1 Seeing Eye Way, Morristown, NJ 07960. Thank you for your consideration.
Proceeds from this annual event go directly toward fulfilling our mission to nurture the partnership between specially trained Seeing Eye ® dogs and people with vision loss. The online auction is made possible by generous individuals and businesses who donate items for bidding. Not only will you be supporting our mission, but you will also be showcasing your products and services to thousands of our supporters! The online bidding runs from May 30, 2024 through June 11, 2024, and when the auction is live it will be hosted at https://seeingeye.org/auction. Each item listing will include a detailed description, photographs, your company's logo, and a direct link to your webpage. Auction items range from jewelry, gift cards, dog toys, sports tickets, vacation stays and more! For additional information or to donate item(s), please contact us at (973) 525-1088 📱️ or auction@seeingeye.org 📧️. Item donations should be received no later than April 12, 2024 and should be addressed to: The Seeing Eye Auction Team, 1 Seeing Eye Way, Morristown, NJ 07960. Thank you for your consideration.
9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Join us for the first annual Blindness and Mental Health Summit! The Summit is the largest online gathering of organizations and consumers sharing information, resources, and services focusing on mental health in the blindness, low vision, and disability communities. It is 100% virtual and will have ASL interpreters. Providers will also be able to earn CE credit.
➜ Directories
➜ Sponsor Classified Ads
Our first of its kind Remote Incident Manager has long since prided itself on providing unmatched remote desktop accessibility across both Windows and Mac. As we approach the anniversary of the Mac OS port of RIM's big reveal, we celebrate with present-day improvements! Among the many new features - voice conversations during unattended sessions (with target user consent), ability to install without admin on Windows, etc. one of our most exciting features for Mac support pros is the ability to view a list of running packages and installed apps on the target Mac! The excitement doesn't stop there, however. Remember our weekend support package? The price hasn't changed, but the unlimited weekend support time that comes with the package just saw an increase! Current and future weekend support subscribers can now provide unlimited support from 7:00 PM (according to local timezone) until 11:59 PM on Sunday! There's never been a better time to get in on the action!
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.
Are you ready to take your digital experience to new heights? Look no further! I am Donna Jodhan, an esteemed Accessibility Consultant, Tester, and Advisor with a wealth of lived experience, knowledge, and skills.
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 📧️
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 35,000 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 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
Email: publisher@accessinformationnews.com 📧️
Toll-Free: +1 (855) 578-6660 📱️
Publisher (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
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 Technology
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 Technology
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 Technology
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.
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
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
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 Technology
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.
Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: January 9, 2024
Location: Benton City, WA
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News and Top Tech Tidbits, Vicki works as a Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Vicki Walton
Editorial Contributor (2024-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Editorial Contributor (2024-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges 🌐
Better Jobs, Brighter Futures, a Stronger Washington
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